We are a diverse student and performing group, learning Hawaiian history and culture while studying authentic kahiko (ancient) and beautiful 'auana (modern) hula. Classes include some language and chanting as well as some Hawaiian history, then and now.

Learn how to chant Hawaiian!  New class starts Feb 7, 2010, at 5:30. Cost $10. The Dairy Boulder Ballet Studio. Call for more info CLASSES We will train you if you've never had hula or brush up those skills if you have danced before. Ongoing classes are  at The Dairy Center for the Arts - Boulder Ballet Studio - New students are welcome. Sundays at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 5-week punch-cards are $55 or pay a drop-in rate  of $15. Men, women, teens welcome.  You are welcome to come visit our class and see what we have to share!

Established in Boulder in 1993, the halau is one of the few in Colorado to have live chanting and singing. We are available for concerts, demonstrations, lu'aus, classes, and parties. We enjoy performing in ceremonials for native peoples. You may have seen us at Chautauqua, the Denver Botanical Gardens, Boulder Creekfest, children's library programs, and many Denver-Boulder area ethnic festivals. CONTACT Pumehana at 303 447-9772 or e-mail miriampaisner@hotmail.com for information about     *upcoming performances and fun workshops, events     *beginner and intermediate instruction (men and women)     *entertainment for your special event Photos: LILI’UOKALANI, a play by Aldyth Morris,about the last Queen of Hawai’i, with hula & chant, held at Boulder's Chautauqua Community House, July 2003

MISSSION The halau was founded in 1993 to teach and perpetuate the art of Hawaiian hula and all that it encompasses. This includes the teaching and performing of ancient kahiko and modern 'auana hula, chanting oli, and the playing of Hawaiian implements while chanting. Implements are ipu heke (larger gourd), ipu (smaller single gourd), kala'au (sticks), 'ili'ili (stones), and pu'ili (split bamboo). Along with dance, chant, and song, the purpose of the halau is to pass on the many cultural traditions of the Native Hawaiian people through history, langauge, politics past and present, respect for the gods of Hawai'i, and a love and protection for the land and nation of Hawai'i. ABOUT PUMEHANA Pumehana studied hula in Hawai'i, where she lived for 20 years. She received her Masters in Dance Ethnology from the University of Hawai'i. She studied Hawaiian chanting at UH with Ho'oulu Cambra (via scholarship). Hula Kahiko was studied with Hoakalei Kamauu, and also Nona Beamer, Frank Hewitt, and Kaha'i Topolinski. Hula 'auana was studied with Nona Beamer and also Kealoha Kalama and Rose Joshua. Some workshops have been with: the Kanaka'ole family, Holoua Stender, Kaulana Kasparovitch, Palani Kahalo, Mapuana De Silva, and Charles Ka'upu. Miriam also teaches country & western and Israeli folk dancing and is an actress!  Read the profile of Pumehana in malamalama, the magazine of the University of Hawai'i, July 2002.

Below: Hawaiian chant and music -- the traditional and the modern.