Kumu Hula Shawna Alapa‘i

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Kumu Hula Shawna Alapa‘i is well known for her strong, graceful and expressive style of hula as well as her powerful chanting. She has danced on world stages and for many dignitaries of foreign countries. She was born and raised in Kailua, O‘ahu, where she began her devoted practice of Hula since 11 years old. Having a strong foundation of 3 Kumu Hula, Ellen Castillo, Leina‘ala Kalama Heine and Aunty Mae Kamamalu Klein has deeply influenced her own teachings, which are rooted in preserving the traditional fundamentals and dances as were passed down to her. She established her Halau Hula Na Pua O Ka La‘akea in Marin County in 1996 and also offers classes in Sonoma County as well. In 2000, she began an intensive study program with Hula Master Aunty Mae Kamamalu Klein in Hawai‘i and after 3 years, achieved the prestigious status of Kumu Hula (hula master). This achievement culminated in a traditional ‘uniki ‘ailolo graduation ceremony and connects Miss Alapa‘i to a hula lineage stretching back for generations.