Hula O Lehualani Edmonds WA: Authentic Hawaiian and Tahitian Dance School

Hula O Lehualani Introduce

Hula O Lehualani, located in Edmonds, Washington, serves as a dedicated cultural and artistic center, known formally as a drama school that specializes in the traditional dances of Polynesia. Specifically, this respected hālau (school of hula) is committed to teaching and perpetuating the rich cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. For Washington residents seeking an authentic, engaging, and comprehensive introduction to or continuation of Polynesian dance, Hula O Lehualani offers a genuine connection to these islands right here in the Puget Sound region.

The school operates on a philosophy that honors ancestral traditions while striving to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for all students. This balance is crucial, as the practices of hula and Tahitian dance require both strict discipline to master the techniques of ancient and modern forms, and the spirit of 'aloha' to connect with the deep, expressive heart of the culture. Hula O Lehualani welcomes students of various ages and skill levels, from young children taking their first steps to advanced adults refining their craft. They offer a structured program designed to promote not only physical grace and skill but also a profound understanding of the history, language, and customs embedded within each dance.

Rooted deeply within the traditional Hawaiian hula lineage, the instruction at Hula O Lehualani traces its authenticity back to revered Kumu Hula on Oʻahu from the mid-20th century, providing a valuable link to the art form's source for the Washington community. Through dedicated practice, annual performances, and a commitment to cultural wisdom, the school offers a truly unique educational journey for everyone in the Edmonds and greater Seattle area.

Hula O Lehualani is conveniently situated in the Edmonds area of Snohomish County, making it easily accessible for families and individuals throughout the region, including Lynnwood, Shoreline, and North Seattle. The physical location has been arranged to ensure ease of access for all community members.

Address: 9655 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020, USA

The facility is specifically designed to be inclusive and accommodating, featuring necessary provisions for accessibility:

Entrance Accessibility: The location boasts a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring all patrons, students, and visitors can enter the studio without hindrance.
Parking: A dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot is provided, adding convenience and security for those requiring special parking arrangements.
Proximity: Being located on Firdale Ave places the hālau in a central spot within the Edmonds community, allowing for straightforward navigation from major surrounding roadways.

The educational offerings at Hula O Lehualani are extensive, covering the full spectrum of Polynesian dance from ancient ceremonial forms to dynamic modern routines. The classes are structured by age and skill level to ensure appropriate instruction and progression for every student.

The school offers a diverse class schedule including:

Traditional Hula Classes (Hula Kahiko & ʻAuana):
- Papa Pikake (5-7 yrs): Introduction to basic steps, games, and songs.
- Papa Maile (8-10 yrs): Geared toward young dancers, focusing on foundational hula skills.
- Papa Nā Pua Liko (Tweens) and Papa Melia (Teens): Intermediate and advancing classes for older youth.
- Papa Palai (Beginning Adult), Papa ʻAwapuhi (Intermediate), and Papa ʻIlima (Advanced): Progressive levels for adult dancers.
- Papa Na Wahine Waipahe (50+): A specialized class catering to dancers aged fifty and over.
- Papa Kāne: Classes dedicated to men's hula.
Tahitian Dance Classes:
- Dedicated classes focused on the distinct and vibrant styles of Tahitian dancing, often taught separately to master the unique movements and rhythms of this island culture.
Performance and Workshop Opportunities:
- Annual Hōʻike (Year-end Performance): A major performance held at a venue like the Edmonds Center for the Arts, featuring all dancers performing both hula kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) that they learned throughout the year, often with live music.
- Keiki Showcase: A dedicated event for younger students to perform.
- Aha Mele: Other annual events and performances to share the culture with the broader Washington community.

Hula O Lehualani is distinguished in the greater Seattle and Snohomish County area by several notable characteristics that underscore its commitment to both cultural preservation and student well-being.

Key Features and Highlights:

Authentic Lineage: The Kumu Hula (hula teacher/master) traces their instruction to a direct, authentic lineage from Oʻahu, ensuring the traditions, chants, and steps taught are genuine and rooted in ancestral practice.
Nurturing Atmosphere: While respecting the necessary discipline of a traditional hālau, the school is known for prioritizing a learning environment where discipline is carefully balanced with warmth, support, and mutual respect. This kind and nurturing approach is designed to foster a personal connection with the spirit of 'aloha' and encourage every student's personal growth and well-being.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Instruction covers the full scope of hula, including the Hawaiian language ('ōlelo), myth and history (kaʻao and moʻolelo), chanting (oli), and the physical techniques of hula kahiko (ancient) and hula ʻauana (modern).
All Ages Welcome: The wide range of classes, from keiki (children) programs which are noted as being good for kids, to specialized Mākua (Intermediate/Adult) and Papa Na Wahine Waipahe (50+) classes, ensures a learning opportunity for every age group in the Washington community.
Community Engagement: The annual Hōʻike and various showcases held at public venues demonstrate the school's commitment to sharing the beauty of Polynesian culture with the greater Edmonds and Puget Sound community.

For more information on class enrollment, tuition, or performance dates, interested individuals in the Washington region can contact Hula O Lehualani directly using the information provided below.

Address: 9655 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020, USA
Phone: (206) 795-0845

For residents of Washington, choosing Hula O Lehualani means selecting a dance and drama school that offers far more than just dance steps. It is a genuine investment in cultural education and personal development. The critical distinction of this hālau is its commitment to balancing the strict, high-quality traditional discipline essential for authentic hula mastery with a genuinely supportive, encouraging, and 'aloha'-filled environment. This ensures that while students are mastering complex choreography and chants, they are also thriving emotionally and personally. The comprehensive class offerings, covering all age groups from children to kūpuna (elders), coupled with performance opportunities in notable venues like the Edmonds Center for the Arts, make Hula O Lehualani a central and vital point of interest for anyone in the Puget Sound area seeking to connect with the deep traditions, beauty, and spirit of Hawaiian and Tahitian culture. It is an environment where every student is encouraged to feel equally valued, making it an ideal choice for a positive and rewarding learning journey.

Hula O Lehualani Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Children
Good for kids

Hula O Lehualani Photos

Hula O Lehualani Location

Hula O Lehualani

Washington Snohomish County Edmonds Firdale Avenue

9655 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020, USA

Hula O Lehualani Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 5 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Aloha Hula Sisters and Brothers,Over the past seven months, I had the opportunity to study under my previous Kumu, Krista Espiritu, whose commitment to traditional hula practices and strict discipline is undeniable. I deeply respect her dedication to preserving our ancestral traditions and the structured environment that is so central to hālau culture.At the same time, I discovered that I thrive best in a learning environment where discipline is balanced with warmth, support, and mutual respect. While I valued the structure, there were moments that made it difficult for me to fully connect with the spirit of aloha. For instance, when I offered encouragement to a fellow student—a gesture I believed to be in the true spirit of aloha—I was corrected in a way that felt more like a reprimand than guidance. This was particularly challenging, as similar behavior from other students did not seem to receive the same level of scrutiny.In hopes of addressing this before the next class, I reached out and was met with a harsh response. In her reply, my Kumu stated that my behavior was distracting and inappropriate, asserting that her boundaries had been crossed. She even compared my reaction to what she described as a "tame" response relative to what she might have given in other classes, and I was asked to leave. This public correction and harsh tone left me feeling disheartened rather than motivated.While I understand that a strict approach is part of traditional practice, I believe that a truly effective hālau also nurtures each student’s personal growth and well-being. The lack of a supportive, encouraging atmosphere ultimately made it challenging for me to feel aligned with the spirit of aloha that I hold dear.After much reflection, I decided that this hālau was not the right fit for my personal learning journey. I chose to part ways in search of an environment that better balances traditional discipline with a kind and nurturing approach—one where every student feels equally valued.I share this experience in hopes that it offers insight for others seeking a learning space that honors both the cultural traditions of hula and the supportive, respectful environment essential for personal growth.Mahalo for reading my reflection.
March 25 · Mel0vMusic
December 12 · Edward Martinez
September 28 · Katharina M
March 17 · Tiffany Moore
March 13 · Seneca Anderson