6-2-10 Eliana and Dianne give everyone an Aloha greeting
Friends:
Eliana (my ten year old daughter) and I started our summer tour, traveling all over Louisiana and performing in the public libraries promoting Summer Reading. This year, the collaborative Summer Reading theme is “Splash into Summer! Read!” To coincide with the theme, I created my show, “Aloha Tales,” a program of Hawaiian stories, Hula dancing, and Polynesian dancing.
6-2-10 Eliana dances with poi balls
The show begins with Eliana and I dancing a Hula called, “The Little Brown Girl.” Then I tell the story, “How Maui Tames the Sun” with lots of audience participation. There are several quick costume changes and Eliana does quite a bit of talking and dancing! After Eliana and I perform with poi balls, there is a quick change for me and I emerge in a red traditional muu muu. I tell the story of “The Volcano Goddess.”
6-1-10 Dianne de Las Casas tells the story of Pele, the Volcano Goddess
Then comes one of my favorite parts of the show. Eliana emerges in her Tahitian costume, eliciting oohs and ahs from the audience, and dances a traditional Tahitian dance called “Paea.” This is a dance I used to perform as a child!
6-1-10 Eliana dances Tahitian
I then demonstrate puilis, Hula implements that are long slatted sticks made from bamboo. I ask audience members to try the puilis. It’s lots of fun for everyone.
6-3-10 Dianne helps a little girl use puilis
The very end of the show is another one of my favorite parts! We bring audience members up on stage, dress them in grass skirts and flower leis, and teach them how to dance “The Hukilau,” a traditional Hula. I also have the audience stand up, learn the moves, and dance with us. Everyone enjoys it.
6-2-10 Audience members learn how to dance The Hukilau
Eliana and I had a blast in Evangeline Parish. We ate great food, met warm and friendly people, and had fun with all the kids in the libraries. The library system has such a wonderfully supportive community. We look forward to returning one day! I did discover one of my book characters hanging out in Evangeline Parish — it was Madame Poulet!
6-2-10 Dianne finds Madame Poulet in Evangeline Parish
We look forward to seeing you down the road! Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
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