Backstage at the 33rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival [1996]
Paula Akana presents a behind-the-scenes look at several hula hālau as they prepare for the 33rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival. The 1996 program begins with an interview of Kumu Kahaʻi Topolinski of Ka Pā Hula Hawaiʻi who teaches his dancers how to make their own hula implements and apparel. Kawena Sachiko Moanikeʻala Suganuma rehearses for the Miss Aloha Hula competition and discusses her legacy as the granddaughter of Mary Kawena Pukui. Kumu Leinaʻala Kalama Heine of Nā Pualei o Likolehua returns to the festival after a long absence and takes her dancers to the island of Ni'ihau. Kumu Chinky Mahoe of Hālau ʻO Kawailiʻulā discusses his chosen mele for the kāne hula ʻauana performance, and Kumu Johnny Lum Ho of Hālau o Ka Ua Kani Lehua shares the activities of his dancers as they prepare for their wāhine hula kahiko performance.
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