Aloha nō kākou!

Mahalo nui for subscribing to the Hula Manu newsletter and for your interest in our school. It has been a busy and meaningful month as we prepare to welcome our first haumāna!

There is much to celebrate as we move from preparation into practice.

Papa Kōlea Begins September 3

Our inaugural Papa Kōlea: Foundations class begins Thursday, September 3.

Papa Kōlea is the required foundational class for adults beginning their study with Hula Manu. The eight-week course introduces foundational hula steps and rhythmic patterns, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, cultural practices, and the study of nā manu through mele, imagery, and movement.

Learning Period 1 is now full! Mahalo nui to everyone who has registered and placed their trust in Hula Manu as we begin this first class. I am honored to begin this new chapter with our inaugural hui and look forward to learning and growing together.

If you are interested in joining the November hui, registration reservations will open in September. Keep an eye out for an announcement with details on how to reserve your spot.

Four Opportunities to Begin

Rather than open enrollment year-round, Hula Manu has four designated learning periods each year. New students may begin at the start of any of these periods by entering Papa Kōlea.

Learning Period 1 — FULL September 3, 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22

Learning Period 2 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10, 17 January 7, 14

Learning Period 3 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25

Learning Period 4 April 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27

Continuing Beyond Papa Kōlea

Beginning in November, Hula Manu will add a continuing class for haumāna who complete the inaugural Papa Kōlea learning period.

Unlike Papa Kōlea, an eight-week foundational course, this class will be ongoing, so haumāna will continue to develop their skills and knowledge.

Even after completing Papa Kōlea, haumāna are welcome to continue attending Thursday Papa Kōlea classes, space permitting, at no additional cost. With Hula Manu's flat-rate monthly tuition, students can take advantage of unlimited classes to review foundational movements, build muscle memory, and get additional practice and learning time each week.

A Sneak Peek: Telling the Hula Manu Story

As Hula Manu begins, we wanted to find a way to introduce not only the school, but also the people and story behind it.

We reached out to Fred Dahe, a cinematographer and storyteller, to help us capture that story. The goal is to give our community a chance to learn a little about me, my path in hula, and understand why I chose to establish Hula Manu and what I hope to offer through this school.

The finished video is still in the works, but we're excited to share a few still images as a sneak peek.

Hula Manu Uniforms

Our pāʻū hula (practice hula skirt) is now available for purchase. You may choose a finished pāʻū or a pāʻū kit (which includes the fabric and instructions for you to sew yourself or have made by a dressmaker).

Our uniform tops, including will be available for purchase through within the next couple of weeks. We’ll let you know as soon as they are ready.

The Hula Manu uniform is not required for Papa Kōlea, although students are strongly encouraged to have one. Uniforms become required beginning with Papa ʻApapane (Wāhine + Kāne 1), Papa Pueo (Mākua), and for all subsequent levels.

photo credit: J. Dypiangco

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in this Issue

ʻaukake: August

haumāna: student; learner

hālāwai hoʻolauna: welcome and orientation gathering

hoʻolaʻa: dedication; consecration

hui: a group, gathering, or association of people who come together for a shared purpose

kumu: teacher; source of knowledge

mele: song, chant, or poetic composition

nā manu: the birds

nūleka: Hawaiian adaptation of “newsletter”

ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian language

ʻōlelo noʻeau: a traditional Hawaiian proverb or wise saying

pā hula: literally, “hula enclosure”; the space where hula is taught and practiced

Papa Kōlea: papa - class, group, or learning level; kōlea - Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva). Together, Papa Kōlea refers to Hula Manu's foundational class and reflects the school's connection to nā manu.