Explore Our Classes

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

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.

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

Nā Papa

Classes

Papa Kōlea: Foundations

Instructor: Kumu Nohea

Location: Ruma Studio, La Verne

The foundational class for all Hula Manu students

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

This class serves as the foundational entry point into Hula Manu’s adult program and is required for all future class offerings.

Prerequisite: none

Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 PM. Any holiday closures or canceled classes will be communicated in advance, and enrolled students will receive a calendar.
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. Through a supportive and structured learning environment, students are invited to explore hula not only as an art form, but also as a way of understanding place, history, values, and connection.
Instruction emphasizes foundational hula steps, basic rhythmic patterns, introductory ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), and cultural practices grounded in an established hula lineage. Students will develop proper posture, coordination, timing, and expressive movement while gaining an appreciation for the depth and significance of hula traditions.
As part of the learning experience, manu (birds) will be explored through mele, imagery, and movement. This unique lens encourages students to cultivate observation, presence, awareness, expression, and storytelling; qualities that are essential to both hula and everyday life.
Classes are progressive, welcoming, and intentionally designed to support adult beginners while remaining engaging for those seeking a structured review of hula fundamentals. Physical activity is generally low-impact but can range from gentle to moderately vigorous, depending on the choreography and repetition.
No prior hula or dance experience is required. Emphasis is placed on learning, cultural respect, and personal growth rather than competition or required performance. While public performance is not expected, opportunities such as an annual hōʻike (presentation) may be offered as an optional extension of learning.
This class serves as the foundational entry point into Hula Manu's adult program and is a prerequisite for Papa ʻIʻiwi (Wāhine + Kāne I – Beginner/Intermediate).
What You'll Learn
By participating in this class, students will have opportunities to:
- Demonstrate foundational hula movements and basic rhythmic patterns with appropriate posture, coordination, and alignment.
- Develop an understanding of selected Hawaiian cultural concepts, vocabulary, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, stories, and practices as taught within a specific hula lineage.
- Explore hula as both a physical and cultural practice that supports mindfulness, personal wellness, and lifelong learning.
- Cultivate greater awareness, presence, and expressive storytelling through movement
Students may begin the first few classes wearing comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for movement. Over time, all haumāna will be expected to obtain the Hula Manu class uniform, which includes a practice pāʻū skirt and Hula Manu T-shirt or tank top. Lighter, natural tones are encouraged in keeping with hula tradition.
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 an important part of hula practice.
Tuition is a flat monthly rate of $65 and may be paid via Venmo, Zelle, or online payment.