6th Grade hula noho kala`au

The sixth grade performed the hula noho kala`au, ‘Hanohano O Manoa’ at the foot of Ka U`i O Manoa for its composer and choreographer, Kimo Alama Keaulana. ‘Uncle Kimo’ is a long-time Hawaiian instructor at Honolulu Community College, kumu hula, recording artist and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award recipient. Standing with Uncle Kimo is 6th grade Hawaiian Culture/Hula teacher, Rianne Graves, who has been a student of Uncle Kimo’s for 26 years and was granted permission by Uncle Kimo to teach the students his mele (song). This was the first public performance of ‘Hanohano O Manoa’, which speaks of Manoa’s majestic qualities and its resident ali`i, Ka`ahumanu.

Mid-Pacific 6th grade students are shown performing the hula noho kala`au (seated
hula with kala`au), "Hanohano O Manoa," for Kimo Alama Keaulana and his "daughter," Nanea. This took place on Thursday, April 5, appropriately at the foot of Ka U`i O Manoa on our football field. Mr. Keaulana is a Hawaiian instructor, kumu hula, recording artist and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award winner. He is the composer and choreographer of "Hanohano O Manoa," which is why it was so special for the 6th grade to perform this for
him.

MPI teacher Rianne Graves is shown standing to the left of him. "I have been his student since I was six, and was granted permission by Uncle Kimo to teach this hula to my students here at Mid-Pacific. Uncle Kimo later told the 6th grade that this is the first performance of "Hanohano O Manoa," which made us feel that much more honored to be able to dance it for him," Graves said.

Posted on April 12, 2007 9:39 AM | Permalink