I want to learn how to hula dance?

Question

Just like the hawaiian dance i think its fascinating and really want to know how to do it

Answer 1

Go to Hawaii and take lessons

Answer 2

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Learn How To Hula Dance

Hula is the traditional dance of the Hawaiian Islands. It was once both a religious exercise in honor of the goddess Laka and also their form of entertainment. In traditional hula, poems and stories were interpreted by highly stylized movements of the dancers arms and hands. Although the angelic dances of old Hawaii have almost disintegrated and bear little resemblance to the modern forms of hula, the modern hula also tells a story. The out spread arms of the dancer represents the swaying of the palm trees gently blown by the wind. To be able to convey the story to the audience the dancer has to coordinate the facial expression and the eye with the graceful movements of the fingers, arms, wrists, hips, knees and feet. A step-by-step method is outlined below to an easy way of learning the hula dance.

STEP 1: Fingers, Wrists, Hands and Arms

The right arm and hand is first extended to the right of the body leveled to shoulder height. Elbow slightly bent, palms down, fingers lightly touching each other. The left hand is placed on the hip with fingers pointing downward. Remember that there are 4 counts in this Hula dance. Practice all steps and movement to the rhythm of Hawaiian Hula music to obtain the correct tempo. When dancing, the feet must be bare, do not wear sandals or shoes?

On Count 1, dip right hand fingers downwards with wrist slightly raised then bring fingers up as wrist being lowered (like ocean waves.)

On Count 2, repeat movement of fingers and wrist but this time move the forearms and hand halfway to chest.

On Count 3, again repeat fingers and wrist movement with forearm and hand further move to the center of the chest without touching the body.

On Count 4, drop right hand and place on the hip with fingers pointing downward. Repeat the process with you left hand, arm, fingers and wrist, dropping the left hand to the hip at the count of four.

Practice the movement until it becomes easy and natural for you.

STEP 2: Feet and Knees

Stand in the natural position, completely relaxed, feet about four inches apart. Bend knees slightly, raising heels an inch or two off the floor with weight of the body on balls of the feet. Never dance flat footed.

On Count 1, take one step to the right approximately eight to nine inches with the right foot, then bring left foot to the side of the right on Count 2 without dragging the foot.

On Count 3 again move the right foot eight to nine inches to the right, bringing the left foot to the side of the right on Count 4.

Do this on reverse by taking one step to the left on Count 1 placing the right foot to the side of the left on Count 2. Take one more step to the left on Count 3 and on Count 4 bring right foot to the side of the left. Now, you are back to your original position.

It is important to practice these steps until it comes to you naturally without much concentration.

STEP 3: Hips

To obtain the rhythm of the hips, sway them gently.

Count 1 to the right, Count 2 to the left, Count 3 to the right, Count 4 to the left. The swaying must be done gently and never in jerky manner and must follow the rhythm of the music. The correct movement of the hips will give charm and grace to the dancer.

In order to acquire the skill of the true Hula Dancer one must practice these instructions diligently.

STEP 4: Bringing it all together

After having mastered Steps 1 to 3, you combine these steps as a continuous movement.

Remember to practice with the Hawaiian music like Tiny Bubbles or Pearly Shell, available at most record outlets.

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