Basic Hula Steps

STARTING POSITION - Hands on hips (guys, fisted/girls, open hands); chest out; back straight; feet PARRALEL (not in a V-formation) and shoulder-width apart; head looking straight ahead. Bring elbows forward if they are sticking out like "duck wings." If you were to split your body in half, the left side should be symmetrical to the right side. Symmetry is key in hula. We call this "pono," or balance.
HULI - means "turn" (not a hula move; don't get it mixed up with the word, "hela"--which is a hula move). When "huli" is called, you finish the move (i.e. tap on your last kaholo or whatever move, THEN turn). So, if you were doing a kaholo, and I called "huli," you would say in your head: "step together step FINISH, TURN."
KAHOLO - 4 steps right (step together step, tap); 4 steps left (step together step tap)
DIP KAHOLO - same as kaholo but with a dip on the first right step & a dip on the first left step (dip together step tap / dip together step tap).
DBL KAHOLO - 8 steps right (tap); 8 steps left (tap)
TURNING KAHOLO - left foot pivots while right foot steps back; all weight is on the right foot. Then, left foot turns forward and right foot returns to the front (feet should be shoulder width); repeat same concept with left side (right foot pivots while left foot steps back...)
HELA - both feet start at shoulder-width/parallel position. Right foot extends to the right 45 degree angle (right foot is flat, not pointed) while the left foot stays parallel, in place. Right foot returns to original position while left foot extends to the left 45 degree angle (left foot is flat, not pointed). Then left foot returns to original position. Repeat...
KALAKAUA - Left foot pivots left while right food steps forward on the left side. Right foot then steps back (your body should already be at a side profile). Right foot will then step forward again, and then left foot will pivot right so both feet can return to the starting position. Repeat on the right side with the right foot pivoting right while the left foot steps forward on the right side (when you do this move, your body also turns so you're at a side-profile). There is a level change while doing the kalakaua (down up down, return to the front, down up down, return to the front)
'UWEHE - using the front part of your right foot, step and place all your weight on the right side of your body. Then, pump out your knees at the same time and bring them quickly in. Imagine your knees pumping out like an umbrella that's opening and closing. Now transfer all your weight to your left side/foot. Step with the front part of your left foot and pump out your knees bringing them quickly in. Repeat on the right, then on the left, etc. Girls, there should be a slight swaying of your hips from L to R when transfering your weight on each side. Guys, no swaying but your weight also transfers from L to R. Remember to take small steps in place and to be light on your feet (like you're tip-toeing, but not really).
KU'I - right foot steps to the right while left foot kicks up to the knee (left heel to right knee). Repeat this move 4x to the right (pause) then 4 times to the left with your left foot stepping to the left while your right foot kicks up to the knee (right heel to left knee).
LELE (MUA) - step forward 4x (right, left, right, left) with your chest leaning slight foward but not hunch-backed (keep shoulders back and squared).
LELE (HOPE) - on your last step to the left (from the lele mua), your right foot will step back, then your left, then your right, then your left. Bring your chest up and your shoulders back as you step back. Girls, you should have a slight sway when taking each step. Guys, exaggerate a bit with the "big body" walk with your chest out, looking from side to side. On the last lele hope step (left), notice that you're now ready to walk forward again, starting with your right foot. This move repeats itself as you walk forward (lele mua) and then backward (lele hope).

I could go on and on, but these descriptions will suffice for now. Hope it helps!

Mahalo for your diligence,
Kale

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