How to Do the Ka'o in Hula

The ka'o in hula is simply the hip sway that gives hula its character. You'll use the ka'o in nearly all modern hula, though some hula kahiko focus on keeping your hips relatively still. The best way to perfect your hula hips is to practice the ka'o in isolation before you add it into your steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get into your hula stance, bending your knees and holding your upper body upright yet relaxed. Bring your arms in front of your chest, parallel to the floor, and allow your fingertips to nearly meet at the center of your chest.

2. Focus on keeping your upper body still before you even start working with your hips. Feel where your body is in space and feel what it's like to keep it stationary. You should keep your upper body still even when you're swaying your hips.

3. Move your hips as far to the right as you can. To do this, transfer most of your weight to your right foot and straighten the right knee somewhat. Keep your left foot on the ground; pushing a little on that foot may help you move your hips further to the right.

4. Repeat Step 3 on your left side, focusing on moving the hips but keeping your body still. Continue moving from right to left until you feel comfortable with the hip movement.

5. Smooth your ka'o by keeping time with your hips. Put on any music with a steady beat that isn't too fast, and time your hips so you hit each beat.

6. Incorporate your ka'o into the other hula moves you know. The general rule is to move your hips towards the side your weight is on.

Tips & Warnings

• The more you bend your knees, the larger you can make your ka'o.