We are proud to introduce Wendy as part of our Ohana !!
Please welcome her and sign up for classes Thursdays starting 1/14/10 from 8-9pm!
collective dance studio | riverpoint plaza 1730 w fullerton | chicago 60614Biography – Wendy
Wendy was born and raised in Hawaii and has been dancing hula for over 25 years. She recently relocated to the Chicago area in August 2009. Wendy started dancing hula at the age of 5 with Halau Hula Olana, lead by Olana Ai. Her young hula career includes highlights such as winning Keiki Hula Competitions, entertaining for hotels and cruise ships in Waikiki, performing for the United Nations and President George Bush, and traveling around the world to dance the hula and share the Hawaiian culture.
Wendy attended Punahou School and assumed the very exclusive role of Holoku Pageant director. The Holoku Pageant is the only student run Hula and Polynesian dance recital of its kind in the State. She choreographed hula dances, designed costumes, organized music, and led the production.
While attending Cornell University, Wendy revived the Cornell Hawaii Club and was able to lead the production of an authentic Hawaiian luau in Ithaca, New York, that included traditional Hawaiian food, hula and other Polynesian dances. The Hawaiian luau became so popular that by the second year, they offered two different show times and both shows were sold out with a total of 400 people.
Wendy has taught hula in many different areas and enjoys sharing the Hawaiian culture especially when she’s so far from home. She welcomes students of all levels of experience to join her and feel the Aloha as they dance the hula.
