Ho'omaka Hanu A Ke Aloha
Polynesian Dance Society
E komo mai ~ welcome
Ho'omaka Hanu A Ke Aloha ~ To begin to breathe aloha
Established in 2019, Ho'omaka Hanu A Ke Aloha Polynesian Dance Society is a non-profit society built on a strong foundation.
Polynesian dance is more than learning dance steps. It is about connection – with the dance, the mele (song), the culture and each other. All are welcome.
Alaka'i Sheree
Sheree is our instructor and board President. She began taking hula at 9-years-old after being inspired by hula dancers on the Big Island. After a brief hiatus from dance class in her teens, Sheree got back into class in 2005. She has studied under two wonderful Kumu (teachers) in Edmonton and Phoenix. She is Alaka’i for Kumu Dolly with Kikahamalie Ka’iwalani Hale O Hula Halau in Phoenix, Arizona.
Society's board
The Society has five board members. Each are committed to creating an environment that is welcoming, positive and is rooted in Polynesian traditions and culture. Read the Bylaw.
Polynesian dance
There are many different dances that fall in Polynesian dance - from Hawaiian hula to Tahitian ōte’a to Samoan siva. We currently focus on Hawaiian and Tahitian dances.
The hula is one of the most well known styles of Polynesian dance. Hula tells a story with the hands. There are two styles, kahiko (the ancient style) and auana (the modern style). We study and learn both styles.
Learn more about hula from GoHawaii.com
Tahitian dance is vibrant and focuses more on hip motions. There are three styles of Ori Tahiti (dance of Tahiti), aparima, ōte’a and hivinau.
Learn more about ori Tahiti from Tahiti Tourism.
Classes
Interested in joining our 'ohana? Check out our classes below! We dance at the Blue Quill Community Hall in south Edmonton. Registration for 2024/2025 season!
Membership
Students must be members of Ho’omaka Hanu A Ke Aloha Polynesian Dance Society. Annual fee for September 2024 to September 2025 is $25.
Open registration
We welcome new students once per year in September. Students wanting to join outside of open registration are accepted on a case-by-case basis. All new haumana must register in the Honua class. If you have previous Polynesian dance experience, please contact us.
You are also welcome to come watch to see if you want to join our 'ohana!
Keiki (kids) class
New this year!! Learn basic hula steps, introduction to culture and a choreography. Keiki can choose to perform in our annual Ho'ike. Open for ages 6 to 11 years old. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 7, 2024.
Saturdays
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
$300 (paid in three $100 instalments in September, January and March)
Honua (beginner) class - this class is full
Learn the steps that will form your foundation of hula dance and culture. You will learn a choreography all for fun! Haumana can choose to perform in our annual Ho'ike. All new haumana must register for this class. Open for ages 12+. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 7, 2024.
Saturdays
12 noon to 1 p.m.
$300 (paid in three $100 instalments in September, January and March)
Māla (experienced) class - this class is full
This class is for the haumana that isn't a beginner but wants to dance for recreation. This class includes foundational basics, choreography for fun and some opportunities for performing if you want. It is a great class to get more confident in hula and build connections with your hula 'ohana. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 7, 2024.
Saturdays
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
$300 (paid in three $100 instalments in September, January and March)
Mauka (intermediate) class - this class is full
This class builds on the mana'o (knowledge) learned in Honua class and includes intermediate hula basics, beginner implements, chant, olelo (language) related to the mele (song) and choreography. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 5, 2024.
Thursdays
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$300 (paid in three $100 instalments in September, January and March)
Mauna (advanced) class
This class includes advanced hula basics, implements, chant, olelo (language) related to the mele (song) and choreography. Haumana are invited to Mauna class and must be able to perform basics on command with little direction. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 5, 2024.
Thursdays
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$300 (paid in three $100 instalments in September, January and March)
Beginner Tahitian class
This 30-minute class includes ōte’a basics and choreography. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 7, 2024.
Saturdays
11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
$225 (paid in three $75 instalments in September, January and March)
$150 for haumana also registered for hula (paid in three $50 instalments in September, January and March)
Intermediate/Advanced Tahitian class
This fast-paced 30-minute class includes aparima and ōte’a basics and a choreography. First class of 2024/2025 season is September 5, 2024.
Thursdays
8:30 to 9 p.m.
$225 (paid in three $75 instalments in September, January and March)
$150 for haumana also registered for hula (paid in three $50 instalments in September, January and March)
Performances
We are available for some performances on an event-by-event basis.
Fill out our event inquiry form.
"Hula is the language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people."
King David Kalakaua
Get In Touch
Studio location: 11304 25 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5B1
Blue Quill Community Hall
780-481-1887
