Hawaiian Hula Troupe Set for Asian Arts Initiative, 3/20

Asian Arts Initiative is an established advocate and a physical place for communities to come together, and in March the organization will invite another voice to Philadelphia to share that message. Culminating a weeklong residency at the Chinatown North arts center, traditional Hawaiian dance troupe Pua Ali'I 'Ilima will present community hula workshops for youth and adults (March 18-19) and an evening performance (Wednesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.) in a program shared with well-known Philadelphia dancemaker Germaine Ingram.

Founded in 1977, Pua Ali'i 'Ilima ("The Royal 'Ilima Blossom") is a school of traditional Hawaiian dance based in Honolulu that has performed in cultural festivals and events throughout the world. The troupe builds connections among communities across the country by showcasing the teachings of ancient hula passed down through generations.

For the company's residency at Asian Arts Initiative, artistic director Jeffrey K?nekaiwilani Takamine created the new piece "E Hui Ana N? Moku" ("The Islands Will Unite and Rise"), which uses ancient-style hula movement to animate sacred ancestral chants to uplift and rally people in times of struggle, calling them to band together. "E Hui Ana N? Moku" incorporates chants and movement composed in support and love for the imprisoned Queen Lili'uokalani at the time of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893.

Along with this debut, Pua Ali'i 'Ilima will share a selection of mele hula (ancient-style) and mele 'auana (modern) dance techniques. Following the hula program will be a special guest performance by Ingram, an internationally recognized tap artist from Philadelphia known for her choreography, teaching, oral history, stage production and performance. The event will conclude with a post-show discussion with the artists focusing on the intersections of art and social change.

Pua Ali'I 'Ilima Hawaiian Hula Schedule of Events
Monday, March 18
Adult Hula Workshop
6:00-8:00 p.m., $10
Tickets available online: http://hulaworkshop.bpt.me

Tuesday, March 19
Youth Hula Workshop
4:00-6:00 p.m., $10
Tickets available online: http://hulaworkshop.bpt.me

Wednesday, March 20
Feature Performance with post-show lecture by Germaine Ingram
7:30 p.m., $10 General Admission ($8 for students and seniors)
Tickets available online: http://hula.bpt.me/

The Pua Ali'l 'llima Hawaiian Hula residency and programs take place at Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. In addition to this program, Asian Arts Initiative hosts exhibitions and ongoing youth workshops. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12-6 p.m., and by special appointment. Admission to the gallery is free. For more information, call 215-557-4055 or visit www.asianartsinitiative.org.