If you ask the Hula Dance for Health dancers why they participate in hula dance classes, the majority, if not all, will say “because it is so much fun”.
When hula dancers come into class and hear the Hawaiian music, their mood and body language changes. They physically relax, smile, take a deep breath, and prepare for class. Dancers enjoy telling stories through the graceful art of modern hula. “We like to listen and dance to Hawaiian music because of the emotions it brings to mind.” Every hula dance tells a story, and it’s the hands, eyes, and flowing movements that craft the storyline. In each Hula, the fluid movements mimic nature: waves washing up onto the shore, birds in flight, or emotions, like joy and love.
Hula dance engages the mind, enhances coordination, and gives the heart a gentle workout. Hula dance is weight-bearing exercise, building strong bones and lean muscle mass. It helps maintain memory, balance, flexibility, and strength. Some beginners are not quite sure if they will ever get their hips to sway from side to side, but before the end of the class, they are gently swaying with pride.
Hula dance is an excellent brain exercise. Hula keeps our minds active, improves our ability to think ahead, and helps to quicken our response time. Hula requires the dancer to do a combination of things at the same time – dance steps, expressive eyes, gesturing arms, head tilting, hips swaying; the combined movements illustrating the song, and telling the story. Hula dance challenges our brain to do new things, developing new ‘neuro’-pathways. Once it all comes together and the Hula dance is finished, classes often erupt with applause. “We did it!” Laughs and hugs all around.
The Hula Dance for Health dancers share their wonderful “Spirit of Aloha” with the public, through Performances and Inter-Active Hawaiian Dance Shows, including the 55+ Lifestyle Show put on by INSPIRED Senior Living magazine, Dragon Boat Luau, Monterey Activity Centre Luau, and a number of other community organization events. Inter-Active Shows are especially fun for the dancers and well received by the audiences, who come to watch and end up dancing along with us. These shows have been enthusiastically welcomed and many have remarked that they have made a joyful difference, as people talk about Hawaiian experiences and share precious memories.
If you are looking for fitness activity and want to learn something new while having fun, maybe Hula Dance for Health would be perfect for you. Age is not an obstacle to hula dancing. Adults with limited mobility, who are unable to stand or are concerned about balance, are encouraged to participate while sitting (Hula Noha).
Contact MaryLee at: huladanceforhealth@shaw.ca
View: http://huladanceforhealth.com for Class & Workshop schedule
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