About the Retreat

Now in its second year, the Great Lakes Hula Retreat is PAACOM's signature event. This year's retreat, set for September 23-25 2022, will offer intensive master classes for hula students, as well as a public performance designed to entertain guests while weaving in educational elements about the history and protocols of authentic hula.

Retreat Locations

Hosted by the City of Novi, MI, this year's retreat is at the brand new Lakeshore Community Building.

601. S. Lake Drive
Novi, MI 48377

Group rate hotel rooms are available at the Four Points by Sheraton Detroit-Novi.

27000 South Karevich Drive
Novi, MI 48377

What to Expect

Kumu Hula Kau'i Dalire will once again be the headlining instructor for our event. This year, Kumu Kau'i also plans to invite additional guest Kumu Hula and Native Hawaiian culture-keepers to facilitate workshops at the Retreat. Although exact offerings will be determined by the Kumu Hula themselves, particpants should expect the opportunity to study basic hula techniques, Hula Auana (modern style hula dancing), cultural implements, Olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language), Hawaiian History and folklore as it pertains to the art of Hula dance.

PAACOM has designed this event to be the Midwest's premier destination for Polynesian cultural arts enthusiasts and practitioners. As always, our focus is on authenticity in instruction with a goal of providing access to the highest quality teachers and course offerings, while highlighting the importance of learning directly from Indigenous instructors. We strive to ensure that the creative expression and cultural knowledge passed on throughout the retreat honors and preserves these arts.

Students at the Great Lakes Hula Retreat can expect the highest quality cultural instruction encompassing all aspects of the art of hula. Throughout the weekend, students will be exposed to Hawaiian values.

This year, the Lu'au will be open to the public. This will provide an opportunity for the general community to engage with authentic Hawaiian culture and arts.

Why study with a Kumu Hula?

  • Breaking down the mele (songs) to help dancers understand what the dance is meant to express
  • Details about the history, geography and folklore of Hawaii
  • Guidance on proper cultural costuming & implements
  • Guidance in proper costuming and implement creation, usage and storage
  • Learn the differnce between performing hula for entertainment and engaging in hula as ritual protocol
  • The nuances and layered meanings of words and phrases in olelo Hawaii to help students connect not just to surface level translations, but rather to experience the beauty and poetry of the Hawaiian language
  • Dance and cultural instruction infused with anecdotes from those who have lived, walked, and worked the land from which the song and dance have emerged

Meet our Presenters

Kumu Hula Kau'i Dalire

Kaui's mission: To perpetuate Hawaiian music and culture around the world, as well as assist established acts and develop the next generation of up-and-coming artists in the music and entertainment industry.

Kumu Hula Manu Boyd

Manu Boyd is the kumu hula of Hālau o ke 'A'ali'i Kū Makani. Multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, Manu served as the public information director for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and was a commissioner for the State Foundation on Culture and Arts.

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