About Us
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Amy Kuʻuleialoha Stillman is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi scholar born and raised on Oʻahu, with genealogical roots to Awini, Kōhala, and Hāna Maui. A proud alumna of University of Hawaiʻiʻs ethnomusicology and Hawaiian Studies programs, she completed the Ph.D. in musicology at Harvard in 1991. She is a longtime member of the faculty at the University
Amy Kuʻuleialoha Stillman is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi scholar born and raised on Oʻahu, with genealogical roots to Awini, Kōhala, and Hāna Maui. A proud alumna of University of Hawaiʻiʻs ethnomusicology and Hawaiian Studies programs, she completed the Ph.D. in musicology at Harvard in 1991. She is a longtime member of the faculty at the University of Michigan, where she is Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, Professor of American Culture and Musicology, currently the Director of Native American Studies, and a former Director of Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies. She returned to UH in 2010-2011 as the Dai Ho Chun Visiting Professor in American Studies and Music.
Her research focuses on the cultural continuities in performance traditions in Hawaiʻi and French Polynesia, into and through the era of Euro-American colonialism. She is the author of Sacred Hula; The Historical Hula ʻĀlaʻapapa, and numerous articles in leading journals and edited collections. She has produced or co-produced ten CDs of historical and contemporary Hawaiian music. Two of the three collaborations with artists Daniel Ho and Tia Carrere garnered GRAMMY awards, in 2008 and 2020. Currently she is working to bring to completion her long-awaited critical edition titled Hawaiian Songs Ancient and Modern, which spans Hawaiian repertoire from oli to hip hop. It will be part of the series Music of the United States of America published by the American Musicological Society.
The title of her talk today, surely in the running for longest string of jargon, is: Positionality at the Intersection of Ethnomusicology and Indigenous Critical Studies: Thinking, for example, about deep musical soundscapes and sonic intimacies archived in Indigenous Bodies.
Melanee Hirvela: Founder of Hoaloha
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Melanee Hirvela is an experienced instructor specializing in Polynesian dancing, with a strong emphasis on Hawaiian Hula. She brings over 30 years of dedicated training in this cultural practice and serves as the lead instructor, coordinator, and artistic director of her dance group. Melanee trains as a Ho’opa’a (chanter) under Dr. Amy
Melanee Hirvela is an experienced instructor specializing in Polynesian dancing, with a strong emphasis on Hawaiian Hula. She brings over 30 years of dedicated training in this cultural practice and serves as the lead instructor, coordinator, and artistic director of her dance group. Melanee trains as a Ho’opa’a (chanter) under Dr. Amy Ku‘uleialoha Stillman at the Great Lakes Hula Academy. She also attends workshops led by Kumu Hula (Hula Masters) and other Polynesian Dance Masters from the islands, further expanding her skills and knowledge. Throughout her career, Melanee has performed and coordinated numerous private and public events. She coordinates and hosts one of the largest hula dancers' workshop in the midwest. She offers the Hula for Health program to residents in Michigan, promoting wellness through dance. Melanee is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion for cultural dance and fitness with her students. One of Melanee’s goals is to help her students develop an appreciation for other cultures through dance. In addition to her dance instruction, she draws on her experience as a classroom teacher, having taught for over 20 years.
Masako Ritch: Co-Instructor
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Akane Applegate: Co-Instructor
Masako is an advanced hula dancer with Hoaloha, where she has spent the past 17 years training under the guidance of Melanee Hirvela. Her primary focus throughout this time has been mastering the art of hula. Masako’s commitment to her craft is evident in her continued studies as Ho'opa'a with Dr. Amy Ku’uleialoha Stillman at the Great
Masako is an advanced hula dancer with Hoaloha, where she has spent the past 17 years training under the guidance of Melanee Hirvela. Her primary focus throughout this time has been mastering the art of hula. Masako’s commitment to her craft is evident in her continued studies as Ho'opa'a with Dr. Amy Ku’uleialoha Stillman at the Great Lakes Hula Academy. In addition to her ongoing training, she actively participates in workshops hosted by Hoaloha, where she trains with renowned master instructors, such as Kumu Hula and music artist Kuana Torres Kahele. Masako’s dedication to Polynesian dance serves as a source of inspiration to her hula ohana motivating others through her passion.
Akane Applegate: Co-Instructor
Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman: Kumu Hula in Residence
Akane Applegate: Co-Instructor
Akane began her journey in 'Ori Tahiti 16 years ago in Japan, laying the foundation for her passion in Polynesian dance. Over the course of 13 years, she continued her practice as a Hoaloha dancer under the guidance of Melanee Hirvela. Currently, Akane is pursuing training as Ho'opa'a with Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman at the Great Lake
Akane began her journey in 'Ori Tahiti 16 years ago in Japan, laying the foundation for her passion in Polynesian dance. Over the course of 13 years, she continued her practice as a Hoaloha dancer under the guidance of Melanee Hirvela. Currently, Akane is pursuing training as Ho'opa'a with Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman at the Great Lakes Hula Academy. She remains committed to her growth by regularly attending Polynesian dance workshops and engaging in training sessions with renowned instructors, further enriching her expertise. She strives to make the learning process fun, ensuring that each student feels encouraged and inspired as they develop their skills.
Haumana
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Keiki to Adult Dancers
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Learn Pacific Island culture and traditions while you dance.