Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance Terms

Flashcards covering performance basics and dance step terminology for both Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance.

Hawaiian Hula Posture & Performance Basics

Knees are always slightly bent to allow for easy hip movement; spine is tall, shoulders back, chest up; wrists are soft, fingers flexible and extended with all four fingers moving together, not spread apart.

ami

Circle: hip rotation, counter-clockwise

ami poi poi

4 step circle movement while doing an ami at the same time

kaholo

Step side to side while gently swaying your hips and moving your arms with rhythm

hela

Tap foot (point) with opposite hip going up R/L

kalakawa

Kaholo with dip to the side then tap out and kaholo again with dip on same side then switch

Tahitian Dance Posture and Performance Basics

Both feet flat on ground with heels closer together and front of feet wider apart; back remains perfectly straight with upper torso and head still; knees always slightly bent for easy hip movement.

Tamau

Hard jerk side to side

double tamau

Jerk only one hip

afata

Box, right back left front arms up

varu

Figure 8 with hips

fa'arapu

Cicles; fast, full circular hip moment

vurus

Vibrate hips n knees going back n forth.