A few more pics...

A few more photos, borrowed from my hula siblings. That's us gathering outside our dressing room before heading into the wings to start Lili'u E, the small group dance I was in. Notice our hula sisters are also gathering to make sure we're put together properly and to lend support. (I'm the giant blurry girl at the end there.)
This is my amazing Kumu, smothered by all the leis he received from us as gifts. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I feel so fortunate to be learning from him. He is incredibly gifted.
The view from the wings as the more avanced students danced. Notice how bright those lights are? Blinding, as you walk on stage.

That's the stage on which we danced, as Kumu rehearsed the other classes. Looking at this, I get butterflies all over again.

And here's a little sample of what the performing group does. Oh. My. GOD. That's my Kumu opening the piece, and chanting all the way through*. If this looks easy, it's a testament to how good they are, how unified they are. (Notice the final position the women are in - that's hula noho.)

It's worth noting that the staging, the costumes, and the chants are all creations of my Kumu. This piece is based on a story written by another, but he's the one who turned it into hula. If you'd like to see more, click here. Definitely check out the Hit & Run Hula videos.

*I just love to hear him chant. During each performance, I'd step out of the dressing room so I could hear the first chant of the show better - it's one we haven't learned yet, but he hits this note in it that's just...spine-tingling.