Expressing the aloha spirit, junior Lauren Hilt has turned an interest in hula dancing into a passion she shares with others.

“The best thing [about] hula dancing is when you’re performing, and you know you’re sharing the aloha spirit with others,” Lauren said. “It helps me express myself in a way others can’t.”

Lauren’s family often visits Hawaii on vacation, and they have considered moving there. Although the family has no immediate plans to move to Hawaii, they continue to incorporate the Hawaiian culture into their lives.

Lauren and her sister hula dance together with a group of other girls. Lauren’s mother, Liza Hilt, organizes the group, and their dad is a big supporter, watching the girls perform.

“[Hula dancing] is something that we do together as a family,” Liza said. “We loved it from the minute we saw them dancing.”

At age six, Lauren began taking hula lessons. Then, four years ago, a group of girls and their parents came together to form Ho’o Hawai’i Malama ‘Ohana, a group that performs hula.

“The dancers looked like they were having fun,” Lauren’s sister Rachel Hilt said. “They looked like a family, and I wanted that.”

Aside from just learning the dances, Lauren and the girls in her group learn the meaning behind the movements. Each hand or hip movement tells a story about the cultural past of Hawaii.

“You’re using your hands to tell a story just like singers use lyrics to tell their stories,” Lauren said.

Ho’o Hawai’i Malama ‘Ohana spreads the Hawaiian spirit by performing for senior citizens and at birthday parties.

“I’m proud of our accomplishments and what I’ve learned.” Lauren said. “I want to do it as long as I can. It’s a great hobby and I love doing it.”

Story By Brittany Steck