Friday, August 11, 2017

Hula Dance Classes Hanover PA Will Get You Singing And Dancing

By Cynthia Richardson


This is an art form that involves combining dancing and singing or chanting. The chant or the song of the dance, also called oli or mele respectively, is connected. The dance part is acting out the words or the feeling of the song that accompanies it. If you want something a little bit different that incorporates exercise, singing, fun, art, and a cultural experience, check out Hula dance classes Hanover PA.

Nowadays, out of all the different sub styles of this way of dancing, one that everyone would be familiar with is kahiko. Kahiko is the ancient form, which was performed before Western encounters. Like other forms, a chant goes with the movements, and instruments that were used by the indigenous people are used.

Western influence came in, it began to change and shape the way hula was, and it evolved due to this. It is clear that the native people, the more traditional hula dancers, felt that the art was drifting away or wandering. Very fittingly, this specific style is called auana, which means just that, and usually includes a song and Western instruments like the ukulele, guitar, and double bass.

If you're just looking for a casual, not too out of the ordinary experience, you might want to look at what kind of class you may be getting yourself into. There are a lot of classes that do things in a very traditional way, which, although you may be stepping outside your comfort zone, it may make it a more enjoyable, immersive experience. The classes are called halau.

One of the things that still happens a lot in this kind of class is the practice of doing an entrance chant. This is something that has been done in this culture since ancient times. It's good to know that this is appropriate, and maybe even what some of the popular common chants are, before attending.

Some dances in this style involve primarily standing positions, some mostly sitting position, and some even both. The sitting position is known as the soho, and the standing position goes by the name luna. Those are the two positions of this form of dancing, and both have their own specific moves that go with them. Some dancers prefer one or the other, but it's best to be prepared for both if your knees can take it.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the complexity of many of the hand motions and signals used in this style of dancing. Just know that there are also easier moves that are much simpler for the beginner to start with. That's why it's so important to get yourself a good teacher, because she or he will truly know what's best.

One of the most beautiful things about this is it represents and dramatizes both what is within and without. You will see by learning and participating in it that you are becoming a vehicle of expression for not only the forces of nature, like the wind and the sea, but also what's in the heart. It is empowering to act out both the powers of nature and human emotions.




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