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ritual. The purpose of Hula dancing is to convey meaning through movement. Hula dancing intertwines
the performers with the spirit of the universe by unifying their existence with nature. Even if you fail to
experience a meditative quality while performing the Hula dance moves, you can still learn a basic
foundation to enjoy this art form. Once you've mastered Hula dancing, if you want to try a dance from
a completely different culture, then I recommend you pick up a copy of Salsa Dancing 101. While less
meditative than the Hula, Salsa dancing has its own rich tradition and is just as much fun!
This article will teach you how to Hula dance by addressing three basic Hula dance steps. The Hula
dance instructions will include two basic hand movements and instructions for combining the hand
movements and basic steps. Hula dancing is a complex art form, and there are many hand motions used
to signify aspects of nature. One article simply cannot cover the complexity of Hawaiian Hula dancing
and the beauty of this ancient tradition. If you master the following steps and hand motions, you will
have a basic foundation from which to build and become a great Hula dancer.
Basic Steps in Hula Dance
Kaholo Step:
1. Begin standing upright with your feet together,
toes pointing forward, and knees slightly bent.
2. Move your right foot to the right a few inches.
Essentially, take a step sideways to the right.
3. Bring your left foot over to meet your right foot.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3.
5. Now, move your left foot to the left.
6. Step with your right foot and place it next to your
left foot.
7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6.
8. Repeat both Steps 2 and 3 twice.
9. Repeat both Steps 5 and 6 twice.
10.Repeat Step 8.
11.Repeat Step 9.
12.Steps 10 and 11 can be repeated through the
entire length of one Hula song.
Ka'o Step (Sway Step):
1. Begin just as you did for the Kaholo step. Stand
upright with your feet touching and toes pointing
forward. Remember to bend your knees slightly.
2. Step your right foot to the right. Your legs will be
shoulder width apart.
3. Bring your left foot up and in, pulling your heel
off the ground with your toes pointing slightly
left. The toes of your left foot will be at a 45-degree angle to the toes of your right foot. The
heel of your left foot will be touching your right ankle.
4. Step to the left with your toes pointing forward. Your legs will be shoulder width apart. Pull
your right foot up and in, bringing your right heel off the ground. The toes of your right foot
will be at a 45-degree angle to the toes of your left foot. The heel of your right foot will be
touching your left ankle.
Ami Step (Including hand motions):
1. Begin with your feet together, toes pointing forward, and knees slightly bent.
2. Place your arms overhead almost in a touchdown motion. Your arms will form a letter "U." Your
palms will be facing each other, and your elbows will be slightly bent rather than locked out.
3. Count 1 and rotate or roll your waist and hips clockwise. Your hands will be in the initial
position described in Step 2. Your feet should be touching the ground and will stay there for the
remainder of this step.
4. Count 2 and move your waist and hips again in a clockwise circle. Bring your arms down so
that your palms are at shoulder height.
5. Count 3 and move your waist and hips clockwise again. Bring your arms down with your
elbows pointing backward. Your hands will be at waist level and your palms will face down.
6. Count 4 and move your waist and hips clockwise again. Move your hands down so that they are
at your sides, still with your palms facing down. Keep your elbows slightly bent.