Join us for a new round of upcoming hula, tahitian and maori classes with Te Hau Nui Polynesian Dance Company! Come and learn the sacred and festive dances of Hawai’i, Tahiti and New Zealand. You can register for these classes at any time and kane (men) are welcome. Please call director, Lorraine Kalehua Kinnamon for more information at (831) 345-3628 or email us at tehaunui@cruzio.com.
Polynesian Dance
All classes include hula, tahitian and maori dance.
Tuesdays
4:45-5:35pm April 26 - May 24
Beginning Keiki (ages 5-11)
Capitola Parks and Recreation at Jade Street Park
in Capitola
5:45-6:40pm April 26 - May 24
Beginning Wahine (ages 12 and up)
Capitola Parks and Recreation at Jade Street Park
in Capitola
7:00-8:15pm ongoing
Intermediate/Advanced Wahine (ages 12 and up)
Music Together Studio
3709 Portola Avenue
Wednesdays
5:00-5:55pm ongoing
Beginning/Intermediate Keiki (ages 5-11)
Music Together Studio
3709 Portola Avenue
6:00-6:55pm ongoing
Beginning/Intermediate Wahine (ages 12 and up)
Music Together Studio
3709 Portola Avenue
NEW! Thursdays ongoing
Beginning Keiki (ages 5-11)
Corralitos Grange
on Little Corral Way in Corralitos
NEW! Thursdays ongoing
Beginning Wahine (adults)
Corralitos Grange
on Little Corral Way in Corralitos
Fridays
6:15-7:30pm April 22 - May 13
All levels Wahine
East Field House Dance Studio
University of California Santa Cruz
All classes require preregistration and are not drop in classes.
Please contact Te Hau Nui by phone or email to register or check status of classes.
In this class, olapa (dancers) can expect to further develop their Polynesian dance skills and increase their knowledge and vocabulary. Students learn auana (modern) and kahiko (ancient) hula; aparima (tahitian dance of gestures accompanied by vocals and stringed instruments) and ote'a (dances to tahitian drums); and poi balls and haka (maori dance with singing accompaniment performed by a group). While hawaiian and tahitian dances share similar languages and legends, their instruments and movements are different. Hula combines aesthetic choreography and epic poetry of chants, or mele, that are rooted in hawaiian consciousness. And while hula is a more disciplined form of dance, they both require great skill. The dances of Hawai'i and Tahiti were and are linked to every aspect of life, whether it be themes of natural beauty, homage to the gods, or falling in love.
In joining the class, you become part of the wonderful Te Hau Nui Polynesian Dance Company ohana. Te Hau Nui means "forever peaceful" in tahitian. In our halau (literally meaning a hall consecrated to the hula) or dance troupe, we share the meaning of ALOHA with one another.
A kahai to be kind
L okahi to be inclusive
O lu'olu to be agreeable
H a'aha'a to be humble
A honui to be patient