What is Polynesian Dance?
Polynesian dance is any of the dances originating from more than 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. Aloha Style focuses on teaching the dances from Hawaii and Tahiti, Hawaiian Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. Because these dances are cultural they are for all walks of life.
What is Hula?
Hula is a cultural dance from Hawaii used to tell stories of nature, people or places to drums, chanting, ‘ukulele and other instruments.
What is ‘Ori?
‘Ori is a cultural dance from Tahiti used to tell stories of nature, people or places to drums, ʻukarere and other instruments.
What ages dance Hawaiian Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti?
All ages! But at Aloha Style we start our classes with students as young as 5 and as young at heart as you feel! Think of the dancers as a forest, all of the trees are different and at different ages, when the wind blows they trees all sway as one!
I am not Hawaiian or Tahitian, is it ok to learn these dances?
Yes! The dances originated there, but it is an honor to perpetuate the culture and language through dance. If you respect the cultures and share what you have learned in our community and with others you are helping to preserve the cultures which we almost lost.
Do you need dance experience? What if I have experience?
We have classes that will align with anyone’s Polynesian dance journey. Each class begins with foundations and ends with choreography. Basic steps are always reviewed and reinforced.
What does Polynesian Dance Look Like?
The best examples of Polynesian dance come from the cultural festivals! The best of the best showcase all of their hard work and years of training;
Hawaiian Hula- Merrie Monarch Festival
‘Ori Tahiti- Heiva i Tahiti Festival