Hula Ikaika Ohana O Kaawai-E Honu Iti E

I am a stay at home mother of four kids who moved to the Central Valley almost 4 years ago. I needed an outlet to do something for myself. I didn't just want the regular workout at a gym so, I decided I wanted to get back into dancing like I did almost 20 years ago. I went on to Yelp to lookup any local halau's near me and I ran across Hula Ikaika Ohana O Kaawai-E Honu Iti E in Tracy. I spoke with Kumu Renee and she made me feel right at home from the minute I met her. It's been since July 18' that I decided to join this halau and it was the best decision I made. All my hula sisters have been welcoming and encouraging. Kumu Renee is so kind, caring and passionate about her halau and students. I'm so happy I joined!!!!

I have been bringing my daughter here for 12 years. That says a lot about a place. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with that I'm talking about the people. Would we have continued coming here for 12 years if it wasn't so? During that time I've started dancing too. My sons even dance once in a while. This halau is like family and you are treated that way the moment you walk through the door. It has been great seeing my kids grow up with all their halau sisters and brothers. The wonderful ladies I dance with have all become my sisters as well. Kumu Renee is a more than qualified Kumu Hula (hula instructor). Certified at that! Not many Kumu out there are. She was taught by one of the best and it shows in her dedication to her dancers. She does not teach you simply how to dance, but you are taught the history, the culture and the language so you can dance educated. There are a lot of people out there who are taught how to dance but not taught the meaning. Hula and Tahitian dancing tells a story with every step, every sway or hand movement and she teaches us that. It's more important than learning the dance itself. Kumu Renee is very proud of her students and she encourages them through every stage of developing into the best dancer they can be. This halau is a performing halau. They do shows all of the time, for many occasions. But they also dance competitively. If you find yourself stopping by the halau you can see the many awards won in previous years. There are separate classes for the little kids, I believe the youngest dancer is 3! Then there are beginner classes, intermediate and advanced classes too. So it doesn't matter what skill level you are at, you can join. When my daughter first started here she had zero experience. After a while of course she improved and never looked back. It was one of the best decisions I've made to bring her here all those years ago. I'd do it again in a heart beat.

Love this halau!! Glad to be a part of this Ohana. The Ohana here is tight knit. Kumu Renee is so sweet, caring and really loves what she does. This halau is smaller than the one I grew up with but for my 5 year old in beginner hula and tahitian I think its great for her. So happy we found this halau!!!

Best dancers, performers and competitors are trained here. I am very happy to stumble on this after moving to this area. Don't tell anyone i told you this

Wonderful hula halau! Aunty Renee teaches my 8 year old daughter and I. I dance hula and my daughter does both Tahitian and Hula. While the focus is mainly dance, Aunty Renee also teaches olelo Hawai'i and Hawaiian culture. Being from Hawai'i this halau is so helpful in keeping our culture alive and continuing in our family. Practices are on Wednesday nights in San Leandro at a very nice dance studio.