Rhythm & Respect Guide Rhythm & Respect Guide
Lesson Two: Island Rhythms Hula Intro
45 Minutes
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify the difference between Hula Kahiko and Hula 'Auana.
Perform the Kāholo, Hela, and 'Ami steps with correct posture.
Understand hula as a method of storytelling and preserving history.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Island Rhythms Slide Deck
Hula Steps Handbooks (1 per student)
Mana Reflection Tickets
Hawaiian music (Mele) playlist
Lesson Timeline
00-05 min
Hook: The Drum's Voice
Enter the room to the sound of an Ipu (gourd drum) or Pahu. Review Lesson 1: Ask students why islands have unique rhythms. Explain that today, we use our bodies as the "voice" of the island.
05-15 min
Culture: Two Sides of Hula
Use Slides to compare Hula Kahiko (Ancient - drums, chanting, history) and Hula 'Auana (Modern - ukulele, singing, soft movements). Discuss Mana (spiritual power) and why respect for the culture is essential.
"We aren't just dancing; we are telling a story that was written long before us."
15-35 min
Movement: Finding the Beat
Practice basic posture (bent knees, straight back). Guide students through the three foundational steps:
Kāholo: The side-to-side "traveling" step.
Hela: Pointing the foot forward at an angle.
'Ami: A smooth rotation of the hips.
35-45 min
Closure: Mana Reflection
Cool down with a slow 'Ami. Distribute Mana Reflection Tickets. Students write one thing they learned and one way they showed respect today.
Facilitation Notes
The "Haiku" of Hula
Explain that in Hula, the hands are the storytellers while the feet are the keepers of the rhythm. If students struggle with both, have them focus on feet first before adding "The Story" (hands).
Common Misconceptions
"It's just a grass skirt dance." Clarify that hula is a sacred record of Hawaiian history and genealogy.
"Wiggling is easy." Emphasize the strength required for "Ha'a" (bent knee) position.
Differentiation
Support: Use "stepping stones" (poly spots) on the floor to mark where feet should land for the Kāholo.
Challenge: Have advanced students create a 4-beat hand gesture representing "rain" or "ocean."
Vocabulary to Watch For
Ha'a Standing with knees slightly bent.
Kumu A teacher or master of hula.
Mele Song, chant, or poem.
Success Criteria
Students will have successfully completed this lesson when they can transition between Kāholo and Hela without losing the 4/4 beat, and can articulate why hula was important for people who didn't have a written language.
Island Rhythms Slides Island Rhythms
Lesson Two: An Introduction to Hula
Discover the history, movement, and mana of the Hawaiian Islands.
What is Hula?
In ancient Hawai'i, there was no written language.
Hula was the way people kept their history alive. Every move has a meaning.
"Hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people."
— King David Kalākaua
Hula = History
Ancient vs. Modern
Hula Kahiko
Ancient
Pahu & Ipu Drums
Chants (Oli)
Strength & Precision
Hula 'Auana
Modern
Ukulele & Guitar
Singing & Melodies
Fluid & Graceful
The Ha'a Stance
Before we move, we must find our base. This is the foundation of all hula.
Knees
Slightly bent (never locked)
Back
Straight and tall
Hands
On your hips to start
Three Basic Steps
01
Kāholo
"The Traveling Step"
Step, Step, Step, Touch. 4 beats to the right, 4 to the left.
02
Hela
"The Point Step"
Point one foot forward at a 45-degree angle. Alternate legs.
03
'Ami
"The Rotation"
Rotate your hips smoothly in a circle while keeping knees bent.
What is Mana?
Mana is spiritual energy. In Hawai'i, everything has mana: the ocean, the mountains, and YOU.
When we dance hula, we show respect to that mana.
Hula Steps Handbook Hula Steps
Foundation Handbook
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
"Hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people." Hula was used to pass down history, genealogies, and stories before there was a written language. Today, you are the storyteller!
1
The Ha'a Stance
Every hula starts with the Ha'a. Stand with your feet parallel and hip-width apart.
Knees: Slightly bent and bouncy
Back: Straight like a mountain peak
Head: Eyes focused on the horizon
The Foundation
2
Foundational Movement
Kāholo
"The Traveling Step"
Take two steps to the right, then two steps to the left. On the fourth beat, touch your foot without putting weight on it.
Right-Step-Right-Touch
Hela
"The Point Step"
Point one foot forward at a 45-degree angle. Bring it back to the center and switch legs. Keep those knees bent!
Left-Center-Right-Center
'Ami
"The Rotation"
Rotate your hips in a smooth, circular motion. Your shoulders should stay still while your hips do the work.
Circle-Circle-Circle-Circle
Mana Reflection Ticket Mana Reflection
Name:
One thing I learned about Hula today:
How did I show Respect (Mana) today?
Island Rhythms • Lesson Two
Mana Reflection
Name:
One thing I learned about Hula today:
How did I show Respect (Mana) today?
Island Rhythms • Lesson Two
Mana Reflection
Name:
One thing I learned about Hula today:
How did I show Respect (Mana) today?
Island Rhythms • Lesson Two
Mana Reflection
Name:
One thing I learned about Hula today:
How did I show Respect (Mana) today?
Island Rhythms • Lesson Two