Students of hula need more than a teacher and a room. They need words to describe what they are learning, music to practise with and reliable material on the history and culture behind the dance. This page points to the kinds of resources that are most useful, and it explains how to judge them. It names works and types of material rather than linking to outside sites, so that each reader can find current editions and recordings for themselves.
Use these resources alongside a teacher, not in place of one. A recording or a book can show you a movement, but only a teacher can correct your posture and explain the meaning of a piece in context.
Essential Hula Terminology
Hula uses a vocabulary drawn from the Hawaiian language. Words such as hula itself, oli for chant, mele for song, kahiko for the older style and auana for the newer style appear constantly in classes and performances. Learning these terms early makes instructions easier to follow and helps you understand the titles of pieces.
Good terminology resources include a Hawaiian-English dictionary and a glossary written for dancers. Check that the glossary explains terms in context, because a word can have more than one meaning depending on the song.
Recommended Music for Practice
Practising with music trains the ear and the sense of timing. Choose recordings of traditional chant for kahiko work and recordings of Hawaiian song for auana pieces. Listen to the same song several times before you try to dance it, and note where the phrases begin and end.
When you buy or download a recording, look for the name of the performer and the year, so that you can find the same version again. Teachers often recommend specific recordings for their classes, and those are a good first choice.
Online Video Tutorials and Courses
Online tutorials can help you review a step between classes, see a movement from several angles or watch a performance you could not attend. They work best as a supplement. Look for tutorials made by experienced teachers who explain the background of a dance, and be cautious of short clips that show steps without any context.
Courses that run over several weeks can be useful for learners who cannot attend a class regularly. Check who teaches the course, what its level is and whether it covers the culture as well as the steps.
Books and Articles on Polynesian Dance
Books on Polynesian dance vary from cultural histories to practical guides. A good history will explain how the dance changed over time, including the periods of restriction and revival. A good practical guide will describe the steps clearly and will say where its information comes from.
Articles from academic journals and from the museums that hold collections of Pacific material are also valuable. Check the date of any source, because scholarship and community practice both change, and a source from one decade may not reflect the next.
Local Resources in Indianapolis
Local resources include the libraries, bookshops and cultural groups of the Indianapolis area. A public library can often find books through an interlibrary loan, and a cultural group may hold a collection of recordings or costume materials. Ask a local teacher which resources they use, because teachers often know which shops and libraries carry the material students need.
This guide does not list shops or venues, since stock and opening hours change. Contact the place directly before you visit.
What are some good online resources for learning hula?
Look for video material made by experienced teachers, clear step breakdowns that include the story behind the movement, and course programmes that name their instructors. Compare two or three sources before you commit to one. Your teacher's recommendations are usually the most reliable starting point.
Where can I find hula music?
Hula music is available from recordings by Hawaiian performers, from music shops and from libraries. For practice, choose recordings that name the performer and the chant or song, so you can match the piece to the lesson. If you are unsure, ask your teacher which recordings they use in class.
For a general introduction to the dance and its history, read the home page. If you need a resource that is not listed here, write to the editorial team through the contact page, and tell us which kind of material you are looking for.
