During her world Travels and while performing around the world, Iwalani has learned the different dances of the Middle East and Africa. In an effort to expose her students to the riches of Hawaii's legacy, she has included these dances in her teachings along with the dances of the Orient, South Pacific and South America. Along with dance instruction, Iwalani encourages her students to develop poise, personality and charm. Many of her former students are professional dancers working under contracts in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Orient.
Iwalani has performed in, directed and worked with renown island and world entertainers in many shows in major hotels and show rooms in Waikiki. Inspired by mentors Uncle George Naope who co-founded the Merrie Monarch Festival and a highly respected hula master, Aunty Alice Namakelua, long recognized as the first lady of Hawaiian slack key guitar. Mrs. Namakelua is also a renowned hula master and composer. Henry Pa another outstanding hula master has been a big influence in Iwalani's life. Iwalani is a creative and dedicated woman, who is eager to educate her students in the appreciation of the art of hula. She teaches the scope of ancient and traditional hula and a style of her own which is contemporary with an emphasis on nurturing the "Aloha Spirit" growing in Hawaii and projecting the "Melting Pot of the Pacific".

Iwalani School of Dance

Photos by Mike Bambi