LIFE LIST: TAKE POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS

"The hands of the hula dancer are ever going out in gesture, her body swaying and pivoting itself in attitude of expression. Her whole physique is a living and moving picture of feeling, sentiment, and passion." 

When: Classes began in April 2012. I had zero intentions of doing this any time in my immediate future but I often will check prices whilst doing my LIFE LIST research sometimes just for fun and sometimes just to get an idea of what the cost will be. When I sent a price request via email I got a phone call from the instructor an hour later telling me that a family class was starting in 6 hours. I was a little hesitant because my daughter was only 16 months old and I knew it would be a challenge. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made! Our Hula has become a large part of our lives and it is my hope that it always will be.

Cost: This first class was $45 for me and no charge for Z at that time she was under 2 years old. The class we're currently enrolled in was $60 for the both of us.

Why this is on my list? When we were in Hawaii, we of course saw a luau...actually we saw two-and I thought it would be such fun to learn. Not too long after we came home I actually passed a Polynesian Dance Studio in Michigan-it was too far from my house but I had hope that there'd be more!

Something I would recommend? Yes! What fun! When you take dance classes you not only learn the dance but you also get to watch your instructor who is no doubt a professional, which is like free entertainment in my opinion! It's wonderful for kids, even though my two year old doesn't spend a lot of time concentrating she highly enjoys playing with the other kids and dancing along to the loud Hawaiian tunes. Now my daughter is 3 years old and she knows most of the words and dance steps to 7 different songs. It's incredible to see how far she's come.

What would I do differently? Nothing at all.

Will I do it again? Well we are currently on our fifth class and most certainly will be signing up for our sixth come January!

Was it life changing? Oh yes! This group of people have become 'ohana' like family to us, it is good, clean fun and my daughter actually picks up some of the moves but more so- she is singing the songs!!! It is so adorable, especially since we don't really focus on 'singing'- certainly there is an element to focusing on the words because the dance corresponds with the words. It's just another gift I feel like my daughter's been given. Potentially she could stick with this when she's older and if not I just think it is so important to expose her to as much as possible.