Aloha to all the family and friends of Hula Halau KAEPA. In Hawaiian,Hula Halau KAEPA means dance (hula), school (halau) and the edge of a new beginning (Ka’epa).The Keito Academy of Ethno-Cultural Performing Arts (KAEPA) is a truly unique community of people from very diverse backgrounds who have come together with the goal of sharing the rich cultural heritage of ethnic peoples from all over the world. Our goal is to provide a safe community environment where children and young adult can learn about and participate in multi-cultural activities as an alternative to drugs and alcohol. During the summer of 2002 we received our official non-profit status as a 501© (3) organization. We are based in Austin with satellite classes in Killeen and San Antonio. Our mission is to educate the community on indigenous cultures by creating colorful and memorable venues of authentic performing arts presentations; to preserve ancient traditions and dances as well as promote the development of contemporary styles in the performing arts; to encourage greater appreciation of the ethnic culture through dance, heritage, language, music, storytelling and art; to create employment opportunities for young people in the performing arts; to demonstrate to young people how to become positive role models for others by giving them a new realized self-confidence and a better self-identity; and to give new options toward survival in a diverse world as opposed to the use of drugs and alcohol. You are invited to join our association as Friends of the Halau. Your donations make it possible for us to bring our multicultural programs to the community so that all interested children can take part in our activities regardless of their economic status. Your sponsorship helps us to promote family cultural events that include performing traditional dances and teaching world music and it’s history. It also supports the making of our costumes, props and instruments. Your dontation is tax deductible and every dollar goes directly to supporting our mission.You can contact Keito for more information by email at , 512 441-7070 1800 917 HULA.. src="http://www.janesoceania.com/hawaii_girls1/IHtropical_12 803_211.jpg"