HONOLULU –Bishop Museum’s Na Kumu Hula workshops continue this summer and into the fall, offering visitors and residents the opportunity to learn the different styles of hula ranging from contemporary to modern from acclaimed Hawaiian cultural dance teachers, better known as Kumu Hula. The following sessions are currently open for enrollment:

SESSION II – September 29, 30 and October 1 Kumu Hula Kapiolani Hao

SESSION III – October 20, 21 & 22 Kumu Hula Marlene Kuraoka

The Na Kumu Hula workshops incorporate the essential educational components required to understand hula: mo`o ke `auhau , the kumu hula providing his/her hula lineage and hula background before the teaching begins; mo`olelo, the act of telling the stories surrounding the hula number; mana`o, handouts that demonstrate the immediate connection one will have to make in order to understand the story of the dance; e hula mai, the teaching of hula basics; ho`opuka, the implementation of choreographed dance; and pani, encouragement and spiritual well-being consistent with hula and the spirit of aloha.

In addition, kumu hula may address the following practices: implements (hula instruments in the dance), `Olelo (the Hawaiian language), oli (chanting), hula kahiko vs. hula `auana, loea (Hawaiian arts and crafts skills), and ka wakahiko (customs and protocols).

The Na Kumu Hula workshops are $250 per person. Kama`aina interested in participating in the workshop receive a 20% discount. The first two days of each workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a break from noon to 2 p.m. for lunch and free time to explore the Museum. On day three, participants are invited to a dinner show where they will perform chant, mele and dance learned from their kumu hula. Upon completion of the workshop, participants receive certificates of accomplishment signed by the kumu hula.

For more information or to enroll in Bishop Museum’s monthly Na Kumu Hula workshop, call (808) 847-8291, or visit aloha@bishopmuseum.jp or www.bishopmuseum.org. Space is limited. The schedule of the invited kumu hula is subject to change.

A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years; special rates for kama`aina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Association members are free. For information, call (808) 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.