Sharlene Kananipuaohaleakala Kwai Sim Wong was born in Honolulu and lived in Kalihi throughout her childhood. She went to Kamehameha Schools (K - 12), lives in Connecticut and is Director of Food Service for the Wallingford Public Schools. She's been in food service for the past 24 years. Here is her hula story.
"I haven't always wanted to dance Hula, as a matter of fact, it's been less than five years. Now, I'm proud of myself for taking on the challenge of learning the dance of my ancestors. I'm learning Hula at a time in my life when I can really appreciate the meaning of the hulas and the traditions that go with it. Hula has also helped me become more coordinated. I feel I have a better understanding of my body's mechanics.
One of my grandmothers lived with us and my other tutu lived a few streets away. She is the tutu of Hawaiian descent who hailed from Koloa, Kaua'i. I loved to go to my tutu's house because she had lots of jasmine planted in front. When we sat on her stoop in the evening with my cousins and uncles playing the ukulele and the zither, you could smell the fragrant blossoms. I miss that smell.
When I was little my mom took me to Hula classes down the street above the grocery store. I cried every weekend I had to go to class or practice at home. Finally my parents decided that I was a lost cause and didn't force me to go to Hula class anymore. But at Kamehameha they incorporated various Polynesian dances and musical implements into music class so I learned a bit of Hula there.
As I prepared to attend my 30th class reunion, I realized that it was important to me to try to maintain a bit of my Hawaiian heritage. I have always been in love with Hula Kahiko as opposed to Hula Auana. I viewed Kahiko as the authentic dance of my ancestors versus Auana the dance I felt was developed for tourists. Besides, my previous excursion in Hula consisted of Auana and we know how badly that experience ended.
From all of my research I located Kumu June. She was traveling to NYC once a month on the weekends and that fit my schedule perfectly. I contacted her by email and phone. She kindly allowed me to join her classes. In reality, I'm sure she would have put the kibosh on that if she knew that I was just an uncoordinated Hula hopeful at that point.
As a student of history, I love that each Hula recounts an event from the past. It is the way my ancestors passed on their history much like other ancient civilizations that had not developed the written word. I also like the fact that dancing Hula creates an opportunity for a diverse group of people to come together and build a "family" and a community. Admittedly, I use the latest technology to keep in touch with my Kumu and with my Hula "sisters" all across the country. We live in a wonderful time where I have an incredible combination of the very old and the very new at my disposal.