Meet the Ohana
Kupuna ~ Elder | Ancestor
Leslie and Judy Charles
What is the importance of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture?
“When you dance you are telling a story that comes from your heart. To perpetuate the Hawaiian culture it has to come from your heart.“
- Judy Charles
“To perpetuate the Hawaiian culture you have to aloha (love) the heavens, the ocean, and the land. ”
- Leslie Pua Charles
Hula Genealogy
Leslie and Judy Charles were born and raised in the islands of Hawai’i. Judy danced hula for Aunty Clara Kalalau, George Naope, and Emily Kau’i Zuttermeister. When the Charles ohana moved from Hawai’i to the mainland, Kalalau and Zuttermeister gave Judy the blessing to continue to dance and teach hula. Judy taught her five daughters to dance and the legacy began. This blessing has now been passed down to all of her daughters.
‘Anake ~ Aunty
Jaime, Jaydee, Reynatta
Hula is ingrained in our lifestyle. Being taught at such a young age by our mother (Judy) we not only learned how to dance but how to carry on the traditions that were taught before her. We hope to share our culture and mana (spirit) with not only our family but with the surrounding communities.
- Jaime (Hula Director)
What does hula mean to you?
Hula has brought me closer to my culture and its traditions. It also allows my family and I to have a stronger bond. By sharing our culture with the community we can continue to share the aloha spirit.
- Jaydee
