Waikiki Hula Conference set for May

Hundreds of dancers from around the world will gather in Waikiki this spring to partake in a rare opportunity to experience hula in its native surroundings. The 6th annual International Waikiki Hula Conference will take place May 11-13 at the Hawaii Convention Center. The conference is not only for hula lovers from overseas, but is also open to local dancers of all experience levels and anyone interested in hula. This year’s conference theme celebrates Lei Day in Hawaii, with workshop mele (song) and hula representing flowers or lei, chosen by each kumu hula (hula teacher). More than 40 respected kumu will lead the workshops. For visiting hula students and performers, the conference almost certainly provides the largest possible gathering of Hawaii-based kumu hula, many of whom do not travel outside Hawaii to teach. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from 80 workshops and seminars that cover all aspects of hula – from making an authentic pÄ