Hawaiian spirit hulas into Lisle area
Did you ever want to experience the Hawaiian Islands without boarding a plane? Imagine the warm, radiant sun on your cheeks and a cool, rush of ocean at your feet. Then gently sway your hips and wave your arms in hula style to create a tranquil mindset for several summer events.
From hula lessons to a three-day Hawaiian conference and a performance at North Central College's Wentz Hall, the Lisle area is about to take on a Hawaiian persona.
Everyone will learn to hula in an audience participation show scheduled for 2 p.m. July 22 at the Lisle Library, 777 Front St.
Hula teacher Holly Nagel will lead participants in some basic hula dance steps along with hand motions. She also will teach some Hawaiian words and island history.
"'The Hula Show' is a 45-minute interactive hula dancing show for all ages," said Leann Skeens, assistant director of youth services. "We also will hear a Hawaiian folk story, songs and Hawaiian rhythm instruments."
Hula plays a major role in the Hawaiian culture as it is passed from one generation to the next. It is a series of movements from the heart. Each dance move has a specific meaning, and every expression of the dancer's arms and hands mimes its message accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats and chants. The movements might represent sky, water, plants or animals.
The free library show, open to the public, can accommodate 100 participants. Preschoolers need to be with an adult. The library is at 777 Front Street in Lisle; details at www.lislelibrary.org.
The Hula Association of the Midwest returns to Lisle for its three-day conference for everyone who is Hawaiian, would like to be Hawaiian or wants to learn authentic Hawaiian traditions. From 6 p.m. Aug. 7 through 3 p.m. Aug. 9, the Hilton Lisle-Naperville Hotel at 3003 Corporate West Drive in Lisle is the Hawaiian headquarters. Special room rates are available for overnight guests.
The Hula Association of the Midwest is a nonprofit group that brings together individuals and families across the Midwest who share an interest in Hawaii and the aloha spirit. Association President Kathy Griep says each year more people attend and this year she expects at least 100 participants.
The event promotes cultural awareness and education of hula through various events. Griep said many Hawaiian experts attend the conference that leads to good networking.
Organizers have 150 orchid leis flying in from the islands to add a special touch.
Convention attendees will want to bring his or her own ukulele for beginner lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 7 taught by Calvin Lee for $10.
Uluwehi Guerrero, who has performed at New York's Carnegie Hall as well as in Japan, will teach continuing-ukulele lessons from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Awarded Best Male Vocalist of the Year in 2001 by Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Guerrero's newest CD is "Uluwehi Sings Na Mele Hula Aloha-beloved hula songs." His classes are $25.
Guerrero, who is a Kumu Hula, also will teach hula classes on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
"Kumu Hula is a master teacher and cultural adviser," Griep said. "They need to know the language, the movements and the chants. Uluwehi's hula workshops are always well-attended because he is very accomplished."
In his classes, Guerrero teaches innovative choreography for a modern hula that is sophisticated and elegant. In his role as Maui's Ambassador of Aloha, Guerrero's mission is to share his music, dance and passion for Hawaii.
At Saturday classes, participants may bring their own Hawaiian pu-ili hula dance implements. Pu-ili are lightweight split bamboo sticks used in pairs to help the dancers keep the rhythm of the music. Students will learn the proper way to use pu-ilis.
From barrettes and pearl beads to Hawaiian massages, 10 vendors at the conference offer an array of island items for sale to attendees and visitors on both Saturday and Sunday.
The deadline for reduced conference registration fees and accommodations is July 15. Fees are $160 for members for all classes and lunch on two days; $175 for nonmembers and $195 for late registration. A year's association membership is $20 for an individual, $25 for a family and $10 for seniors and students.
A conference highlight is the concert of the world famous The Makaha Sons at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College as part of their Take a Walk in the Country World Tour. The legendary trio, which has been together since 1976, is a premiere Hawaiian group that performs traditional music with vibrant sound, rich harmonies and comic antics.
Hula dancer Kealo Koko, Hawaiian dancers from the conference and a group from Rockford will perform at the two-hour family-oriented show that is open to the public.
Tickets are available at the NCC box office from $20 to $30 or at (630) 637-SHOW (7469). The center is at 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville. Details are at hulamidwest.com and northcentralcollege.edu.
After the performance, conference attendees will reassemble at the Hilton for a party, Griep said. At the end, everyone holds hands to sing Hawaii Aloha in what she describes as "a moving experience."
The conference puts into practice the aloha spirit of love, caring and nurturing as it shares the culture of the South Pacific.