ALOHA and WELCOME to the HULA CONNECTION!
Hula Connection is a Polynesian Music and Dance “school” (halau) located in South Orange County and founded in 2003. We accept students from ages 2 to 100+ and ALL walks of life, Our main goal is to help our students learn about and share the “ALOHA SPIRIT”, respect for self and others through music, dance & culture.
Hawai'i, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand
Our Kumu and Alaka'i
Lianne Nahina Pfister
Lianne was born in Honolulu and raised on Oahu, Summers spent on Kaua'i. Most of her ohana continue to live in the islands. She has trained under well respected kumu Uncle George Na'ope, Uncle Keola Beamer, Aunty Ilima Montgomery, workshops with Aunty Vickie Holt Takamine, Uncle Robert Cazimero. She has danced professionally in CA and Hawai'i since 1980. The Hula Connection was founded in 2003 in South Orange County and focuses not only on Hawai'ian, but the Maori culture, Samoan, and Tahitian cultures which encompass most of Polynesia.
In the 1970's, Lianne was part of the Hawai'ian Cultural Renaissance movement to teach the children of Hawai'i music/dances of Hawai'i to restore
She was a high school and university cheerleader, is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, has worked as an Adjunct Professor for Chapman University in the schools and clinics, and medical facilities for a total of over 30 years.
Brenda Wallace Penrose
Brenda has been dancing with the Hula Connection since 2003. Previous to becoming a hula dancer she trained with Ballet Pacifica for 9 years and combined that with 6 years of jazz, tap, and modern dancing.
Brenda has a love for not only hula dancing but the OHANA experience it brings to her life and her family. This is a sharp contrast to the competitive nature she experienced in other dance groups.
Brenda has been a teacher (kindergarten through 2nd grade) for 19 years and currently is a kindergarten teacher At Vista Del Mar Elementary school.
She brings her passion of teaching to the halau and teaches all levels with a special love for teaching ladies who have always wanted to dance but perhaps did not have a place to go where they would find unconditional love, inspiration, and support.
The halau has become not only a place to dance, but a place where lifelong friendships are made, and a feeling of being so loved and involved with an extended family while bringing the aloha spirit through dance to the community as well as surrounding communities .
Marlene DeStories
Valerie Avantes
Upcoming events
Spring/SummerThemed Polynesian Music/Dance
Students prepare for upcoming Performances
Hula Connection recitals
for family and friends
YEAR ROUND LESSONS AND EVENTS
2022 WINTER SCHEDULE
MONDAYS
3:30PM Keiki Class (full)
4:30PM Mini/Keiki (3years-7years)
5:30PM Teens/Adults
WEDNESDAYS
Private Lessons - email or call to schedule
THURSDAYS
4:30PM Int. Teens/Adults
5:30PM Mini Keiki
6:30PM Beginning Hula/Tahitian
Teens/Adults
NOTE: If you already have a group of at least 4-8 interested in learning, we can set up a convenient time and open a new class for your group. Email or Call to arrange.
We practice COVID safety and precautions and hope to resume community performances when appropriate.
Class Descriptions
Students learn basic language, songs, dance steps, motions, meanings. Includes work with poi balls (Maori culture from New Zealand), Hawai'ian hula, implements, Tahitian, Samoan Music/dance forms.
Mini Keikis (2-6 years)
Keiki (ages 7-12) older keiki
Teens/young adults (13-29 years)
Wahines/Kanes (30+ years)
Tutu Wahines/Tutu Kanes (65+ years)
Halau deals
Family Discount: 10% for sibling, parent
Military Discount: $40 vs. $70
Senior Citizen Discount: $40
Single Drop in class $20
News Bytes
Many of our students become lifelong members and friends. Students who have graduated from high school and go off to college often return for Summer Classes.
We have participated in many Festivals including the OHANA Festival, Polynesian Festival, Tallships, Hawaiian Surf Club, San Clemente Ocean Festivals.
Annual Parades include the Festival of Whales, Swallows Day, Aliso Viejo Winter, etc.
Performances for private venues and events (i.e. birthday, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, special ocassions). Call or email to discuss details.
FAQS
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