Cottonwood AZ (March 10, 2017) – It’s that time of year again when Kumu Hula (master teacher) Kehau Chrisman announces her 2017 class schedule in Beginner Hula, Hawaiian `Ukulele, and Hawaiian language. Here’s your opportunity to try something new, exercise and have fun, all while becoming immersed in the culture of Hawai`i.
In 2003, Chrisman moved to Arizona from Hawai`i, where she studied for 17 years to reach the highest rank of Hula Master (comparable to a PhD in Hula) following rigorous protocols taught by well-known and respected Hawaiian hula masters. She opened her Cottonwood-based hula school, Halau Hula Napuaokalei’ilima, in 2004. Students travel from Prescott, Flagstaff as well as the Verde Valley to study Hawaiian hula, ‘ukulele, language and culture with Kumu Kehau Chrisman.
Learning hula, `ukulele and Hawaiian language from Kumu is extremely rewarding as shared by some of her current students: “Hula has instilled discipline, confidence, dedication and much happiness in my life.”, “Learning about the Hawaiian culture widens my world views of what is important to me.”, “Hula is fun and brings me much joy.”, “Hula has enhanced my life and given me a wonderful extended family, treasured friendships and camaraderie.”
New 2017 classes include:
Beginners `Ukulele Class – Learn chords, strumming techniques, and songs from the islands. Wednesdays from 4 to 5pm, beginning April 5 – 26, 2017. Fee is $9 per class. Bring your own `ukulele.
Beginner Women’s Hula Class – Open to those 15 and older. Learn basic hula and feet movements, plus language, culture, and values. Mondays from 7 to 8pm, beginning May 1, 2017 through June 12. (Note: no class on May 22.) Fee is $48 for the six-week session, payable at the first class.
Hawaiian Language Class – Open to those 16 and older. Learn Hawaiian pronunciation, simple sentence structures, and Hawaiian vocabulary. Wednesdays from 4 to 5pm beginning May 2 – June 28 (duration may be extended based on class interest). (Note: no class on May 17.) Fee is $8 per class. Bring a writing tablet and pen/pencil.
All classes are held at the Cottonwood Recreation Center located at 150 South 6th Street.
For more information, visit www.arizonahula.com, call Chrisman at (929) 639-4683, or email her at kumuhula@halauhulailima.com.