Aloha from The Wanna Hula Girl

Oahu Wedding Hula Lessons & Polynesian Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:09:00 +0000

The Wanna Hula Difference

There comes a time in your life when someone is bound to take an idea that you considered your's and put their name on it. I'm sure it has happened to many of you reading this in some shape or form. What was your reaction? Laughter? Fury? Resolve to improve?

This is nothing new in business. Look at Louis Vuitton and their China knock-off bags. Can you actually tell the difference between a quality brand product or service and one that takes the short cut in marketing and price by emulating the original?

I'm going with the answer "yes" and the greatful attitude that this situation is helping us at Wanna Hula to clarify our Hawaii wedding hula lesson and entertainment niche.

So how is Wanna Hula different?

1. Quality customer service: Our bridal hula clients and even our competitors acknowledge that Wanna Hula goes above and beyond to make our brides happy.

2. Written contracts: For your peace of mind, we always secure contracts and pay our performers non-refundable deposits to lock in your special day. No, it's not easy to do-especially because most hula and tahitian dancers like to dance; not fill out paperwork. But we do it anyway because it matters and makes your special day go smoothly.

3. Custom choreography: Our Hula and Tahitian lessons are customized upon request so that no one else will have the exact same wedding hula dance as you. This is important because each and every person is unique and moves and learns differently.

Bottom line: Wanna Hula isn't for everyone. We actually really do specialize in Oahu wedding hula lessons and bridal Polynesian entertainment (such as hula, tahitian, and maori poi dancers, ukulele musicians, slack key guitarists, fireknife and firepoi dancers.)

And that is the Wanna Hula difference.

Pua Hone Hula Video

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:19:00 +0000

Pua Hone Wedding Hula is a breathtaking song that can be danced at local Hawaii weddings for your someone special. The lyrics compare beautiful places in nature to the composer's loved one. The song itself was used by the artist to propose to his someone special by phone when he was away traveling. At that moment, he realized that his true love and Hawaii were where his heart was.

Pua Hone Engagement Hula Video

Pua Hone Hula Lyrics

Couple's Contemporary Hula Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:00:00 +0000

"My husband is nearing a one year deployment and Sarah went out of her way to make our lesson as personal and romantic as possible. She gave me all I wanted and more for this amazing experience with my husband. We danced to our favorite country song on the beach during twilight. My manly army husband even enjoyed himself and Sarah made sure he danced manly too lol. We loved it and consider this a very happy milstone in our journey. Thank you for everything. Mahalo." Tara

Like us? Wanna Hula on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:40:00 +0000

Join us here for short hula and Tahitian motion videos, entertainment and performance tips and more!

Tips from Wanna Hula on Facebook & Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:34:00 +0000

WannaHula.com has been publishing helpful tips on:

1. Simple hula motions (you'll be able to do them after no time at all!)
2. How to hire Hawaii event entertainment
3. How to perform hula/Tahitian dance like a pro.

See our Wanna Hula Facebook Fan Page & our Hula tweets ;):

PRESS RELEASE: Aloha Channel TV

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:54:00 +0000

今週のゲストロコ　Sarah Chang

今回のゲストは、フラダンサーのサラ

http://www.bs4.jp/document/aloha/oa/index.html

＃５１

９月１２日・１３日
９月１９日・２０日

フラダンサーのロコと行くヒーリングアカデミー＆ロコ御用達のランチボックス

Beach Weddings & Hula/Tahitian Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:38:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: In order to preserve Hawai`i's beautiful environment, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the State's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for use of beaches and/or the City and County for use of parks (grass only, not sand).

HULA/TAHITIAN LESSONS AVAILABLE AT:
Waialae Kahala Beach Park
Magic Island Park
Kapiolani District Park/Diamond Leahi Park

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
1. Fill out the WannaHula.com lesson registration form and request one of the three locations above.
2. Submit your deposit 30 days in advance. (This gives us time to apply for your permit.)
3. Bring your own camera or rent one if your Hula/Tahitian lesson package includes video.
You will be allowed to record the dance choreography once in its entirety.

BEACH WEDDING CHECKLIST:
For brides considering beach weddings on actual sand, you need to consider the following:

1. Location: Select from DLNR approved sites.
2. Time: Weekend and popular area use is highly discouraged.
3. Film Permit: Make sure you or your wedding coordinator hires a photographer/videographer with an annual permit. This permit must be worn as a badge at all times while on location.
4. Right of Entry (ROE) Permit: Double check with your wedding consultant about filing for your Right of Entry (ROE) Permit.
5. Extra Copies of ROE Permit: For compliance reasons, the Wanna Hula entertainment manager will ask for a copy of your Right of Entry Permit. This will ensure your peace of mind in case enforcement personnel questions our entertainers' right to be on location.

Thank you for helping us keep Hawai`i beautiful.

WANNA HULA PRESS RELEASE: MORE Magazine, Japan's Popular Fashion Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:14:00 +0000

July 2008:
Teaching hula to MORE fashion magazine model, Mio-san.

WANNA HULA PRESS RELEASE: MOOK 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:10:00 +0000

Wanna Hula's keiki hula & Tahitian combo class appears in
Honolulu no Arukikata Honolulu, MOOK 2009.

5 hula classes, get one FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:17:00 +0000

Apologies. As of September 1, 2008 group classes are postponed until further notice.

For a limited time, You Wanna Hula Studio is offering loyalty cards for the following classes:

ADULT HULA/TAHITIAN COMBO CLASS 1
2851 E Manoa Rd, Suite 1-207
By appointment
$10

KEIKI HULA/TAHITIAN COMBO CLASS
2851 E Manoa Rd, Suite 1-207
By appointment
$10*

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

TO REGISTER: Email wannahula@gmail.com.

*Special rules apply.

WANNA HULA PRESS RELEASE: Pacific Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:04:00 +0000

May 05, 2008

Reception Entertainment : Hula

Hula is a captivating dance, famously said to be the heartbeat of Hawai‘i, as it speaks the language of the heart. As a visitor to the islands, you will leave changed forever once you begin to comprehend the depth of the Hawaiian culture. The modern day wedding gives the ancient Hawaiian hula a contemporary stage upon which to perform. Those of you that have watched the graceful and swift movements of the hula know how thrilling the performance is— a true cause for celebration.

In the days leading up to your wedding in Hawaii, a loose itinerary for your guests will give them a chance to intermingle and get a feel for the islands. Brides are always looking for a special way to spend the day with their maids, beyond spa treatments and sun-bathing! We love the idea of getting your girlfriends together for a hula lesson. Sarah Chang, owner of Wanna Hula in Honolulu offers individual and group lessons, performances, and audience participation lessons, always entertaining!

For the bold ones, consider the Ku‘uipo (sweetheart) package, in which Sarah will teach you to dance the hula at your wedding to
surprise your husband and thank your loved ones! Otherwise the ladies in the bridal party can enjoy a day of dancing under the sun for your eyes only. xo Shaunna

Hawaii Polynesian Luau Show

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:31:00 +0000

April 27, 2008: Hawaii Pacific University's "Splash Bash"

Polynesian dance entertainment provided by Wanna Hula Productions
at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

Photos:
Fire Knife Dancer swallows fire.
Tahitian Dancer shakes her hips.

NEW! Keiki Hula/Tahitian Combo Class

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:19:00 +0000

Does your keiki “Wanna Hula?”

Bond with your child while learning hula & Tahitian together!

WHO: Children ages 4+
WHAT: Keiki Hula/Tahitian Combo Class
WHERE: 2851 E Manoa Rd, Suite 1-207
WHEN: By appointment
COST: $10

REGISTER:
Call Toll Free
1-877-677-HULA (4852)
or 677-7341

Apologies. As of September 1, 2008 group classes are postponed until further notice.

Oahu Tahitian Class: Saturday, April 5, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:12:00 +0000

Aloha Carlie, Elaine, Emi, Hiromi, Jodi, Melody & N-

Here's a review of the steps we did in Saturday's Tahitian/Hula Combo Class:

1. Fa`arapu: Tahitian hip circles
2. Tamau: Move hips from side to side
3. Toma: Double bump
4. Varu: Figure 8
5. Afata: Box

You can purchase nice Tahitian drum music from I-Tunes. Try "Bora Bora (Tahitian Drums)" by The Polynesians.

Love,
Sarah

Honolulu Hula Class: March 29, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:58:00 +0000

Hi Carlie, Elaine, Miho & Mina,

Keiko, Mayumi and Kayoko learn Maunaleo hula in Oahu, Hawaii.

Jamey learns Maunaleo hula in honor of her father.

Maunaleo lyrics/
This song was written by Keali`i Reichel for his mother. In Maunaleo, he compares his mother to the beautiful Maunaleo mountain. See Keali`i Reichel's Maunaleo hula video.

Hawaii Hula & Tahitian Class: March 15 & 22, 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:17:00 +0000

Aloha Mina/Hiromi, Kumiko & Sandy:

Ku`u Hoa Lyrics
Tyler Gilman and Yu Ishizaki do a lively version of this song, available on ITunes.

Ku`u Hoa music by Sistah Robi above.

Love,
Sarah

"Wanna Hula" is on Japan's Popular Aloha Street Site!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:31:00 +0000

Aloha~

Check out our new Hawaii Hula/Tahitian classes for keiki and adults here (Japanese Site):

WHAT: Hawaii Hula/Tahitian combo classes
WHERE: 2851 E Manoa Rd, Suite 1-207
WHEN: By Appointment
COST: $10

Aloha Street is one of Japan's most popular Hawaii travel magazines and sites.
http://www.aloha-street.com/whatshot/2008/03/

Love,
Sarah

Polynesian Fusion Dance Lesson: March 8, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:17:00 +0000

Hi Alma, Elaine, Etsuko, Hiromi, Kumiko, Miho, Mina & Natsuki:

Te Vaka /テバカ is a popular New Zealand group that sings in Tokelau, Samoan and Tuvaluan and is known for Polynesian fusion dance. Because Te Vaka incorporates various aspects of dance from many areas of Polynesia, it is sometimes confused with Tahitian dance.

Te Hiva Lyrics (#12)/曲

NEW! Oahu Wednesday & Thursday Hula/Tahitian Classes

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:26:00 +0000

WHAT:
Adult Hula/Tahitian Class: By appointment
Keiki Hula/Tahitian Class: By appointment

WHERE: 2851 E Manoa Rd, Suite 1-207
REGISTER: Call Toll-Free 1-877-677-HULA (4852)

Mo-Hawaii.com Japanese Ad

Apologies. As of September 1, 2008 group classes are postponed until further notice.

フラレッスンが始まります！！

皆さん、アロ～ハ！
ハワイの広報担当です！

お待たせ致しました～！
とってもリクエストの多かったフラダンスのレッスンが、
ついに来週から始まりますよ！！

写真は、フラのインストラクター、サラ・チャンです。
彼女の詳細は、www.wannahula.comでどうぞ。

一般向けフラは、毎週水曜日の午後6時半から1時間。
お姉さんもお母さんもお婆ちゃんも大歓迎！
まったくの初心者の方でももちろんOK！
男性もウエルカムですよ～。

そして、ケイキ（子供）フラは、毎週木曜日の午後6時半から1時間。
3、4才からローティーンまでの、楽しいクラスです。
学校から子供をピックアップして、ちょっと食べさせてから連れて行ける
とっても良い時間帯だと思いませんか～？

サラ先生は、小学校の教員免許も持っているので
子供に教えるのがとっても上手なんですよ。
日本で教えていたこともある彼女は、日本語もカタコトOKです。

レッスン料は1人1回＄10。
観光客の方でも、ハワイ在住の方でも、
お気軽にトライしてみてくださいね。

ご予約は、wannahula@gmail.com まで。
予約ナシのウォークインでもスペースがあればOKです。
一度ぜひ、お立ち寄りくださいね！

そうそう、サラはタヒチアンダンスも教えてくれますからね！
楽しいですよ～！！
私もワクワクしていま～す。

Oahu Hula Class: March 1, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:27:00 +0000

Aloha Elaine, Etsuko, Hiromi, Natsuki, N & Yoshie:

Koke'e hula lyrics/コケエ曲

Koke'e (Pua`ena) CD by Dennis Kamakahi/コケエ(プアエナ)ＣＤ
Love,
Sarah

Oahu Tahitian Class: February 23, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:11:00 +0000

Hello Elaine, Etsuko, Hiromi, Kumiko, Mina, Natsuki, Yoshie~

Maunaleo Hula Video/マウナレオ・フラ・ビデオ

Love,
Sarah

Hawaii Tahitian Class: February 17, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 14:03:00 +0000

Hi Elaine, Etsuko, Hiromi & Mina-

Here are some tips to improve your Tahitian dance from head to toe! ;)

1. HEAD: Try to keep your head and shoulders still.
2. HIPS: Make your fa`arapus (it's like a hula `ami) big and round.
3. KNEES: Bend your knees and pump them to make your hips move more.
4. FEET: Keep your heels together and form a "V" with your feet.

Love,
Sarah

DID YOU KNOW? Some Hula Trivia

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:29:00 +0000

1. Halau hula was traditionally used to refer to the long house or building where hula instruction was held. It is now used to describe a hula school or group. (1)

2. Hilo Hattie was actually named Clarissa Haili. She was a native Hawaiian elementary school teacher. Clarissa became famous for doing her comic hula "When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop" and for singing and dancing "Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai" cross-eyed. Today there is a popular Hawaiian clothing chain named after her stage character, Hilo Hattie. (2)

3. It is popular belief that hula was traditionally danced by only men. However, there is no documented evidence that states this. The earliest written records actually document women dancing hula in 1778. (3) Furthermore, Mary Kawena Pukui thanks women for learning the old hula dances when the men forgot during a time that "hula [was] looked down upon". (4)

4. Queen Lili`uokalani was one of the first people to wear Hawaiian heirloom jewelry in the 1860's. It was a fashion she discovered during her trip to England that was originally worn by English royals while mourning. Queen Lili`uokalani's bracelet read, "Ho`omana`o Mau" or "Lasting Remembrance". Soon after this, flowers and other royal symbols were engraved on bracelets like the queen's and it became a popular fad for all wealthy island women.(5)

5. It is thought that the mele ma`i or procreation dance was reintroduced after a period where it practically vanished because many Hawaiians were becoming sterile due to diseases and royal interfamilial marriage. (6)

6. The ku`i step was created when a member of the Hawaiian royal court was unable to dance because she was wearing a European dress. In the end, she agreed to do the hula but improvised the ku`i or sideward kick so that she wouldn't trip on her gown. (6)

______________________________________________________________________
1. Ku Mai Ka Po`E Hula: Directory of Hula Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Compiled by Manu Boyd, 1996, p. 36. [711 Kapi`olani Blvd., Ste. 500, Honolulu, HI 96813; (808) 594-1888]

2. Ching, Carrie. Things Hawaii: A Celebration of the History, Landmarks, Flavors, Trends & Traditions that make Hawai`i Special. , Mutual Publishing LLC: 2004, p. 46.

3. Barrere, Dorothy B. Hula Historical Perspectives: Pacific Anthropological Records No. 30, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, January 1980, p. 13. [ISBN 0-930897-89-7]

4. Pukui, Mary Kawena. Hula Historical Perspectives: Pacific Anthropological Records No. 30, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, January 1980, pp. 74, 75.

5. Ching, Carrie. Things Hawaii: A Celebration of the History, Landmarks, Flavors, Trends & Traditions that make Hawai`i Special. Mutual Publishing LLC: 2004, p. 44.

6. Stagner, Ishmael. Hula (Pamphlets Polynesia Series Number 4)Institute for Polynesian Studies, Brigham Young University-Hawai`i Campus, 1985, p. 14.

Hawaii Tahitian Class: February 9, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:23:00 +0000

Aloha Kumiko, Miho & Mina:

Tiare Taina lyrics

Tiare Taina translation : Tiare Taina translation revisions below, mahalo e Kalani.

No`ano`a te tiare: Fragrant is the tiare
Tona ra nehenehe rahi: She is beautiful indeed
(tona=she and refers to both the woman and tiare flower, rahi=indeed)
Pehepehe no taua ia: This is our song.

Tiare te tiare taina (tiare: flower, taina: gardenia)
Una una: adornment
To i roto mai: From within
To tino iti e (To tino: you, iti: very)

Tahitian Ukulele, Music and Language Info

Tahiti Forum

*A beautiful instrumental version of this song can be found on ITunes under "Lovely Tiare Taina" by Pulefano & the Polynesians. Pulefano happens to be the cultural director at PCC.

Love,
Sarah

Lovely Hula Hands Lesson: February 2, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Chang) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:09:00 +0000

Hi Dr. Donna, Elaine, J, Kumiko, Miho, Mina, Teresa & Shoko~

Today we reviewed White Sandy Beach, Kawailehua`a`alakahonua, & Hotel BoraBora. Instead of the weekly video clip, flashcards, and lyrics I decided to write a little article to help you make lovely hula hands.

How to Make Lovely Hula Hands

Here are a few tips on how to get your hands to become soft and graceful.

1. PRACTICE DAILY: As you lay down in your bed everynight, stretch you arms up above your head and practice pressing your hands gracefully. Eventually your hands will move more easily and look more graceful. When I was a child I used to do this for 5-10 minutes before heading off to sleep. The best part is that it works a lot better than counting sheep. :)

2. PENCIL TRICK: Pretend that you have a round pencil placed between your thumb and middle finger. Roll the pencil slowly from the base of the middle finger all the way to the tip letting the other fingers follow along. Note: This technique will result in a pronounced middle finger dip.

3. FINGERS TOGETHER: Remember to always keep you fingers together. This includes your thumb!

Hope you enjoyed these tips to make YOUR hula hands lovely.

Love,
Sarah

美しい手の動きを作る方法

フラを踊るときのあなたの手を、しなやかで上品にさせるいくつかのヒントをお教えします。

１．毎日やる事：毎晩寝る前に行います。ベッドに横になったら、頭の上に向かって腕を伸ばし、両手を優雅に押さえます。そうすることによって、今まで以上に腕や手が動かしやすくなり、しかも優雅に動くようになります。私が子供のころは、毎晩眠る前に5-10分の間これをしたものです。このプラクティスが最高なのは、それが羊を数えることよりも、断然効き目があるということです(*^―ﾟ)b

２．鉛筆トリック：丸い鉛筆を親指と中指の間にはさんでいると想像してください。中指の付け根から先端までゆっくり鉛筆を転がしてください。その際、他の指も中指に従って動くようにします。※これを行うと、中指がより曲がるようになります。

３．指をそろえる：指は常にそろえるようにするのを忘れないように。もちろん、親指も他の指とそろえます。

これらのヒントを実行して、楽しみながら美しいフラの手を手に入れてくださいね☆