About
Hula Connection is a Polynesian music and dance halau where students learn Hawai'ian hula, Tahitian, and Samoan music and dance forms. Classes include work with poi balls from Maori culture in New Zealand, as well as ukulele and Tahitian drums. The program includes noncompetitive performance halau activities.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Group classes offered on Mondays and Thursdays, with private lessons available on Wednesdays
• Price: Family Discount: 10% for sibling, parent; Military Discount: $40 vs. $70; Senior Citizen Discount: $40; Single drop-in class $20
The 2022 winter schedule lists Monday classes at 3:30pm for a Keiki class (full), 4:30pm for Mini/Keiki (3–7 years), and 5:30pm for Teens/Adults. On Wednesdays, private lessons are available by email or phone scheduling. On Thursdays, classes run at 4:30pm for intermediate Teens/Adults, 5:30pm for Mini Keiki, and 6:30pm for Beginning Hula/Tahitian for Teens/Adults.
Hula Connection was founded in 2003 as a Polynesian music and dance halau and is described as a noncompetitive performance halau. The program states that it accepts students from ages 2 to 100+ and from all walks of life and that it practices COVID safety and precautions. The first class is free.
The stated main goal of Hula Connection is to help students learn about and share the “ALOHA SPIRIT” and respect for self and others through music, dance, and culture. The leadership team includes Lianne Nahina Pfister (Kumu and Alaka'i), Brenda Wallace Penrose, Marlene DeStories, and Valerie Avantes. Lianne has trained under kumu Uncle George Na'ope, Uncle Keola Beamer, and Aunty Ilima Montgomery, and has attended workshops with Aunty Vickie Holt Takamine and Uncle Robert Cazimero, has danced professionally in California and Hawai'i since 1980, was a high school and university cheerleader, is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, and has worked as an Adjunct Professor for Chapman University in schools, clinics, and medical facilities for over 30 years. Brenda trained with Ballet Pacifica for 9 years and also studied jazz, tap, and modern dancing for 6 years, has been a teacher for kindergarten through 2nd grade for 19 years, and is currently a kindergarten teacher at Vista Del Mar Elementary School.
Hula Connection has participated in festivals such as the OHANA Festival, Polynesian Festival, Tallships, Hawaiian Surf Club, and San Clemente Ocean Festivals, as well as annual parades including Festival of Whales, Swallows Day, and Aliso Viejo Winter. The halau also performs for private venues and events such as birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, and other special occasions, and states that it accepts all levels of students and allows all students to participate in community venues. For classes, students are asked to wear comfortable workout attire and bring water for hydration.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Group classes offered on Mondays and Thursdays, with private lessons available on Wednesdays
• Price: Family Discount: 10% for sibling, parent; Military Discount: $40 vs. $70; Senior Citizen Discount: $40; Single drop-in class $20
The 2022 winter schedule lists Monday classes at 3:30pm for a Keiki class (full), 4:30pm for Mini/Keiki (3–7 years), and 5:30pm for Teens/Adults. On Wednesdays, private lessons are available by email or phone scheduling. On Thursdays, classes run at 4:30pm for intermediate Teens/Adults, 5:30pm for Mini Keiki, and 6:30pm for Beginning Hula/Tahitian for Teens/Adults.
Hula Connection was founded in 2003 as a Polynesian music and dance halau and is described as a noncompetitive performance halau. The program states that it accepts students from ages 2 to 100+ and from all walks of life and that it practices COVID safety and precautions. The first class is free.
The stated main goal of Hula Connection is to help students learn about and share the “ALOHA SPIRIT” and respect for self and others through music, dance, and culture. The leadership team includes Lianne Nahina Pfister (Kumu and Alaka'i), Brenda Wallace Penrose, Marlene DeStories, and Valerie Avantes. Lianne has trained under kumu Uncle George Na'ope, Uncle Keola Beamer, and Aunty Ilima Montgomery, and has attended workshops with Aunty Vickie Holt Takamine and Uncle Robert Cazimero, has danced professionally in California and Hawai'i since 1980, was a high school and university cheerleader, is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, and has worked as an Adjunct Professor for Chapman University in schools, clinics, and medical facilities for over 30 years. Brenda trained with Ballet Pacifica for 9 years and also studied jazz, tap, and modern dancing for 6 years, has been a teacher for kindergarten through 2nd grade for 19 years, and is currently a kindergarten teacher at Vista Del Mar Elementary School.
Hula Connection has participated in festivals such as the OHANA Festival, Polynesian Festival, Tallships, Hawaiian Surf Club, and San Clemente Ocean Festivals, as well as annual parades including Festival of Whales, Swallows Day, and Aliso Viejo Winter. The halau also performs for private venues and events such as birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, and other special occasions, and states that it accepts all levels of students and allows all students to participate in community venues. For classes, students are asked to wear comfortable workout attire and bring water for hydration.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
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