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With the exception of Ryan, they have all performed in shows
for AHA. Because of this they have been affectionately named
them the 'Hula Von Trapp' family (a reference to the family
of performers from The Sound of Music).
When this is mentioned to Danilo, he laughs and says, "I
think it's funny. It just happened to turn out that way."
Melinda adds, "Yeah, we're kind of like that…minus
the eight kids."
The journey of the Manuels to AHA started when Nina came of
age to dance. She briefly studied ballet, but her interest
in it waned – something that did not happen with hula.
It was apparent to Melinda that Nina was always "captivated
and mesmerized" when they would attend hula performances
nearby or on their yearly trips to Hawaii. Danilo and Melinda,
wanting the best Hula teachers for Nina, started her with
AHA and Kumu Mark. She started in March 2003 and is now in
the advanced keiki class. She says she loves hula and the
friends that she has made. She has had the opportunity to
perform in cultural events at Carl Munck Elementary and Dunsmuir
House, as well as AHA's Ho'okahi.
Shortly after Nina started with AHA, Danilo joined in June
2003. He had danced with Kumu Mark several years prior with
Nā Mele Hula 'Ohana. He decided to leave Nā Mele
after a year to raise his young family. Danilo already feels
his experience with Kumu Mark is one of the best things he
has done in his life. With so many hula instructors in Bay
Area, Kumu Mark is the only one Danilo recognizes, as he puts
it, "as one who truly lives and breathes hula."
Danilo is now part of AHA's Pro Team, which requires a great
deal of commitment. The Pro Team practices for several hours
a night, three times a week, and more when upcoming shows
are imminent. He has performed in San Francisco's Aloha Festivals,
Iā 'Oe Ka Lā hula competition, AHA's Ke Ao Hou and
Ho'okahi. He is now practicing for AHA's November production
'Alua
with Makaha Sons.
All of these practice times for Danilo can be challenging
for the Manuels, which is one reason why Melinda joined AHA.
While some spouses might have balked at having a husband on
the Pro Team, Melinda took a more compassionate approach and
decided to join AHA to understand the mindset of the committed
Hula Dancer.
During this interview, she is folding hundreds of AHA fundraising
letters and says, "Danilo is so committed…I understand
now the commitment it takes for that [higher] level."
Another reason why Melinda joined AHA was because she saw
it as something the whole family can do together, and as an
opportunity for her to become a better dancer. She joined
in March 2005 and had the privilege of performing in this
year's San Francisco Aloha Festival.
As for Ryan, his path into Hula remains to be seen. He is
not a dancer, but is definitely part of AHA. He likes coming
to Saturday classes to play with the other AHA keiki, and
says his favorite thing about coming here is playing in the
playroom.
The Manuels at AHA is a family within a family. They understand
each other's roles that they play at home and at the hālau.
Their dedication to each other and to AHA is not only refreshing
to be around, but is inspiring.
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