Halau Kalama

I danced as a keiki (child) for a few years back on Kauai then stopped and picked it up again here in Colorado somewhere around 2007, as a much older adult. I took lessons on and off from another halau (although it is not called a halau) and quit at that halau in April of 2012. I started taking classes at Halau Kalama in January of 2013 and this is truly the best place in Colorado to take Polynesian dance lessons.
Classes are on Saturday; beginners adult: 7 am, intermediate adult: 8 am, advanced adult: 9 am, and keiki: 10 am. They have mens/​boys classes too, although I am unsure what time these classes are offered.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: the classes are currently offered at Dance Scene Studios in Aurora at Chambers/​Hampden
The instructors are wonderful and very knowledgeable. I take the beginner’s class and the intermediate class. You have to be invited to take the advanced class and at the rate I’m going (the old body is simply that, old), I’ll be at Social Security age before I get to that point!
At the previous halau, we did not learn the names of the Tahitian moves, even while the emphasis was on Tahitian. At Halau Kalama, you are given a booklet with the names and definition of ALL the moves and you are expected to know the proper name for each move. Whereas at the previous halau, we were told to do a «box,» I now know it is called an «afata;» and the signature Tahitian dance move is called a «fa’arapu» not a fast «ami» (ami is a Hawaiian dance move where the hips move in a circular motion).
Unfortunately for me, I have to break some bad habits I learned from the previous halau, such as taking a shortcut by having the fa’arapu make the shape of a «D» vs a circle.
At Halau Kalama, we are also required to learn the meaning/​translation of the song, so that we know what story we are trying to tell in the form of a dance, whether it be Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, or Maori. To assist us in this and to allow us to practice on our own time, WE ARE GIVEN THE NAME OF THE SONG, A TRANSLATION OF THE WORDS, AND THE SONG ITSELF! Why the emphasis you may ask? Well, at my previous halau, we were NOT told the meaning of the song, much less the name of the song because, well, another halau may try to steal the choreography or dance moves or whatever.
Knowing the name of the song, the meaning, and having the song to practice on our own time makes it the real deal experience. We are not only learning dance at Halau Kalama, we are learning the culture, too
At Halau Kalama, there are almost as many people from Hawaii (what we call locals) as non-​locals. I find myself talking pidgin to someone who has no idea what I am saying, since they are not from Hawaii! Even those who are not from Hawaii, have the Aloha spirit, because you can’t help but feel the Aloha spirit at Halau Kalama
Halau Kalama is a non-​profit, so the class prices are much more reasonable than at the other halau. I am unsure of the exact cost, because I have my tuition payments set up to go automatically from my checking account :-)
I know this is a book, but I will end with saying that I probably took a total of 2.5 years of lessons at the previous halau and I was in one show. Only one show. Towards the end of my time at the old halau, it became painfully obvious that I didn’t have the «look» the Kumu was looking for, because while I was in the beginners and intermediate/​advanced classes at the previous halau, I was not the chosen few who were being groomed to advance her business. In the seven months I have been with Halau Kalama, I have danced in one show (the annual lei day show at the beginning of May) and two fundraisers (which is what helps to keep tuition costs down). Next week I will dance at Dragon Boat (which I could have danced while with the other studio, but I was out of town that week) and yet another fundraiser.
I am a solid beginner with some intermediate experience, yet I’m allowed to dance at fundraisers and to dance in shows. IMHO, the advanced dancers from the previous halau are at the level of the solid intermediate dancers at Halau Kalama
Finally (really, I promise), the BF noticed a big difference in my attitude in regards to dancing since I’ve been at Halau Kalama. He says I’m happier and enthusiastic, whereas while I was at the other studio, I didn’t have the joy de vivre I do now. I have this joy de vivre, even when my muscles and old body are screaming very loudly at me because they are in pain!

I have been a student in Halau Kalama for three years now. I came with absolutely no dance experience and with two left feet. With Glenda’s patient and excellent tutoring along with much determination and the support of other dancers, I have dared to become a graceful dancer and have been hired to dance for shows. Glenda inspired me to start my own dance group at my church. Glenda is like a family member now and I am honored to have her as my dance instructor.

Halau Kalama performed at my wedding 2 years ago. Glenda brough Sadie (the worlds best belly dancer and highest rated on youtube) and they totally rocked my reception. Since then, they have exploded all over the Colorado scene. I am from Hawaii so I am picky about my hula dancers. Halau Kalama is the only authentic hula company. There are several of these Halau’s who have never even been to Hawaii. That just annoys me. Anyway, if you are having an event, hire these guys I promise, you will love it. Oh and they are so affordable!