DOWNEY - A Hawaiian dance group comprised of two local students won first place at Downey High School's Cultural Talent Show held June 3.Marie Bourgeault, a student at Downey High, and her friend, Melina Adashefski, a student at Warren High, performed a Polynesian duet and danced to Elvis Presley's "Blue Hawaii. The team was praised for their "graceful hands, hip movements and coordination needed in a slow song." Adashefski also performed a solo routine, dancing a fast, hip-moving Tahitian. She won third place. Bourgeault performed a solo Polynesian and danced to Lilo & Stitch's "He Mele No Lilo," which got the audience clapping along. The two girls currently take lessons with hula instructor Toni Stewart and with the Ku'uipos O'Hula Halau.

********** Published: June 9, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 8