Here are descriptions of all the Hula Classes offered. Scroll down for more info.
To see specific dates of the classes, click the Calendar Button or visit our Calendar page. Mahalo!
Click here for Beginning Children’s Hula Class
Intro to Hula (Basics)
Tuesdays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm CST HYBRID*
Hula in your backyard!
This class is for Beginners and focuses on the basic hula style of Halau i Ka Pono. We will focus on footwork, hand motions, and then integrate hands with feet in a basic hula. No experience necessary. Can repeat this series as many times as you want to get grounded in Hula fundamentals.
Open to men and women age 18 and older.
This class is taught by Kumu June.
* In-person classes follow Chicago and Oak Park guidelines which don’t currently require masking or proof of vaccination. Masks are always good to wear as a safety precaution.
For classes via Zoom video-conferencing, please register ahead of time and we’ll get back to you with a link. Just use the REGISTER Button.
Adult Cost: $20/class, 4 for $70, or 8 for $140. Elders 70 and older cost is $10/class or 4 for $35. Scholarships available.
Intro to Hula
Saturdays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm CST HYBRID*
Our Intro to Hula classes are a wonderful way to begin learning the basic hands and feet motions of the Hula. No experience necessary!
Open to women and men age 16 and older .
* In-person classes follow Chicago and Oak Park guidelines which don’t currently require masking or proof of vaccination. Masks are always good to wear as a safety precaution.
For classes via Zoom video-conferencing, please register ahead of time and we’ll get back to you with a link. Just use the REGISTER Button.
Adult Cost: $20/class, 4 for $70, or 8 for $140. Two or more classes/week is $35/week. Elders 70 and older cost is $10/class or 4 for $35. Two classes/week is $17.50/week. Scholarships available.
Hula Kahiko II (Intermediate)
Mondays 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm CST HYBRID*
Hula in Waimea, Hawaii Island, 2023
The ancient or classical dances of Hawaii that are accompanied by chanting is called Hula Kahiko. This introduction to Hula Kahiko is a vigorous class and emphasizes the cultural aspect of Hawaii. Many hulas are part of a hula lineage that goes back centuries through teachers such as Mary Kawena Pukui, Pat Bacon, Lokalia Montgomery, Iolani Luahine, Hoakalei Kamau’u, and Maiki Aiu Lake.
The class will learn the chants and dances accompanied by chanting.
Open to women and men age 18 and older.
Prerequisite: Intro to Hula and permission of Kumu
* In-person classes follow Chicago and Oak Park guidelines which don’t currently require masking or proof of vaccination. Masks are always good to wear as a safety precaution.
For classes via Zoom video-conferencing, please register ahead of time and we’ll get back to you with a link. Just use the REGISTER Button.
Adult Cost: $20/class, 4 for $70, or 8 for $140. Two or more classes/week is $35/week. Elders 70 and older cost is $10/class or 4 for $35. Two classes/week is $17.50/week. Scholarships available.
Chair Hula
Mondays 5:00 - 5:45 pm CST Online Only*
Chair Hula - graceful as a swan.
Chair Hula class is for mobility challenged people who love to dance. Students will develop upper body strength while learning arm & hand movements, and explore the stories and emotions of the songs. Come prepared to have fun!
Open to women and men aged 15 and older.
No experience necessary. Class taught by Kumu June.
*For classes via Zoom video-conferencing, please register ahead of time and we’ll get back to you with a link. Just use the REGISTER Button.
Adult Cost: $20/class, 4 for $70, or 8 for $140. Two or more classes/week is $35/week. Elders 70 and older cost is $10/class or 4 for $35. Two classes/week is $17.50/week. Scholarships available.
Hula Auana II (Intermediate)
Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST HYBRID*
Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:00 am CST HYBRID*
Hula at Zen Life & Meditation Center, Chicago 2022 Annual Fundraising Dinner
The modern hula called Hula Auana features 20th century and contemporary Hawaiian songs with singing accompanied by modern instruments such as ukulele or guitar. Kumu June teaches in the hula ku’i styling of the great hula master Maiki Aiu Lake. Hula Ku’i is characterized as standing tall with a slight curve in the back and extension of arms. Wonderful toning of the body and strengthening of core muscles can be expected.
Open to women and men age 18 and older.
Prerequisite: at least 4 months of Hula or dance experience and permission of Kumu June.
* In-person classes follow Chicago and Oak Park guidelines which don’t currently require masking or proof of vaccination. Masks are always good to wear as a safety precaution.
For classes via Zoom video-conferencing, please register ahead of time and we’ll get back to you with a link. Just use the REGISTER Button.
Adult Cost: $20/class, 4 for $70, or 8 for $140. Elders 70 and older cost is $10/class or 4 for $35. Scholarships available.
Hula III (Advanced)
Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CST HYBRID*
Fall 2022 Ho’ike, Oak Park, IL
The ancient or classical dances of Hawaii that are accompanied by chanting is called Hula Kahiko. These classes are more vigorous and also emphasize the cultural aspect of Hawaii. It's a deeper dive into the stories of the dance, the translations and application to life. Many hulas are part of a hula lineage that goes back centuries through teachers such as Mary Kawena Pukui, Pat Bacon, Lokalia Montgomery, Iolani Luahine, Hoakalei Kamau’u, and Maiki Aiu Lake.
The class will learn the chants and dances accompanied by chanting.
Open to women and men age 16 and older with at least 6 months of Hula I (Beginner), Hula II (Intermediate), and Hula Kahiko I (Beginner), or dance experience, and permission of Kumu June.
Optional Supplementary Sessions: Meditation (6:00 to 6:30 pm) and Gentle Movement (6:30 to 6:45 pm) are open to all halau members. (Please use Zoom link in Slack).
* In-person classes follow Chicago and Oak Park guidelines which don’t currently require masking or proof of vaccination. Masks are always good to wear as a safety precaution.
For classes via Zoom video-conferencing, please register ahead of time and we’ll get back to you with a link. Just use the REGISTER Button.
Adult Cost: $35/class, 4 for $140. Scholarships available.
Children's Hula I (Beginners)
Saturdays 9:00 am - 9:55 am CST In-Person
Hula is the cultural dance of the Hawaiian people. The movements in this traditional dance reflect our natural environment: the play of the wind through the trees, sound of the ocean as it breaks through shore, the gentle nourishing rain, and the great land that connects us to a sense of place. Hand and feet movements tells the story of the elements and the plants that grow as a result.
Students will learn basic feet and hand movements for two hulas. They’ll also learn about the importance of Nature and the values of aloha (love) and Ohana (family). Boys and Girls - age 6 years and older - are welcome! No experience necessary.
Kumu June went through traditional ʻuniki ritual and graduated as ‘Olapa (Dancer) in 1994, ‘Olapa/Ho’opa’a (Dancer/Keeper of the Chants) in 1996 and Kumu Hula (Master Teacher) in June 2000. She founded Halau i Ka Pono in 2009. She's been teaching hula since 2003.
* In-person classes follow Chicago and Oak Park guidelines which don’t currently require masking or proof of vaccination.
Call 708-297-6321 or contact Kumu June if interested.
TUITION: $20/class or 4 classes for $75
Private Hula Lessons
Individualized attention to work on hulas - focusing on technique or learning a new dance. Open to beginners or seasoned practitioners. Call 708-297-6321 or email to make an appointment. Skype lessons also available.
Performances, Group Events and Classes
June Tanoue and students from Halau i Ka Pono are available for performances at group parties like birthday celebrations, schools and universities, church luaus, nursing and rehabilitation centers, Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebrations, and corporate gatherings. Kumu June is also available to give lecture/demonstrations or talks on Hula and Hawaiian culture. Inquire for rates.
Class Pricing
Adult Classes - $20/class or $70 for 4 classes. $35/week for 2+ classes/week
Adults 70 years and older is 50% off or $10/class or $35 for 4 classes. $17.50/week for 2+ classes/week
Children's classes are $20/class,$75 for 4 classes, or $150 for 8 classes
Payment through PayPal. In-person payment: cash or checks payable to “Zen Life & Meditation Center” to class or mail to June Tanoue, 46 Lake St. Oak Park, IL. 60302
Pay for Zoom Video-conferencing classes using the Buy Now Buttons or mail check to June Tanoue, 46 Lake St. Oak Park, IL. 60302