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Hawaiian Hula Dance Vocabulary
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Ie’ie
A twisting motion of the wrist, with fingers shaped to mimic the ie'ie vine.
Kapuwa’u
A movement where the heels lift and lower in a rhythmic pattern.
Aloha
A Hawaiian term expressing love, hello, or goodbye, and embodies a deep sense of hospitality and caring.
Hela
A foot-pointing movement, extending one leg forward while the toe points down.
Lele
This refers to the action of stepping forward or backward, transitioning between positions.
Kuhi
A directional pointing with the hands, often indicating locations or important aspects in a story or chant.
Halau
This term refers to a Hula school or group, where dancers learn and practice under the guidance of a Kumu Hula.
Kane
In Hula, this term is used to describe a male dancer.
Ka'o
Similar to the Ami but with a gentler, less pronounced hip movement.
Imua
To move forward, a directional command used within hula to indicate moving toward the audience.
Ami
A hip rotation movement that involves circling the hips while keeping the shoulders still.
Oniu
A circular movement, named after the rolling motion of coconut leaves in the wind.
Ku’i
A percussive foot movement, striking the ground rhythmically as part of a dance.
Pua
A flower motion with the hands, often used to depict blooming or the beauty of nature.
Ohana
This Hawaiian term stands for family, and is a concept celebrated within Hula traditions.
Kumu Hula
The Hawaiian term for a Hula teacher, one who has extensive knowledge of the dance and its traditions.
Kokua
A Hawaiian term meaning help or assistance, often conveyed through dance gestures.
Uwala’i
A side-to-side swaying movement that is smooth and flowing.
Ai Ha’a
A type of hula step where the dancer makes a full turn with a series of steps, often maintaining a low stance.
Kaholo
A basic Hula step that involves a four-count side to side movement.
Niu
Hip motions that mimic the swaying of coconut palms in the wind.
Uwehe
A movement where the dancer steps to the side and lifts the opposite knee, then steps back and does a little hop.
Kawelu
A movement that involves a delicate, skipping step, imitating the flitting of a moth.
Huli
A turn or a pivot, where the dancer rotates in place.
Ha’a
A type of dance that involves a lower, bent knee stance, similar to the movements of ancient Hawaiian dance.
Imua 'Iloko
To turn inward into a new facing direction while performing.
Koulima
A hand movement that mimics the motion of rolling waves, specifically with the palms facing down.
Momi
The hand gesture that represents holding something small and precious, like a pearl.
Makalena
A graceful and stylish movement that combines a half turn with a pointed toe.
Wahine
This term is used to refer to a female dancer within the context of Hula.
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