|
|
Copyright 2008 by Indy Hula, a Jones Group Partner. All Rights Reserved. For technical assistance, please email webmaster@indyhula.com. |
Kory Jones, a native of Los Angeles, California, first learned drumming
and dancing as a teenager at a dance studio in Hollywood, under the
direction of Tani Marsh and Lisona Leiataua, performing at many private
and public functions throughout Southern California, and even appearing
on an episode of the television series, Fantasy Island. He then pursued
formal instruction from Hula Instructor Rowleen Bodnar, and later joined
a traditional Hawaiian Hula Halau in Southern California directed by Kumu
Hula April “Sissy” Kaio and Lincoln Kaio.
After moving to Hawaii in 1982, Kory continued his hula training for
another 20 years, under the instruction of Kumu Hula Cy Bridges,
competing four times in the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and the
annual King Kamehameha Hula and Chant Competition. Other teachers
that Kory learned under were William Kaiwiulaokalani “Uncle Bill”
Wallace III, Keith Kalanikau Awai, and the late Inoke Kaina.
Kory worked for five years at the acclaimed Polynesian Cultural Center
in Laie, Hawaii as a musician, dancer, chanter, lecturer, and cultural
guide, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pacific Island Studies from
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, followed by an MBA from Hawaii
Pacific University.
Kory is also fluent in Hawaiian, and taught adult evening classes in
beginning and intermediate Hawaiian language through the Hawaii
Department of Education for five years.
and dancing as a teenager at a dance studio in Hollywood, under the
direction of Tani Marsh and Lisona Leiataua, performing at many private
and public functions throughout Southern California, and even appearing
on an episode of the television series, Fantasy Island. He then pursued
formal instruction from Hula Instructor Rowleen Bodnar, and later joined
a traditional Hawaiian Hula Halau in Southern California directed by Kumu
Hula April “Sissy” Kaio and Lincoln Kaio.
After moving to Hawaii in 1982, Kory continued his hula training for
another 20 years, under the instruction of Kumu Hula Cy Bridges,
competing four times in the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and the
annual King Kamehameha Hula and Chant Competition. Other teachers
that Kory learned under were William Kaiwiulaokalani “Uncle Bill”
Wallace III, Keith Kalanikau Awai, and the late Inoke Kaina.
Kory worked for five years at the acclaimed Polynesian Cultural Center
in Laie, Hawaii as a musician, dancer, chanter, lecturer, and cultural
guide, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pacific Island Studies from
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, followed by an MBA from Hawaii
Pacific University.
Kory is also fluent in Hawaiian, and taught adult evening classes in
beginning and intermediate Hawaiian language through the Hawaii
Department of Education for five years.
| At Indy Hula, we are fortunate to have instructors who have spent many years in Hawaii, studying the cultures of Polynesia. |
 |
 |
Lexi Merrill, or Aunty Lexi as our keiki (children) call her, was born and
raised on the island of Oahu. She first learned hula as a child from her
aunty in Kailua, Hawaii. As a young woman, she continued her hula
studies under Kumu Hula Sally Wood Naluwai, of Laie, Hawaii.
While studying at the Church College of Hawaii, where she earned a
Bachelor's degree in Theatre and Performing Arts, Lexi worked at the
renowned Polynesian Cultural Center as a dancer and cultural guide.
Lexi specialized in Hawaiian and Tahitian dance, and was a solo dancer
starring in the Polynesian Cultural Center's "This is Polynesia" evening
show for several years.
After moving to Indiana in 1979, Lexi and her husband have continued in
the performing arts industry through Merrill Stage Equipment, a
family-owned and operated business. Over the years, Lexi has taught
hula and Hawaiian culture for elementary schools, church groups, girl
scouts, and other organizations.
Lexi currently teaches our Keiki Hula class, teaching hula and Polynesian
dance, along with storytelling, language, and other cultural activities, for
boys and girls 12 years old and younger.
raised on the island of Oahu. She first learned hula as a child from her
aunty in Kailua, Hawaii. As a young woman, she continued her hula
studies under Kumu Hula Sally Wood Naluwai, of Laie, Hawaii.
While studying at the Church College of Hawaii, where she earned a
Bachelor's degree in Theatre and Performing Arts, Lexi worked at the
renowned Polynesian Cultural Center as a dancer and cultural guide.
Lexi specialized in Hawaiian and Tahitian dance, and was a solo dancer
starring in the Polynesian Cultural Center's "This is Polynesia" evening
show for several years.
After moving to Indiana in 1979, Lexi and her husband have continued in
the performing arts industry through Merrill Stage Equipment, a
family-owned and operated business. Over the years, Lexi has taught
hula and Hawaiian culture for elementary schools, church groups, girl
scouts, and other organizations.
Lexi currently teaches our Keiki Hula class, teaching hula and Polynesian
dance, along with storytelling, language, and other cultural activities, for
boys and girls 12 years old and younger.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|