Image copyright - 2000 Hālau Hula, I Kona Mau Lima (In His Hands) is made up of a diverse group of people, both Kāne and Wāhine. We come from extremely different paths and backgrounds. Although the Hālau does not preach spirituality, the foundation is spiritual, this is what allows for such diversity leaving it to Ke Akua to guide the way, for in his eyes we are all his children. Our motto is "E Hula Me Ke Konikoni a me Ka Mana'o"-- Dance with passion and purpose  Na Kane Na Wahine My name is Ualani Smith,  I am the Kumu. I have been dancing Hula for as long as I can remember. My love for Hula was instilled in me at a young age by my father. My father's words, "Smile baby, smile - watch your hands baby - dance lower baby" are deeply embedded in my Hula style. I've been privledged to have had the opportunity to study under three different Kumu Hulas at different phases in my Hula growth and from each  of my Kumus I have learned so much. Kumu, Darrell Lupenui of O'ahu, introduced me to the physical and technical discipline needed in Hula. This training continued with my second Kumu Pali Ahue of Maui and my third Kumu Keali'i Reichel. My Kumus have taught me many things, among these things is that the key to understanding Hula and Hula compositions is knowledge of the Hawaiian language. Hula is a physical, emotional and spiritual experience. It is filled with great depth. You are always growing,  always learning because the more you learn, the more you realize there is so much more to learn. My role in Hula has shifted from many years of being haumana, I am now the Kumu with much kuleana (responsibility) to pass on the traditions and mana'o I have learned from my Kumus. In my heart I still consider myself Haumana, although I have been teaching since 1998 there is still so much more to learn.   UALANI - 2003 UALANI 2003