Hula Dance 1 - Hukilau Dance

The Hukilau Hula Dance - Simple Steps for a Lot of Fun

If you are searching for a simple dance to perform, the Hukilau dance is perfect. It is well suited for teaching to young children as well.

On Hukilau, the entire village helps to pulls in the fishnets. After the day is done, a Luau is held and everyone sings and dances. The dance is done in an illustration of swimming, pulling in nets and overall festivity.

The Hukilau dance is easy to learn. This is probably why it was written and chosen to be performed by entire communities. "Simple" is still a lot of fun!

Short Explanation of "Vamp"
When you "vamp", you step to your right on the balls of your feet, first with the right, then bringing the left over. This is repeated and may alternate to the left at some point, depending on the dance. The arms and hands face in the direction of the steps with the hands performing "waves".

A Simple Hula Dance Done to the "Hukilau" Song:

Oh we're going
Step forward lightly, hands on hips

To a Hukilau
Vamp right, holding hands out in front, and mimicking pulling on a fish net.

huki, huki, huki, huki, Hukilau
Vamp right four steps, repeatedly "pulling on a fish net"

Everybody
Sway your hips widely, holding arms out to the sides in a semi-circle, indicating "everybody"

loves
Still swaying, cross arms in front of chest, symbolizing love.

a Hukilau
Vamp right again, holding hands out in front, pulling on the fish net

Where the Laulau
Sway hips to the left, cupping hands with palms facing up  

is the Kaukau
Sway hips to the right, bringing fingers to the mouth to signify eating

at the big Luau
Sway hips to the left, and bring hands to the mouth while smiling

We throw our nets out into the sea
Raise both arms up over the head and "throw" the net out to the front of you

and all the ama amas come swimming
Put your right hand on your left hand, keeping palms down. Wiggle your thumbs and move hands outward right then left to signify a swimming fish.

To me
Bring hands in, pointing to yourself

Oh we're going
Step forward lightly, hands on hips

to a Hukilau
Vamp to the right, pulling on the fish net

huki, huki, huki, huki, hukilau
Vamp four steps to the right, pulling on the fish net with each step

What a beautiful day
Sway to the right and to the left, raising arms out and up in a circle overhead to make a "sun"

for fishing the old Hawaiian way
Sway to the right and to the left, raising your right arm as if you are getting ready to throw a spear

and the Hukilau nets are swishing
Sway to the right and to the left, elbows bent at sides; sway your hands gracefully from side to side. Keep your palms forward, facing the audience

Down in old Laie Bay
Circle arms in front of you to signify a bay

Oh we're going
Step forward lightly, hands on hips

to a Hukilau
Vamp right, pulling on the fish net

A huki, huki, huki, huki, Hukilau
Vamp right for four steps, pulling on the fish net
 
Pau (end)
Put your right foot forward with toes pointing, bring your arms forward over your toes with your hands together. Bow your head and bend at the waist.

by Hula Jack - 

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Hula Dance