Our Team
Our teachers have years of experience. They are ready to share their knowledge and aloha with you!
Mary Nelson, Owner and Manager
I began my hula journey over 20 years ago. During multiple visits to my in-laws on Oahu, I became fascinated by the blend of dance, culture and history I found embodied in hula. Back home in Maryland, I started taking lessons. Over the years I progressed from student to assistant teacher to running my own studio. All these years later, I am proud to manage Hula Maryland. I’m always thrilled to watch students of all levels progress and grow in their skills and appreciation of all that hula offers. I especially love providing live chanting for our Hula Kahiko. I also enjoy designing and making costumes for our performances.
Jonna Capezzuto, Teacher
My family is from Pahoa on Hawai’i island. I began dancing hula at 6 years old, occasionally dancing in shows with my sister and mom, while my dad sang and played bass guitar in the band. I spent 20 years as a freelance show dancer with local Polynesian bands and entertainment companies and traveled to hula workshops taught by some of the most renowned kumu hula. As my two youngest children grew older I eased back into hula and found Hula Maryland. I enjoy the time I get to spend with my hula sisters!
Charlene Carr, Teacher
As a child I had years of lessons in various dance forms and I celebrated my Native American heritage as a pow-wow dancers for decades. After a trip to Hawai’i and exposure to its amazing culture, I was determined to explore the world of hula. I was fortunate to find Hula Maryland when I returned home. I enjoy the mental and physical discipline of hula, as well as its grace and beauty. As a preschool/primary teacher, I tend to work with the classes for children (keiki) and beginners. I also support costume design and fabrication.
Lucy Dirksen, Teacher
I am an Ilocano, born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. Growing up, it took a long time to accept who I was as an outsider in my own community. But, through the connections I’ve made with indigenous teachings and cultures around the world, I’ve discovered parts of my self I hadn’t realized before. Joining my Hula Maryland sisters, learning the dances, and adopting the Hawaiian way of life has shaped me I never dreamed possible. And after hearing the ipu heke for the first time, I knew I found a place I could call home. As an artist, a mother, and a teacher I strive to always learn. My philosophy is that even as an instructor, there is always room to grow and always an opportunity to learn something new. Hula Maryland is more than just dancing; it is a community, a home, and a family.
Jade Butler, Teacher
I am a kamaʻaina, born and raised in Hawaiʻi, the Big Island, from a plantation town called Papaʻikou. As a young girl I watched the Merrie Monarch hula competition with amazement. Growing up in Hilo, I was introduced to hula lessons from the late Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho, and learned the most important basic in hula, “bend your knees.”
I was reintroduced to hula in 2002 with my teen daughter, Tara. In 2023 my joy for hula was resurrected by a mother-daughter dance at Tara’s wedding reception. We found Hula Maryland, and were divinely connected to hula teacher Jonna - my hula journey continues.
I am grateful to Hula Maryland and to be connected to a community that shares a love for hula. E haʻa hula, hula mai e - Dance with bended knees, come dance.
Brittany Kalahiki, Teacher
I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu and moved to Maryland in 2019. In search of a sense of community that felt like home, I discovered Hula Maryland in 2023 and began my hula journey. Through hula, I have not only deepened my appreciation for Hawaiian heritage but also gained a richer understanding of my culture and the history. Hula has been a transformative force, inspiring me to further explore my identity and purpose in the world.
I am blessed to have formed meaningful connections with my hula sisters, whose support has made living far from home so much easier. What I love most about hula is that itʻs more than just dance - it’s a pathway to learning ‘ōlelo, exploring places, understanding the Hawaiian way of life, and connecting with our history. You’ll often find me at hālau several days a week, fully immersed in every class, contributing through ‘oli, pā'ʻī, and as an ‘ōlapa.