Isla Pacifika

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! We are taking a vacation and classes will resume January 25! See you all then!

Tiki Terrace Nov. 13

2011-11-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

Isla Pacifika will be performing at the Tiki Terrace on Sunday, November 13th. This is our second year and glad they asked us back! We will be raffling many items made by Isla Pacifika, from leis to shirts. And we also have an autographed Kim Taylor Reece poster! Come out and support us!

isla Pacifika at Tiki Terrace

2011-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

We will be performing at the Tiki Terrace on Sunday, November 13. Come out and support our dancers! Please call Tiki Terrace to make reservations.

Get a Taste of Polynesia at the Skokie Festival of Cultures on Satruday, May 21st

2011-05-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Join Isla Pacifika at the Skokie Festival of Cultures this Saturday May 21st as we showcase dances from the Polynesian Islands!

Look for us at the Traditions & Customs Stage (Inside) at 2:00 P.M., rain or shine.
Our lineup includes the traditional and modern hulas, tahitian dancing, and a maori dance using poi balls!

Details:

2011 Skokie Festival of Cultures
May 21 & 22
Show starts at 2:00 p.m.
Oakton Park, 4701 West Oakton St.,
Skokie, Illinois

Free Admission!

A "Taste of Hawaii" at U of I in Urbana-Champaign

2011-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Perhaps a small road trip to Champaign might be of interest to you.

The girls from Isla are heading to Champaign to take part in the "Taste of Hawaii" at U of I. This is an exciting opportunity for us to share the polynesian culture with the University of Iliinois community. A little bit of hula and tahitian mixed with some food...sounds like a great reason to come out. So if you're in the area on Saturday afternoon, stop by and check out our show at the Asian American Cultural Center around 2PM.

Look for us because many of us will be sporting our new "Isla Pacifika" shirts that we screen printed ourselves!

Isla Pacifika On ABC for the Travel Show

2011-01-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

Today Isla Pacifika was on the ABC7 news for the eight o'clock morning news. We danced on T.V. in our Tahitian Costumes. It was for the Travel and Adventure Expo, since today is the last day. What a wonderful experience! We also watched them interview Rick Steves and people scuba diving in an indoor heated pool. One of the scuba divers was from Hawaii!

Master Dance Class at Kristina's Studio of Dance

2011-01-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Isla Pacifika will be teaching at a master dance class at Kristina's Studio of Dance on January 30th, 2011!

We will be spreading the Aloha spirit and teaching Polynesian dance up north in Buffalo Grove. We can't wait!!

Game Show Show...And Stuff at Chopin Theater

2011-01-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend we will be super busy!

The Isla Pacifika Girls will be performing at the Game Show Show...And Stuff at Chopin Theater at 11pm.

Come to the show for some fun, laughs, games, then watch the girls dance!

Go to www.chopintheatre.com/event.php?id=2056&pageId=soon
to buy tickets and join the fun

Chicago Travel Adventure Show Jan.29, 2011

2011-01-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

Come join us at the Chicago Travel Adventure Show January 29, 2011

Isla Pacifika will be performing at the Global Beats stage at 4:15pm.

The Travel Show is being held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

For more information, please visit:

www.adventureexpo.com

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!!

2010-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

2010 has been a good year for Isla Pacifika. We've had a lot of fun shows, great experiences throughout the year, and a growing family! One of the most memorable experiences of 2010 has to have been the Millennium Park Workouts. Although we were rained out the first day, our second and third days were awesome...teaching tahitian basics under the sunny skies in downtown Chicago! What more could you ask for.

We were also fortunate to participate in the Ohana Nights at Tiki Terrace. Another fun experience for all of us...and for some of us, it was the first time to get up on stage. We definitely felt the love and support from our neighboring halaus. Mahalo Nui Loa!

From local festivals and private events to our weekly classes, we had one busy year and a lot to be thankful for. We look forward to the coming year being filled with excitement and surprises, new costumes and dances, new members...and a new family member too!

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Implements and Poi Balls!

2010-11-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Holidays are coming up and Isla Pacifika students are learning new dances!

Coming up in the future of Isla Pacifika students, we will learn an implement dance. The students will use the ipu, pu'ili sticks and uli uli.

Also, the girls will visit New Zeland and learn Maori Poi Balls!

It's "Back To School" time!

2010-09-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Summer has pretty much ended and many of us are trying to hang on to whatever is left of it. But reality settles in as you wake up to cooler temps...so what can we do to get back our summer groove?

Try a free polynesian dance class with Isla Pacifika. You'll work up a sweat as We teach you the basics of hula and tahitian dancing. No dance experience necessary. We just want to have some fun! A little hip shaking with some island music is a great way to hang on to the summer...and burn some calories while you're at it.

So join us on Wednesday night from 8:20-10:00 PM!

4057 N Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
*Studio entrance is on Belle Plaine Ave.
CTA: Irving Park Brown Line

Hope to see you there!

Growing an Ipu

2010-07-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try my hand at growing an ipu. You can buy the seeds from our friend at wwww.ipufarm.com or on ebay from seller hukilau1991. I have seen both company's ipu and they are both nice. It is hard to buy an ipu online, since there are different sizes and thickness to the ipus. But if you want a certain one, both can help you.
Ever since I saw the ipu farm at PIFA, this idea has been growing. Even though we have a few ipu and a ipu heke, it is a different feeling when you make your own. I bought the seeds online and they came with the instructions.
I planted the seeds in a warm and sunny area and have been keeping the soil moist. Unfortunately I started my growing season a bit late, so we will see how well my ipu do. About after a week of keeping the soil moist, the plants started to sprout. Since the season is a bit different in Chicago, verses the Florida or California weather (where the 2 companies are from) I will see how well I can grow the plants.
I did not plant all my seeds this year, so if it is not so successful this year, I always have next year. Plus I can always buy more seeds!

Hula Days 2010

2010-07-11T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hula Association of the Midwest is sponsoring a Hula Days October 8 to October 10. The event will be held in Itasca.

Workshop Schedule
Friday October 8, 2010
7:00pm Learn chant with Kumu Hula June Tanoue
Saturday October 9, 2010
9:00am – 3:00pm Workshop with Kumu Hula, Uluwehi Guerrero

Saturday October 9, 2010
Evening Uluwehi Guerrero Concert & Participants' Hoike in the hotel's ballroom.
Sunday October 10, 2010
9:00am – 3:00pm Workshop with Kumu Hula, Uluwehi Guerrero

Go to www.hulamidwest.com for details and to register.
If you are not a member for the Hula Association of the Midwest, you can also join on their website. It is a non profit organization so help spread the Aloha spirit and join!

Singglot

2010-07-03T04:51:00.000-07:00

Join Isla Pacifika at Singgalot July 18th!
The Filipino American Historical Society of Illinois is having a presentation in Schaumburg, IL.

On Sat/Sun, July 17-18
American Indian/Filipino American Cross-Cultural Connections: A Journey of Discovery – Art, Music, Poetry, Martial Arts Demo, Igorot Rhythyms, Food

Isla Pacifika will be Hawaiian dancing on July 18th. Admission is free, so please join us!

For more details visit: http://www.fahschicago.org/

Millenium Park Family Fun Event June 30

2010-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

June 30th Isla Pacifika will be performing at the Chase North Promenade Family Fun Tent in Millennium Park!

The show starts at 1 pm.

We are excited and ready to show our Aloha spirit to Chicagoland. We will be dancing and teaching Polynesian dances. Come join us tomorrow and bring your children. Then afterwards, enjoy the sites and fun things to do in Millennium Park. It is supposed to be a nice, warm sunny day, so come join us!

Tiki Terrace June 27 for Halau Night

2010-06-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Isla Pacifika will be performing at The Tiki Terrace for Halau night! We are excited to be performing. Come show support for our halau and join us for drink and dinner!

Tiki Terrace is located at the NE Corner of Lee/Manheim and Oakton.

1591 Lee St. Des Plaines, IL 60018

We are approximately 4 minutes North of O'Hare airport.

(847) 795-TIKI - (847) 795-8454

eat@thetikiterrace.com

Millenium Park Workouts

2010-06-22T04:15:00.001-07:00

Millenium Park has Saturday Workouts in the Park during the summer. Isla Pacifika was invited to join. We did our Saturdays in June and had a blast! It was wonderful spreading the Polynesian culture in the Chicagoland! The people participating were wonderful.

We still will be performing in the Tent at Chase Promenade North on June 30th and August 3rd. It is the family fun festival, and will be fun for the kids!

Workout for free tahitian-style...

2010-06-04T11:19:00.001-07:00

It's the beginning of June, which pretty much marks the start of summer, even if the weather doesn't always cooperate. So what better time to try something new? Well, here's your chance...and the best part is that it's FREE!

Come down to the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Saturday. Isla Pacifika is bringing the Pacific Islands to Chicago! You can start the morning off with some yoga and pilates...and then stick around for Tahitian dancing with Isla Pacifika. Shaking your hips is a great way to burn calories!

Free Workout Schedule with Isla Pacifika
June 5 @ 10AM
June 12 @ 10AM
June 19 @ 10AM

Where? Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park

Hope to see you all there!

Mahalo

Isla Pacifika Events in the Chicagoland

2010-06-01T18:30:00.001-07:00

Festival of Cultures in Skokie was a success! It was the first performance for a few of our girls and they did great! Which also helped them to prepare for the Isla Pacifika Recital. Everyone looked beautiful and danced wonderful.

Next, is Millenium Park! We will be teaching Tahitian dance June 5, June 12 and June 19th at 10am. Please come to learn some Tahitian dancing. Best part is it is free!!! If you are looking for good workout, come on out to Millenium Park for the Saturday workouts in the park.

If you are more interested in watching a show and eating some good food, please come join our halau at the Tiki Terrace on Oakton in Des Plaines. We were invited to perform June 27th. Sit back, order some good Island food and drinks, and watch us dance!

It's going to be a busy summer...Isla Pacifika will be at Millennium Park!

2010-05-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here and it looks like it's going to be a busy one!

First, everyone in class is working hard preparing for our class recital in less than two weeks! We're learning many different hawaiian and tahitian dances...a lot of new stuff! The other weekend the girls made pa'u skirts and kukui nut leis. To learn how to make your own pa'u skirt, check out our previous blog post here. Sound exciting? It's just the beginning...

Join Isla Pacifika during the month of June as we teach the basics of tahitian dancing at Millennium Park. If you didn't know, every summer the Millennium Park hosts free workouts on the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Are you ready to shake those hips and burn some calories?

Hula Steps

2010-05-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

All steps must be done with knees BENT. Do not straighten while you dance or you will start to bounce or bob up and down. Weight on heels, back straight.

'Ami: Rotate hips in a circle back

Huli: 1/4 turn

Hela: begin with weight on left foot, right foot extends and tap, comes back and switch weight to right, then left foot extends and taps

Kaholo: to travel, Right foot steps to the side, then step left (bring together next to right foot), then right step, Then do same with Left

Uwehe: step in place with right foot, lift both heels quickly of the floor and back quickly, causing knees to open forward. Repeat with the left foot

Kalakaua: Step forward right foot, weight back on left, step back on right foot, weight forward on left, step forward on right weight back on left, step back on right (weight stays on right). Repeat with left foot

How to Wear a Lei

2010-04-08T12:20:00.001-07:00

How to Give a Lei
A lei is traditionally presented to another person by placing it around their neck and giving them a kiss on the cheek. Some say a more traditional and respectful way to present a lei is for the giver to to bow slightly and raise the lei in front of themselves, at about heart level, letting the other person take the lei and place it around their own neck. In modern times it is more common for the giver to place the lei around the recipient's neck along with a kiss. Note that it is considered bad luck to wear a lei you plan to give to someone else or for a pregnant woman to wear a closed a lei. Any lei can be made open and pregnant women should always wear an open lei.

How to Receive a Lei
It is disrespectful to decline a lei if one is offered to you. If you are allergic to any of the lei materials, or if you are not in a position to wear a lei that is presented (for example if you are playing amusical instrument) the lei should be put in a place of honor to show respect for the giver. A lei can be worn for any occasion or no occasion and it is fine for you to purchase your own lei.

How to Wear a Lei
A closed lei should be worn on the shoulders with half of it hanging in the front and half hanging in the back. It is fine to wear more then one lei at a time. Graduating scholars often wear so many lei they can hardly see above them."
Found on: http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/about/lei-etiquette.htm

Warmer weather have you thinking about the beach?

2010-03-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Who could blame you. It's time to start thinking about the summer that's just around the corner. But you never know with Chicago weather, right?
So what better way is there to get ready than to shake your hips? No, we're not talking belly dancing. We're talking about polynesian dancing with Isla Pacifika.

For those who aren't quite sure what polynesian dancing is, think Hawaiian dancing... Tahiti... grass skirts... flower leis... and luaus. Isla Pacifika will teach you how to dance the hula, how to shake your hips for tahitian dancing, and share with you the culture behind polynesian dancing. We bring the pacific islands right here to you in Chicago.

Join us for our polynesian dance class on Wednesdays

from 8:20 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4057 N. Damen Ave.
(Entrance is on Belle Plaine Ave.)

Chicago Tribune

2010-03-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today, Isla Pacifika was featured in the Play section of the Chicago Tribune!
In the classes section on page 4A, there is a picture of the girls taken during class. There was also information about our class, time, location, and how to contact us. Great job and keep on dancing!

Teachstreet Featured our class this week!

2010-01-15T04:13:00.000-08:00

They send out featured classes every week to all members of teachstreet. This week, we were one of the featured classes!

Featured Class This Week

Polynesian Dancing in Chicago: Hula, Tahitian, and Chamorro Dance Classes by Isla Pacifika Join us every Wednesday night at 8:20 p.m. and learn the basics of pacific island dancing. Learn how to dance Hula including Hula Auana... Starting January 20, 2010Price: $40.00

Classes Will Resume Jan. 13th

2010-01-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Aloha and Happy New Year! Due to popular demand, classes will resume Jan. 13th. See everyone then!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

2009-12-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Isla Pacifika hopes that every one has a great and safe holiday and New Year. We are celebrating the holidays and class will resume January 20, 2010. We hope to see everyone then!

Keeping the Aloha Spirit amid the Snow

2009-12-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

People are still keeping the thoughts of Hawaii amid the snow by still having birthday and Christmas parties. Little girls are still having fun hula dancing with snow as their backdrop. And people are still having office parties to Mai Tais and leis.

Enjoy the cold weather and snow! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

2010 St.Louis Hula & Tahitian Dance and Drumming Workshop

2009-11-01T18:33:00.001-08:00

2010 St.Louis Hula & Tahitian Dance and Drumming Workshop

Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 7:32am

2010 St.Louis Hula & Tahitian Dance and Drumming Workshop
February 20 & 21, 2010
Sponsored by:
Hui Hula 'O Punahele and St. Charles Community College

Featuring:
Nonosina Polynesia, Inc.
Kumu Hula Keali'i Ceballos of Hula Halau Keali'i 'O Nalani
Derek Keil of Teriki's Polynesia ,Lead Tahitian Drummer

This workshop is for those experienced Polynesian dancers with knowledge of terms and technique. This intensive workshop is the only one of its kind in the United States. This is Nonosina Polynesia's only workshop currently in the US. These sought-after dance masters are coveted throughout the world.

If you are up for the challenge of a two day in depth study with the world's finest masters, join us on February 20 & 21, 2010, for the experience of a lifetime.

For more infomation regarding this workshop contact:
Dori ~ ttimandori@sbcglobal.net.
You may register through:
St. Charles Community College at (636) 922-8233.
Register after December 1, 2009.

More Details to soon follow

Hui Hula 'O Punahele
Spreading the Spirit of Aloha in the Heart of the Midwest

Making an Ipu

2009-10-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

When at PIFA in San Diego, there was a booth by: www.ipufarm.com

At the booth, they had for sale: make your own ipu . Basically, they let you pick out an ipu out of a bin of unfinished ipus at different prices. They had already taken out the seeds, so all you had to do was sand the outside and finish it. There are different widths, sizes and thickness of ipus, so it is person preference.
The ipu is a gourd, like the uli uli, so it is pretty rough and needs a good sanding. But where I used sandpaper so sand the uli uli, you use basically a brillo pad and water.
It was an interesting concept to do, and the kids loved it. Also, they do a make your own ipu party, which would be a fun concept. Too bad there are not a lot of dance classes in Chicago, IL for children to use the ipu in.
When it is pretty smooth, then it can be finished with either a polyurethane or kukui nut oil.

San Diego PIFA

2009-09-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

PIFA (Pacific Islander Festival Association of San Diego) was wonderful again as usual. It is a great festival of all the Pacific Islands at Ski Beach (Mission Bay). It occurs every year around September, and since we do not have anything like it in Chicago, off I go to San Diego. The weather was a nice, sunny 83 degrees the whole weekend.

I saw the Kutturan Chamoru perform (shout out to Joey and Heidi), along with Nonosina and Heali'i's Polynesian Review. What wonderful dancing! Can't see anything like it in Chicago, so many great groups all at one place. And there is no admission fee.

And in between performances, I walked to the booths where you can sample food from Guam, Samoa, and Hawaii. Big Ono to shaved ice! Then there were tons of booths to walk to and shop. It makes me wish we had a group of halaus in Chicago that could get together and have a festival here also.

It is a wonderful experience and great taste of the Islands. There are also festivals in Arizona and Las Vegas that I need to hit in the future.

Making uli uli

2009-09-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

I bought the supplies online to make it, since I wanted to make my own verses buying them already made. You can buy the kits to make it, just shoot me a message if you want the website. I made a pair. You will need 2 la'amia (gourd), ali'ipoe (canna seeds), 2 wooden dowels (1 inch diameter), ratan, raffia, 2 round flat disks for the top, stung feathers and tapa cloth for the top, and cream material to cover the top of uli uli (if you want it to be detachable tops, you will need another material)
First, I got the la'amia (gourd base) and sanded it. I used a medium grade sandpaper to get out most of the bumps, then switched to a fine grade sandpaper to really smooth it out. I found sanding it by hand pretty easy. I washed it with water make sure it is smooth and clear of any remains of the sanding. I let it dry.
Second, I screwed the dowel in the middle of the disk.
Third, I put the ali'ipoe seeds in the la'amia (which had the holes already drilled in it). Then put the other end of the dowel through the hole. There should be little holes around the big hole in the la'amia. I thread the raffia in and out. I did this 4 separate times and wrapped this around the dowel. The raffia will help attach the dowel and the la'amia and the ratan will hold this all together.
Forth, I soaked the ratan first for at least 30 minutes. I wrapped the cream colored material around the top, covering the disk and part of the top of the dowel. I started from the top of the dowel. I tucked the tip of the ratan under and started wrapping the ratan over the tip, starting from the top. The ratan needs to cover the material. Then I continued to wrap the ratan around the dowel all the way to the bottom of the dowel. I covered the raffia with the ratan. Then when I got to the bottom of the dowel, there is the raffia attached to the la'amia. I weaved the ratan around the raffia, which also tightens the la'amia to the dowel. And then tucked the end of the ratan around the raffia. The ratan has to be wrapped tight.
Fifth, make the detachable top. The cream top is round. I sewed the casing on the edge of the cream material (this is where I will put the string so it can wrap around the uli uli base). I marked where the tapa cloth will be centered on the cream material with a pencil. Then I sewed the feathers around the edge, and then I sewed the tapa cloth in the center of the material. Finally, I thread the sting in the casing and the top is ready.
Finally, finish the la'amia. I used a glossy polyurethane. But there is also kukui nut oil or any other finishes. Let dry for at least a day. Then I put the top on and tightened and tied it to the base. It is ready to use!
It seems hard to do, but it really was easy and fun to do!

2009-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Tired of the same old routine at the gym?

Try polynesian dancing as a new way to stay fit!

Isla Pacifika offers weekly classes where you learn to dance the basics of hula, tahitian, and chamorro dancing.

Classes run every Wednesday at 8:20 p.m.

4057 N. Damen Ave.

Chicago, Illinois 60618

So stop by, bring some friends and check it out!

By the way, your first class is free!!

For more info, visit:

www.islapacifika.com

or email us at islapacifika@gmail.com

How to make a hip belt weight for Tahitian class

2009-09-02T05:36:00.001-07:00

If you want to give yourself a bigger workout during Tahitian class, you can make a hip belt weight.

1. Buy a bicycle tire inner tube. Make sure it is long enough to be able to knot around your hips. Also, the longer the tube, the more it will weigh. I would also look for a soft and more pliable inner tube. Otherwise it is harder to tie when filled with sand if the inner tube is too thick.

2. Tie off one end and fill with sand from one end to the other. Pack it in good. I shake it and tap it down and keep filling.Then tie off the other end.

Then you are done! Just tie it around your hips during class or whenever you practice Tahitian dancing! I just wear it the whole class.

In addition, adding a pa'u top

2009-09-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have made 2 different types of pa'u tops. One is short and more revealing and the other is long and the usual one you see in kahiko style dancing. If you used long material for the pa'u skirt, over 45 inches, you can get away with making the short pa'u top. I have just used the length of what is left over from the pa'u skirt
1. get material. I use about 1 1/2 yards for my top, so basically half the length of the pa'u skirt. The length should be long, so you can tuck it in the pa'u skirt, about mid thigh. If you want to show your middrift, then just measure armpit to belly button, taking to account your breast. Or just use what is leftover from the pa'u skirt.
2. you will need elastic. This I usually use a thinner elastic, about 3/8". I just measure the circumference above your breast and under armpits for the top elastic. If you are making the shorter top, you will need a second piece of elastic. Just measure under the breast.
I minus a couple of inches off the measurement, depending on how stretchy the elastic is. That is the elastic length.
3. Sew a 1/2 inch casing on the top. This is where you will thread your elastic. For the long top, just finish the bottom part. For the short top, you need to also sew a 1/2 inch casing on the bottom also.
4. Put the elastic through the casing using a knitting needle, or big safety pin (be careful that the pin does not open)
5. Sew the width together and make sure you sew the elastic on both ends together.

How to make a pa'u skirt

2009-08-31T16:10:00.001-07:00

How to Make a Pa'u skirt

1. First buy 3-5 yards of material. The yards depends on how full you want the skirt and it really is up to you. I usually make the skirt 4 yards. For plus sized people, you probably want 4-5 yards.
2.You also need to buy elastic . I get 3/4 inch elastic. Color can be based on the color of your material. So if you have white material, you probably do not want to use black elastic. Typically I do 5 inches less of your hips. So if your hips are 39 inches, I make the elastic 34 inches. You will need 3 strips of elastic. But If you do not want to use elastic, you could always use something so that you can tie it.
3. Measure the length of the material. I like it to be mid calf, so I measure from my waist to mid calf. Then add 7 inches to that. The 7 inches it what makes your casing for the elastic
4. Sew the casing. Fold the top of the material, front side over the back side. This will be your casing for the elastic. I usually like a 7 inch flap for the casing. You need to sew 6 inch rows for the elastic. I alternate, so top row, I leave empty, then every other row (2,4,6) I thread the elastic through. Sew one inch casing the entire width of he fabric (3-5 yards). You are going to do this 6 times
5. Thread the elastic or tie through the casing. This is when I alternate rows. So the first row I leave empty and then do every other row (2,4,6). You can use knitting needles to attach the elastic to and thread through the casing, but I just use really big, strong safety pins. Make sure they are strong or tape them, because they can open while you are pulling. When you are threading the elastic through, some people do one row at a time. I like to do all three at once, and I use pins to help as place holders for the other 2 rows when I am working on one row. That way the elastic does not go back on the other 2 rows while I am working on one. Do not forget to pin the elastic to the end of one side of the width, so the elastic does not go through.
6. Finish the skirt. Hem the bottom, attach the 2 widths and all elastic. if you use ties, you can even leave the widths apart and not sew together.

Classes for Kukui Nut Leis and Ti Leaf Hip Leis

2009-08-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

Come join us in the upcoming months. We will be having a few classes to teach:

Kukui Nut Leis

Ti Leaf Hip Leis

Free Hula, Tahitian, Chamorro Dance Class!

2009-08-23T20:39:00.001-07:00

For the month of August, Isla Pacifika is having free dance class! Come bring your friends and join in on the fun! It is a great work out and exciting to learn Polynesian Culture

Free Hula and Tahitian Dance Classes for the month of August!

2009-08-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

For the month of August, Isla Pacifika is offering free polynesian dance classes!

Join us on Wednesday nights at 8:15 p.m. and learn the basics of pacific island dancing. Learn how to dance Hula including Hula Auana (modern Hula) and Hula Kahiko (ancient Hula), Tahitian dances such as the Otea and Aparima, and dances from other pacific islands like Guam and many more.

Classes are held every Wednesday at:
4057 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60618

*** Entrance to studio in on Belle Plaine Ave. ***

For more information, please contact us at islapacifika@gmail.com

Weds Dance Class

2009-08-13T01:25:00.000-07:00

We had our class at the new studio Weds night. What a great workout! Learning Chamorro Dance has been a great addition to the Tahitian and Hawaiian.

"Balutan" Chicago - Island Style

2009-07-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hafa gachong! Got BBQ???

Host:	Mary Rose S. Tigulo, Richard Flores
Type:	Party - Barbecue
Network:	Global

Date:	Sunday, August 2, 2009
Time:	1:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:	Lake Opeka, Des Plaines Park District
Street:	At the Intersection of Touhy/Lee
City/Town:	Des Plaines, IL

Chamorro Dance

2009-07-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Last night we practiced Hawaiian Dance, Tahitian Dance and learned something new. We started to learn Chamorro Dance! It is dances from Guam and great to learn in the Chicago area, since there are no Chamorro dance classes to be found around the area

Class on Tuesday

2009-07-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

We are having class on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 8:15pm at the Flamenco Arts Studio. Hope to see you there!

PIFA

2009-07-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

Save the date! The PIFA Festival dates for 2009 will be September 26 and 27. Our Theme this year will be: Hokule'a - The Journey Celebrates 15th Year Anniversary

This will be San Diego and it is a great festival!

Creation of Isla Pacifika

2009-07-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Isla Pacifika has been created in Chicago, IL. This is a dance group to promote the Culture of the Polynesian Islands. We want to spread the culture, and let people know some of the Pacific Islands Dances, such as Hawaiian dance, Tahitian dance and Chamorro Dance is also part of a culture, not just entertainment.