Nā Papa

Classes

Papa Kōlea: Foundations

Introductory Class for All New Students

Location: Ruma Studio, La Verne

This our inaugural class offering, with the first session beginning September 3, 2026. Class sizes are intentionally kept small to support focused, personalized instruction, and early registration is encouraged.

Papa Kōlea is the foundational entry class for adults beginning their study with Ka Pā Hula Nā Manu Hoʻoheno Aloha (Hula Manu).

This eight-week learning period introduces foundational hula steps and rhythmic patterns, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, cultural practices, and the study of nā manu through mele, imagery, and movement. More than simply learning movements, students begin developing the skills, awareness, and understanding that form the foundation for continued study within our pā hula.

Four Opportunities to Begin

Rather than offering year-round open enrollment, Hula Manu welcomes new haumāna into four designated Papa Kōlea learning periods each year. New students must begin at the start of one of these periods.

Learning Period 1 (REGISTRATION FULL)

September 3–October 22, 2026

Learning Period 2

November 5, 2026–January 14, 2027

Learning Period 3

February 4–March 25, 2027

Learning Period 4

April 8–May 27, 2027

After completing Papa Kōlea, haumāna will be invited into leveled, continuous classes based on readiness and Kumu's discretion.

An Opportunity to Keep Learning

Once you complete the learning period and move into a continuing class, you are welcome to continue attending Papa Kōlea, space permitting and at no additional cost.

With Hula Manu's flat-rate tuition, you have the opportunity to revisit foundational movements, strengthen muscle memory, and deepen your learning through additional practice.

Prerequisite: none

  • Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 PM. Any holiday closures or canceled classes will be communicated in advance.

    Papa Kōlea Learning Periods

    Learning Period 1 (FULL)
    September 3, 10, 17, 24
    October 1, 8, 15, 22

    Learning Period 2
    November 5, 12, 19
    December 3, 10, 17
    January 7, 14

    Learning Period 3
    February 4, 11, 18, 25
    March 4, 11, 18, 25

    Learning Period 4
    April 8, 15, 22, 29
    May 6, 13, 20, 27

  • This class offers adult learners an introduction to hula, the traditional dance of Hawaiʻi, taught as a lineage-based cultural practice that integrates movement, music, language, and storytelling. Students will learn foundational hula steps, rhythmic patterns, introductory ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), and cultural practices while developing proper posture, coordination, timing, and expressive movement.

    No prior hula or dance experience is required. Emphasis is placed on learning, cultural respect, and personal growth rather than competition or required performance.

    This class serves as the foundational entry point into Hula Manu's adult program and is a prerequisite for Papa ʻApapane (Wāhine + Kāne I – Beginner/Intermediate).

    What You'll Learn

    • Foundational hula movements and basic rhythmic patterns

    • Proper posture, coordination, timing, and alignment

    • Selected Hawaiian cultural concepts, vocabulary, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi

    • Hula as a physical and cultural practice that supports mindfulness and personal wellness

    • Greater awareness, presence, and expressive storytelling through movement

  • Students enrolled in the Foundations class may wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for movement. While not required at this level, obtaining the Hula Manu class uniform, which includes a practice pāʻū (skirt) and Hula Manu T-shirt or tank top, is highly encouraged for those planning to continue their hula journey with us. The uniform will become a requirement upon advancement to Papa ʻApapane (Wāhine + Kāne 1), Papa Pueo (Mākua), and subsequent classes. Lighter, natural tones are encouraged in keeping with traditions of this hula lineage.

    Classes are conducted barefoot. Hair should be secured away from the face, and long hair should be neatly pulled back, preferably in a bun.

    These guidelines support a focused, respectful learning environment and help introduce students to the etiquette and intention that are important aspects of hula practice.

  • To reserve your place in Hula Manu's inaugural class beginning September 3, 2026, a $25 registration deposit is required. Registration opens August 1, 2026, and early registration is encouraged, as class sizes are intentionally kept small. The deposit will be applied toward your first month's tuition (September 2026).

    Thereafter, tuition is a flat monthly rate of $65, payable online. Save 10% by enrolling in monthly autopay (subscription), reducing your tuition to $58.50 per month.

REGISTER

Class Flier

Coming Soon

Papa ʻApapane: Wāhine + Kāne 1

Beginning/Intermediate | Ages 18+

An opportunity for haumāna who have established their foundations to continue developing their hula practice, musicality, and cultural understanding.

Prerequisite: Papa Kōlea: Foundations

Coming Soon

Papa Pueo: Mākua

Adult Mixed Level | Ages 35+

Short-eared Owl by Ryan Sanderson / Macaulay Library

A welcoming papa designed for mature haumāna seeking a steady and meaningful approach to hula study. This papa emphasizes connection, learning, and continued growth at a comfortable pace.

Prerequisite: Papa Kōlea: Foundations

Bird images on this website are original photographs by T. & I. Magboo, unless otherwise stated.

Hula is the traditional dance of Hawaiʻi and is taught as a lineage-based cultural practice that integrates movement, music, language, and storytelling.

Under the instruction of Kumu Nohea, Ka Pā Hula Nā Manu Hoʻoheno Aloha (Hula Manu) guides students from their first steps and ensures students learn proper posture, coordination, and timing, while also developing an understanding of how hula communicates place, history, and values.

Our instruction emphasizes foundational hula steps, basic rhythmic patterns, introductory Hawaiian vocabulary and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), and cultural context grounded in an established hula lineage.

At Hula Manu, nā manu (birds) also serve as a meaningful thread throughout our learning community. Through the study of birds found locally and in Hawaiian mele, traditions, and environments, students are invited to cultivate observation, presence, awareness, expression, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of people, place, and the natural world. The names of our classes draw inspiration from these manu and the qualities they embody, providing an additional lens through which students can engage with their hula journey.

Classes are structured to be progressive and supportive, making the course accessible to beginners while still engaging for those with prior hula or dance experience.

Out of respect for our haumāna and the learning environment, Hula Manu classes are closed, so drop-ins are not permitted. If you are interested in trying a class, we would be happy to arrange a complimentary trial class. Please note that a trial class must be scheduled in advance.