

Alakaʻi
In Hawaiian culture, an Alaka‘i is a leader or guide within a hālau hula. The Alaka‘i serves as a trusted assistant to Kumu Kawai, helping to teach, support, and guide the other students. They are experienced dancers who embody the values, discipline, and spirit of the hālau.
Why it's important for a hālau hula to have Alaka‘i:
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Support for Kumu Kawai: They help manage classes, lead practices, and ensure the teachings are passed on correctly.
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Cultural Continuity: Alaka‘i help preserve traditional knowledge and serve as role models for younger dancers.
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Discipline and Structure: They maintain order and set a standard for behavior and commitment.
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Bridge Between Kumu and Students: They help communicate expectations and provide guidance in a more approachable way.
Having Alaka‘i ensures our hālau functions smoothly and stays rooted in Hawaiian values like kuleana (responsibility), pono (righteousness), and aloha.