Hula for Health

Welcome to “Hula for Health” in Hull! Join us for this new six-week workshop on hula dance basics, to be held at the Hull Senior Center from Wednesday, June 30, to Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. The cost is $15.

The hula dance originated due to a lack of written language when South Pacific Islanders arrived to what are now the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Dancers performed at ceremonies and for royalty, telling stories of the land, the ocean, and its people. Stories are told using the hands and various dance steps. Follow the hands, and you’ll follow the story.

We will concentrate on simple vocabulary and on about 10 basic hula steps. The focus is to feel the “aloha” (or love) in the songs themselves. Each class will begin with stretching and warm-ups.

By the end of the six weeks, you should be able to dance through an entire song. Although there are two forms of the Hawaiian dance (ancient and modern), we’ll concentrate on the “auana” or modern hula. Songs are mostly sung in English and may be familiar.

This is a joyful low-impact form of exercise that is great for the core, the memory, and the soul.

A knee-length skirt or sarong is suggested; however, simple yoga attire will suffice. We dance barefoot; if you have issues dancing barefoot, soft slippers or socks are adequate.

Space is limited. Registration is required for this six-week workshop. Call the center at 781-925-1239, or email at lthornton@town.hull.ma.us