The Hula Tahitian dance studio "Papa Hula O Ho'onani I Ka Lani Aomori" will open on September 23 at the Aomori Prefectural Tourism and Products Center Aspam (1 Yasukata, Aomori City). ) Hold a presentation commemorating the 15th anniversary of the establishment at the 2nd floor "Aoimori Hall".

The performance name is "Ho'ike & Gala". "Hoike" is Hawaiian and "Gyala" means "recital" in Tahitian. Naoko Ogasawara, who presides over the studio, said, "A presentation with gratitude for being able to continue Papa Hula Aomori for 15 years. Now that it is difficult to go out due to the corona wreck, the theme is 'Trip'. Travel mood. I hope you can taste it," he said.

Ogasawara first encountered hula in his twenties when he went to Hawaii to learn surfing and languages. Studied under Mari Hayes, who "respects", and immersed herself in hula. She temporarily stopped dancing when she had a baby, but resumed after receiving a phone call from Hayes, who lives in Hawaii. In July 2007, the studio was opened.

Ms. Ogasawara said, "My teacher told me, 'I want you to open a hula class,' and with the support of my family, I went back and forth between Aomori and Hawaii for two years while raising my children. It was tough, but I'm glad I made the decision." ” he recalled. “Through hula, I learned aloha spirit such as 'spirit of service and compassion' and 'patience,' and I learned important things not only about dance," he said.

On the day of the event, it is said that there will be productions such as putting a lei on the students as they enter the cabin as CA (cabin attendants) and handing them tickets imitating airline tickets. The performance of the music class that was launched last year will also be shown. “The wooden percussion instrument called toere and the ukulele are also highlights,” says Mr. Ogasawara. “I want to heal the hearts of people who are tired of the corona disaster with the energetic energy of Papa Hula Aomori. I want to tell you," he said with a smile.

Doors open at 18:10, performance starts at 18:30. Advance ticket = 1,300 yen, same-day ticket = 1,500 yen.