I’ve been going to hula every Thursday (and sometimes Saturday) since May and all the practice has led up to my first Ho’ike last night.  The day started out really early…7:30 am to be precise.  I had to have my make-up and hair done bright and early and then helped out with set-up of the whole thing.  It was a warm sunny day and it was pretty warm in the gym.  The doors opened at 2 pm and there was quite a bit of entertainment before and during dinner including a Taiko group and Polynesian performers as well.  We began performing around 5 pm as the guests finished their luau dinner, which was complete with kalua pork, mac salad, and poi.

Michelle brought Jack to the show and I think he was a little confused to see me.  With so much make-up on, I wouldn’t blame him.

I performed in 3 dances that evening and luckily most of my dresses still fit.  This is the more traditional costume that was used for the hula kahiko portion.  It’s not the most flattering outfit but certainly hides an emerging baby bump.

This is me in one of the hula ‘auana.  I can’t believe this dress actually still fit.  Kumquat was officially 15 weeks old that morning and decided that this would be the day he/she would make my belly stick out a little.

The little girls were also so cute in their outfits.  I’m surprised at how they were able to withstand such a long day of getting their hair done, waiting around, lining up, and being on their best behavior.

Here’s the group photo that we all took together.  There are a lot of us!  It was a really fun day and evening of ohana and aloha.  I’m so glad that I was a part of it.

Here are the photos from the event.