ʻALOHI POLYNESIAN DANCE ACADEMY
Founded and directed by Kumu Lani Isaacs, a lifelong dancer, teacher and choreographer, ‘Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy is a hālau providing training in Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori dance.
KEIKI CLASSES (5-12)
New students joining the hālau (school) will advance at the recommendation of the Kumu (teacher). New keiki will be evaluated to insure they are able to fully participate in classes without distraction. Please discuss your keiki’s particular situation with the Kumu when you enroll.
Keiki Combination Hula/Tahitian Level 1
SATURDAY, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Intended for our young, beginning dancers, this class is an introduction to basic hula steps and hand motion in Hawaiian and Tahitian dance. Lessons are given separately in 20 minute segments. Polynesian words, games, and chants are used to help youngsters to focus and practice. Mo‘olelo (stories) and occasionally, crafts are incorporated to help students learn about the cultures. An introduction to Maori dance begins at this level.
Keiki Combination Hula/Tahitian Level 2
SATURDAY, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Advancement to Level 2 will be at the Kumu’s recommendation. Keiki who know their basics well will advance to the Keiki level 2 class. At this level, proper basics, correct posture, coordination, and chanting are emphasized in all three dance disciplines. Appropriate dances are taught to strengthen basic skills and hand movements. This group may be invited to participate in performances.
Keiki Combination Hula/Tahitian Level 3
SATURDAY, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Advancement to Level 3 will be at the Kumu’s recommendation. Keiki who demonstrate strong basic skills, have the ability to focus, and a willingness to work hard will be invited to participate in this class. Although this group trains for performances, dancers are not guaranteed to participate in all performances.
.jpeg)
PERFORMING TROUPE
& ADVANCED
SATURDAY, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This advanced team of dancers undergo intense physical endurance training to develop songs and dances used for public performances. It is a fast paced class requiring a strong hula foundation in all three dance disciplines.
This group trains for performances. These dancers are the core of the performing group. Participation in all performances are strongly encouraged.
‘ŌPIO & MAKUA CLASSES (13+)
These classes are open to all levels of dancers beginning at age 13 years and above.
‘Ōpio/Makua Hula Level 1
TUESDAY, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an introductory and beginners class to ‘Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy’s dance style for those who have little or no hula background. This class focuses on the fundamentals of hula basics, movement, posture, and body strengthening in both hula kahiko and hula ‘auana forms.
‘Ōpio/Makua Hula Level 2
TUESDAY, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Students will advance to Level 2 upon Kumu’s evaluation. This is an intermediate class that takes the basics to a multifaceted level and builds a stronger foundation of fundamentals from all three Polynesian disciplines. This class takes the student’s knowledge and expands it into more involved motions and dances. Supplementary basic steps, correct posture, coordination, and chanting are emphasized in all three dance disciplines. An introduction to Maori dance begins at this level. This group may be invited to participate in performances
‘Ōpio/Makua Tahitian Level 1 & 2
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
This is an introductory class to ‘Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy’s dance style for those who have little or no background in Tahitian dance. This class focuses on the traditional fundamentals of Tahitian hula basics, movement and correct posture. All new members of the Academy will begin at Level 1 regardless of past dance experience. Students will advance to Level 2 upon Kumu’s evaluation.
.jpeg)
