How to Do the Polynesian Dance

Polynesian dance is a huge part of the culture of the Pacific Islands, and hula is the best-known of all the Polynesian dances. To the untrained eye, what seems like a simple dance is actually a complex set of moves with deep meaning attached to each gesture. If you want to find out more about Polynesian dance, first learn to appreciate the background of the ancient art.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know the difference between the ancient dance, called hula kahiko, which was often danced by men, and the more modern form, called hula auana. Hula kahiko features chants and percussion instruments only, while the tourist-oriented hula auana often adds steel guitars, ukuleles and other instruments.

2. Learn how to do a beginner Polynesian dance move called kaholo. Bending the knees, take two steps right then two steps left, while swaying the hips. Keep the knees bent the entire time. This is only one in a whole array of moves with their own meaning.

3. Become one with the dance by finding out what the moves represent. Hand motions can mean many things, including animals, plants or events such as war. Hula dancers transform themselves within the story they are depicting.

4. Realize that Polynesian dance is a serious art form that takes years to learn. You can take lessons in Polynesian dance from dance studios or from seminars on-site in Hawaii.

Resources

• Aloha Valley tells about the history of Polynesian dance.
• Mele is the place to find hula schools.
• Learn some of the hula styles and steps at Geocities.