Hula is the language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.
-- David La'amea Kalakaua, king of Hawai'i, 1874 -1891
-- David La'amea Kalakaua, king of Hawai'i, 1874 -1891
While living on the island of Hawaii,
Shireen studied with the most
important person of her hula life -
kumu hula (hula master) Katherine
Keko'olani Dambley, whose loving
guidance and encouragement have
been an inspiration ever since.
Kumu Kathy bestowed on Shireen
the Hawaiian name Kanani, along
with her blessings to share
Hawaiian culture on the mainland.
Kumu Katherine Keko'olani Dambley 1985
In loving memory (d. 2008)
In loving memory (d. 2008)