My hula classes are intended for the joy of the dance, not for
competition.
GOAL OF MY TEACHING
To perpetuate traditional hula,
while encouraging expression and originality. To teach the basics
of hula so that fresh choreography can evolve from the heart.
To give the non-dancer the knowledge and
experience of a dancer. To help the dancer feel the joy
of accomplishment - “Look, ma, I’m dancing.”
FOR BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
Haumana (student) Ensemble Show Presentation (Long Beach)
CLASS BREAKDOWN
*Exercises.
*Footwork.
*Hand motions.
*Terminology.
*Background/history of each dance, as
well as its story.
*English translations when the lyric of a song is
in Hawaiian.
*Language as needed for hula.
*Hawaiian history (as class time allows)
*Introduction of Hawaiian implements - uliulis (feathered
gourds), ipus
(gourds), iliilis (clicking
rocks or pebbles), puilis
(split bamboo), kalaaus (short
sticks).
•
CLASSES ARE LIMITED IN SIZE
TO ENSURE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
Haumana Keiki (student children) with
Shells
(Show Presentation)
“‘A ‘a i ka hula, waiho ka hilahila i ka
hale.” When one wants to dance the hula, bashfulness should
be left at home. Mary Kawena Pukui
POINTS:
Dance, being the physical activity it is, can
cause one in training to overdo. Care will be taken to advise the
student on proper technique to avoid injury.
Warm-ups and strengthening exercises will be
a basic part of the classes.
Hula is a dance form that allows
a beginner to look and feel like a dancer from the earliest
classes.
Each dance builds upon the previous. On average, a new dance is
learned every 3 or 4 classes.
Hands and footwork are taught, but the
learning is in the dancer’s inhabiting the story they are
telling.
Terminology is an important part
of hula.
•
Home practice is strongly encouraged
|
