Academy of Hawaiian Arts

Merrie Monarch 2008


Merrie Monarch is the pinnacle of hula competition in the world since 1971 and is held annually in Hilo, Hawai'i.  (The festival itself is 43 years old.)  The Academy of Hawaiian Arts (AHA) is proud that its Kane (men)  and Wahine (women) are competing in 2007.  The invitation to participate is exclusive.  For example, only 23 of the hula halau in the world were invited to compete in Merrie Monarch 2006.   In addition, only three hula halau were from off-island, and AHA was the only halau representing Northern California at this prestigious event.  In light of this, when AHA competes, it is not only for AHA, but for most of us that live on the mainland.

Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, is one of the world's leading figures in hula — a cultural treasure and an innovator for the dance of Hawai`i. His dedication to the art of hula, his vision for the future of the Hawaiian arts, and the high esteem he has earned from the Hawaiian community are the reasons the Academy is being invited to compete in the hula competition at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

For the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, the commitment to compete at Merrie Monarch is grueling.  The event is ever present.  Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu formally commits to the event during the summer, travels to Hawai'i for its meetings, and starts developing the hula.  Kumu reminds us frequently that Merrie Monarch competition is near and that it demands our complete attention. 

In December, full time training begins and includes road training, calisthenics, and hula up to about 20 hours per week.  Dancers also train outside of this schedule, work full time, attend university full time, and / or raise families.  In January, dancers start fundraising to defray the costs associated with training, travel, costumes, lodging, and food.  In February, the dancers start crafting their implements and costumes.

Be part of our journey to represent Northern California at the Merrie Monarch in April 2008.

Take the Voyage with AHA... Donate to the Merrie Monarch Fund Today

Mahalo to our 2007 Sponsors

Read about the history of the Merrie Monarch
in the AHA e-Newsletter
View photos of AHA at Merrie Monarch 2006

Watch the Take the Voyage video

 

  

  
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