Kūhai Hālau O Uluwehilaukoa
Pa 'Olapa Kahiko
formerly Halau Hula o uluwehilaukoa
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Kumu Jannie Ka'ohinani Nance opened her Hula Halau in September 2007. Her roots in Polynesian dance started here in the San Fernando Valley. After starting out dancing Tahitian with a competition group and winning first place in group 'aparima, Jannie desired to learn the Hula.
In 1993 Aunty Geri Haile and Aunty Lyn-Del Pedersen formed their Halau, Ka Hale Hula O Lanikea and Jannie was a member of Aunty Geri's halau for the next nine years. She traveled 60 miles round trip to Thousand Oaks and back to Burbank to go to hula and learn not only the Hula but , the history , the language and the culture. Additionally, she studied and danced Tahitian with Aunty Lyn-Del. In 1999 Jannie met and began studying with Kumu Hula Lehua Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. In 2001 she began dancing with Casey Kono and his Halau, Halau Hula O Napualani, out in Venice California. She danced with Casey until his passing in 2006. In 2006 she was given the opportunity to begin her 'Uniki training along with her teacher, Casey Kono. The trainings were on the Big Island of Hawai'i at Ka Hale Lehua, under the instruction of Lehua Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. After Casey passed away in 2006, Jannie continued the 'Uniki program and in April of 2008 graduated 'Uniki as Kumu Hula.
Kumu Jannie Ka'ohinani Nance is also a Lomilomi healer and has her private practice as well as working at the Burke Willams Spa in Sherman Oaks.
Check out our feature in Ventura Blvd's article, "Hula schools in the Valley are teaching more than just dance," written by Rachel Heller Zaimont!
Highlights from the article:
" 'People come looking for a place to express themselves and learn the dance, and they fall in love with the culture. It becomes a much bigger world than they realized,' says Kumu Hula Jannie Ka’ohinani L. Nance"
"From Northridge to Van Nuys, students of all walks of life are learning the steps to this ancient dance—also getting a window into the culture, language, music and spirit of Hawai’i."
"Serenity aside, the dance is also a workout. With its reliance on thigh and core strength, hula is just as likely to raise your heart rate as your spirits. According to Sydni Martin, 22, 'It’s like having a social club, a workout, a family and therapy all in one.' ”
Read the full article here.
