Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School

For those in Illinois seeking an authentic and deeply enriching cultural experience, Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School in Oak Park offers a unique journey into the heart of Hawaiian dance and culture. Established in 2009 by Kumu Hula June Kaililani Tanoue, the school, whose name means "place that cultivates the goodness," is dedicated to "growing aloha by sharing Hawaiian culture and stories through the joy of Hula." It's a vibrant community where students not only learn intricate movements but also connect with the profound meanings and values embedded within each dance.

Halau I Ka Pono has quickly garnered a reputation for its exceptional quality and the genuine passion of its instructors and dancers. Reviewers consistently praise the "talented dancers" who possess a "vivacity" and ability to perform "such a magnitude of different styles." Beyond the technical prowess, the school is commended for its "professionalism" and the "kind and friendly" nature of its members. For Illinois residents eager to explore Hawaiian culture, learn a beautiful dance form, and become part of a supportive "ohana" (family), Halau I Ka Pono offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the true spirit of aloha right here in Oak Park.

Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School is conveniently located at 46 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA. This central location in Oak Park makes it easily accessible for individuals and families across the western suburbs of Chicago and beyond in Illinois. Lake Street is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation to the studio. Its position within Oak Park, a vibrant and culturally rich community, means it is conveniently situated near public transportation options and major roadways, making regular attendance for classes practical and manageable. The accessibility of the studio plays a crucial role in enabling more Illinois residents to discover and participate in the unique cultural offerings of Halau I Ka Pono.

Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School provides a diverse range of hula classes and cultural offerings, catering to various ages, skill levels, and physical needs. All classes integrate Hawaiian values into the learning process, ensuring a holistic understanding of the dance.

• Beginner Hula Classes (Hybrid): For those new to hula, classes like "Hula in your backyard!" focus on basic hula styles, footwork, and hand motions. These hybrid classes are open to men and women aged 15 and older, emphasizing fundamental techniques. No prior experience is necessary, and students can repeat the series to solidify their understanding.
• Hula Kahiko (Ancient/Classical Hula): This introductory class delves into traditional hula danced to chanting and the beat of the ipu-heke (double-headed gourd). It focuses on basic kahiko hand motions and steps, alongside understanding the meaning of the hula through chant translation and basic research. These classes are more vigorous and emphasize the cultural aspect and deeper stories of the dance.
• Hula Auana (Modern Hula): Featuring 20th-century and contemporary Hawaiian songs, Hula Auana is accompanied by modern instruments like ukulele or guitar. Kumu June teaches in the hula ku'i styling, characterized by standing tall with a slight curve in the back and extended arms, offering wonderful toning and core strengthening.
• Chair Hula: Designed for mobility-challenged individuals who love to dance, Chair Hula is a graceful class that focuses on upper body strength, arm and hand movements, and exploring the stories and emotions of the songs. It's offered for ages 70 and older, with flexible pricing options.
• Children's Hula Classes: Boys and Girls aged 6 years and older are welcome to learn basic feet and hand movements, the importance of Nature, and the values of aloha (love) and ohana (family). These classes teach the cultural dance of the Hawaiian people through movements reflecting the natural environment.
• Private Hula Lessons: Individualized attention is available for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, focusing on technique or learning new dances. Skype lessons are also offered for remote learning.
• Performances and Group Events: Kumu June Tanoue and students are available for performances at various group parties, schools, universities, church luaus, nursing homes, and corporate gatherings, bringing authentic Hawaiian culture to events across Chicagoland. Kumu June also offers lecture/demonstrations on Hula and Hawaiian culture.

Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School stands out due to several key features that enhance its educational and cultural offerings:

• Authenticity and Cultural Immersion: The school is deeply committed to perpetuating Hawaiian culture. As one testimonial notes, the emphasis is on "keeping the Hawaiian culture alive" and learning the "meaning and intention that inspired it" beyond just the dance steps. This includes integrating Hawaiian values, language (ōlelo), songs (mele), and history (mo'olelo) into classes.
• Talented and Professional Dancers: Reviews commend the "most talented dancers" who possess "vivacity" and "authenticity," showcasing a high level of skill and stage presence in their performances. Their ability to handle unexpected technical issues with "professionalism" is also highlighted.
• Kumu June Kaililani Tanoue's Expertise: Kumu June is widely praised as a "spirited and compassionate instructor," a "Zen educator as well as a hula master." Her teaching style is described as "gentle and encouraging," "very good at breaking down the basic steps," and delivering corrections "with aloha, and very often with humor." Her dedication and love of hula "shines through all her teaching."
• Nurturing and Supportive Community ("Ohana"): Students consistently refer to the school as an "ohana" (family), emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere where they "feel no shame for making mistakes," learn patience, and connect with "hula sisters" and new friends.
• Holistic Benefits: Students report that hula at Halau I Ka Pono is "therapeutic physically and mentally," helping with coordination, memory, and even stroke recovery. It helps reconnect with "nature, mother earth, as well as with my body and mind."
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: With hybrid classes, chair hula for mobility-challenged individuals, and open arms to all ages (from 6 to 70+), the school strives to make hula accessible to a wide audience in the Illinois community.
• Affiliation with Zen Life & Meditation Center: Halau I Ka Pono is a nondenominational program of the Zen Life & Meditation Center, Chicago, a 501(c)(3) organization. This unique affiliation may contribute to the school's emphasis on mindfulness and holistic well-being.

For those in Illinois interested in connecting with Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School, please use the following contact information:

Address: 46 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA

Phone: (708) 297-6321

For residents of Oak Park, Illinois, and the wider Chicagoland area, Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School offers a truly unique and invaluable cultural experience. It's more than just a dance class; it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in authentic Hawaiian culture, history, and values, all while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of hula. Kumu June Kaililani Tanoue's passionate and compassionate teaching, combined with a curriculum that deeply integrates the meaning behind the movements, ensures a profound learning journey for every student.

The "vivacity" and "professionalism" of the dancers, as observed in their public performances, speak to the high quality of instruction. Moreover, the welcoming "ohana" (family) atmosphere ensures that everyone feels supported and encouraged, regardless of their prior experience. Whether you're looking for a fun new hobby, a way to connect with Hawaiian heritage, or a therapeutic activity, Halau I Ka Pono provides a nurturing and enriching environment right here in Illinois. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking to learn hula and experience the true aloha spirit.

For a glimpse into a performance by this school, watch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S6rpyAqhqI).

Halau I Ka Pono - Hula School

46 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA