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How to Hula for Men

The hula dance has been a cultural tradition on the Hawaiian islands since ancient times. Hawaiians tell stories through the dance, using hand motions, chants and songs to portray everything from sharks to palm trees to wars. Both men and women hula dance, and while fewer Hawaiian men perform the dance today, it is still preserved as a part of Hawaii's cultural history. There are many hula dances and movements; try learning a few basic moves first, like the Kaholo step and the Ami step.

Instructions

  1. The Ami Step

    • 1

      Stand with your feet together and your knees slightly bent. Lift your heels and balance your weight on the balls of your feet.

    • 2

      Extend your arms up and over your head with your palms facing each other and your elbows bent slightly, forming a "U" shape.

    • 3

      Rotate your hips clockwise; keep your feet in position on the ground.

    • 4

      Rotate your hips and bring your arms down so your elbows are parallel to your shoulders.

    • 5

      Rotate your hips and bring your arms down so your forearms are parallel to the ground with your palms facing down.

    • 6

      Rotate your hips and extend your arms downward so your palms face the ground and your elbows are bent slightly.

    • 7

      Repeat the dance from the first step.

    The Kaholo Step

    • 8

      Stand with your feet together and your knees slightly bent. Lift your heels and balance your weight on the balls of your feet.

    • 9

      Step sideways with your right foot. Bring your left foot over to meet your right foot. Repeat the motion.

    • 10

      Perform the step in the opposite direction, stepping sideways with your left foot and bringing your right foot over to meet it. Repeat the motion.

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