The Spirit of Aloha is Alive and Well in Shoreline

The annual Aloha Luau event will be held on September 29, 2018
at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center

By Jon Ann Cruver and Barbara Johnson

Kupuna is a Hawaiian word meaning elder – and often meaning “honored elder”—one who attains natural respect through life experiences and builds community by the practice of love and caring.

And that deeper meaning of the word Kupuna describes the members of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center Hawaiian Hula dance class! The weekly Kupuna dance class represents so much more than exercise. As members embrace the spirit of aloha, their gatherings are times of caring, sharing, fun, laughter and love.

Share the Aloha spirit with the Kupunas
at the annual Aloha Luau
Tickets go on sale September 10 

At weekly dance classes, the Kupunas encourage each other as they learn the hand movements and steps of dances that tell a rich story from one of the beautiful islands of Hawaii. But the support that they show each other in their dance class continues well beyond. They genuinely care for each other and share in the joys and sorrows of their Kupuna sisters, with baby showers for soon-to-arrive grandchildren, a scrapbook offering words of wisdom for the young, and a dance tribute at a memorial service to honor one of their own.

Barbara Johnson has danced with the Kupunas
for ten years, starting at age 88

One Kupuna sister —Barbara Johnson—is still dancing at 98 years, thanks to the Kupunas’ genuine aloha spirit. Barbara has been attending the weekly class for at least ten years, and she is so grateful for the care and support of her Kupuna sisters, which enable her to continue to dance with this active group. 

At a time in her life when life-long friends are sparse, Barbara recognizes that her Kupuna friends are truly gold! She treasures the friendship, camaraderie and spirit of love and compassion that she has found in this very special group.

The Kupunas, part of the Hokulani Hula Studio, perform at a wide range of events during the year. This summer the group has performed at senior community luaus, the Evergreen State Fair, and Celebrate Shoreline as well as at the prestigious Live Aloha Event at the Seattle Center.

The annual Aloha Luau event will be held on September 29, 2018 at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center. In addition to the Kupuna Dancers, there will be a wide range of dances from the islands as well as Maori and Tahitian, ages 2-98.

If you would like to share in the Aloha Spirit, tickets for the Aloha Luau can be purchased at the Senior Center beginning Monday, September 10, 2018 at the senior center front desk or you may call to reserve your tickets at 206-365-1536.

The senior center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE #1, in the southern-most building of Shoreline Center. We look forward to seeing members of the community all dressed in their island attire, enjoy live music, wonderful dancing and a traditional luau meal. You will find it is a magical evening,

Aloha!