Kilihea's Hula And Dance Lessons

Kilihea's Hula And Dance Lessons

New
Offers online services
New
Offers online services

About

Aloha,

I am an award winning dancer, with experience in teaching and choreography. I specialize in Polynesian dances, particularly hula, and also teach tap and ballet. I have danced since I was 6 years old, and continue to perform semi-professionally well into my middle-aged years. I have taught ballet, tap, belly dance, and hula at several local studios, including Bay City Ballet, Donna Marie's School of Dance, and Hip Expressions.

I have a special passion for teaching beginners and non-traditional dancers. I have worked with students of all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens. I am glad to work with students with physical or mental disabilities, or students who need adapted dance instructions.

I have a small studio in my home for established students. I can also provide lessons in your home, or at a mutually agreeable location in the north Pinellas area. Online/skype classes may also be an option for distance learners or those with hectic schedules.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about dance education, or if you'd like to learn more.


Highlights

Serves Clearwater , FL
Offers online services

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Frequently asked questions

The process starts with communication.  I determine what the student would like to learn, what experience they have with dance, and whether they need any adaptations in their lessons.  The student should let me know about any prior injuries or physical limitations.  We discuss what the students goals are, and what they can expect from dance education.  We also discuss what is needed, as far as equipment, shoes, proper clothing, etc.  

Finally, we get to dancing!  We discuss proper technique and body alignment, to prevent injury and maximize enjoyment.  With hula students, we also discuss cultural nuances to the dance, and cultural expectations for student dancers.  More than anything, we enjoy moving in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

I have danced since I was 6 years old.  I am now middle-aged, but continue to perform semi-professionally and compete at the state and national level.  I am a performing member of the Hawaiian Dreamers.  My hula halaus are Hui Na Akane o Hawaii and Ka Pa Hula 'Umoumou.  

I started quite accidentally, when I was attending my own ballet classes.  The teacher would frequently step out of the room to take phone calls or attend to business, and would tell me to teach the class while she was gone.  

As an experienced dancer, students would turn to me with questions about technique, performance, or other things on their mind.  I was glad to share my knowledge and experience with them.  I became like a teacher in these situations, even though I was attending classes as a student.  Teaching was the natural next step.

I attended teacher training, to become certified in the AIM technique.  Once I was certified, a former ballet teacher asked me if I would consider teaching for a studio she was helping to form.  From there, I began teaching at another studio, and then another.  As they say, the rest was history.

I love teaching, and I love to share my knowledge.  

I have worked with children (generally starting at age 3), adult beginners, and senior citizens.  

I have a special interest in teaching non-traditional dancers.  One does NOT need to be a young, slender, girl to be an awesome dancer.  Dancers come in all shapes, sizes, genders, and levels of ability/disability.  Male dancers are awesome.  Chubby dancers are awesome.  Dancers in wheelchairs are awesome.  Adult dancers are totally inspiring.  I hope that my dance instruction can break some of the stereotypes that society has about dance, and about who can or should dance.  Dance is for everyone!!!

My classes are open to people with special needs, including physical or mental disabilities.  Many dance technique can be adapted for people with physical injuries or limitations.  Feel free to reach out to me with specific questions about your particular injury or limitation, and how that would be addressed in a dance class.

This isn't a recent event.  However, I am particularly proud of dancing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, with the Rounderettes.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.  

Look for someone you are comfortable with, and a class environment that you can enjoy.  Dance and movement are good for the soul, and they should feel good.  Your class may be challenging, but it should be fun as well.  You should leave class happy and relaxed.

Do not tolerate a teacher that will disrespect you, your child, or your body.  Reality TV shows dance teachers demeaning their students, but this should NEVER happen in real life.  Choose a teacher who offers correction in the spirit of encouraging learning, rather that in the spirit of critiquing or putting down a student's efforts.  

Your dance goals will influence the teacher you should chose.  If you are wanting to dance professionally or in competitions, you need to chose a teacher who specializes in those things.  If you want to dance for fun, for general fitness, or to learn something new, you will be miserable with a competition/pre-professional teacher.  Find a teacher who enjoys teaching recreational students.

If you are interested in learning Polynesian styles of dancing, you should chose a teacher who is familiar with the culture.  Your teacher does not need to be ethnically Polynesian (nor do you!), but should be culturally trained and aware of traditions.  It is generally best to select a teacher associated with a hula halau, and trained directly by a kumu hula of Polynesian descent.  I'd be very suspicious of a teacher who does not use Hawaiian/Polynesian language in their music and in their instruction.  

In that same vein, your ballet instructor should be using the proper French terminology when teaching you.  It will help you out immensely to learn and call steps by their proper names, especially if you continue your ballet instruction beyond the beginner levels. 

Think about what you think you'd enjoy, talk with the teacher, and then give it a try.

If you have injuries or disabilities, check in with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to dance.  Discuss any limitations or adaptations with your dance instructor.


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