Kehau Chrisman misses life in Hawaii terribly. The Cottonwood resident had to leave the islands nearly a decade ago because her husband needed to get away from the particulates thrown into the air by the volcanoes that are seemingly always erupting.
The couple traveled throughout the United States before decided on making Arizona their home.
Fortunately, Chrisman was able to bring a little bit of Hawaii with her.
Eight years ago, Chrisman started teaching Hula dance classes in Cottonwood and other places across Central and Northern Arizona through her school, Halau Hula Napuaokalei’ilima.
“As soon as I got here, I thought I should teach hula,” Chrisman said. “I got a great response, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Every year, Chrisman has her students prepare for a performance at the large Arizona Aloha Festival that takes place in March in Tempe. Before that, the different classes generally put on a special performance for family members and friends, showing off what they’ve learned so far.
This year, Chrisman is doing things a bit differently and opening the show to the public. The event is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Palmer Community Center at Rainbow Acres, 2120 W. Reservation Loop Road in Middle Verde. The event includes a potluck lunch.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, Oct. 31, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
