Seattle Tahitian & Hula Dance Classes

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

Studies have shown that COVID19 infection rates are highest among Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian populations in Washington, Oregon, and California. While we are saddened by our inability to dance together physically and host in-person lessons, we make the decision proudly and without doubt in order to best serve our people and our communities of Pacific Islanders and the greater Seattle area.

Classes available for ages 5+

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

Huraiti Mana. In the Tahitian language, Huraiti means a beloved, spiritual closeness and bond to dance. Mana is a significant word, value, and practice across Polynesian languages in the Pacific. Mana refers to the spiritual power that we all have within us, and which we all give to one another. Together, we will work proudly, learn immensely, and laugh daily in our dance classes! All experience levels are welcome. 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 'utuāfare, our '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 a part of our 'ohana.

Enrollment:
We have open enrollment year-round; however, 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 - May
Summer Break: June - July (TBC)
Semester 2: August - December

NEXT OPEN ENROLLMENT
for beginners

Beginning January 5, 2022 - Online Dance Classes
Beginning January 24, 2022 - LAST Monday of the Month in-person classes; limited spaces; vaccination required; masks required.

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**

Last Monday of the month: (new class offering!)

6:00-8:00PM Tu'ura'a (all ages)
Workshop style

Wednesdays: ONLINE

5:30-6:30PM Tama (Children 5-11 years old)
6:30-7:30PM Pa'ari (Adult/Young Adult 12+)
8:00-8:30PM Tupura'a (intermediate, invite only)

ON BREAK
(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 until further notice
Platform: Zoom

*No Classes:

June - July - Summer break (TBC)

CLASS TYPE & DESCRIPTIONS

All classes are held online via the free ZOOM app.

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

We welcome all levels of experience and background! This is a great class if you're beginning your journey with 'ori & hula, but will also be a perfect reminder and challenge for those with more experience as well.
You will learn and improve upon your basic forms and create a solid foundation in 'Ori Tahiti & Hula basic steps
You will be challenged to increase your physical strength.
There will be short choreographed combinations to apply our teachings with more movement

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 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 experience

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, history and context
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 experience

Friday 6:00 - 7:00PM Itoito - 'Ori Tahiti Solo Choreo & Freestyle (All Ages)

This class is open to dancers who are interested in learning how to create improvisational AND choreographed 'Ori Tahiti solos!
Competition is not required

Our classes are very welcoming as a place of passionate work, much laughter, and shared stories. Come every Wednesday and give yourself time to learn the basic steps, our practice routine, and the language. E ha'amana ma'atou!

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."