Each DVD first presents the entire number danced for you by a graceful hula dancer in full costume, so you can visualize how the dance will look performed. Next the instructional portion is presented just like a real hula class with every detail of each verse taught slowly and completely.  Then the verse is practiced with music and verbal cues from Kumu Kea. Once the entire song is taught, it is practiced from the beginning with the music. "Mirror imaging" is used throughout the entire session so the lessons are easy to follow and steps can be viewed from all angles. Also during the lessons song lyrics and other relevant Hawaiian words appear on screen for you to follow.
     The dvds include a BOOKLET on the dvd with the song's lyrics and translation, ukulele chords, the complete written choreography with all steps and gestures, background information about the song and choreography, costuming suggestions, explanations of all hula steps used, tips on posture and arm positions, a glossary of hula related words, plus a section with thoughts for teachers.

     At last, it is really possible for beginners and accomplished dancers alike to learn authentic Hawaiian Hula at home and achieve the smooth sensuous movements that define a truly Hawaiian hula! This collaboration of master teacher Kumu Kea and master dancer Manumele (Sandii) brings together over 60 years of collective learning and teaching experience. Kumu Kea provides the detailed verbal instruction and drumbeats while Manumele remarkably demonstrates in intimate detail the muscle-by-muscle movements required to produce each part of each hula step properly.
     First you are taught the underlying basic movements of the body. Then in order of difficulty, 14 hula steps are broken down, taught and then practiced. Finally all the steps taught are used in a hula exercise session with Manumele so you can learn to move smoothly from one step to the next as you listen to the kumu's kahea (call).  These smooth transitions, an essential skill for the proficient hula dancer, are practiced using 3 different music tempos of Waikiki, Kimo Hula, and, Green Rose Hula. (114 minutes)

Booklet and DVD - English & Japanese

     This hula classic, that praises the highly esteemed green rose of Hawaii, was composed by the famous Johnny Almeida. It is a perfect beginning hula because it uses many basic hula steps one verse at a time, allowing the student easier mastery. It is a lively and fun number suitable for children or adults and any level of dancer from beginners through advanced. Lovely 10-year-old Pikake dances it for you in a ti leaf skirt like the one Lilo wears in the children's animated movie Lilo and Stitch.  Includes a bonus segment at the end: "Making a Head Lei" using the green rose of Hawaii.  (52 minutes)

This graceful dramatic hula praises the magical beauty and spirit of the islands that is suitable for dancers of all ages. The imagery of the vivid "word-picture" lyrics of the many breathtaking natural wonders and experiences that are aloha will touch the heart of anyone who has been enraptured by this unique paradise. The song was written by Danny Couch especially for the Miss America contest held in Hawaii. (64 minutes)

This classic hula written by Mary Kawena Pukui belongs in every dancer's repertoire. Suitable for children or adults; any level of dancer should be able to master it with comparative ease. The song invites you to take a peaceful moonlight stroll under the twinkling stars. A distant ukulele is heard, the fragrance of pikake floats on the breeze, and the house lights look like stars against the mountains. (54 minutes)

This elegant classic hula is a love song that compares the lovely maiden Lililehua to a beautiful unforgettable blossom and it is perfect for formal attire.  It was written by famed musical artist Kahauanu Lake to win the heart of well known hula master Ma'iki Aiu, whom he later married. This dance is suitable for teen or adult dancers, but as considerable leg strength is required to descend to the floor gracefully it is recommended for intermediate and advanced dancers.  (51 minutes)

The use of traditional chant and pahu drum set a majestic tone for this graceful musical number that describes the beauty of Hanalei, Kauai. Considerable hula knowledge and skill are required to master Nani Hanalei because of its complexity and classic hula steps usually reserved for kahiko hula. This dramatic hula is well worth the extra effort required to master it. (66 minutes)

Kawika is considered to be an entry-level "foundation" hula kahiko number that is expected to be part of every hula dancer's basic repertoire. It introduces the two most basic hula steps: the kaholo and the uehe, and also introduces the classic format for hula kahiko presentations: the dancer's opening position, opening kahea (announcement), the body of the danced number, and the closing kâhea. This classic hula is a mele inoa (name chant) that honors King David La'amea Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king. It is appropriate for all ages and both sexes. (43 minutes)

This is the second of our foundation numbers for the well-rounded hula dancer. This hula classic builds on the footwork perfected in Kawika listed above, and adds several more basic steps to the dancer's repertoire. Lili'u E is a mele inoa, or personal song of praise for Lili'uokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii. It is appropriate for all ages and both sexes.  (55 minutes)

This mele forms the third selection in the most basic repertoire of the hula dance. Our tradition considers Kawika, Liliu E and Aia La O Pele to be the cornerstones of the training of the hula dancer, the "A-B-C"s" of hula, as it were. This mele biulds on the steps learned in Kawika and Liliu E and adds additional footwork to the dancers basic repertoire. The extensive use of the Kalakaua step is augmented by the older form of the Lele 'uehe using the "brush" rather than the hela in its execution. This mele is equally suitable for male or female dancers, and for childrens or adults. It is a standard part of any hula dancers repertoire. (66 minutes)

This hula classic hula kahiko number is a must for all hula dancers: children, teens or adults; male or female. It describes some of the beautiful sites to be seen on the island of Kauai. This is the seated (noho) rendition of the chant where the dancer does the chanting and gesturing while keeping the rhythm with her own ipu. This relatively simple number is suitable for less experienced students. Complete instruction is given for holding and playing the ipu.  For those who do not have an ipu but would like to learn this hula, an empty 1-gallon plastic bleach bottle will substitute quite well for practice. (50 minutes)

This is a very lively kahiko number using a single uli uli(feathered gourd). The chant was written to commemorate the first time Crown Princess Lili'uokalani rode on a new railroad train pulled by a locomotive named "Lanakila". There are colorful descriptions of the sights and sensations of the train ride from Honolulu to Waialua, which at the time was new innovation. It is suitable for males or females of all ages. The hula is most effective in a group performance, as the combined effect of the uli uli brings to mind the sound of a train in motion. Complete instruction is given for holding and playing the uli uli. (85 minutes)

This hula noho (sitting hula) requires the dancer to chant and gesture, all the while executing the rhythms with the puniu (coconut knee drum). Therefore this is a very challenging hula and recommended for experienced dancers. The text is a portion of a much longer chant coming from the ancient past that is said to have been chanted when a kahuna first sighted Hawaii. The number is suitable for men, women, and children. Bonus: "Making a Practice Puniu" (using common household materials)  (44 minutes)

Na Puakea O Ko'olaupoko presents the traditional Uniki Aha'aina (graduation and celebration) held for Sandii Manumele Suzuki as Olapa (expert dancer) and Kathy Pumehana Igeta as Ho'opa'a (expert chanter). Kumu Kea and her haumana (students) join the two graduates as they demonstrate their mastery of numerous classic Hawaiian chants, hula, and the use of the various Hawaiian implements. Includes Ai La O Pele, Lili'u E, Kalakaua, Kaulilua, and many more. (58 minutes)