California Road Trip: July 18, 2013 to July 20, 2013

Our trip started with a drive from Eugene to Sacramento for the George Na'ope Hula Festival.
 

We decorated the van for the road trip.  She seems pleased.

Really enjoying his rest stop lunch.

No trip to California is complete without some In-n-Out!

New hat from Popo

This year, Cashel competed as a soloist as well as dancing with her group.  As such, she had an interview with the judges the day before the festival officially started.  I think this face says, "Stop quizzing me - I'm ready!"

Hotel beds are the best.

Kaikamahine, ready for rehearsal.

All the keiki with Kumu.

Stage time for some blocking and rehearsal.

Festival day 1: Kahiko (ancient style) Hula

Cashel had an early morning call for hair and makeup for her solo.

She loved this part!

Wearing lei po'o and kupe'e, maile garland, crown flower lei (a flower favored by Queen Liliu'okalani), and a mom- and Cashel-made la'i skirt.

Cashel was the first dancer of the festival, and the youngest soloist competing.  She started with a welcoming chant, and then performed a dance about the beauty of Queen Liliu'okalani.

George Na'ope Hula Festival - Liliu'E from orangewker on Vimeo.  Please contact us if you'd like the password to view the video.

We are so proud of our brave and beautiful girl!  She worked hard and can feel very proud about how she represented herself and her halau.

Basking in the post-performance glow with Kumu.

We were so happy that Nanny and Popo were there to share the moment.

Posing with Auntie Akiko, her assistant teacher.

Sweetness in the ready room.

The group hula kahiko was about King David Kalakaua.  Our kaikamahine did a great job! 

George Na'ope Hula Festival - Kalakaua from orangewker on Vimeo.  Again, please contact us if you'd like the password to view the video.

The girls won first place for this dance.  We're so proud of them!

Tai Tai, Cashel's Great-Grandmother, was able to come from Hawai'i for the festival.  It was very special to share this time with her.  Tai Tai still dances herself, and is the reason Cashel got into hula.