PELE AVEAU

Aloha, I'm Pele

When I joined AHA in January of 2023, I knew that I would be getting in some good dance movement, be able to learn some ōlelo hawai’i and get to connect with the Hawaiian and Pasifika community at large here in the Bay Area. What I didn’t know was how quickly, and happily, I would be welcomed and nurtured in this hula community. It's been a crazy quick learning curve to get to this point of trying out for Merrie Monarch, but I'm so glad that I’m here.

My paternal grandparents moved from Manu’a in American Samoa back in the 70’s and lived on the north shore of O’ahu before finally settling in the SF Bay Area.

A few aunties and uncles stayed in Hawai’i and we were able to maintain a strong link with our family there. I see learning and practicing hula as nurturing that connection to Hawai’i and the aloha that welcomed our family on its way to the continent all those years ago.

Growing up, our family events almost always had us singing and dancing together to celebrate and entertain our guests. I fondly remember learning those dances in the garage in the days leading up to an event - the aunties shouting at all us cousins to ‘move your hips!’ or ‘aka mai!’ (smile!), or to correctly pronounce the words of a song.

And in a lot of ways I get many of those same feelings today as I try out for the line. Taking notes from Kumu and the kukui, applying it in rehearsal and not taking the feedback personally is critical in getting ahead and developing my abilities.

And stretching....lots and lots of stretching.

Mahalo nui ia oe e Kumu, na kukui a me na haumana o AHA for the warm welome!!

PELE AVEAU

Aloha, I'm Pele

My paternal grandparents moved from Manu’a in American Samoa back in the 70’s and lived on the north shore of O’ahu before finally settling in the SF Bay Area.

And stretching....lots and lots of stretching.

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