Hui O Ka Pua 'Ilima

Polynesian dance instructor Carol Takafuji started a Polynesian dance ensemble after a group of her students expressed interest in performing.

After taking Polynesian dance classes for a number of years, Takafuji began teaching Polynesian dance classes at the Spring Hill RECenter in 2004. A group of her students wanted to take their new skills to the stage and Takafuji organized the students.

The name of the ensemble, Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima, is traditional Hawaiian for “group of the ‘Ilima flower,” the flower of the island of Oahu. Seven years later, the ensemble is still performing traditional Polynesian, Maori, and Tahitian dances set to music.

Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima has performed at many cultural events in the DC metro area. The group consistently engages the audience with facts about Hawaii’s culture and music. Their performance consists of elements of a traditional luau; the group celebrates birthdays and wedding anniversaries of audience members through song and dance.  Takafuji plays the ukulele while members of the group play traditional Polynesian instruments like the ipu gourd and the lava rocks.

“Hawaii is the 50^th state and it’s familiar to the audience,” said Takafuji. “I’m sure they have fond memories of their visit to Hawaii.”

The ensemble has also performed in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“We really enjoy it,” said Takafuji of those performances. “We love to see people smile and become happy.”

Takafuji currently teaches intermediate and advanced Polynesian dance at the Spring Hill RECenter.

“I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really enjoy it,” Takafuji said of teaching. “It’s challenging and rewarding. It doesn’t pay much, but get a lot of personal satisfaction to see the ladies grow.”

Be sure to see Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima at Grist Mill Park tomorrow night at 7 p.m.