How to Hula Dance

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Watch more How to Dance videos: www.howcast.com/videos/217848-...
Get a little hula in your life by learning how to do these basic moves.
Step 1:
Stand facing your mirror with your feet about four inches apart. Bend your knees and put your hands on your hips.
Tip
Dance on a comfortable surface; the hula is always done barefoot.
Step 2:
Use this four-beat pattern for your feet. First, step eight inches to the right with your right foot. Second, bring your left foot toward your right without sliding it. Third, step with your right foot again, and fourth, bring your left foot toward your right, tapping the ground on the fourth beat. Switch directions, leading with the left foot.
Step 3:
Now bring your hips into the four-beat mix. As you step to the right, lower your foot toe-heel and lift your hip; repeat with your left foot and hip. Sway right, then left, right again, and then left again. Repeat to the left side.
Tip
Keep your knees bent - it helps your hips sway!
Step 4:
Bend your left arm so your hand is in front of the left side of your chest, palm facing down, fingers together and gently extended. Extend your right arm away from your body at shoulder level and keep your elbow slightly bent, your palm down, and your fingers together.
Step 5:
Without letting your left arm touch your chest, bend your elbows and wrists so they are swaying in a wave motion. On the first step to the left, switch so the left arm is extended and the right arm is in front of your right breast. Repeat.
Tip
As you move, keep your body relaxed but your shoulders still.
Step 6:
Look out at your extended hand while you're dancing. If mele, or traditional song, accompanies your dance, use your face and eyes to tell the story of the song. And don’t forget to smile! Hula dancing is for celebrations.
Did You Know?
19th-century Christian missionaries urged Hawaiian women to replace the hula skirt with a high-necked, long-sleeved gown called a holoku.

[@anaakhalauri8810]

I have a deadline at 12 a.m Me: wow this dance seems interesting let’s do this 🤔

[@corz4955]

IKR

[@ikroses23]

Oh my gosh, me rn

[@AmiraStrawter]

A sense of rhythm 😂😂😂 That cancels out half the world

[@clover7888]

blehh853 i’m not asian or european and i have 0 rhythm. sorry i left that in my moms womb

[@hirayui]

ramram92 Hawaii’s ancestors are Asian which means they’re, if nothing certainly Asian

[@mkfleez5319]

Yui indigenous peoples of Taiwan are not Asian, rather Austronesian. So basically Hawaiian peoples ancestors weren’t Asian🤷‍♀️

[@God_3712]

Lol that's what I was thinking 🤣

[@poppypop1013]

@ramram92 No, we in the Balkans can’t relate to the lack of rhythm, thanks 😂

[@AlxMar5]

Instructor: "You will need: mirror, rhythm, grace, & sensuality" Me: "I FEEL VERY ATTACKED RIGHT NOW"

[@keylarosa5173]

🤣🤣

[@xxwaveslovexx]

Lol I remember how when I moved from Hawaii to Florida, I would always get my papers taken points off because I spelt Hawaii like Hawai'i. And I'd say it how it's supposed to be said. Not with a a but a v and I would get corrected and criticized. Well. I'm from Hawai'i so. I would like to think I know more than them.

[@santoyoreba]

You did and you do. Thanks for the lesson. I've learned something new.

[@terryrobinson4484]

Oh yeah so true 😊

[@LuvJT101]

Nothing like a non-native correcting you on your own cultural heritage 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@YouKnowImOnMyPeriodYah]

I know this is 8 years old but the ignorance and caucasity jump out 🤡🥴

[@user-mk1kw7hq1r]

In English it's Hawaii, if you spelled Norway as Norge they're going to do the same 🤷‍♂️

[@Bayleebond]

God damnit I lost my grace and sensuality at my friends house

[@ThePoodleServiceDog]

0-0

[@skwlwt0nb0nes69]

Bayleebond you need to keep maluhai in you

[@MrRockslides]

hula hohokaa

[@karenwigfall1457]

Bayleebond 😂

[@kukkabackman3897]

bum kah

[@xodenise158xo]

Well my 8th grade music teacher said to me, "Twilight(a nickname when gave me🙄) you have no sense of rhythm." The memory of her still hunt me at night😭

[@mariarengifo6383]

she was a bad teacher.

[@melmiller9635]

I’m a Latina but I truly love how Hawaiian girls moves and dance I want to be Hawaiian so bad LOL

[@nae2115]

dont be shy to venture other cultures and appreciate the people who practice them come to hawaii and take actual hula dance lessons

[@alexpotts8436]

My daughter never loved hula,now she’s starting to appreciate and love hula and she does nothing bt hula,she’s been doing hula for the past years,she is now 12 years old and still loves it❤️🥰💞she also got accepted to teach other kids hula,and is still teaching the neighborhood kids hula❤️ you guys move so gracefully I LOVE IT

[@merridm]

I love this video. This is basic steps, practiced over and over with rhythm. I love the instructor and the woman keeping the beat with the drum. Hula is an art form, and complicated at that. You can not just jump in without basics. This is also a good workout.

[@heart96793]

I've been dancing hula for 4 years now and I love it! I live on Maui, and I go to the only Chirstian & Hawaiian school, Kamehameha School. I'm a native Hawaiian(: And noo, Hawaiians don't live in tiny grass shacks, and wear coconut bras! Haha(: I speak, breathe, and live aloha!

[@lajksueye5749]

Ayyy im on the Kapālama campus on 'Oahu. I've been dancing for 12 years+

[@SAMOAboi808]

Hula in Hawaiian is "dance" so that means the title says "how to dance dance"

[@BOOH782]

lol yeah I always tell people that. dance hula = dance dance..

[@candelamorales3016]

Hahaha didn't know that!! Thanks for saying that. Must be funny to here that all the time😊😂

[@standdown4929]

Just like "Monsoon" means "rainey season". When people say "Monsoon season" they are saying "Rainey season season". Lol :)

[@WalkTarget]

Or queso cheese dip/sauce...

[@heyitsriah09]

XD ikr! My cousins mom aka my auntie is Hawaiian

[@grndctrl]

i need to know the name of the song in the back 😩😍

[@exurgarcia]

Yes! Thank you Howcast for detailed explanation of each step and motion. I have fallen in love with Hula and it took me three years to fully get the rhythm of the dance. I just released a video of me performing Hawaiian dance numbers to weddings, trainings, and recitals. I decided to audition for a male performer spot at Polynesian Cultural Center here in Oahu, Hawaii and was rejected four times. I have worked hard to fully learn the basics and advanced motions. Finally, I got hired before I finished college. Take a look at my journey of learning this amazing dance without a good knowledge of it at first because I am from the Philippines and fully embracing it. I will also start a dance tutorial of the Hawaiian dance motions I have learned. You are all free to follow them and perform them if you wish. Mahalo nui loa and aloha! 🤙

[@exurgarcia]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5mvqmOentadfqc

[@roletaferetinuuola7455]

Jesus bless you kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3zRlIyvm9agfLs

[@natoshabrown]

It reminds me some of Belly Dancing, which I know how to do. Especially by using your hips, legs, and feet the most! As one possibly moving to Hawaii soon, hopefully I can learn these dances! 😄👍

[@loganservatius2058]

Thanks so much! I love dancing and i put my favorite song on and dance my heart out! Thanks so much!

[@jchrissyart]

This is great review. The basics done perfect and slow. Thank you for posting this video I love hula and I can practice better when looking at this.

[@emilyrobles5171]

If u practice it then don’t keep ur feet as far apart. They legit measured when it simple- shoulder width apart

[@ChrsBrwnLver]

LMFAOO!! In the beginning she goes "You will need a full length mirror, and a sense of rhythm." I'm sorry but that just made me laugh so hard.

[@missaloha1542]

Aloha everyone.

[@missaloha1542]

Hawaii maluhiluhi akahele Kepani. Koe o Kepani ho, koe Kepani kapu. Koe kapani hilahila. Aotearoa kokua, koe manapua koe ho koe maluhiluhi koe ho. Hawaiian po`e poina hawaii. Koe o kepani pupule, koe o kapani pohihihi of Hawaii.

[@tula__]

I am commenting 3 yrs apart... Miss Aloha hey dear just wondering what's meant by "aloha" heard many times. Is it a "hi"?

[@_ariio_2412]

@@tula__ it means hello and goodbye.

[@anotherbobaenthusiast7343]

@@_ariio_2412 and also I love you

[@PASSPORTKING2106]

Aloha and mahalo mama

[@lizafong-mayo1288]

Love the easiest on how to dance to the basic!

[@adamst.martin1932]

October 21, 2017--- Great performance.. great education...I do NOT care what other people says..but I really enjoyed watching and liked it.. Probably doesn't matter what form it is...as long you do it and enjoying doing it...Great job ladies....

[@c.p.5167]

You are NOT supposed to stand with your feet that far apart! Only a couple of inches at the heel.

[@eskimoto4417]

teaching you to fail like US public education

[@YoMama9021]

C. Panter that’s exactly what I was thinking. I’m trying to learn how to hula dance. I seen in another video their feet are very much closer then what we just seen here.

[@lajksueye5749]

Idk why people are measuring it legit just shoulder width lol btw I've been dancing for more than 12 years

[@lajksueye5749]

Another thing that bothered me is they were lifting their heels. Ur supposed to keep ur feet flat majority of the time. And to move ur hips u just M o v e u r h i p s. Not lift ur feet lol

[@PolynesianPrincessa]

That depends on your kumu and hula lineage! Real dancers know this.

[@sarah300c1]

Such a peaceful dance

[@K9girl29]

hula is such a beutiful and calm dance :)

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I was thinking this would help the pain in my back and sciatica from when an ambulance hit my car in 2012. I learned a little in Guam and in Florida. People had lived in Hawaii from the Navy families I knew.

[@wildheart0261]

I'm not Hawaiian but I love Hawaii and hula. But yes I agree with you. A lot of people learn hula just to be sexy and it's not right because they are taking an ancient dance and turning it into something just to get my boys to like them. And if you don't mind me asking, what kind of hula is this?

[@UwU-lm9or]

Its just hula Tahitian is something else and hawaii is just hual hopes this helpes

[@lajksueye5749]

This is the most basic step called a kaholo. It is used in almost every type of hula whether it be auana, which means songs where they are singing, or kahiko, which means the older ancient style where they are chanting. Hope this helps. If u wanna know more I could tell you more. Lived in Hawai'i my whole life and danced hula my whole life so yeah.

[@angeliqueamour4452]

I don't think a debate is necessary just some simple facts. Filipino is not polynesian - fact. Micronesians are not Polynesians, that is why they are called Micronesian just like Melanesians are Melanesians. Polynesians have had our culture 'stolen' so many times that we really fight hard to maintain our identity. It's great that you identify with our people - Nakho Bear is part Filipino/Native American & he identifies with Hawaiians on a deep level - we are all connected in some way. Peace!

[@Thewildhobby]

Delightful, I am trying to remember the nuances of Hawaii dance in order to teach my grandchildren (I must say as a youngster I wouldn't have thanked anyone for such direction...)

[@symonenoel466]

at first i thought that guy was a girl that didn't shave lmao

[@symonenoel466]

Miranda Tate you don't sound like a jerk at all :) he was in the middle i think at the end when they were showing the dance all together

[@fennah-may679]

haha me too

[@pav-ig4mv]

Sameee

[@chelseaunderwood4277]

Wait what guy...?

[@markjurassicmarkjunge9276]

The dancers are beautiful and their movements are even more beautiful! (I'm as white a haole as they come, but years ago I was in a pretty authentic Polynesian song and dance group...sometimes I really miss it!) 😃

[@CakeMixOnDaRise]

I looooove this story!! 🙏🙏🙏🌻🌻🎉🎉🦋🦋🔥🔥❤️💕🎂🧁

[@VeganDeterioration]

they all dance very nicely

[@fairylove1]

Everyone can dance it! Nice video!

[@alyssaporter5063]

about to go to Hawaii... very helpful!

[@mirashin8400]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@gokharol]

Gotta do it now!!!

[@andreapatane4204]

I'm not Hawaiian, either. It never hurts to learn how to Hula dance once in a while if you're in Lilo's shoes. I never knew that dances tell stories just like songs. 😀

[@terrim632]

Lilo is inspiring!

[@mysticakau]

you guys are the best

[@funkedafied143]

@tuffyanddakota in ancient times the hula garmet was just ti leaf skirt w/ different types of leis put on the ankles, wrist, head.. such as kahelelani shell lei, fern lei, plumaria flower lei, etc. these were all put together by coconut thread.

[@love.grayee]

I gotta do a hula dance at my camping trip and let me say I think I can hula now.

[@shen703]

I LOVED IT

[@pokemoncat976]

As a kid whenever I watch Leo and Stitch, I mimicked the movements from the movies.

[@sablejohnson3845]

I tried this myself, it was fun. it honestly reminded me of hip rolling but with a smoother walk and motion. Someone said in a previous video that it comes natural for islanders. I am not Hawaiian but do have fragments of Thai, Filipino, Austreina, in my DNA. I wonder does that statement ring true for people of African Descent. It felt natural to me when i did it?

[@joeeeee7]

I want to learn too!!!🥰

[@LolaFotable]

thx for this video now I know how to dance hula!!

[@wackywolf6871]

i learned to do when i was either 3 or 4 i dont think i need to say i didnt learn much. it was in Hawaii during a celebration. there was people there teaching you to dance like this on grass. it was mostly my mom doing it while she told me and my brother to try it and we were playing tag. i tried alittlebit but i couldnt not tag him back.

[@KitinupNengin]

wow the girls are so pretty!

[@yolandareyes6402]

👏👏👏👏Beautiful!!!💕💕💕 I'll practice😉

[@ashhhhlyy]

is there an instrumental of the background music on youtube? this is soothing :D

[@Theo-tc2pl]

Wonderful .. moreover is healing .. i have pain in walking 78yo i am trying since 4 years to find a solution physio acupuncture stretching .. 500 meters and my knee is sore i have to stop ! i sow in tv an american lad frim NY with knee problems after an injury , the guy has become a teacher un hawaïan culture and started dancing hula.. too as ethnic dance and his knee problem that was supposed to last for life … disappeared !! I tried hula since one week .. is the second day 1st jan 2022 and 2 jan i walked 4 kilometers each day , no pain my wife was startled… mee too !!!😜👍 Thanks Hula spirits ! There is always something to learn

[@campregistrar150]

Helpful!!

[@Technologic94]

Hooray for natural rhythm.

[@miyasatodiana]

Tomaré lecciones 🤗😉

[@norah685]

oooooohhhhh i'm gonna go try this at home now :D :D

[@JesselouFerraro]

nice

[@withlove_jr]

Is it ok if I hula dance if I'm not Hawaiian because I love and respect the culture the music the dance the language EVERYTHING , is just amazing , im Native American i dance cloth but i also love Hawaiian culture to.😊

[@MushtaqAhmad-jg3bn]

Masha'Allah very nice danch

[@daughterofgod766]

Could you do a Video about Polynesien dance please 😁

[@ladehhtee]

I'm proud to be half-Hawaiian and I don't think there's any problem with other cultures wanting to learn about Hawaiian culture. As long as they keep it respectful, not none of that cheesy tiki/elvis presley themed stuff. There is nothing wrong with this video. It's instructional, and tells a lot about how hula is about telling a story and there's meaning behind every. single. thing. No offense to my fellow Polynesians, but we seriously need to calm down about it.

[@markjurassicmarkjunge9276]

There is a difference between old-style olapas and the smiling, "hands-tell-the-story" modern hula. Olapas are definitely to be respected because of their religious tradition; modern hulas are for luaus and such.

[@user-tf8yt3pw6w]

Hi!! Perfect

[@hayngoddess]

this is just really basic moves to the dance. the feel movement in this video is called kaholo (kah-hoh-loh) and it is accompanied by very simple are movement. This is some very key learning tools in the hula. You should take a look for some hula halau's that may be in your area to check them out! :)"

[@sunshine1240]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing this ❤❤❤

[@JasmineNicole98]

not really years to master but to be a professional. I've been dancing Tahitian for about 5 weeks. I'm gonna be posting some videos soon, you can judge if it takes years to master.

[@hyukalvrs961]

The first step is called kaholo which is the basic dance of hula

[@missaloha1542]

Hawaii maluhiluhi akahele Kepani. Koe o Kepani ho, koe Kepani kapu. Koe kapani hilahila. Aotearoa kokua, koe manapua koe ho koe maluhiluhi koe ho. Hawaiian po`e poina hawaii. Koe o kepani pupule, koe o kapani pohihihi of Hawaii.

[@TheDarthDeathDuck]

Aww I remember when I took Hula dancing

[@heavenlyflower9717]

if you're an islander, it comes naturally...

[@cbb3480]

Leilani Samuela HAHAHA

[@sylviakay7064]

Leilani Samuela I'm quater tongan

[@Rainjojo]

Not for me

[@_ariio_2412]

Yep it does

[@user-ee7gg5pe8d]

Not for all of us

[@cassied9327]

You will need: A full body mirror (check) A sense of rhythm (hmmm) All the grace and sensuality you can muster (dang it)

[@acacia8742]

Awesome

[@finley_photos3018]

I have a surprise birthday party and I need to learn to hula and this video was very useful

[@bella_b2004]

Can you recamend a fast beat song for fast hula dancer?

[@pinkishhaven5158]

Have multiple missing to-dos in google classroom, room has been a mess for days ...I should learn hula

[@minimalistdanse]

@islandpride16 yes it helps, I've been learning bellly dance and the moves are kinda similar to hula....

[@mandymiller3247]

Well now I know how to do everything. Hahaha

[@Lishmaa]

these girls can sway their hips soo smoothly :) .. i like it ! teaching myself to sway like that lmao .

[@lajksueye5749]

Tip!: Try not to use ur feet like they do but instead bend lower and push your hips to each side. With practice it gets easier but they are using their feet and coming of their heels which they aren't supposed to.

[@lajksueye5749]

Shoot just realized this comment is 10 years old loll

[@Lishmaa]

@@lajksueye5749 Thanks heaps for that valuable tip!

[@shaylaballesteros2272]

& to the person who said this hula is"insanely basic"...it's because those movements are called basics like kaholo, hele, 'ami, uhehe, etc. hula isn't easy at all. & most performances at a "luau" is Tahitian.

[@user-bm8se3mj4p]

you need to make this a full series of lessons like you did with belly dance for those who want to learn more than just the basics ♥♡♥♡

[@mariamontiel7233]

I have too do the hula dance at my school and i dont whant to do it i am shy

[@garr0r]

that one in the orange. oh baby

[@ambeyverma89]

अच्छा है| Translated word. Nice.

[@ninjamilbrecht776]

cool

[@maiaprelipceanu2967]

Can you send me a link to the music that you used in your video

[@Strawberrysmoothie97]

thats exactly what i have to do to for IB. but i chose this dance for sports :P

[@Stellar148]

Is there part 2? It would be nice if you can mention the artists and the studio in credits.

[@halauomakalapua8588]

The Halau is Hula Halau ‘ O Makalapua located in San Bruno, Ca.

[@amberliss_105]

ALOHA AH YESS YESS

[@missaloha1542]

Koe o kapani are nalu. Koe manapua lalu kolo to native Hawaiian. Lalu nalu.

[@sinab.8561]

good

[@Pretty.CrazyGirl]

they make it look so easy howwww 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@viviennemorgan7217]

i like hula dancing.

[@brenee321]

Yay i GOT IT IMMA LUCKY WANTCH

[@AngelicaEchiverri]

Does anyone know the ukulele song that was playing on the background?

[@aneesaparker681]

I did this before I love shaking there hips

[@washingmachine2]

kim lip: *breaths* HULA DANCEU

[@SarahRMSmaluku]

woooooooooooooooow , it helps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Pyromoth19]

What is the name of the uke song being played in this video?

[@ThePoodleServiceDog]

Easier than Tahitian (I'm a Polynesian dancer although I'm American)

[@fandomthingy602]

MondlerForever123 that's really cool honestly

[@tok220]

Not really. All three styles of hula (Hawwiian, Tahitian and Cook Island) have different feet placing and different form of swinging of the hips for the girls.

[@lajksueye5749]

I dance Tahitian and Hula and tbh I dont think either one is harder. They both have their hard and easy parts. This video legit shows the easiest most basic step you can do in hula. (I am born and raised in Hawai'i and still here)

[@Amutolover1]

I have done hula for bout 5 years and throughout the years training has gotten hard on me. T.T

[@AwesomeKoko1]

@iCraacked I would, but we're moving soon so I can't until we move D:

[@balletviolin10812]

does he have a video on it?

[@tok220]

Please explain which style of HULA you are doing!!! Are doing Hawwiian or Tahtian or Cook Island style form of HULA.

[@halauomakalapua8588]

They are showing Hawaiian (hula) basics.

[@soldier4christ111]

Its sad that im back here and im hawaiian 😂 i was in a halau when i was small but forgot how to dance -_-