How to Perform the Hula Dance Hip Move

The ami, or hip rotation, is one of the basic moves of hula. In the ami, you move your hips in a circle rather than swaying them from side to side as you do in a walking step. Once you know the basic ami, you can perform it in place or as you rotate in a circle, which is known as "going around the island."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Do the Ami

1. Prepare yourself for the ami by bending your knees so they're pointed straight ahead over your toes. Hold your torso erect and relax your hips.
2. Distribute your weight equally on both feet.
3. Make your hands into loose fists and place them on your hips.
4. Move your hips to the right side, the front, the left and then the back, thinking about drawing an imaginary circle around you. As you move your hips, allow your knees and legs to stay flexible. Though you don't take a step, your legs move as you do the ami.
5. Keep your hips underneath your body. In the ami, your body as a whole is stationary. If you move your hips too far in any direction, your torso starts to shift. If you notice this, make your hip circle smaller.
6. Draw your circle in the other direction to practice the ami on your other side.

Go Around the Island

7. Prepare for going around the island just as you did for the ami. This time, have most of your weight on your left foot.
8. Place your left hand on your hip in a loose fist and hold your right arm straight out in front of you.
9. Begin an ami to the right. As you ami, step with your right foot and pivot on your left foot.
10. Complete 1 ami for each step you take. Ideally, you should complete 4 amis when you reach your starting point.
11. Practice going around the island in the other direction as well to incorporate the move into your hula dances.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the ami with a book balanced on your head to help you keep your torso still.