Ka Pi’o O Ke Ānuenue, Ashland’s Hula Halau

Passed down through generations, hula is poetry in motion that has been practiced since early Polynesians arrived in the Hawaiian islands many years ago. Hula dances embody the lyrics of the mele or songs to preserve the culture and values of the Hawaiian people.  Hula celebrates the sacredness of creation by depicting all aspects of life. The dances retell legends and history, describe the forces of nature, honor ancestors, convey love for cherished relations, and portray a pantheon of gods and their embodied forms on earth.

Ka Pi’o O Ke Anuenue is a local Hula school in Ashland, Oregon; our mission is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through the sacred tradition of hula. We offer Hula Classes for women, men, and keiki (kids) with the spirit of aloha, in an inspiring & educational atmosphere. Students learn hula kahiko (ancient hula), hula ‘auana (modern hula) and oli (Hawaiian chant), while learning about the history, legends, spirituality, language & land of Hawai’i. 

Our non-profit Kapi’o anuenue is a Hawaiian cultural preservation organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the wisdom and knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and traditional practices. Founded in 2012, our objective is to fund programs that educate, inspire, enrich, and uplift our communities and the people we serve in a uniquely Hawaiian way through events, classes, performance events, workshops, and cultural exchange programs.

Our teacher and caring leader is Kumu Hula Andrea Luchese who studied under Kumu Raylene Ha’alele’a Kawaiae`a until her passing in 2012. Other kumu that have guided her include Sybil Ku’uipo Pruett and Kumu Keala Ching from Kona, Hawai’I, under whose tutelage she received her traditional ‘uniki ceremony and graduation. As a kumu hula or “master teacher”, Andrea’s focus is on perpetuating the teachings of her lineage with a friendly and personable approach that makes hula accessible to everyone regardless of their background, age, or movement ability. This teaching style allows her students to discover and be enriched by the heart-centered values that Hawaiian culture has to offer in today’s modern and complex world. 

Upcoming event: Ashland Aloha Festival on July 21st: Join us for an afternoon of aloha at Grizzly Peak Winery in the beautiful foothills of Ashland (held indoors at the winery if there is wildfire smoke). Enjoy community cultural workshops for all ages, live music featuring Keale Kupuna from O’ahu with Bill Griffin, plus an authentic hula show with traditional hula kahiko, as well as contemporary hula. There will be Hawaiian food, shave ice and local wine by Grizzly Peak for purchase. Our halau will also hold a Silent Auction and will have Hawaiiana gifts available. Workshops are 2-4 pm, Show is 4:30-6:30 pm. Tickets available on the Events page at AshlandHula.com, at Music Coop, 268 E. Main St. in Ashland, or at the event.

For more information please contact Kumu Andrea at 541-324-6111 or send an email to hulaanuenue@gmail.com.