Halau Hula O Ualani

- 3000 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713

In the desert landscape of Tucson, a piece of the Hawaiian islands blossoms, bringing with it the warmth and grace of the Aloha Spirit. Halau Hula O Ualani is not just a training center; it is a cultural oasis dedicated to the art and tradition of Hawaiian hula. Founded and led by Kumu (Teacher) Ualani "Girlie" Abad, a native of O'ahu with over 25 years of experience in Tucson, this halau (school) serves as a vital link to Hawaiian heritage. Kumu Ualani's vision is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through the understanding and practice of hula, and her love for the art is palpable in every performance and class. The school welcomes students of all ages and genders, including men (kane) and women (wahine), from beginners to advanced dancers. Halau Hula O Ualani is not just about learning steps; it’s about experiencing the "Three C's" of hula: Confidence, Coordination, and Camaraderie. Through the movements, students build poise and physical strength, while also becoming part of a supportive 'Ohana (family). This focus on community and culture has made the halau a beloved part of the Tucson arts scene, sharing their love and Aloha Spirit with audiences throughout Arizona at major cultural events like the Arizona Aloha Festival and Tucson Meet Yourself. Whether you’re looking to learn this beautiful dance form or want to bring a touch of Hawaii to your next event, Halau Hula O Ualani is a professional and passionate choice.

Halau Hula O Ualani is centrally located at 3000 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713. Its position on a main thoroughfare in Tucson makes it easy to find and access for residents across the city. This convenient location ensures that classes and events are within reach for those eager to connect with Hawaiian culture. The training center is also committed to providing an accessible environment for all visitors. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it easy for guests with mobility challenges to arrive and find a space. Additionally, the entrance is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring a smooth and barrier-free entry into the building. While the interior seating and restrooms are not specifically mentioned in the provided information, the focus on providing a welcoming car park and entrance demonstrates a commitment to basic accessibility. The location at the Culture Connects Studio, which is known as a hub for cultural movement and dance, further emphasizes its role as a key part of Tucson's diverse arts community. It’s a place where many different cultures come together, making it a perfect setting for the halau to share the Aloha Spirit with a wide and appreciative audience.

Halau Hula O Ualani offers a diverse range of services, catering to individuals who want to learn hula as well as those looking to add a unique and beautiful element to their special events. Their expertise extends beyond the classroom and into the community, making them a versatile choice for a variety of needs.

• Hula Classes: The halau offers classes for men (kane) and women (wahine) of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced. They teach both ancient (kahiko) and modern ('auana) styles of hula, sharing the rich stories and traditions behind each dance.
• Birthday Parties: You can book the group for birthday parties, where they provide beautiful performances that add a special touch of Hawaiian culture to the celebration.
• Corporate Events: They are available to perform at corporate events, bringing a professional and memorable cultural experience to any business function.
• Lei Greetings: For an authentic touch, the halau can provide traditional lei greetings, a beautiful way to welcome guests to any event.
• Mini-Hula Lessons: To make an event interactive and fun, the dancers can lead mini-hula lessons, encouraging audience participation and sharing their knowledge with guests.
• Fitness Classes: While rooted in cultural dance, hula is also a fantastic way to get fit. Their classes offer physical benefits like increased strength, stamina, and coordination.
• Special Events & Performances: The halau regularly performs at various private events, including weddings and anniversaries, and is a staple at public festivals like Tucson Meet Yourself and the Arizona Aloha Festival.

What makes Halau Hula O Ualani a standout point of interest in Tucson is its deep commitment to authenticity and the professional, heartfelt delivery of its services. These features ensure a high-quality experience for both students and clients.

• Authentic Hawaiian Leadership: The school is led by Kumu Ualani "Girlie" Abad, a native Hawaiian from O'ahu who has been teaching in Tucson for over two decades. Her lineage and experience provide an authentic and deeply rooted connection to the culture.
• Versatile Performance Group: The halau is not only a training center but also a highly sought-after performance group. Their professionalism is highlighted in a customer review praising their "beautiful performance" and recommending them for future events.
• Family-Oriented Ohana: The halau operates as a family-centered community, or 'Ohana. Kumu Ualani's own daughters and grandchildren are involved in teaching and dancing, passing down the art form through generations.
• The Aloha Spirit: Students and performers are taught to "capture the Aloha Spirit and share it through dance." This focus on love, respect, and grace makes every interaction with the halau a positive one.
• Educational and Engaging: The dance lessons are not just physical; they are also a form of storytelling, teaching students about Hawaiian history, ancestral beings, and natural landscapes through the movements of hula.
• Community Involvement: The halau is a key participant in major Arizona cultural events, which speaks to its reputation and dedication to sharing its heritage with the wider community.

If you're interested in booking Halau Hula O Ualani for an event or would like to learn more about their hula classes, you can easily get in touch with them. Their team is ready to provide you with a beautiful and professional experience.

Address: 3000 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA

Phone: (520) 977-5053 or +1 520-977-5053

For class inquiries or to book a performance, contacting them by phone is the best way to get a prompt and personal response. They are available to provide performances on weekends and most weekday evenings, with limited daytime availability.

Choosing a cultural training center or a performance group is about more than finding a service; it's about finding a genuine and passionate connection to the art form. Halau Hula O Ualani is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that set it apart in the Arizona region. First and foremost is the authenticity and expertise that comes from being led by Kumu Ualani, a lifelong hula practitioner. Her deep roots in Hawaiian culture and her decades of experience teaching and performing ensure that every lesson and every performance is conducted with knowledge, respect, and a genuine love for the art. This isn't a watered-down version of a cultural dance; it is the real deal, taught and shared with the integrity it deserves. Secondly, their professional and reliable nature is a key highlight. The positive review from a satisfied customer who hired them for a birthday party speaks volumes about their professionalism. The dancers were "very professional, super nice and sweet," and the performance was described as "beautiful." This kind of feedback gives prospective clients confidence that they are hiring a group that will deliver an exceptional experience every time. Third, the versatility of their services makes them a valuable resource. Whether you're a local resident wanting to take a new fitness class, a parent looking for a unique birthday party idea, or a business planning a corporate event, Halau Hula O Ualani can meet your needs with a customized and memorable performance. The ability to add mini-lessons or lei greetings adds an interactive and personalized layer to any event, making it more than just a show but a shared experience. Finally, by choosing to engage with Halau Hula O Ualani, you are supporting a local training center that actively works to preserve and share a beautiful and rich culture. Their performances at local festivals demonstrate their commitment to the community and their mission to share the Aloha Spirit. In a state like Arizona, where the culture is diverse and vibrant, having a place like Halau Hula O Ualani enriches the community and provides a wonderful opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate traditions from across the globe. It is a place that truly embodies the spirit of Aloha, and for that, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for authentic hula lessons or a beautiful cultural performance.

Halau Hula O Ualani

3000 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA