We connect students to the ‘aina (land) and kūpuna (ancestors) through our rich lineage and knowledgeable teachers. Our students can be expected to enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall well-being. We strive to make a positive impact on our students in discipline, respect, and appreciation, building strong contributors to our community.
OUR CLASSES
PAPA LIKO LEHUA
KEIKI 3-6 years
Mondays 5-6 pm
For all children (boys and girls) aged 3-6, this class is a structured introduction to hula that young children can enjoy. No experience necessary. Basic steps, choreography, songs, Hawaiian stories and Hawaiian language will be included in class time.
PAPA KUPUKUPU
BEGINNING KAIKAMAHINE 6-12 years
Tuesdays 5-6 pm
For female dancers aged 6-12 years - open to all new dancers. All new children in this age group will start in this class. No experience required. This class focuses on hula basics, choreography in kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula; Hawaiian language and culture.
PAPA ‘IE ‘IE
INTERMEDIATE KAIKAMAHINE 6-12 years
Wednesdays 5-6 pm
For female dancers aged 6-12 years - open to experienced dancers only. This class will move at an Intermediate pace, and understanding of hula steps is required. This class focuses on hula basics, choreography in kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula; Hawaiian language and culture.
PAPA PILI
‘OPIO WAHINE Teens 12-17 years
Tuesdays 6-7 pm
For female dancers aged 12-17 years. Experience required. (New dancers may join the Hula Foundations class to learn basic hula steps.) This is a development class to master technique, build strength, and practice gracefulness. This class is geared to cultivating confident, strong young women through teamwork and shared passions.
PAPA LAUA’E
HULA FOUNDATIONS Sundays 1-2 pm
All dancers aged 13+ will begin in this class.
All classes will provide a solid foundation of traditional hula technique through foot and hand motions, developing coordination, grace, and rhythm. This class will also provide an introduction to the Hawaiian language (‘olelo Hawai’i) through ‘oli (chants) and mele (song), allowing students to develop an understanding of Hawaiian culture, mo’o’olelo (stories), and history.
PAPA MAILE
INTERMEDIATE WAHINE Wednesdays 6-7 pm
BY INVITATION ONLY. Dancers must have a grasp of hula foundational steps (footwork and handwork) to be placed in this class. All classes will train in traditional hula technique working on precision, grace, synchronization, and strength. This class will also continue to build on Hawaiian language (‘olelo Hawaii) through ‘oli (chants) and mele (song).
PAPA LEHUA ‘ULA
ADVANCED WAHINE Wednesdays 7-8 pm
Open to experienced dancers only. For female dancers (aged 12-99 years). Classes will include hula basics, choreography in kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula; Hawaiian language and culture. Haumana will have opportunities to learn to create costumes and implements.
PAPA KOA
KĀNE Men Sundays 12-1 pm
For boys aged 8-99 years - open to male dancers of all levels. Classes will focus on hula basics, choreography in kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) styles, Hawaiian language, history, and culture. Students will be able to work on strength, flexibility, endurance, and stamina.
PAPA PALA’Ā
MĀKUAHINE 35+ years Sundays 11 am -12 pm
For female dancers (aged 35+ years). This intermediate class is geared to experienced dancers working on hula technique, posture, grace, and synchronization. Students new to hula should begin in Hula Foundations. All dancers will learn hula kahiko and hula ‘auana.
PAPA KUKUI
KUPUNA (55+ years) Sundays 2-3 pm
All dancers aged 55+ will begin in this class.
Suitable for men or women, this class is geared to those looking to enjoy dance along with culture, history, and language. All experience levels are welcome to join. Beginners welcome. Dancers may have the option to participate in periodic performances.
TAHITIAN'/’ORI TAHITI
12 yrs + Tuesdays 6-7:30 pm
All students 8-99 years are welcome. Classes include Tahitian basic steps, drills and choreography. Costume construction will also be taught.
All dancers will have the ability to perform in the annual Ho’ike. Instructors will evaluate advanced dancers for inclusion in occasional shows and events.
COMPETITION TEAMS & SOLOISTS
KAIKA, WAHINE, MĀKUA
SDHA competitive dancers perform at local competitions. Dancers range in age from 9 to 55 years and receive the utmost in technical, physical, and mental training. Competition season begins in January after autumn/winter auditions.
Competition is a serious commitment for the dancer and their family. We applaud each of our dancers who take on this transformation leading to tremendous growth, life-long friendships, and a healthy dose of memories.
