TRADITIONAL HULA WITH KUMU IWALANI
Email us to register.
ISLAND ARTS is pleased to offer you the following opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty and strength of the Island Arts Hula experience:
HULA WORKSHOPS
LOCATION: Eugene/Springfield (Oregon)
Classes in Traditional Hula for all skill levels. Ages 12 and up. Men, women, boys & girls welcome--bring the whole family! Drop-ins are okay. Private lessons available by appointment.
NOTE: Kumu Iwalani is currently holding classes in the Eugene/Springfield area in the state of Oregon for a short time this Spring Term. She will be traveling to and continue to make appearances in performances at various cultural events as well as offer workshops and classes in Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawai'i throughout the year. Please continue to check our website for details and current location of classes.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Are a great way for you to start your journey into the culture and practice if you're new to Hula. It's also an excellent way to accelerate and focus on specific details if you're a seasoned practitioner. All private lessons are an exclusive one-on-one instruction with Kumu Iwalani.
SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS
Got a few like-minded friends who'd like to join you in a Hula class? We can schedule a semi-private class for you and a few of your friends either at your location (travel fee additional) or our studio. Great idea for an afternoon or weekend get-together.
Do you have an upcoming event and would like to incorporate an educational as well as cultural aspect to the experience of your guests? Kumu Iwalani has appeared at numerous public and private events as a guest lecturer speaking on behalf of cultural advocacy, as well as providing memorable performances featuring traditional music and dance. We can facilitate an elegant and educational workshop for your event.
ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME--BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
All classes at Island Arts are open to all skill levels. Modifications to movements are offered to accommodate each individual skill level. Introductory guidelines for those just starting out in hula or would like to ease into the practice. More advanced tips for those who would welcome the challenge. Whether you are a total beginner, novice, advanced or performance-level, you are welcome in our 'ohana!
CAN'T COMMIT TO A MONTHLY SCHEDULE? TRY A DROP-IN
Perhaps your schedule varies due to work or school and you are unable to plan a time that allows you to commit to a monthly schedule. You can still practice Hula! We invite you to enjoy the flexibility of a drop-in class.
PROPER CLASS ATTIRE
We respect the sacred tradition of the Hula and we ask all our students to treat the practice with the same degree of respect. Please wear modest attire as our practice is open to all ages. Choose practice clothes that do not reveal the belly, avoid tops that are low-cut or that expose your undergarments. A full-size fabric sarong wrap to wear over pants or leggings is okay to use on the FIRST MONTH of a student's practice (little children included). Beyond that, we require all students, adults and children, to wear a traditional pa'u hula (practice skirt) to continue classes with us.
HULA CLASSES with KUMU IWALANI Pay instructor at class upon arrival. You must have the proper garment and materials (see below) for class participation. |
| DAY | MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS | SAT/SUN |
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| Classes Open to YOUTH (12-yrs & up) to ADULT (18-yrs & better) | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. |
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| All students are requested to have proper Hula practice GARMENT in order to participate in classes. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. | PRIVATE LESSONS WITH KUMU IWALANI--email us for info. |
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THE ISLAND ARTS DIFFERENCE
What makes Island Arts hula different?
We are a traditional school in that our focus is Hula Kahiko and Protocol. We have presented entire programs featuring only Hula Kahiko--which are composed of sacred chants combined with intricate and physically demanding traditional movements to create compelling stories of the chiefs, chiefesses, gods and goddesses of the Hula tradition. A challenging feat for any serious student of the Hula.This unwavering focus is what defines us as Island Arts Hula practitioners.
We are an inclusive practice group--all are welcome! We are a non-competitive school and we welcome all ages and abilities. We work with each individual student's skill and physical strengths in order to inspire and guide the student in their journey and practice with Kumu Iwalani and Island Arts.
Your hula classes at Island Arts are personally taught by a traditionally trained kumu hula. Kumu Iwalani has been dancing Hula since the age of four in O'ahu and as an adult received her master's training in Hawai'i through the ancient process of 'uniki which allows one to properly teach and pass down the sacred knowledge of the tradition. Not all hula teachers go through this training process and it is up to you to make the decision when you choose a hula school. Much sacredness surrounds the practice, performance, and teaching of the Hula. The True Hula that is a symbol and signature of Island Arts embraces all who have an open mind and open heart to welcome True Aloha Spirit into their lives.
We are not an entity that exists only for mere entertainment. Our focus is on the education, awareness, and active practice of the values learned and instilled through the culture of Hula. Each Island Arts student is requested to provide for their own personal garments of their hula practice. We believe that it is in the student's demonstration of commitment and participation in community activities that is a vital factor in bringing awareness to the practice and strong foundation of traditional Hula and Hawaiian culture in which our Island Arts Hula school is built upon. No student with a deep respect and commitment for the Hula has ever been turned away for lack of funds--Kumu Iwalani has helped, inspired, and supported many young Hula practitioners and their families in our community and continues to provide scholarships and assistance to many students in need.
The Island Arts Hula practice is an internal strengthening of the body, mind, and spirit. An Island Arts Hula student is never defined by how pretty or colorful the "costume" but by how strong they hold themselves True to the practice and the tradition.
We give back to the community by participating in events that promote awareness of culture, peace, and harmony by providing quality demonstrations of Hula and presentations of music deeply rooted in the traditional as well as acknowledging our lives in the present with the contemporary--all with respect to the tradition and the practice.
It's as simple as that!
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
You can show your support and appreciation for the endeavors of Kumu Iwalani, Sweet Aloha, and Island Arts by participating in our community classes, attending our presentations and community demonstrations, by making a purchase of our music CDs, t-shirts or handmade crafts, or by making any contribution in any amount.
And for that we always say a great big "MAHALO!"
VISITORS & SPECTATORS
Visitors accompanying student must wait outside while class is in session or pay Drop-in fee.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Gift certificates are available through the class instructor.
PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE
Private lessons are available. Great for students brand new to hula, or for current practitioners looking for personalized one-on-one instruction to improve their skills. All private lessons are personally guided by Kumu Iwalani. Please email us to schedule your personalized private lesson tailored just for you.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO & AUDIO RECORDING POLICY
Photography, video or audio recording devices are NOT ALLOWED. We ask that participants and those accompanying students to their classes to please respect this request.
CELLPHONE POLICY
Please turn off or put cellphone on "vibrate" or "silent" mode while class is in session. We ask that participants and those accompanying students to their classes to please respect this request.
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS
LIVING WITH ALOHA Workshops
Kumu Iwalani shares knowledge that have been passed down to her by her elders and masters of the Hula and Traditional Healing Arts in this informative and inspiring series of workshops.
To schedule a Workshop for your group or organization, please send us an email.
YOUTH CLASSES AVAILABLE
Please email us to register or for more information.
Please review our school policy regarding visitors accompanying child to class.
A traditional school sharing both Ancient & Modern styles of Hula.
The Path of Study & Practice of Hula with Kumu Iwalani
Hula is an ancient art form that originated from Hawai'i. Sacred chants and movement combine to create a message. It is a centuries-old practice and form of storytelling, a way to recognize and perpetuate the culture of Hawai'i and its people.
The Island Arts Style of Hula, under the guidance of Kumu Iwalani, allows the practitioner to engage the senses, encouraging healing through energy flow, breath awareness, and specific body movements. Kumu Iwalani's method of teaching connects us with the natural elements and incorporates techniques that serve to balance the psyche and promote overall well-being as it awakens the physical and mental capacities. Great for improving coordination, poise, strength, and stamina.
Kumu Iwalani is a traditionally trained Kumu Hula whose lineage comes from the roots of Hawai'i's greatest hula practitioners and cultural advocates.
MISSION
Our mission is to perpetuate and practice the living tradition of Hula through protocol, chants, and ceremonies to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and values and to foster Aloha Spirit awareness through education and the arts for the next generation.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, SUPPORT & PRESENCE
Your personal as well as community support, participation, and contributions in our on-going classes and workshops, fundraising efforts, and cultural presentations enable educational scholarship opportunities for our Native Hawaiian as well as diverse ethnicities within the student members of our 'ohana. We are an inclusive learning center--we embrace all who have a sincere desire to learn and respect the tradition and culture--regardless of age, financial status, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.
Kumu Iwalani and the Island Arts 'ohana have been privileged to share their message of aloha through presentations, workshops, and lectures at local schools, colleges, and various educational institutions and continue to partner with community, non-profit, federal, and state organizations to successfully create and implement events, programs, and outreach activities that strengthen our native Hawaiian as well as our local and global community.
"The sweet fragrance of the maile and laua'e permeate the air as the wind orchestrates a dance with the elements. The voice chants a song composed by nature. The dancers, adorned with the sacred plants of the tradition, move in unison to the heartbeat of the drum. It is seen, it is heard...and welcomed by the ancients of long ago as well as those who are privileged to witness it today.
The legendary names of Laka, Hi'iaka, Pele...the mist surrounding the volcanoes, the exquisite song of the 'apapane bird, the dew on the lehua blossom in the morning, the gentle rain falling on our cheek like teardrops--they are our teachers, inspiration, and guide.
This celebration of body, mind, and spirit--in harmony with our past, present, and future--surround the sacred site where the legends and tradition all began.
When we practice hula, we find aloha...we find our True Self."
--quoted from Kumu Iwalani (Cultural Practitioner & Advocate, Performer, Musician, Community Leader for Lane County Youth thru ROP, Kumu Hula)---on what is "The Living Tradition of Hula" as practiced by her ohana (family) and haumana (students) in the formal hula school (halau) known as Island Arts.