What can you expect when you commit to the serious study of hula?

Besides surprising and profound changes in the way you perceive nature, your fellow human beings and yourself, understand history and cultures other than your own and developing a new appreciation for the here and now, the long-term study of hula will cause noticable changes to your body.

An esteemed Kumu once compared the education of a hula dancer to working the awkwardly shaped taro bulb into smooth poi.

before

during

after

These are some of the changes you can expect, if you train over a longer period of time and dance hula at least 4 hours per week:

• your feet will undergo a re-shaping: flat feet will develop a naturally shaped arch, crimped or squashed toes will spread into a healthy straight position.
• shortened tendons in the legs will loosen and stretch, muscles in the calves will significantly increase
• pelvis and lower back will relax and become more flexible
• upper back and shoulders will be upright and relaxed instead of crooked and tense, which also benefits your neck muscles
• you will move your arms more deliberate, not randomly
• your hand gestures will become clear, distinct and subtle, instead of being stiff, squiggly and vague.
• you will learn how to use your facial expressions to emphasize the story your hula is telling

Sould it dawn on you now, that all of these changes will also positively influence your mental well-being, your’re on the right track!