Cherry NuttingKumu Hula Cherry Pualani M. Nutting

4922 Wheatstone Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22032-2354

E-mail: nutting@cox.net

Web page: http://www.luv2hula.com

Phone: 703-978-6673

 

Experience:

21 years teaching hula.   My students learn to appreciate Hula (Hawaiian dance), its music, Hawaiian history, Hawaiian culture and Hawaiian traditions.  Hula is a summation of precise physical movements – it involves entire body ‘s controlled and graceful movement.  The dancer develops a kinesthetic awareness on how the body moves; develop muscle coordination, concentration, rhythm and endurance.  Every movement in hula has a specific meaning, and every expression of the dancer's hands has great significance. Hula embraces the physical, mental and emotional aspect of the dancer.  Hula is a life long journey!  

  • Halau hula Ke Anuenue Punahele – 18 years - September 1990 to present, founder and owner of the group. Student ages range from ages 3 to 78 years old. 
  • Lorton Performing Arts – September 2008 to present – Faculty member of the Mind and body division
  • Fairfax County Recreational Department – 11 years - September 1998 to 2009.
  • George Mason University – September 2006 to 2007.  Faculty member of the dance department and taught World Dance – DANC 118-002, 3 credits
  • Halau Hula Mahina O Wakinikona – 10 years - 1985 to 1995 – taught adults (ages 35 to 60)
  • Sumu Ao’ao – 5 years - 1990 to 1995 – taught adults (ages 35 to 60)
  • Flowers of Paradise – 6 years - 1989 to 1995 – taught adults (ages 35 to 60)

Competitions:

To keep my hula skills sharp, I have competed in various hula competitions. Each competition required each participant to be competent in the following aspects Hawaiian language, Hawaiian history, Hawaiian crafts, proper costuming and dance.

  • Ka Hula Le’a invitational competition (June 26-29, 1997), Hilo, Hawai’i: Won 3rd place
  • Kennedy Center performing arts competition (September 1995), Washington D.C.: Kennedy Center’s Children’s folk festival.  Honorary mention
  • Ka’uhane O ka Hula scholarship (July 1994.), Honolulu, Hawaii: Won 1st prize
  • World hula competition (November 1993), Honolulu Hawai’i:  Honorary mention
  • Ke anuenue invitational hula festival (June 1993) Waikaloa, Hawai’i:  3rd place

Halau Competition and auditions:

My student’s have participated in hula competition and auditioned in various local performing arts.

  • Bravo National Talent competition – won silver in Tahitian and Hula – February 14, 2009
  • Maryland's 5th Annual World Dance Showcase - Public Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly, MD. 20784 – March 2007,  January 2008
  • Wolf Trap Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods audition, Vienna, Virginia - 2006
  • Ka Hula le’a invitational competition (August 7-9, 2003) Waikaloa, Hawai’i.  Won 2nd place in the Keiki division with Kaamila Mohamed
  • Fairfax Creative Arts program (caps) audition – Fairfax, Virginia – 2001, 2003  and 2007.

Halau (group) Public Hula performance – performs at public and private parties.  Public events are:

  • Cherry Blossom Festival – Tidal basin –2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004,
  • Cherry Blossom Festival – Union Station – 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
  • Celebrate Fairfax –  2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004 (Spring) and 2007 (Fall)
  • Fiesta Asia Street Fair – 2008, 2007
  • Alexandria town festival - 2004

Hauka’I (cultural trips to Hawaii) – coordinate to bring student’s to Hawaii to experience the culture, food and islands.

  • August 7-9, 2003 – Big island with 65 students
  • June to July 2007 – Maui and Hawaii with 21 students

 

Hula training / Education:

I studied under the distinguished traditional Kumu hula(s) Manu Nainoa (1960 to 1970), Kumu hula Maile Baker (1970 to 1980), Miki Ta’alepai (1980 to 1985), Kumu Hula Mahina Bailey and Kumu hula Keoni Jenny (1985 to 1996), Kumu Hula Kas Nakamura (1996-2003) and Master Kumu hula Mapuana DeSilvia (2003 to 2005).  This training / education gave me the skill to teach hula for the past 21 years.

 

Hawaiian Organizations Affiliation:

  • Hula Association of the Midwest http://hulamidwest.com/contact.htm
  • Na kumu hula society: since 1995
  • Hawai’i State Society (HSS): Membership Chairperson (1995 to 1998), Secretary (1992-1994), Member of Board of Governors (1990-1992), Programs chairperson (1989-1990) and Member (1975-present). 
  • Hawaiian Historical Society: Member since 1988
  • Hawaiian Historical Postcard Society: Member since 1988
  • Hui Aloha: Member since May 1999, Vice president (2001)

Employment:

Systems engineer for the past 27 years for Department of the Navy.