Learn the traditional dance of Hawaii.
The hula dance is part of traditional Hawaiian culture. It is a dance that combines a variety of particular hand movements and footwork. Every movement in this dance is significant, as it tells a story. The hula was originally a religious dance that was accompanied by chanting, although because few people knew the meaning of the words being chanted, more significance was given to the dance moves, according to Alternative Hawaii.com. Learn to dance the hula by discovering some simple moves and their meanings.
Ami
"Ami" refers to hip movements in hula dance. Practice the ami move by rotating your hips, with your knees slightly bent. Do this quickly to symbolize the earth in your dance. This move is called "ami honua." Move your hips in a figure eight motion to symbolize "spinning." These hip movements are considered to be in good taste in Hawaii, whereas thrusting hip movements that represent sex are not appreciated, according to Hula Dance HQ.com.
Lele
Practice the lele move by beginning in a standing position with your knees slightly bent. Step forward with your right foot first, while also raising your left heel up off the ground and turning the heel inward slightly. Then step your left foot forward, while simultaneously lifting your right heel up and turning inward slightly. This movement symbolizes skipping, leaping or flying in the story of the dance.
Kaholo
The kaholo is referred to as the "vamp" step. Practice this by sliding your right foot to the right side, without lifting it up off the ground. Then slide your left foot to the right. Repeat the step and then start again, this time sliding to the left with your left foot first. Once you are comfortable with this step try to combine it with hip rotations.
Hand Movements
Communicate a number of different meanings simply by creating different movements and poses with your hands. Hold your hands crossed over your chest to symbolize embracing love. Hold your arms out in front of you and move your hands up and down alternately. Press each wrist down lower than the fingertips when lowering your arm, and lift each wrist slightly higher than the fingertips when raising an arm. This movement represents the movement of ocean waves. Bend your knees with your arms apart and slowly lift up while creating the outline of a large circle with your hands. This move symbolizes a sunrise.
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