Divine Secrets of the Hula Sisterhood

I grew up with an older brother and always wanted a sister, but Mom and Dad never caved and made me one. So, I had to search for my soul sister in other places, and luckily, I now have racked up about a hundred of them (if not more). I'm talking hula sisters. Some people will find it odd if I introduce someone as my "hula sister" versus just my "friend," but that's because there's such a deeper bond through hula that makes someone your sister for life. Having danced hula since the age of 5, I've learned to appreciate that hula sisterhood transcends all age gaps. You can have a bond with someone twice your age, or half your age, all because you share this love for hula. I have second and third moms, twin sisters and plenty of baby sisters from hula. And we not only share hula, but we also share navigating through the reality of everyday life together, because we're all going through the same juggling act, trying to manage school, jobs, and family, all while dedicating ourselves to our passion.

There are so many things you go through with these women. While you're in the halau, actually dancing hula, you're going through the same physical, mental and emotional trials together. Nothing describes the camaraderie. You're working as a team and connecting to each other. And then when the dancing has stopped, you're connecting through conversation about whatever else is going on in your life: relatonships, kids, school, work, etc. You get to know these women inside and out, and you develop just this deep love and respect for each and every one of them.

I have been fortunate to dance with so many beautiful human beings and learn from the best. I have been taught to be a proud, beautiful and empowered woman who can command an audience while not even having to say a single word. I have been shaped by my experience with them and have grown up in a halau surrounded by not only hula sisters, but hula brothers, uncles and aunties. They have been a beautiful extension of my own blood family, and my love for them is just as strong.

I grew up in my halau at home (Hula Halau 'O Ku'uleinani, woop woop) always as the baby in the class, so it's really weird to me now that at Kamuela, I'm one of the old ones! (GASP!) *Insert crying face emoji here!* How'd that happen?!?! I guess it was inevitable! So now that I get to be the big sister, I only hope that I can impart some wisdom and share life experiences with some of the younger ones. I remember at their age, hula was LIFE. And then college happened, life happened, marriage and kids...and this will likely happen to them, as they're all smart, beautiful and talented. But I hope that when those things happen, they'll appreciate the sisterhood that can never be replaced.