On July 7th, Aunty Dodie Holmes was surprised with a hula program to celebrate her 30 years of hula (1979-2009). Hosted by Hälau Hula 'o Wai'ale'ale, under the direction of Kumu Hula John 'Aiwohi, a student of Aunty Dodie and a haumana oli/hula of mine. She was festooned with lei from her many students, friends, and family.
The program began with an original chant performed by hula brother and kumu hula, La'akapu Lenchanko. Two kumu hula, John Aiwohi and Aunty's hula brother, Andrew Akau from San Francisco entered the staging area at St. Pius church in Mänoa. Sue Botti danced a beautiful "Aia La 'o Pele", Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake's version as Aunty Dodie is also of the hula tradition. Next featured was a premiere of possibly Aunty Maiki's last choreographed number, "Pua Lei o Ha'o", which I taught the kumu to teach his women. Andrew's women of Hula Hälau 'o Kupukalau'ie'ie danced "E Ho'i Ke Aloha i Ni'ihau" and the kahiko program ended with "He Ma'i no Kunuiakea".
The 'auana portion featured Aunty Maiki's styling. John and his wife , Joy, began with a lively "Lae Lae". Costuming was flash and joy-ful. Aunty Dodie was very moved when her ladies of Nä Pua Pilialoha danced "Waikä". She was moved by all of the dances but she got up to dance "Pö La'ila'i" and also graced the audience with a solo of "Pua 'Ähihi".
Everyone enjoyed a Hawaiian lü'au after and the pineapple upside down cake before I had a chance to reach the table. Moral : get your dessert early at a lü'au.
Pïpï holo ka'ao.
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