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.

Elena Moschell, Teacher

I spent summers on Kaua’i with my grandparents, where I was introduced to hula and Hawaiian culture. I began my formal hula training in 2006. I love learning the nuances of the language because the language offers such a profound insight into the culture and history of people. When I teach, my goal is for everyone to understand the mana’o, or meaning, behind every song or chant and how the words can be expressed through dance. The best part of Hula Maryland is the people - I love my hula sisters and enjoy every moment I spend with them. We laugh, eat, dance, learn, eat, chant, and grow together. It is the embodiment of “aloha”. E malama pono.

Kathryn Kaminsky, Teacher

I was born in Maryland and raised by parents who grew up in Hawai’i. I began dancing hula as a young girl when I joined my first halau with my mother and younger sister. After more than 2 decades of dancing, I still love it. I’ve performed in all types of venues from birthday parties, luaus, weddings, hospitals and schools to the Nation’s Capitol. I’ve experienced the delight of hula as a young child, its enchantment as a young woman, and the enjoyment of my mom, who is still learning hula today. I love that Hula Maryland is willing to teach young and old in the same class. Hula brings generations of dancers together! I love the rich storytelling of the hula, the gracefulness and playfulness of ‘auana and the power and energy of the kahiko. Through hula, I’ve learned the Hawaiian language, history, legends and culture, as well as the Hawaiian respect for the land and the love of family.

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.

Amber Kolodin, Teacher

I never thought dancing would be something I would tick off my list of life’s achievements. Yet here I am, enjoying this experience and journey far beyond my expectations. It took only one trip to the Hawaiian islands to find myself completely and irrevocably in love with the Hawaiian people and their culture. The Aloha spirit was everywhere we went, in the lu’au vibes that sprang up on beaches and in people’s backyards, to the deep love and appreciation for their ‘aina and history. This was a trip that would forever change me. Flash forward years later and here I am, still celebrating this love of Hawaiian culture with my hula sisters through song and dance. And if anyone tells you hula is easy, have them do 50 ‘uwehe in a row and then see what they say!