We are a Hula school based in Grand Rapids, MI

Our focus is to perpetuate Hawaiian & Polynesian culture through dance and hoʻoikaika kino (workout)

What We Offer!

We offer Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Class Levels as well as Private Lessons. Click the Classes link above for more info!
Low to high impact exercise to hip hop and reggae music!
Whenever possible, we will incorporate Hawaiian values and 'Olelo Hawai'I (Hawaiian Language).
Haumana (students) will learn other forms of Polynesian Dances from the Islands of Tahiti, Samoa and New Zeeland.
Contact us to book our Professional Performance Group for your next event (festivals, corporate parties, birthdays)!

What is Hula?

Hula is an art form of dance unique to the islands of Hawai'i. There are many reasons why Hula is danced and why it is so sacred to Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians).

Beneath the gestures and movements, lies a cultural system. It is spiritual as much as physical. It was a way to share 'ike (knowledge) and stories to the next generation as well as honor the natural manifestations of life forces that nurture and sustain the Hawaiian people.

The beauty of Hula and the Aloha Spirit is meant to be shared! We look forward to sharing it with you!

Meet Us

Hula Teacher

Erica was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii and was, therefore, introduced to Hula at a very young age. She recalls memories of Hula in grade school for May Day and other historical event festivities unique to Hawai'i. Since then, she has always been drawn to Hula. Hula is what has kept her grounded and connected to home after relocating to Grand Rapids, MI with her ohana in 2000. Her Michigan Hula journey began with the Pacific Island Dancers under Hula Teacher, Minnie Morey's 'ike and direction. It was through Hula with Auntie Minnie who connected her with her Michigan Ohana, other Kanaka Maoli living here in Michigan. Erica deepened her passion and spiritual connection to Hula under the 'ike and direction of Schantell Schmidt-Taylor, a Kanaka Maoli and hula practioner of Waianae, Hawaii and through attending workshops lead by various Kumu Hula. Erica is a board member of the Polynesian Indigenous Knowledge Organization (PIKO) of Michigan, alongside Elizabeth Kamali’i Mcgann, Schantel Schmidt-Taylor and Margie Cho. It was also through Hula where she met her Hula Partner/Sister Charah Bentulan.

Alaka'i (Group Leader)

Charah, an Island girl herself, fell in love with learning the connections and similarities between her Filipino culture and the Polynesian culture. She has danced for many years under the 'ike and direction of Minnie Morey, with the Pacific Island Dancers. She's expanded her knowledge and performance skills with Schantell Schmidt-Taylor and Keito Kaawa.