I’m a Hula Dancer!
Okay, so maybe I’m not really a hula dancer, lol. But today I did have the pleasure of sitting in on an afternoon of classes at Hâlau Hula `O Walea in Toronto. I watched a drumming and chanting class, participated in a beginners Hula class, and watched a more advanced Hula class. And what did I learn you ask? Well let me share :)
I learned that the Hula, as beautiful and simple and graceful as it may appear to observers, is in actuality a very complex dance form. I was given a complimentary lesson today and learned the most basic steps of Hula and even the most seemingly simple moves were quite the workout! A one hour class left me sweating, thighs, abs, and calves burning! It was intense!
I also saw up close and personal the power that exists in this dance form. From the brief history that was explained to me by my kumu (teacher), a lot of aspects of the Hula came from warriors, so there is an underlying strength there that is palpable - you can feel it in the movements, in the chants, and in the discipline.
So no, I’m probably not a hula dancer yet, lol. But I am the proudest new haumana (student) of this powerful little Toronto Hâlau (school). And I am so excited to learn and to grow in the traditions of this beautiful art form.
Plus, I’m totally already learning the lingo! Impressive, right?
