Although you, my readers, have gotten accustomed to reading friendly reviews of local eateries, I decided to turn up the flames this month, literally, and explore Polynesian dancing in a way we've never done it before!
The talented male dancers of Ma'ohinui also perform
fireknife dancing...something that will definitely leave
you jaws hanging
You know, we live in a place that people flock to all year round for our beautiful weather, breathtaking landscape and beaches, and the best cuisine around. People also take in Polynesian dance in the biggest melting pot in the Pacific Rim. I was able to truly get in the midst of a very talented halau/pupu ori (song/dance group).
Ma`ohinui, established in 2002 under the direction of Mervyn Lilo, has been at the forefront of one of the fastest growing, and talented Polynesian dance groups in Hawaii. The group's purpose is to "perpetuate the spirit of the great Polynesian people." After spending a considerable amount of time with the dancers, I can honestly say that these men and women (and youngsters) put their hearts and souls into their art, and you can tell when watching them perform. They do it all-from Hawaiian, to Maori, to Tongan to Samoan, to their forte, Tahitian.
<<hawn_men pic [at performances, Ma'ohinui puts on an
authentic, and exciting Polynesian revue. Here, the male
dancers perform a fun 'auana number]>>
<<hawn_women pic [here the women accompany by gracing
the stage during the Hawaii portion of the program]>>
One of Ma'ohinui's beatiful dancers entertaining the crowd
at a recent performance
Poi balls and all! Anyone and everyone who watches their
show will go home satisfied-very entertained
Brother (Mervyn Lilo, owner/founder of Ma'ohinui) and sister (Agnes
Matila, head instructor, Ma'ohinui) team up for one of Ma'ohinui's
strongest numbers - Tahitian
The beautiful women entice the crowd with their hips
Practice makes perfect: the men on Ma'ohinui practice before a recent
performance
I don't think this picture even NEEDS a caption from me.
OUCH!
My son was instantly amazed as he watched the dancers perform for our
television cameras
When I tried with an UNLIT fireknife, I couln't even do this; throwing it up
in the air and catching it...I couldn't help but think that I'd either drop the
knife on my foot or singe my hair off, if I ever did it with flame.
Ma`ohinui will be featured in the next season of my television show, "Hawai`i... Beyond Paradise," so make sure to look for TWO separate episodes; featuring Tahitian and Fireknife dancing. What amazed me about this group is their dedication, sweet spirits, and commitment to working together and putting on a wonderful show. Upon observing one of their practices, (which are held at their studio, at 330 Sand Island Access Road, Suite #105, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96819) I immediately noticed how organized everything was. Women on one side of the room, men on the other. Musicians and drummers were ready at any given moment, for any changes or alterations to practice numbers. Another thing I noticed is the "family" atmosphere given off ... and then realized why. I was instantly introduced to Mervyn's dad, Tuveve Matila, (who drums), brother Phillip Matila (lead musician), and sister Agnes Matila (head instructor). It warmed my heart to see it as such a family venture. Yet the emphasis on authenticity and style of dance, as well as accuracy (in performing) were by far, very exceptional. After my cameraman and I left, I realized that these dancers were far from what people would envision in "Waikiki" in terms of authenticity. They did the "real thing."
Watching the group practice made me want to take up dancing again, until I saw the grimaces on the girls' faces towards the end of practice. I had a few second thoughts at that moment. But the skill and grace by which they danced with, left me in utter amazement! And the fact that Ma`ohinui had only been running for about three years, with this kind of "perfection," gave me hope that there are people out there are ARE trying to perpetuate the Polynesian song and dance styles that made Hawaii so famous in the first place. Their talents have made Ma`ohinui fortunate enough to travel around the world. Take, for instance, 2002. It included performing for the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life," Kapena's "Mother Day Luncheon," and "4th of July Extravaganza," Kailua's Sunset on the Beach, even an exhibition for WWE and WWE's Wrestlers Luau. They even performed at a luau for members of the "Run Down" cast featuring The Rock. 2003 brought them to our troops, here in Hawaii, Guam, Johnston Atoll, Singapore, and Diego Garcia. Performances in 2004 and 2005 kept Ma`ohinui busy. Besides being featured on the local television show, "Da Braddahs and Friends," they were filmed for the movie "Be Cool," the television series "North Shore" and toured in Alaska, Okinawa, Korea, and Japan, again, for our military. 2005 has brought them all over Hawaii and the rest of the world, and has given the world a taste of what true Polynesian dancing is all about. I watched these guys perform and I would do it all over again if I had the opportunity. So be it baby party, graduation, or performance for the troops, I know have a lot more respect for what these dancers must go through to entertain all of us.
If you would like to join this talented Polynesian dancing group, call Mervyn Lilo (founder, owner) at (808) 382-1018.
