Lessons are 90 to 120 minutes long and include basic, oli, kahiko, auana, and instruments (ukulele). Some lessons are only basic, some are only oli, and some are only oli. Lessons are taught in English, Hawaiian, and Japanese.
All of our hālau are taught by Kumu Hula Hiro Sekine. There is no instructor. There is no sister school or branch school.
For those who wish to take lessons and live far away, we will use both Skype or LINE video lessons and direct instruction.
Also, if you are currently teaching, you may continue to run your own hurrah or your own circle. In that case, there is no siphoning off of lesson fees from that hurrah or circle.
Ⅰ. About Hula Lessons
1. Basic Movement
Learn the basic hula footstep (kaʻina wāwae).
For example, holo, hela, ‘uwehe, lele, lele’uwehe, ki’i, kawelu, kāwele, kamakama, ka’o, welina, ‘ulili, hoholo, ‘Ami, Ka’i, Ne’e, Moloka’i pahu wawae, ho’opuka… We will take the time to check the others.
Then practice hand motions (Hei, Lawena).
2. ‘Oli, Chant
Oli is essential to the hula. As a ritual, the hula always begins and ends with a prayer. Learning the oli and songs will help you understand the Hawaiian language and English. Students learn how to vocalize the oli and the type of oli. For this purpose, voice training will be given professionally. At a minimum, three octave range, vibrato, and glide will be trained during lessons to improve and progress. Oli (‘Oli) begins before the lesson and ends with ‘Oli after the lesson. (Even if the lesson is only for ‘Auana, we will still do ‘Oli).
3. Kahiko, ‘Auana
Kahiko is practiced using Ipu heke and Pahu percussion instruments. Auana is practiced using the ukulele or a computer sound source. Hula instruments (uli’uli, pu’ili, ipu, ipu heke, kala’au, ili’ili, etc.) may be used.
Ⅱ. About Non-Dance Hula Lessons
1. Lei Making
It includes flower leis and leaf leis, ribbon leis (yarn leis), seed leis, and shell leis. Fresh flowers and plants are grown by the students, starting with their own hands.
2. 楽器作り インプルメンツ作り
フラで必須の、イプ、イプヘケ、ウリウリ、ウリリ、プーニウを作ります。
3. Lauhala Knitting
The leaves of Hala (Hala) are collected, the thorns are removed, and leis, Kupe’e (Kupe’e: bracelet), and Pale (Pale: mat) are made from the Hala.
4. Kapala (Stamp) Making
Using bamboo, we will make stamps and Tapa (cloth). The first step is to make a Pā’ū (Pā’ū = skirt).
5. Kapa Making
Dyeing the fabric (waiho’olu’u) is done with olena, which is dyed yellow (ʻōlenalena).
6. Hawaiian Food
We make poi, haupia, long rice, and poke. Pohaku is used especially for poi.
7. ukulele and singing practice
ウクレレを用意してください。ネットオークションのもので構いません。
Those who live far away or who already have hula lessons can also participate in the hurrah. Please contact us for details.
