RocketJim's

Hula Dance Class

Yesterday, my friend, Tomoko very generously invited me to her weekly Hawaiian Hula Dance class. The teacher offers trial classes so yay!

So here are my thoughts:

The bad:

1. It starts at 9.30am at Kemang which is super far. Even my husband commented about the ungodly hour of the lesson. Haha ok, 9.30am isn't THAT early but we have to remember that here in Jakarta, there isn't a very efficient public transport system. Everytime I make an appointment, I have to factor in the potential time wasted in a traffic jam. That said, I reached the studio at 8.15am....LOLOL. Tomoko woke up late and met me an hour later. (T-T) I've grown very punctual ever since coming here.

2. The lesson was only 1 hour. Time past way too fast. I wish it was at least another 30minutes longer! Hula dance was so good.

3. Every student was Japanese. Expat wives. Well, it isn't a 'bad' but well...yeah it is easy to be stereotyped. Ah well.

The good:

1. The MUSIC. Oh wow, Hawaiian music is heaven for the ears. Towards the end of the class, I stayed near the back to watch the other students dance to the choreography they have been learning for weeks and couldn't help but clap my hands at the end. For a lack of a better description, they did resemble sea waves when they were dancing. So lovely. The music the teacher played was a Hawaiian version of Namida Sou Sou and I'm pretty sure this piece could sooth the savagest of beasts.

2. Hula Dance is a workout. 90% of the time, your knees are bent while dancing and it quickly begins to hurt after a short while. Definitely not for the unfit. All the hip swaying too, quickly works up a sweat.

See how her knees are kept bent?

3. Hula Dance IS sexy. It makes you focus on your waist, hips and butt so it makes a woman more conscious of her moving body. If pole-dancing sounds like you are trying too hard; GoGo dancing too juvenile/slutty; hiphop too darn dificult; I swear Hula Dance is a good alternative. It was really beautiful to see the entire class moving in unison and so gently.



This is an example of what Hula Dance Class is about. This is way too advanced for my level for now. I hope to be able to do that someday!



This is an example of Polynesian Hula Dance (Tahiti) that seems to involve more hip work and gyration. I don't know enough about Hula yet but I am assuming Hawaiian Hula is more languid.
(The video is 3mins long but just skip to about 1'10.)

And as always, enjoy!