Cast Members Take the Stage at a National Hula Competition

The spirit of aloha was alive and well this past weekend as several Cast Members took the stage at the Hoike Hawaii 16^th Annual Hula Competition in Central Florida.

This annual event brings Hawaiian and Tahitian dancers and dance teams from around the United States to Orlando to participate in a friendly dance competition. Hula is a dance unique to Hawaii and is used to tell the state’s stories and history through movement.

For Cast Member Rose Monahan, that love began the first time she was introduced to hula dancing at a class taught by another Cast Member Auntie Kau’i who is the Hawaiian cultural ambassador at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Auntie Kau’i is also the team’s hula coach and mentor.

The group spends every Saturday morning with Auntie Kau’i at the Polynesian resort preparing for the competition. After practicing, they often join resort guests and teach them some hula moves.

Auntie Kau’i has been instrumental in bringing the spirit of the islands to Walt Disney World Resort since she was part of the team that helped open Disney’s Polynesian Resort in 1971.  As an experienced hula dancer and a native of Hawaii, Auntie Kau’i teaches Cast Members and guests the spirit of aloha.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine