E komo mai! Welcome! It is with warmest greetings that we welcome you to our dance 'ohana (family)!
We are a multicultural, inclusive dance group (hui) who are dedicated and passionate about supporting, respecting and advocating on behalf of Polynesian and indigenous cultures, through learning and sharing the hula and other Polynesian dance styles. We teach through choreographing and/or sharing (with Kumu, instructor and/or composer permission) hula kahiko (ancient style) and hula 'auana (modern style). We also expose students to some olelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language), oli (chant), the Maori Poi Balls, Maori dance, and Tahitian dance.
Since 2005 it has been a honor and blessing to share our passion for hula and other Polynesian dance styles through teaching lessons, workshops and performances. We are the first Polynesian dance studio in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Inviting all from beginners (fist time) through intermediate levels. With cultural respect, tolerance and sensitivity at the forefront of all we do, we welcome all who have a desire to support and learn about Polynesian cultures in an inclusive, fun, 'ohana (family) like environment. Learning is life long and as the saying goes, not all ike (knowledge) is learned at one school (or through one lineage). There are many styles and right ways to dance hula which is to be respected and honored. Hula is a gift and meant to be shared.
"To dance hula is not about the color of your hair, eyes or skin but about the aloha (love) in your heart." - Auntie Doll (respected kupuna and teacher)
We are located in "Gorges" Ithaca located in the Finger Lakes Region of central New York surrounded by breathtaking aina (land) and wai (water). Ithaca is a college town of respected institutions; Cornell University and Ithaca College. We love our community!
Discover more about us, our past and upcoming events, lessons and workshops by browsing the website.
We love to hear from and connect with past, prospective and current dancers and families, event inquiries as well as from others in the greater Polynesian dance world. We invite kumu, Polynesian dance instructors, dancers, composers, cultural practitioners, artists, crafters, etc. to visit us and offer workshops.
Please contact us through our contact page or email, hulahut2005@yahoo.com. We are also on Facebook and Instagram.
Mahalo (thank you) and we look forward to dancing and connecting with you!
Images By Liz - Anini Keyhole Beach, Kauai
Join us...
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE WITH ITHACA UKES
SATURDAY, 12/21, 1:45P AT TOMPKINS PUBLIC LIBRARY
101 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NY
Website Photo & Video Credits and Thanks to: Julie C., Jennifer B., Claire C., Marilyn S., Scott G., John V., Linda C., Robbie & Nancy D., Jennifer L., Gretchen G., Alice C., Eileen R., Peter R., Shelly, local newspaper photographers., Ithaca Festival, Ithaca PorchFest, Trumansburg PorchFest.
Polynesian Dance Studio of the Finger Lakes