Wai Ola, 'Aukele And The Waters Of Life - A celebration of hula ki'i

The Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance / Halau Ka Ua Tuahine will present a rare form of hula not widely practiced today. Hula ki?i features the use of carved or crafted images in the story telling and movements of hula. Due to Western influences in the 19th Century, the hula ki?i and other indigenous traditions were suppressed almost out of existence. As part of the rebirth of this tradition, Wai Ola celebrates the cultural heritage of hula ki?i through a combination of storytelling, chant, music and dance in a unique presentation the likes of which is rarely seen.

Wai Ola is sponsored by the 2021 Gerbode Foundation Choreography Award and 2024 Touring Grants from the Gerbode Foundation and the Zellerbach Family Fund. The project encompasses the research of classical themes, the construction of hula puppets, and the development of a dedicated hula ki'i practice within the Berkeley-based halau.

It has been presented in Northern California and most recently in Honolulu in sold out performances to critical acclaim.

Kumu Hula Mahealani Uchiyama of Halau Ka Ua Tuahine, in association with Kumu Hula Ki?i Mauli Ola Cook (holder of the lineal tradition of Kumu Nona Beamer and Kaua?i alaka?i of Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine), Kumu Hula Maile Loo-Ching who leads the non-profit Hula Preservation Society, and Kumu Hula Auli?i Mitchell of Halau ?o Kahiwahiwa who is an expert in carved forms and ki?i innovation, will next bring Wai Ola, ?Aukele and the Waters of Life, A Celebration of Hula Ki?i to San Francisco.