In the middle of the Pacific, 2,500 miles away from the nearest continent, lies a chain of islands called Hawaii. The weather is mild and sunny with trade winds that often keep the humidity in check. Fragrant flowers and salty sea air embrace you. Colors are vivid; mountains are vast. Amidst this beauty, powerful storms and volcanic eruptions occur. Hula and I were born from this rich environment.  

My mother told me that at age six, I asked her to take me to hula class. She took me to our local Shingon Buddhist temple where Louise Beamer taught hula to children of many ages. Aunty Louise played her ukulele and sang while we danced. Her instruction was gentle. I was entranced.  

Dancers must be in touch with their bodies. We must know where our torso, head, arms, hands, legs, and feet are in time and space. This requires mindfulness and practice. It’s a source of focus and concentration as we learn to tell a story with our bodies.