About Our Hālau
Our hālau is comprised of both men and women, young and old, ranging from keiki to kūpuna. Our primary focus is on hula kahiko (ancient style), hula ʻauana (modern style), oli (chant), and nā mea hula (arts, crafts, implements). These traditions are shared through classes, workshops, retreats, performances, and events.
We produce performance events including Ashland Aloha Festival, held in and around Ashland. Our hālau also dances in Ashland's 4th of July parade (1st place awards in 2015, 2013, 2010 and 2009; 2nd place award in 2011 and 2018) and other City of Ashland events including Island Night: An Aloha State of Mind, Ashland World Music Festival, and the Festival of Lights; Interfaith Thanksgiving Services; and at other community or private events by invitation.
We have been honored to perform in Hawai'i at several esteemed events including E Mau Ana Ka Hula (The Hula is Perpetuated): A Tribute to King David Kalakaua in Keauhou, Na Mea Hawai’i Hula Kahiko program in Volcanoes National Park, at our own Ho'ike at Maka'eo in Kona, as well as at the annual Cultural Festival at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. In 2016, our hālau took the Overall Winner award at the Kupuna Hula Festival and Competition in Keauhou, along with First Place awards in the Solo Kane, Group Kane, and Mixed Kane/Wahine Divisions. In 2018, we attended the 5th Ka 'Aha Hula 'O Hālauaola (World Hula Conference), a 10-day gathering of Hula and Oli masters, practitioners, and enthusiasts. Our kumu and haumana also participated in the Opening Ceremony, along with hālau from the islands and around the world.
We have danced with many well-known and award-winning or nominated Hawaiian recording artists and bands, including Weldon Kekauoha, Walt Keale, Stephen Inglis, Chris Lau, LT Smoothe, Da Ukulele Boyz, Hapa, Jeff Peterson, Nathan Aweau, the late Bill Tapia, Jerry Santos, and Mihana Souza.
Our Alaka'i
Our alaka'i were given the kuleana of stewarding the Ashland hālau when Kumu Andrea moved to Moku O Keawe (Hawai'i island) in June 2024. While Kumu Andrea continues to support and direct the hālau, including maintaining a virtual and in-person presence through online and on-site classes and workshops, Tia and Lisa are the primary instructors for all Ashland classes. They serve their role and our haumāna heartfully, skillfully, and with deep devotion to sharing our traditions and teachings.
Tia Lehua McLean
Tia began dancing keiki hula from 5-11 on the island of Maui from Kumu Hula Iola Balubar. At 16 she reconnected with hula and began dancing with Kumu Keali’i Reichel and Kumu Uluwehi Guerrero.
After graduating from Baldwin High School, she moved to Ashland, Oregon to attend Southern Oregon University to study teaching. She stayed connected to hula when returning home through their family’s long time friend Aunty Robyn Kneubuhl, daughter of the legendary Emma Veary.
In 2010 her life changed after meeting Kumu Andrea and dancing with Hālau Hula Ka Pi'o o Ke Ānuenue (under the lineage of Kumu Hula Raylene Ha'alele'a Kawaiae'a). Kumu Andrea lit the path showing the power of hula to bridge past and present, here and home (Hawai’i).
As an elementary school teacher for the past 20 years, Tia loves the learning process and believes everyone can hula. As a keiki her Tutu (grandmother), Lu’ukia Pelekai, told her to keep dancing. She is honored to have the opportunity to perpetuate her Hawaiian culture through hula under the guidance of Kumu Andrea Luchese.
Lisa Bailey
Lisa has been studying hula for over twenty years, beginning with Aunty Malia's Hula Troupe and Hula O Kahawai, both based in Ashland, Oregon. Lisa began studying with Kumu Andrea Luchese and Hālau Hula Ka Pi'o o Ke Ānuenue in 2007, under the lineage of Kumu Hula Raylene Ha'alele'a Kawaiae'a. Lisa has been alaka'i to Kumu Andrea since 2011 and began Papa Kumu studies in 2022, culminating in an 'ōlapa and ho'opa'a 'uniki ceremony under Kumu Andrea in 2023. In perpetuating Kumu’s lineages, Lisa is also carrying forward the teachings and support of Kumu Keala Ching, under whom Kumu Andrea received her ‘uniki ‘ailolo in 2014.
Having spent three decades working in the mental health profession Lisa brings her background in healing to her hula practice and teaching, striving to guide haumāna in building healthy connections within themselves, with each other, with all those around us (both seen and unseen), and with our precious natural world.
