Hybrid
(Join In-Person or Online)
$12-18

Legend is that Hula was first performed by Goddess Hi'iaka for her sister Goddess Pele. Developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the indigenous Polynesian peoples. The graceful dance symbolizes nature in motion from slow and gentle to fast and energetic. Hula is a poetic storytelling dance told through chant (oli) or song (mele). Through it powerful and empowering truths are revealed.

Hula relates to African Diaspora dance through the common struggle and deep cultural roots of indigenous people. This dance too, is a revolution, of the peaceful swaying hips and palms and ecstatic fierceness. 

In 1830 missionaries banned Hula through Hawaiian leader “Elizabeth” Ka’ahumanu whom they’d converted to Christianity. Later, in January of 1893, 13 Caucasian business men staged a coup d'etat on Queen Liliʻuokalani of the Hawaiian Kingdom, which led to the US annexation of Hawaii and its people in 1898.

“Hula animates history, genealogy, prophecy, and the tales of those who came before.”

Mikaela is originally from Chicago, where she started learning Polynesian dance at the age of 8. She’s studied Hawaiian, Tahitian, Māori & Samoan dance. In her late 20s, she spent some time living in Hawaii, learning & performing with her teachers there.    

BONUS:
All students, In Person and Hybrid, will receive a recording of class so they may continue practicing until Mikaela’s next visit.