July 2026- June 2027 Season
Spinning Class- Siva Afi (Fire Knife Dance Class)
Instructor: Sierra Kawailele Kobu and Shane Kawehi Kolbu
Ages 12 and Up (children may not be suitable for this class)
A fire knife dance class teaches the Samoan ailao afi, an intense, artistic performance involving spinning (with a practice stick or non-flaming prop) and then later on progressing to spinning a flaming, serrated metal blade (nifo oti).
Class Structure: Warm-ups, safety training, fundamental techniqes, routine building.
What you will learn: History of the cultural dance, coordination and speed, performance art or spinning, safety protocals
Class prerequisites: Regular Attendance, Class binder, Knowledge of Fire Safety
Instructor: Sierra Kawailele Kobu and Shane Kawehi Kolbu
Ages 12 and Up (children may not be suitable for this class)
A fire knife dance class teaches the Samoan ailao afi, an intense, artistic performance involving spinning (with a practice stick or non-flaming prop) and then later on progressing to spinning a flaming, serrated metal blade (nifo oti).
Class Structure: Warm-ups, safety training, fundamental techniqes, routine building.
What you will learn: History of the cultural dance, coordination and speed, performance art or spinning, safety protocals
Class prerequisites: Regular Attendance, Class binder, Knowledge of Fire Safety
Monday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
‘Ori Tahiti (Inter/Adv) Tahtian Dance Class
Instructor: Glenda & Jontae (assistant- Nai'a)
Class Requirements: Full beginner level season in our Tahitian Dance Class (one year of beginners), Regular Attendance, Class Pareu, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Intermediate class goals: Refine all basic movements, improve technique, introduction of faster tempo, master more complex choreography, focus on intentional and more fluid hand motions, work on facial expressions
Advanced class goals: Flawless execution of all basics, specialized techniques like fa'arapu with advanced foot supports, tua ne'e (body rolls), and the advanced "duck walk" (sitting on heels while alternating hips). In performances dancers must embody the deeper meaning of lyrics through hand gestures and feel the energy of the music. Dancers should understand different pehe and be able to freestyle or ‘Ori Tahiti and be able to express themselves by telling a theme or story with hips and hands.
Instructor: Glenda & Jontae (assistant- Nai'a)
Class Requirements: Full beginner level season in our Tahitian Dance Class (one year of beginners), Regular Attendance, Class Pareu, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Intermediate class goals: Refine all basic movements, improve technique, introduction of faster tempo, master more complex choreography, focus on intentional and more fluid hand motions, work on facial expressions
Advanced class goals: Flawless execution of all basics, specialized techniques like fa'arapu with advanced foot supports, tua ne'e (body rolls), and the advanced "duck walk" (sitting on heels while alternating hips). In performances dancers must embody the deeper meaning of lyrics through hand gestures and feel the energy of the music. Dancers should understand different pehe and be able to freestyle or ‘Ori Tahiti and be able to express themselves by telling a theme or story with hips and hands.
Tuesday
6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
‘Ori Tahiti (Beginners Tahtian Dance Class)
Instructor: Glenda & Jontae (assistant- Nai'a)
‘Ori Tahiti is Tahitian Dance. This class is the prerequisite to all dance classes. You will learn the proper way to execute each basic motion for Tahitian Dance and the correct terminology (and pronunciation) for each basic move. We will go over posture, placement, and correct body alignment. Choreography will be used in this class by putting together basic steps and drills learned into dance combinations. A cultural connection is encouraged throughout the class.
Class Requirements: Regular Attendance, Class Pareu, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Class Goals: Introduction to Tahitian Dance (‘Ote'a, Aparima, Ahuroa, ‘Ori Tahiti), learn basic steps and correct form, increase confidence, Have fun!
Instructor: Glenda & Jontae (assistant- Nai'a)
‘Ori Tahiti is Tahitian Dance. This class is the prerequisite to all dance classes. You will learn the proper way to execute each basic motion for Tahitian Dance and the correct terminology (and pronunciation) for each basic move. We will go over posture, placement, and correct body alignment. Choreography will be used in this class by putting together basic steps and drills learned into dance combinations. A cultural connection is encouraged throughout the class.
Class Requirements: Regular Attendance, Class Pareu, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Class Goals: Introduction to Tahitian Dance (‘Ote'a, Aparima, Ahuroa, ‘Ori Tahiti), learn basic steps and correct form, increase confidence, Have fun!
Tuesday
6:45 PM to 7:30 PM
6:45 PM to 7:30 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
Hula Class 6-8pm (All Levels)
Instructor: Ellen Akiona and Sierra Kolbu
All-levels hula dance class is a welcoming, mixed-ability session designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students to practice together. It covers fundamental hula steps, basic hand motions (storytelling), and warm-ups, while offering refinements for experienced dancers. These classes teach both traditional (kahiko) and modern ('auana) styles
Instructors will go over the meaning behind the music and lyrics to help dancers interpret the stories. This classes is aimed at fostering an appreciation for Hawaiian culture, health, and community for everyone, regardless of prior experience.
Class Requirements: Regular Attendance, Class pa`u, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Class Goals: Introduction to hula protocols, Learn basic hula steps and correct form, Increase confidence, Have fun!
Instructor: Ellen Akiona and Sierra Kolbu
All-levels hula dance class is a welcoming, mixed-ability session designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students to practice together. It covers fundamental hula steps, basic hand motions (storytelling), and warm-ups, while offering refinements for experienced dancers. These classes teach both traditional (kahiko) and modern ('auana) styles
Instructors will go over the meaning behind the music and lyrics to help dancers interpret the stories. This classes is aimed at fostering an appreciation for Hawaiian culture, health, and community for everyone, regardless of prior experience.
Class Requirements: Regular Attendance, Class pa`u, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Class Goals: Introduction to hula protocols, Learn basic hula steps and correct form, Increase confidence, Have fun!
Wednesday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
Kids Polynesian Dance Class (4-11 Years Old)
Instructor: Glenda & Jontae
Assistant / Kāpehe / Tauturu: Penny, Nicole, Nai’a
Class prerequisites: Ages 4-11, Positive attitude, Class Binder, Class Pareau, Regular attendance, Complete Homework
Class goals: Introduction to multiple forms of Polynesian dance, including Hula, Tahitian, Samoan and Māori,Introduction to Polynesian languages, Introduction to Polynesian protocols and culture, Introduction to Polynesian music and implements, Preparation to progress to the intermediate class level
Instructor: Glenda & Jontae
Assistant / Kāpehe / Tauturu: Penny, Nicole, Nai’a
Class prerequisites: Ages 4-11, Positive attitude, Class Binder, Class Pareau, Regular attendance, Complete Homework
Class goals: Introduction to multiple forms of Polynesian dance, including Hula, Tahitian, Samoan and Māori,Introduction to Polynesian languages, Introduction to Polynesian protocols and culture, Introduction to Polynesian music and implements, Preparation to progress to the intermediate class level
Thursday
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
Jr Keiki Class
Instructor: Ellen Akiona
Class Requirements: Ages 12-17, Hula and Tahitian basics, Class pa`u, Class pareo, Regular attendance
Class Goals: Improve posture, form, and endurance, Incorporate levels in both Hula and Tahitian, Increase confidence
Respect and support your Hula Brothers, Sisters, Aunties, and Uncles. Have fun!
Instructor: Ellen Akiona
Class Requirements: Ages 12-17, Hula and Tahitian basics, Class pa`u, Class pareo, Regular attendance
Class Goals: Improve posture, form, and endurance, Incorporate levels in both Hula and Tahitian, Increase confidence
Respect and support your Hula Brothers, Sisters, Aunties, and Uncles. Have fun!
Thursday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
Slow Flow Hula - Pua ‘Ōlena
Instructor: Ellen Akiona
By Invite Only
Slow Flow Hula is a low-impact, therapeutic dance designed to improve core strength, balance, and coordination while gently moving joints. Routines can be done standing or seated in a sturdy chair.
Class Requirements: Regular Attendance, Class pa`u, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Class Goals: Introduction to hula protocols, Learn basic hula steps and correct form, Increase confidence, Have fun!
Instructor: Ellen Akiona
By Invite Only
Slow Flow Hula is a low-impact, therapeutic dance designed to improve core strength, balance, and coordination while gently moving joints. Routines can be done standing or seated in a sturdy chair.
Class Requirements: Regular Attendance, Class pa`u, Class Binder, Notebook for Notes, Folder for handouts
Class Goals: Introduction to hula protocols, Learn basic hula steps and correct form, Increase confidence, Have fun!
Thursday
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main
Tahitian Drumming (All Levels)
Instructors- Sarah Nishikawa, James Seamster
Under mentorship of Nico San Nicolas
Tahitian Drumming Class is a high-energy, rhythmic class focusing on Traditional Polynesian Percussion, specifically to’ere (slit drum), fa’atete, and tari. Participate learn traditional pehe (beats), techniques, tempo. Drum compositions are often designed to accompany ‘Ori Tahiti (Tahitian Dance).
Cultural History will be a significant part of this class.
Be prepared to build a positive community.
Instructors- Sarah Nishikawa, James Seamster
Under mentorship of Nico San Nicolas
Tahitian Drumming Class is a high-energy, rhythmic class focusing on Traditional Polynesian Percussion, specifically to’ere (slit drum), fa’atete, and tari. Participate learn traditional pehe (beats), techniques, tempo. Drum compositions are often designed to accompany ‘Ori Tahiti (Tahitian Dance).
Cultural History will be a significant part of this class.
Be prepared to build a positive community.
Saturday
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Hālau Kalama Studios-1732 S Chambers Rd Aurora
Main
Main