HULA COMES TO HOUSTON IN THE FORM OF WORKSHOPS BY THE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

Class Offers Lessons from the World Renowned PCC Dancers

Laie, HI - August 25, 2004 - Houston turns Hawaiian on October 9, 2004, when the Polynesian Cultural Center shares hula skills with others in a daylong workshop. The classes, open to intermediate and advanced hula dancers, will provide instruction for both kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula chants and mele (songs).

The class, led by na kumu hula (hula instructors) Ellen Gay Dela Rosa and Keith Awai, will share new songs and dances in a workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Houston Community College Central Dance Department located at 3517 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77002.

³We are proud to share hula with the people of Houston, because educating others about the Hawaiian culture is part of the mission of the Polynesian Cultural Center,² said Ellen Gay Dela Rosa, PCC senior manager, special events and promotions, kumu hula and choreographer. Dela Rosa has worked at the PCC for the past 30 years teaching and choreographing Hawaiian songs and dances in the PCC¹s world famous productions.

The cost to attend the workshop is $85 and includes workshop fees and an instructional packet. Recommended for dancers ages 12 and older, with some dance experience. Not recommended for beginners. For more information or to register for the workshop, call Ellen Gay Dela Rosa at (808) 293-3042 or visit the PCC web site at www.polynesia.com. The registration deadline is October 2, with late registrations and walk-ons accepted at a cost of $100 per participant.

Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 30 million visitors by preserving and portraying the spirit, culture and people of Polynesia to the rest of the world. More important is the mission of the PCC, which supports the educational mission of Brigham Young University-Hawaii and provides an extension of the classroom in a workplace setting. Since its establishment, the PCC has employed more than 12,000 BYU-Hawaii students. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of the PCC's revenue is used for daily operations and to support the students who earn their tuition, room and board, and books. The PCC also provides significant financial support to elementary and secondary schools and to college students attending institutions of their choice besides BYU-Hawaii.