Hula - the Heartbeat of the Hawaiian People
Hula, the traditional dance of the islands, is part of the Hawaiian "Healing Arts". This means that Hula is much more than a dance: It is an art with healing effects.
The basis of hula is individuality within a collective. While the music unites the movements of the dancers like drops in a wave, each person expresses his or her own innermost feelings.
In the 19th century, hula was forbidden for a long time and could only be practiced in hiding, not least because of its content: The dances depict the relationships of people, nobles, Hawaiian gods and goddesses among themselves, as well as themes like nature and love. It was not until after 1970 that the dances experienced a renaissance - one that has continued to this day.
AlohaSpirit has formed its own group of about 15 hula dancers, "Na Wai 'Ohi'a", which performs at national and international events. "Na Wai 'Ohi'a" is under the direction of Kumu Keala Ching and Kumu Noëlle Delaquis. Videos of our performances can be found here. Every year in June, the group presents what they have learned during the year in a public performance (see picture gallery).
AlohaSpirit offers you the opportunity to dance hula, play the ukulele and perform on a regular basis.
A selection of photos of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of our Hula School Na Wai Ohi'a can be found here.
Weekly hula training at Hale AlohaSpirit.
Every Tuesday:
from 5 to 6 p.m. - ukulele and singing
from 18 to 19 o'clock - Hula foundation class
from 19 to 21 o'clock - Hula main class and chanting.
Classes are taught in the tradition of "Na Wai Iwi Ola" (The Ancient Waters of Life) as taught by Kumu Keala Ching.
Hula Day takes place 1-time per month.
One Saturday or Sunday each month we conduct a Hula Day. We take six hours for a specific dance and chant. The lessons are taught in the tradition of "Nā Wai Iwi Ola" (The Ancient Waters of Life) as taught by Kumu Keala Ching.
Hula School Na Wai 'Ohi'a - annual performance
Latest Workshops
CHF 150.-
Alderstrasse 28, 8008 Zurich
Once a month is Hula Day.
We take six hours to devote ourselves entirely to a dance and song (Chant/Oli). The lessons are in the tradition of "Nā Wai Iwi Ola" (The Ancient Waters of Life) as taught by Kumu Keala Ching. The Hula Day offers beginners a good opportunity for first contact with this fascinating dance, but it is also suitable for advanced dancers to enjoy and deepen their knowledge.
Hawai'i meets Switzerland – Aloha meets Grüezi!
Hula Celebration, Ho'ike, with Na Wai Ohi'a
Special Guest directly from Hawai'i: Kumu Keala Ching
Hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people. Hula electrifies. Hula is grace. Hula is elegance and power - and tells the myths and stories of the archipelago in dance
E komo mai! Welcome
Location: Open
Time: 18.30 bis ca. 20 Uhr
Costs: Donation
Hawaiian Hula Weekend with Kumu Keala Ching
CHF 490.-
We learn Hula-Kahiko (traditional dance) and Hula Auana (modern dance). In addition, we practice chanting and learn more about the history of hula and the culture of Hawai'i.
CHF 150.-
Alderstrasse 28, 8008 Zurich
Once a month is Hula Day.
We take six hours to devote ourselves entirely to a dance and song (Chant/Oli). The lessons are in the tradition of "Nā Wai Iwi Ola" (The Ancient Waters of Life) as taught by Kumu Keala Ching. The Hula Day offers beginners a good opportunity for first contact with this fascinating dance, but it is also suitable for advanced dancers to enjoy and deepen their knowledge.
CHF 150.-
Alderstrasse 28, 8008 Zurich
Once a month is Hula Day.
We take six hours to devote ourselves entirely to a dance and song (Chant/Oli). The lessons are in the tradition of "Nā Wai Iwi Ola" (The Ancient Waters of Life) as taught by Kumu Keala Ching. The Hula Day offers beginners a good opportunity for first contact with this fascinating dance, but it is also suitable for advanced dancers to enjoy and deepen their knowledge.