Before we get started…

Check out the videos below in order to gain an initial understanding in which dances belong to Hawaiian Hula, and which belong to the Tahitian ‘Ori.

Hula: Kahiko

Hula: ‘Auana

'Ori Tahiti: 'Ōte'a

'Ori Tahiti: 'aparima

Read The Foundations.

The Foundations of 'Ori Tahiti

The Foundations of Hula

Discover a story about Pele, Laka and/or Hi'iaka. Discover a story about Ta’aroa, Hina and/or Maui. What are some of their most memorable characteristics?
Dig deeper into the word Aloha. What does it mean? How does this differ from what you thought it meant? In which ways is it the same?
Watch a video of one Hula Kahiko and one Hula ‘Auana. Watch one video of ‘Otea and one of ‘Aparima. Watch more if you’d like!

Week 1

Week 1 Preparation

Watch the Hakalama video to help you understand both the Hawaiian and Tahitian alphabets. Practice pronouncing both under olelo/orero.
Read through the list of steps paying attention to your pronunciation, and try to sing along to the Mele Wai'oli.
What do you think He inoa no Kapi'olani means? (tip: revist the Fundamentals of Hula)

Ōlelo/Ōrero

Ka 'Ōlelo Hawai'i

Reo Mā'ohi

List of Steps

Hula Steps

'Ori Steps

Mele

Wai'oli Translations

Session Recordings

kaula line/cord
umauma chest
iwaena (outstretched to) centre
huina Corner/Angle
iluna up
ilalo down
akau right
hema left
po’ohiwi shoulder

SESSION 1

1:06:20 Hula Steps (Ka’o, Kaholo, Hela)
1:30:45 ‘Ori Tahiti Steps (Ta’iri Tamau, Ta’iri Toma, Toma Toma, Tumami)
**Sorry about the recording of everyone, that issue will be fixed for the next session.**
There are many of you joining via recording alone- please feel free to reach out with questions!

Saturday Practice 1, Sept 11

ka’o, kaholo, ami
ta’iri tamau, ta’iri toma, tumami (with combo)

Week 2

Week 2 Preparation

Do the basic step exercises every day for the length of one song, 3x through the mele.
*Remember: Start from the ground up. Plant your roots and grow up towards the sun. High Maka Maka. Shoulders pulled back and down. Exhale and keep your core engaged, but loose.
Research the words Mana and Aloha 'aina. Do a free write about each word, or follow the prompts below.
What do these words mean in the context of your life? What would you like them to mean in the context of your life? Do those things align? How can you ensure these things align more?

Session Recordings

Session 2

Follow along:
Hula steps 37:10
’Ori Tahiti Steps 1:20:20

Sat Practice 2, Sept 18

Connecting movement with slow beats, upper body work with resistance, breathing, and intention

Week 3

While the last weeks were about cultural discovery, this week is more about self-discovery. It is very important you allow yourself the time for these tasks this week. Set aside time for you to sit in your body and in your thoughts.

Week 3 Preparation

Do the exercises learned in Week 1+2. Bonus points if you practice every day!
Set aside time to stretch. If you’re unsure of stretches you can do, check out Youtube and find a yoga video that suits your available time.
Take yourself on a date, or set aside some time to do something you enjoy.