Feb. 29, 2008

HULA DANCE WORKSHOP AT SCC BRINGS HAWAIIAN CULTURE,
WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTION

Despite wintry, icy weather, St. Charles Community College was a Hawaiian paradise Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23 and 24.  More than 70 people celebrated Hawaiian spirit and culture with hula dance and Tahitian drumming workshops organized and hosted by Dori Neumeier and the SCC Continuing Education department.

Neumeier is the owner of Hui Hula 'O Punahele, a hula dancing school in St. Peters intended to perpetuate an authentic understanding of Polynesian culture and arts.  For the workshop at SCC, Neumeier gathered world-class instructors known throughout the world for their choreography and knowledge in Hula and Tahitian dance.

Trained Polynesian dancers ages 12-60 from all over the United States attended the weekend activities.  The workshops gave the dancers an opportunity to improve their technique and experience the instruction of world-renowned teachers.

“This workshop drew the attention of dancers throughout the United States, including participants from Alaska and Hawaii,” Neumeier said. “I believe we can say we have something special when folks from the source (Hawaii) begin venturing from their homeland to be taught in the Midwest by some of the culture's best.”

Participating schools were also given the opportunity to perform as part of the weekend activities.  The groups performing this year included Hui Hula 'O Punahele of St. Peters, Mo., Keali'i's Polynesian School of Dance of Lawton, Okla., Hula Halau O Leilani of Tulsa, Okla., Barefoot Hawaiian of Chicago, Hula Halau 'O Manulani of Chicago, Teriki's Polynesia of Fort Worth, Texas, and Mana Pasifika of Milwaukee.

“I was thrilled with the turnout this year, and I’m looking forward to 2009,” Neumeier said.  “I appreciate all that SCC did in helping make this event a success.”

For more information about Neumeier and Hui Hula 'O Punahele, visit www.stlouishula.com.

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