Seattle Tahitian & Hula Dance Classes

In efforts to support health and safety of all our Huraiti and their fēti'i (families), we have moved all classes ONLINE. Registration is OPEN! Register below or please email us at huraitimana@gmail.com for more information.

Classes available for ages 5+

'ORI TAHITI & HULA DANCE CLASSES | in Seattle's Chinatown-ID

Huraiti Mana. Huraiti means skilled dancer in Reo Tahiti, the Tahitian language. Mana refers to the spiritual power that we all have within us, and which we all give to one another. Mana is a significant word, value, and practice across Polynesian languages in the Pacific. Together, we will work proudly, learn immensely, and laugh daily in our dance classes! All experience levels are welcome! We seek to empower everyone to become skilled dancers or to increase their skill sets and knowledge. You will not only learn technique but also meaning and depth in these Pacific Islander traditions. Find out more details below or register now!

Interested in 'Ori Tahiti and Hula?

We invite everyone of all backgrounds and levels of experience to join the Huraiti Mana 'ohana. Our dance classes are very welcoming as a place of passionate work, much laughter, and shared stories. Many of our dancers came to Huraiti Mana without any prior experience and have truly enjoyed their time building this community and succeeding in their individual goals, together. Our classes have routine exercises fit for challenging dancers at all skills levels. For those who have experience with 'Ori Tahiti and Hula, you will find a way to improve techniques, heighten creativity, strengthen your body, and increase engagements with cultural and historical mana'o (knowledge). All of our classes are catered toward huru 'Ōtāne (masculine principle) and huru 'Ōvāhine (feminine principle) traditional styles. All gender identities are welcome!

Enrollment:
We have open enrollment year-round, but joining at the start of a semester session gives you the best set-up for success! Especially for those particularly new to dance, please consider enrolling at the starting month of each semester (but note our no-class dates due to holidays, group travel, farther below etc.):

Semester 1: January - June
Semester 2: July - December

NEXT OPEN ENROLLMENT
for beginners

Beginning July 6, 2020 - Online Dance Classes

We accept new students year-round, however, we do suggest that beginners consider joining during open enrollment! If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at huraitimana@gmail.com.

SCHEDULE* & LOCATION**

Mondays: (new class offering!)

6:30-7:30PM Tu'ura'a (all ages)

Wednesdays:

5:30-6:30PM Tama (Children 5-11 years old)
6:30-7:30PM Pa'ari (Adult/Young Adult 12+)
7:30-8:30PM Tupura'a (intermediate, invite only)

Fridays:

6:00-7:00PM Itoito - 'Ori Tahiti Solo Choreo & Freestyle (all ages)

*Schedule Changes:

All classes are now held online! Register below and join our live streaming dance classes

**ONLINE ONLY until further notice
Location: 1225 S Weller Street, Seattle, WA 98144

CLASS TYPE & DESCRIPTIONS

Mondays 6:30-7:30PM Tu'ura'a - Basics (all ages)

We welcome all levels of experience and background! You will learn and improve upon your basic forms and create a solid foundation in 'Ori Tahiti & Hula. You will be challenged to increase your physical strength and stamina while also gaining insight and education of Polynesian cultures, practices, histories, and languages.
There will be short choreographed combinations instructed to increase your recognition of basic pehe (drum beats)

Wednesday 5:30-6:30PM Tama (5-11yrs)

Youth enjoy story-telling, language learning, and cultural lessons of Tahiti and Hawai'i through song, dance, games, and cultural exchange activities!
Youth will be challenged to learn, memorize, and embrace lengthy choreography, utilizing all of their basics, strength, stamina, knowledge, and expression
Class builds on itself for completing choreographed numbers and lessons; consistent attendance is expected for the most fulfilling experiences

Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM Pa'ari (12+yrs)

This class introduces beginner choreography in both 'ori Tahiti & hula as well as cultural story-telling, language, and context to the choreography
Dancers will be challenged to learn, memorize, and embrace lengthy choreography, utilizing all of their basics, strength, stamina, knowledge, and expression
Class builds on itself for completing choreographed numbers and lessons; consistent attendance is expected for the most fulfilling experiences

Wednesday 7:30-8:30PM Tupura'a - Adult Intermediate Choreography

This is by invite-only by Kalei. However, please let me know if you are interested in joining this class! I do want to encourage everyone to work towards building your foundation. I will be looking for dancers with a solid dance foundation due to its level of difficulty. We want you to be successful in this class and do not allow huraiti to attend before they are ready.
All attendees are required also to attend the 6:30-7:30PM Wednesday class to work on basics. Class builds on itself and huraiti are expected to have usual attendance to keep up with choreography and cultural lessons.
Also, all huraiti in the intermediate class are expected to perform in our monthly shows, private and public.

Friday 6:00 - 7:00PM Itoito - 'Ori Tahiti Solo Competition Classes (All Ages)

This class is open to dancers who are interested in learning how to compete in improvisational AND choreographed 'Ori Tahiti solo competitions!

SIGN-UP & PAYMENT

Please fill out a required online registration form, even for drop-ins. Mahalo!

Monthly Online tuition:

$55 - 3 classes per week (M/W/F)
$45 - 2 classes per week (M/W)
$35 - 1 class per week (consistently M or W)
Save $10 per sibling for youth under 12yrs
First class for new huraiti, free!
No pro-rated options

Payment types:

Venmo & PayPal accepted while classes online

"Culture is about encouragement and empowerment and that is what we hope to share with you at Huraiti Mana."