How to Choose a Good Hula Instructor When Living Outside of Hawaii

Hula is a cultural dance and should be taught by a professional and taken seriously. In Hawaii, you have a vast amount of options when it comes to Hula Instructors. However, for those in the U.S. and other countries, your choices may be slim. No matter where you are, it is good to do some research first, to ensure that what you are paying for and learning is culturally accurate.

First, ask the instructor as well as current and former students detailed questions about the instructor's credentials. Try to get more than just one referral. Here are a few examples of questions to ask:

Where did they learn hula?

Who was their instructor and what is their instructor's experience?

Do they choreograph their own dances?

Did they win any titles, contests or did they dance professionally?

Do they understand the Hawaiian Language?

What styles do they teach?

Do they have knowledge of proper costuming and use of implements?

Just because someone is from Hawaii, doesn't mean they are automatically knowledgeable in the art of Hula and able to teach it. Find out what Halau(hula school) or Hui (group) they belonged to, on what island, who their Kumu (Hula teacher) is & the history of both the group and instructor. Most times, this information can be found on the web if they are from a popular school or group. If you do find info on their Kumu, see if you can contact the Kumu online and ask if the instructor has permission to teach and choreograph dances. Also confirm how long they studied with the Kumu and how long they have been teaching. To better understand how a person can become a Kumu Hula, read this article. A person does not have to be a Kumu Hula to teach hula, but does need permission from their Kumu before becoming a teacher themselves.

Titles and dancing professionally, does not really say much about the person as an educator, but it does show some experience. Keep in mind though, there are many professional dancers who perform in Waikiki that are not exactly the most cultural and may or may not be the best hula dancers or instructors. Titles to look for whether it be for the individual or their Hula group would be those that come from the Merrie Monarch Festivals and/or King Kamehameha Hula Competition. These are two of the top competitions in Hawaii and their awards are held in very high esteem.

A key element is that the instructor must have an understanding of the Hawaiian Language. If they are teaching you a Hawaiian art in Hawaiian Language, they need to understand what they are teaching. Would you be happy if someone taught you a Japanese Bon Dance with dance moves that portray flowers and happiness when the real meaning was that of war and destruction? Me neither.

Other important factors are styles: Auwana (modern dance) Kahiko (Ancient dance), costuming and proper use of hula implements (instruments used in the dance). Great sites to use when researching these factors would be the Kamehameha Schools website and the Bishop Museum here.

Research is always best before making any decision. Especially when it involves your time and money being spent. If you are really serious about Hula, take the time to learn more about it before jumping into a class that may waste your time and/or money. Once you find the right instructor whether it be in your hometown or online, I am sure you will enjoy the experience of learning and sharing the beautiful art of Hula.