Aloha and Pehea ‘Oe

My name is Joreen B. Kaulana Bates. I have been dancing the Art of Hula and have learned from many Kumu Hula's from the age of 5. My first Kumu was Auntie Naomi Kalama, who at the time taught in Santa Clara; I then moved on to learn from Auntie Ehulani Lum from Hayward, Ca. and given the name of "Kaulana" by Auntie Ehu. Being form San Jose, California; my parents wanted to find a Hualu clser to home and I began to dance for Kaimikahou Matthews, who was also from Santa Clara. Upone reaching my teens I moved onto my last Halau where I earned a

teaching certificate and became an Alaka'i from Auntie Linda Pi'ilani Danek, where she still has her studio in Santa Clara.

I have a great husband "Alan" of 20 years, that is sharing of his time, being that I work full time and I am away form home 3 days a week not including weekend events. He attends most of our events and comes to the studio when his work managerial duties permit. I am also a mother of 2. My oldest is also an instructor, will graduate this June and will start college this year. My youngest is in Elementary school, he only comes to the studio to play. I haven't gotten his interest yet with any of the art? I have fond memories of my "Mama-Auntie Joey" that I lost over a year ago, she is truly missed. My "Pop-Uncle Gerry" has been a supporter since the beginning. He would drive my mom to practice and shows whenever she performed. When he is not traveling he spends his time at the Halau with all of us.

I decided to teach hula a year ago because it has always been a big part of my life. After meeting my business partner and "Big Sister" Ramona Kaleolani Burgess, she encouraged me to teach. She wanted us to continue our own new business so I could share what I have learned from my previous Kumu's. I was able to take something from each and every one of them and apply it to my teachings. My goals are to teach the Art of Hula to its fullest, not only through dance but also through language, music, history and expression. To be able to accomplish with my Haumana's the mirrored effect not only teaches discipline and respect; it teaches that even though we are all individuals we become "1" with each other through song and dance. Hula teaches unity and a special sistership, a bonding experience one could only get from taking a fun art like the Hula.

My hopes and future endeavors is to continue to reach out to the young and mature throughout Carson City and surrounding areas with education and perpetuation about the Hawaiian Culture. I want to not only focus on the Hula, but the Hawaiian culture and the people of Hawaii.

Kau Inoa and Me Ka Aloha,

Kaulana