NCL America Partners with Local Halau to Launch Onboard Hula Show
Jan 08, 2007
Honolulu - January 08, 2007 --- NCL America, in partnership with Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Kumu hula Mapuana de Silva and Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoa O Wa'ahila, Kuma Hula Malia Loebenstein-Carter, is launching Ho'okipa Aloha, a hula program created for cruise passengers to showcase Hawai'i's historical and cultural heritage through song and dance. Selected halau have been invited to perform for the onboard program, which is being coordinated by Holt Takamine.
The first show will be celebrated on the Pride of Hawai'i on Monday, January 8th. The halau will then perform on all three NCL America ships while in port in Honolulu starting with Pride of America on Saturdays, Pride of Aloha on Sundays and Pride of Hawai'i on Mondays.
"Hula is the art of expression through movement; the heart and soul of Hawai'i. It is the kuleana (responsibility) of halau hula (Hawaiian dance schools) and their kumu hula (master teachers) to preserve, protect and promote this treasured tradition," said Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine. "We are pleased to participate in the Ho'okipa Aloha program by sharing our cultural heritage with NCL America passengers. We hope that through this program, visitors to our islands will be better educated about our people and our islands."
The shows will feature both traditional and contemporary styles of hula and will be performed on the pool deck by performers from Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, Halau Mohala 'Ilima and Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoa O Wa'ahila. The halau will greet passengers with music, dance, and the spirit of aloha. It will recreate what passengers once experienced during Aloha Boat Days in the 1920's, 30's, and 40's when ocean liners arrived to Honolulu Harbor packed with eager visitors.
"We are working toward putting together programs aboard our ships that honor Hawaii's people and culture," said NCL America Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hawaii Operations Robert Kritzman. "Working with local hula groups and creating Ho'okipa Aloha are part of our efforts to develop an enjoyable and educational program for our passengers."
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