This company performed during the 1989 and 1990 seasons at Jacob’s Pillow under the direction of Helen Hoakalei Kamauʻu (1929-1998), the niece of ʻIolani Luahine, who was one of the greatest of all 20th-century Hawaiian dancers. Hoakalei got her start as a dancer with Luahine in the 1940s, then served as her chanter in the 1950s and 60s. Hoakalei founded her school in 1960 and was credited as a leader in the revival of kahiko, or ancient hula. The work seen here was not part of the formal program, but was added as a special encore for the final performance of the engagement.
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