Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana

- 4115 Concord Blvd #40, Concord, CA 94519

For California residents seeking an authentic and vibrant connection to the rich cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands, the Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana "Dance school" in Concord, CA, serves as a premier educational and performance center. This organization, known as a "hui" in Hawaiian, is passionately dedicated to the "promotion of Hawaiian and Tahitian dance and music," providing much more than mere exercise—it offers an immersive cultural experience.

The name itself, Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana, beautifully translates from Hawaiian to "a beautiful gathering of hope," a philosophy that guides its commitment to community and artistic expression. Its Tahitian counterpart, Te Mahana o Te Ti'aturira'a (or Mataroa: Te Mahana o Te Ti`aturira`a), reinforces this theme, meaning "a new day of hope." Located right in Contra Costa County, this center allows Californians in the East Bay to delve into the beauty and storytelling of both traditional and contemporary Polynesian dance forms, including both Hula and 'Ori Tahiti.

The academy welcomes students of all backgrounds and experience levels, from "Beginner's classes" to "Advanced classes." Instructors bring decades of personal experience, ensuring that every movement and rhythm taught is deeply rooted in the history and meaning of the island culture. This dedication to authenticity and high-quality instruction makes the Concord location a valuable cultural "point of interest" for the entire California region.

Location and Accessibility

Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana is strategically situated to serve the greater East Bay community in California. Its primary location offers easy access for families and students commuting from Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and surrounding areas:

• Address: 4115 Concord Blvd #40, Concord, CA 94519, USA

The facility is designed to be fully inclusive and accommodating for all members of the California community, ensuring that physical access is never a barrier to participation in the arts:

• Accessibility: The school features a "Wheelchair accessible entrance," making the studio easily accessible for all mobility needs.
• Parking: Students and visitors will find a "Wheelchair accessible parking lot," providing convenient parking options adjacent to the entrance.
• Payment Methods: For convenience, the academy accepts "Debit cards" for payment of tuition and dues.

The Concord location is central to the organization's mission as a cultural gathering point, fostering a strong sense of community for those dedicated to Polynesian arts in Northern California.

Services Offered

The academy offers a comprehensive range of classes designed to immerse students in the intricate techniques and rich history of Hawaiian and Tahitian dance and music. The curriculum is structured to accommodate every age group and skill level, emphasizing personalized "Training In" each discipline.

Key services and program categories include:

• Hawaiian Hula Instruction: Dedicated Hula classes, including instruction in both Kahiko (ancient style) and 'Auana (modern style). Levels range from "Beginner Hula" to "Intermediate Hula" and "Advanced Hula."
• Tahitian Dance ('Ori Tahiti): Specialization in 'Ori Tahiti, covering Ote'a (percussive hip movements) and 'Aparima/Mehura (hand movements and storytelling), with specific focus on "Ori Tahiti Solo Technique" and "Ori Conditioning and Basics."
• Age-Specific Youth Classes: Carefully structured "Youth classes" for children and teens, such as "Keiki Hula & 'Ori Tahiti" (ages 4-8) and "Kaikamahine Hula & 'Ori Tahiti" (ages 9-12). The center is confirmed as "Good for kids."
• Adult and Senior Programs: A variety of "Adult lessons," including programs for intermediate and advanced students (Makuahine, ages 35-60) and specialized "Kupuna Hula" classes for seniors (ages 55+).
• Music and Rhythm Training: Instruction in Tahitian Drumming is periodically offered, providing a complete cultural experience that is essential to the dance forms.
• Flexible Attendance: Options for spontaneous learning are available, including "Drop-In" and "Drop-In Classes," particularly for conditioning or basic technique, though regular enrollment is encouraged for progression.
• Performance Opportunities: Students frequently participate in shows and cultural events, such as the grand annual performance, allowing them to celebrate the stories and legends of the islands through song and "Dance Classes."

Features / Highlights

What makes Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana a standout cultural gem in the California dance community are several distinguishing characteristics:

• Authentic and Deeply Experienced Instruction: Every instructor has over 25 years of training in both Hawaiian and Tahitian dance, guaranteeing the authenticity and depth of the "Training In" traditional Polynesian arts.
• Focus on Cultural Storytelling: Classes delve far beyond physical movements. Students learn how "the movements connect to the song lyrics," understanding the ancient "stories, tales, and legends of the islands" that the dances represent.
• Community-Oriented 'Hui': Operating as a dedicated "hui" (community group), the academy emphasizes a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, fostering deep bonds among students of all ages, from "Keiki" to "Kupuna."
• Comprehensive Age Range: The academy truly serves the entire family, with programs specifically tailored for the youngest dancers (Keiki), youth, adults, and seniors, ensuring that cultural heritage can be shared across generations in the California community.
• Non-Profit Mission: The organization operates with a non-profit dedication to cultural promotion, underlining its commitment to heritage and education over commercial gain.

Contact Information

To join a "Drop-In" class, enroll in one of the seasonal programs, or inquire about the specialized "Youth classes" in Concord, please use the contact details below:

• Address: 4115 Concord Blvd #40, Concord, CA 94519, USA
• Email for Dues and Inquiries: kaohinaniomanaolanadues@gmail.com
• Phone: While a primary phone number is not listed publicly, the academy maintains an active online presence and prompt communication via email, which is the preferred method for initial contact.

What is Worth Choosing Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana

For California residents, particularly those in the East Bay, choosing Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana is an investment in unparalleled cultural education and artistic excellence. It is the definitive choice for anyone serious about "Training In" authentic Hawaiian and Tahitian dance. Unlike generic dance studios, this "hui" provides instruction steeped in the genuine tradition, led by instructors who are not just teachers but lifelong practitioners of the art forms.

The academy's ability to cater to every single age and ability level—offering everything from gentle "Kupuna Hula" to rigorous "Advanced Hula" and "Ori Tahiti Solo Technique"—ensures that every family member can find their place in this "beautiful gathering of hope." Its non-profit dedication to preserving and promoting Polynesian culture ensures that the focus remains entirely on student growth, cultural appreciation, and community building, making it a truly invaluable cultural asset to the California community.

Ka 'Ohi Nani o Mana'olana

4115 Concord Blvd #40, Concord, CA 94519, USA