Kolomalu hopes that by sharing her culture with audiences she can inspire younger people to get in touch with their roots and understand where they came from. Kolomalu’s fellow dancer (haumāna) Christina Summers also feels that understanding is a big part of the celebration of culture. “To watch little kids see it and get excited about it so they can grow up and continue these connections is something really special.” 

One particularly special part about the evening was the interactive section in which the audience members were invited onto the stage to participate in and learn some of the traditional dances, such as the Tahitian hula dance Ori Tahiti. In this dance the dancers wore long, black dresses to symbolize the themes of death and spirits which are conveyed in the dance movements. These dance movements are a quintessential part of these dances; and they are something Kolomalu wishes more people knew about. “[Hollywood] sexualizes our costumes and makes us seem more immodest than we are. When they show Polynesian dancing I feel like people don’t really understand that we’re telling stories.” 

Summers shares a similar desire for people to have a better understanding of the Pacific Islander culture. “I wish they knew that hula is steeped in a lot of tradition…the teachings of hula are more than you see on the stage.” 

Summers’s daughter, Ashley Miller, is also involved with hula dancing. Miller believes that a common misconception when it comes to hula dancing is “coconut bras,” when in reality, hula is about telling and maintaining important stories. “Hula is a way of life,” Miller stated. 

One reason why Miller was excited for the opportunity to perform was to let the audience members feel “the spirit of genuine, authentic hula and what it really stands for.” 

Kathleen Brammer, a repeat guest to the cultural celebration evenings, believes that it is important to share and spread culture because “It gives everybody a taste of cultures they don’t know, and it’s important for young kids to see that their heritage is available to them.” Brammer has enjoyed the last few cultural celebration performances and plans on going to see more. “They're dancing and singing and it really gets you interested in different things you don’t get anywhere else.”

So if you missed it this summer, be sure to check out Hale Theater’s Cultural Celebration Series next year. Lay out on the grass, enjoy some shaved ice, and experience meaningful, authentic cultural performances.