Homeschool & Unschool
It is often difficult for Dad to engage with our homeschool life because without his long hours in corporate America we would not be able to support our homeschooling lifestyle. So it is important for us to find ways to homeschool on the weekends when he is with us. And sometimes it is just necessary to get Dad into classes that help him escape from his work week as well. In our marriage, my husband and I have been working on learning more about our ancestral past in order to help us reconnect to the values that have seemingly disappeared as our families assimilate to “American” culture. As we homeschool, it is imperative that we constantly seek out events, classes and people that share our values, traditions and heritage. And even when those are difficult for us to find, we have learned that finding other indigenous families that are well-rooted in their cultural traditions helps to mend the disconnect that we are experiencing.
It is easy for me to attend a lot of these types of workshops with kids or with other moms. But finding one that benefits Dads is a constant search. So I was thrilled when Amelia Butler and Karl Burrows were offering a Haka workshop for the whole family in North Hollywood. I was a little nervous when I found out that the workshop would be held at Evolution Dance Studios in North Hollywood where hit dance shows are filmed. I was also a little nervous when I decided to only sign up Dad, so that we can see him do his thing and have some time for himself. But I have worked with Amelia before and she has a very special talent for making everyone feel like they are capable of anything.
Amelia and Karl started the workshop with a simple warm up with basic movements that everyone was able to do. I was impressed with the number of people and diversity within the class. There were dancers, performers, families, kids and other friends who just wanted to try something new and different. Amelia and Karl were very in tune with all the needs of the class. They were able to pick out and assist each member with translations and learning the language. They gave everyone the important meaning and spirit behind the haka and also gave everyone an opportunity to laugh at themselves. Their teaching was done with the positive encouragement that is always present in a familial atmosphere. And before I knew it, the group was powerfully performing the whole haka.
Our children were happy to have the opportunity to watch Dad complete a class and try something new as the usual roles require us to watch them. This workshop was also a really amazing way to connect Maori values with our own. My husband had an amazing time and felt this was a great way to give rise to his spiritual energy. We were excited to hear that Amelia and Karl would be holding more Haka Works events in the near future. Our family is excited to see Dad perform again and learn more about traditional Maori culture.
If you would like to learn more about Haka Works, you can find more about Karl Burrows and his passion to teach Maori traditions here.
If you would like to learn more about the Maori language, you can find out more through Amelia Butler’s Learn Maori Abroad.
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