Kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin opened her 2010 Ho‘ike looking to the future and honoring her past. The Ho‘ike, which debuted Saturday and Sunday, was themed “E Ola Kona Ho‘oilina” (“His Legacy Lives On”). In her opening number, Leina‘ala, leader
Kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin opened her 2010 Ho‘ike looking to the future and honoring her past.
The Ho‘ike, which debuted Saturday and Sunday, was themed “E Ola Kona Ho‘oilina” (“His Legacy Lives On”). In her opening number, Leina‘ala, leader of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala, spoke in tribute to her kumu hula, the renowned Ray Fonseca, who passed away earlier this year in March. The Ho‘ike demonstrated that the traditions and practices of the hula she learned from kumu Ray would not only live on through her but through her haumana (students) from the 51 kaikamahine to those who have become alaka‘i (leaders) in the halau.
The Ho‘ike began with the kahiko (traditional) numbers to the last reigning monarchs of Hawai‘i, King Kalakaua and Quenn Lili‘uokalani, both patrons of the hula. The Ho‘ike then moved into the ‘auana (modern) hula, including solo performances by 2010 Queen Lili‘uokalani Miss Keiki Hula Jaedyn Pavao and fourth runner-up in the Master Keiki Hula division, Reygan Agcaoili.
The Ho‘ike also included numbers performed to accompaniment of famed Hawaiian musicians Weldon Kekauoha, Darlene Ahuna and special guest Kehau Tamure of Na Palapalai.
Jardin, who has been a kumu hula for 14 years and started hula at the age of 3 under Auntie Lovie Apana and later studied under Aunty Bev Muraoka before moving to the Big Island, said Fonseca was dearly missed.
“This was the first time we went on without him,” she said.
As for how the event went, Jardin said it would have done Fonesca proud.
“It was wonderful,” Jardin said. “(Saturday’s) was sold out and (Sunday) it was a filled room. … Everybody absolutely enjoyed the really nice lineup of music featuring top artists, and the hula with from the keiki who were adorable to the kupuna.”
Jardin added she was particularly proud of her dancers, three of whom are going to the “next level” and will become alaka‘i (kumu assistants). She also noted she was grateful to the families of her students, as well as her own.
“ My husband (Sean Jardin) and my in-laws help me tremendously,” she said.
As for what’s next? First, a week off, then kicking back and relaxing until the Keiki Hula in July, she said.
“It will be a very short break, but hula is my life.”
