2010 Hawaiian lu'au looks to spread 'aloha' spirit, showcase rich Polynesian culture
By Gao Na Yang
Dancing, flowers, plants, ukulele and food. UP's Hawaii Club is mapping out the ways to transform Chiles Center into a place where guests will get a taste of the island experience.
The on-campus lu'au isn't until March 20, but the club has been preparing for its biggest event since last year. As the date approaches, the four co-chairs are anxious to bring awareness and appreciation of Hawaiian culture during UP's 34th annual lu'au.
"It is our way of spreading the 'aloha' spirit and offering a hint of home to those far away from the islands," said senior Caroline Isomae, executive board president and dance chair of the club. "As well as a showcase of the rich heritage of Polynesia."
Lu'au's theme is E Ho'omau, which means "to continue to perpetuate," said senior Brianne Preza Haynes, co-chair of the club.
The theme depicts the notion of passing down traditions through generations, Haynes explained. Lu'au also illustrates the values of the Hawaiian culture.
Great value is placed on children continuing the traditions they learn from the elderly, senior co-chair Bennett Do added.
The club itself is passing down the tradition of building a bridge between students by providing opportunities for activities, networking, service and fostering community in a safe and educational manner.
Lu'au, an annual UP tradition, has grown into one of the largest student-organized activities on campus.
"Lu'au presents an opportunity for UP students, faculty and staff to get together for great food and entertainment highlighting the cultures of Hawaii and all of Polynesia," said Brian Dezzani, director of recreational services and adviser to the club.
Ukulele strumming and the various dance numbers set the mood for the night. The co-chairs are currently searching for a new band to provide entertainment.
Isomae and junior co-chair Larisa Sazon are bringing hula back as well. While there are several different dances that are taught for the event, they all incorporate both traditional and modern flairs of hula.
"In one of the dances, we'll do a cellophane-skirt poster card Hula girl," Sazon said. "It's going to be very fun."
Dance practices began last week and will continue Thursday evenings in Howard Hall. All students, staff and faculty are welcome to give it a try.
In fact, professors may be dancing to their very own tune this year.
"Last year, we had a professor who approached us about their interest in dancing," Sazon said. "We definitely want to do it and we're in the process of finding enough professors."
Those who attend Sazon's class will learn the correct style of dancing. There is a right and wrong way of dancing, said Sazon.
"There's a lot of tradition that goes into all of the dancing," she said. "Certain steps go with certain songs, and there are certain steps or moves that you don't do."
Lu'au also features a couples' dance, and this year is no exception. They are also in the process of finding an instructor for the all-guys dance, which has elicited a roar of screams from the audience in the past.
Dancing has been one of the prime highlights of lu'au, but the program also featured a skit that narrated a story about Hawaiian culture.
However, the committees have agreed to eliminate the skit.
"We found that in the past, the skit separated the show too much," Isomae said. "This year, we want to have entertainment that flows with the theme."
Though the committees have not met to finalize details yet, they plan to provide better quality entertainment, Isomae said.
Do, who is responsible for recruitment, ticket sales and food, is actively searching for people who are interested in becoming involved with lu'au and other Hawaii Club activities.
"It's a little difficult trying to find people to help out," he said. "But you don't have to be Hawaiian to join the club or join lu'au."
The club meets a few times a month in St. Mary's Lounge for discussions and stress-free time with each other. There are approximately 150 to 200 students involved in the club each year.
"UP works to expand the diversity of the campus population by recruiting population groups outside of the majority," Dezzani said.
Tickets, which cost $10, will be sold approximately two weeks prior to the event. According to the co-chairs, this year's lu'au will deliver new features and entertainment, including both students and instructors.
"We want people's presence, company and enjoyment," Isomae said. "Hopefully they will walk out and say, 'Wow! That was amazing.'"
