Classes

The benefits of dancing hula.

Hula Dancing can have various levels of appeal that calm the body, mind and spirit, no matter how far away from the islands one may be. This genre of dance can be rigorous, but can also be relaxing for the dancer. Joining a group or halau ( school), not only takes one away from the rigor and worries of the week, but brings the closeness of extended Ohana (family), to the practitioner. Over the past few years, hula has gained popularity across many continents, infusing Aloha spirit Into the grain of many cultures. This makes hula a very popular style of dance with a huge population of devoted haumana (students). Haumana can range from all ages, genders, ethnicities, and body types. There is no person that is refused the ability to learn the art of hula; rather, it is the dedication of the dancer, and the engagement of the mind, body, and spirit that are the makings of a beautiful hula dancer.

The benefits of hula to the body are many. Not only is it a cardiovascular workout that provides a low-impact workout for the dancer, but provides benefits that strengthen and tone the stomach, hips, thighs, calves, arms and buttocks. Learning the basics of hula also strengthen back muscles and changes posture during dance. Some hula require grace, while others are quick in tempo requiring strength and stamina. Overall, the eye, hand, and foot coordination can be something that is a challenge for new Haumana, but can be quickly rectified with dedicated practice.

Practicing mindfulness assists in enhancing your memory, and is always something that requires exercise, especially as we grow older. For younger Haumana, the ease of learning shows due to their ability to retain. The youngest Haumana have the ability to retain hula steps and routines simply by being immersed and watching group practices. Help enhance your mind and memory by the repetition of steps, learning their names, and the execution of them with rhythmic beats. Basic steps are only one part of learning Hula. Dancing also requires the mind to learn meanings of dances and their backgrounds, as well as the stories and myths that surround them.

Hula is an art form that can bring peace not only to the mind, but to the spirit as well. Hula can wash away the tension that gathers in us during the week by easing stress. The rigor and breathing techniques that happen during practice often mimic the soothing sounds of the ocean, bringing a peaceful awareness to the soul. Many songs are inspired by natural elements such as the ocean, the gently moving grass or trees in the wind, the wide range of fragrant flowers, and rainfall. There are too many elements to mention here that inspire Hawaiian songs; however, imagining these elements of nature as you dance brings a peace to the soul, providing a spiritual experience for the dancer.