Special Message from Patricia Lei
Aloha Kalikimaka Ladies,
Thank you for the invitation to share my exciting project of celebrating 20 Years of Hula in Paris.
Last year, Island Heritage published my book entitled I CHOOSE YOU, which was nominated for Excellence in Children's Literature at the Po'okela awards.
It tells of a young Hawaiian girl, La'ikealoha, her aunty Ku'ulei and thier adventures in Paris, France. One of the high lights of their trip was to meet the Paris
Halau founded by Aunty Kilohana from Hawaii, and to feel the wonder of experiencing Hula 2 oceans away. They also shared treasured
traditions with the French haumana who became quick friends of La'i.
This book celebrates the cherished value of Ohana, including extended family...revering the aunties and uncles in our lives, who some how appear to malama
us in time of need. It also shows how cultures, especially in art and dance become the bonding force in the lives of these young girls, bringing them together
in such a unique way.
In July of 2012, Aunty Kilohana, myself, and a whole Hawaiian Entourage of musicians, and dancers will be going to Paris to celebrate the 20th Anniversary
of this very unique Halau that has thrived in Paris. It is called Halau Hula o Manoa. My book, I CHOOSE YOU, has been chosen as the product we are selling
to help us fund our venue for a concert in Paris, and to take la'i, and special ferns and adornments for the event. We have personally hosted a few afternoon
teas at Kilohana's s home in Manoa where her halau from the Kapiolani Women's Center have come to support us, buying books for Christmas presents for their Ohana.
We are also in the planning stages of events at the Bishop Museum, the Manoa Heritage Center, and the Waioli Tea Room in the coming year. There will be
readings, books signings, and of course hula and music with many dear friends attending.
Mahalo Piha, Patricia Lei
