DANCE STUDIO AND CLASSES

  General Information     Class Descriptions     Class Schedules     Enrollment Procedure     Program Details  

 Satellite Classes       On-Line Virtual Classes  

The Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Studio and School conducts classes of dance, music, and other training in various performing arts of the South Pacific, which includes Hawaiian, Polynesian, Tahitian, and Samoan styles.

We are proud to own and operate one of the rare minority of schools in the Chicago area and the entire Midwestern United States that specializes entirely in these arts. We have remained devoted to this tradition for over 48 years and continue it today through the training of over 125 students a year in the Polynesian arts.

(Page Last Revised February 21 2022)

General Information

The Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Studio runs three different kinds programs of dance classes.  The first and our primary program is our Dance Company Training Program.  This is a formal training program for the serious student with the focus on learning the South Pacific dances as a true art form with attention to precision, technique, execution, and showmanship.  It is run like a regular school year, broken down into four quarters.  Students sign up quarterly and may take from one to all four quarters.  

The second program is our Summer Dance Classes.  Run while our Dance Company Program is on Summer vacation, these are informal dance classes with the focus on having fun and learning basic hula and other arts in a relaxed and casual setting.  Students sign up for the Summer program for the classes they are interested in (if more than more than one choice is offered).

Our third program is our new Satellite Classes.  Created in 2017, it is the equivalent of our Summer Dance program run throughout the year as various and intermittent workshops.  It takes the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the Summer program and provides the same throughout the year to students who prefer this style of learning.  

For complete details of each program and more information that will help you select the track that will suit you best, go to the Program Details section further on this page.  Regardless of your selection, you will be taking your lessons from a Hawaiian and Polynesian dance master.

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Class Descriptions

  Keiki     Wahine     Ori Tahiti     Professional     Specialty     Summer Program  

Following lists our various dance training divisions and the primary class categories in the divisions.  All the divisions listed below, except for Summer Hula, are within the Dance Company Training Program.  Summer Hula is the informal program having a stand-alone dance class.

The Barefoot Hawaiian is proud to teach children Hula and the art of Hawaiian dance, and teaching young students is one of our specialties.  Our head instructor started at age 3 herself and knows firsthand how much fun this can be for children to learn a dance art.  For our Keiki classes, children are placed according to age.  The classes are designed for students of any skill level within their age group.

The performances of our Keiki at public shows is one of our biggest draws, appealing to and providing great entertainment for the entire family.  The photos shown in this section is of our Keiki performing on stage at various local public shows.

KEIKI ONE 

Our Keiki Menehune program is designed specifically to introduce dance to children at the very early pre-school age and into the early grammar school years.

Open to both, boys and girls, ages 3 through 5, beginning Hula is taught in a fun and interactive class.  Only requirement is that children are potty-trained and ready for a class environment.

KEIKI TWO & 
KEIKI THREE 

Our next levels of Keiki dance instruction is a continuing program for school-aged children, boys and girls, up to the teenage years.

Classes are divided by age as follows:

Keiki Two - Ages 6-8
Keiki Three - Ages 9-12

Our students in these classes take part in full Polynesian dance which includes Tahitian rhythms and the full range of Hawaiian dance arts.

Although the classes are structured by ages, Keiki Two and Hoku often perform on stage at public shows together as a large group.  The photos shown here collectively depict this.

These classes are designed for both, new students to enter the program at any age and for existing students to progress from one age group through the next and from one level (such as advanced and continuing) to the next.  So, if you're a parent with an older child, our program can accept your son or daughter as a brand new student.

KEIKI TEEN 

These Keiki classes are for teenagers, boys and girls, ages 13 through 15.

As is true for all our Keiki classes, new students are always welcome to enter the program.

So, if you're a 15 year old boy or girl with a brand new interest in Polynesian dance, our program can accept you as a brand new student and learn for the first time.

For our students that have progressed from previous classes, they will learn advanced techniques covering the full range of Polynesian dance arts.  In addition, for those students wishing to continue on, these classes prepare students for entry into one of the adult classes where they will be later placed according to their skill level.

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Wahine I & 
Wahine Continuing I & II

These Barefoot Hawaiian dance lessons are for women ages 16 and up.

The Wahine (Non-Pro) class offers a range of the Hawaiian dances in a fun and hang-loose setting, yet with the discipline that provides confidence to perform on stage.  Many of our Wahine dancers perform at our public shows and with great appeal.

Wahine (Non-Pro) is the perfect division for ladies who wish to learn and perform but not commit to the rigors of advanced and professional dance training. 

Wahine (Non-Pro) has three levels:  Wahine I covers from newcomer and beginner through the 2nd year of experience and training.  Wahine Continuing I are for those with 2 or more years of training and feeling comfortable to move on.   Wahine Continuing II are for those with at least 3 years of training and feeling comfortable to move on.   

The multiple levels offered in this non-pro Wahine class allows women to advance and continue their training without the pressure to move into the Company Professional division or the performances that accompany that division.

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ORI TAHITI

The Barefoot Hawaiian offers a Wahine class focusing strictly on Tahitian dance technique.

This is an advanced and challenging class designed for ladies with previous Tahitian dance experience. 

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The professional dance division of the Barefoot Hawaiian Studio and School is the graduate-level program in the world of Polynesian dance. These classes are highly advanced in nature and designed for the field of professional entertainment. Training is both challenging and demanding, and classes should be attended by serious students only.  Focus is on perfection of technique and timing, precision and execution of the dance, and on exhibition and showmanship, all of which our clients expect from our professional entertainers.

There are three levels of professional training:

• Company Ready - Professional Level I
  This is the starting point level for students moving from Hawaiian dance for fun or at the amateur level to becoming professional dancers and performers.  This is a minimum two-year program.

• Company Ready - Professional Level II
  This is the next level for those that are already professional dancers, have completed Level I and have a minimum of two-years experience and training as a professional dancer. This is a minimum six-year program.

• Company Veterans - Highest Professional Level
  This is the Top-Gun level for very-well-established professional dancers.  Entrance into this level requires a minimum of eight years experience and training as a professional dancer. This program focuses on the highest level of performance, perfection, and mastery of the Hawaiian and Polynesian Dance Arts.

WAHINE PRO

This class is for women who wish to become professional entertainers and for current performers wishing to advance their skills.

Females interested in becoming performers for the Barefoot Hawaiian should be attending these classes.

All current female professional performers of the Barefoot Hawaiian dance company are required to attend the Wahine class in order to retain their professional status and regularly recertify their professional qualifications.

KANE PRO

This class is for men who wish to become professional entertainers and for current performers wishing to advance their skills.

Gentlemen interested in becoming performers for the Barefoot Hawaiian should be attending these classes.

All current male professional performers of the Barefoot Hawaiian dance company are required to attend the Kane class in order to retain their professional status and regularly recertify their professional qualifications.

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In addition to the standard and regularly scheduled dance classes listed above, the Barefoot Hawaiian also provides training in a number of select and specialty areas.  These include the following:

Dance & Related Performing Arts:

• Maori Poi Balls for adults
  Maori Poi Balls is the specialty dance from New Zealand involving control of bound cloth balls swung from the end of cords operated from both hands.  This dance teaches incredible hand and eye coordination and control. 
• Maori Poi Balls for Keiki 
  This is the same Maori Poi Balls class described above but is designed specially for children.
  (Keiki is "children" in Hawaiian.)
• Keiki Kane
  This is a children's class similar to our regular Keiki classes except this is specifically for and is restricted to boys.  Boys age 4-12 learn the movements that are more specifically performed by Hawaiian males.
• Ori Tahiti for Tamari'i
  Similar to our regular adult Ori Tahiti class described earlier, this special class is designed for Tamari'i ages 8-15.  (Tamari'i is "children" in Tahitian)
• Tahitian Dance
  Learn the dance techniques of the Islands of Tahiti.  Strenuous and high energy; your will learn the terms and execution of Ori (Tahitian technique), working up to a performance routine.  Open to adults (men and women) and to older children (boys and girls) ages 11 and up. 
• Samoan Fire Knife, a/k/a Siva Afi - "Dance of Fire."
  Learn the specialized art of the spectacular Fire Knife Dance, an art form originating from Samoa designed to simulate tribal warriors in battle.  Students in this class will learn technique and precision in twirling and movement.  Available to adults ages 16 and up. 
• Mother/Daughter Hula
  When offered, this class offers a special and unique opportunity for a mom and her daughter to bond while learning the hula together. This class is for mothers and their daughters age 5-15. 
• The Dance of Tahiti ~ Tahitian Workout
  Learn the dance techniques of the Islands of Tahitiin in a workout manner.  This class will also teach the terms and execution of Ori, a Tahitian technique.  This is a strenuous workout class for girls & women age 12 and up.
• Kahiko
  Focusing on the people and history of Old Hawaii, this class is a journey into the past of songs, beliefs, customs, and rituals.  Students will also learn in this class the ancient dance of Hawaii: Kahiko Hula.  This class is open to adult men and women age 16 on up.

Music:

• Drumming
  Learn Tahitian drumming.  Available to adults and children from ages 13 and up.
  Drumming is a 45 minute class.
• Ukulele
  The Ukulele is the Hawaiian musician's primary musical instrument, and the word translates literally "jumping flea."  We welcome students from all skill levels, including the beginner and the first timer.  
  Ukulele is a 1 hour class. Each student must have his (or her) own ukulele.  
  Where a class is combined for both adults and keiki, children must be age 15 and up.
  Where we offer separate Adult and Keiki classes, Keiki classes are for ages 8-15.  
  Adults classes are for 16 and up. 

Health and Wellness:

• HúGáSM   
  Discover the Harmony, Unity, and Gratitude of Aloha (HúGá) in this Barefoot Hawaiian exclusive class that combines the techniques of both Hula and Yoga. Experience the piece and joy that awaits you and connect with your inner self. This class is available to men and women, ages 16 and up. Participants should dress comfortably and bring a towel and a mat (or other suitable floor covering or padding on which to sit and lie on).  This is a gentle exercise class. 
  
  When in operation, HúGá classes operate and are in session during our regular quarterly class schedule, but attendance and registration are different. Unlike our regular performing art classes which operate under a formal registration and committed attendance, HúGá operates informally and without the need for registration or even regular attendance. You come to HúGá sessions when you can. Simply purchase an "8 Session Punch Card" for only $88 (cash or check). The punch card is good for the entire school year and may be used for any classes held throughout. 

Other Specialty (some may have restrictions):

• Hali Lamaku - Emcee Training and Show Manager Class
  For Halau Member adults only, ages 18 and up, learn how to run a Polynesian show, make announcements regarding the details of the show, engage the audience and keep them interested.
  This class is available to our Halau Members only that meet certain experience requirements.

Some of these classes may not run by a regular schedule and are offered only at certain times based on the number and progression of advanced students for which these classes are available.  Admission to some of the advanced dance classes may be by invitation only to advanced students of the dance company who have demonstrated a proven proficiency in the Hawaiian and Tahitian techniques.  

Note: Unless specified otherwise all dance and dance-related performing art classes run about 45 minutes in length.

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When our dance company training program is on summer vacation, we continue with a variety of informal classes during the summer.  The summer program is all about fun and are the only classes we offer that is not a part of the Barefoot Hawaiian dance company training program.

Anyone can learn hula, and you will do so in a relaxed and informal environment without need for previous training or experience in any dance form.  No high expectations from students.  No costumes or special equipment or apparel needed.  This class offers an excellent way to introduce you to this beautiful form of dance.

The classes are comprised of 4 to 8 lessons: one lesson a week over a  4 to 8 week period.  It runs when our formal dance company training program is on Summer Vacation.  Enrollment is informal and simple.  You simply download a flier with registration form from this web site, fill it in, and return it with your class fee. That is all there is to it.  Look below under the Class Schedule section for the class dates and the downloadable form.

This classes may be offered to a variety of age groups.  See the summer schedule for the age requirements of any specific class. 

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Class Schedule

Quick Links to 2021-2022 Schedule: 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 2022 Summer Program

The Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Studio and School runs its dance company classes similarly in schedule to that of any formal school of education.  The training year runs from Fall through Spring and is divided into 4 quarters of 8 weeks each (except for certain specialty classes denoted below).

Each quarter offers a different curriculum of classes and levels from which the student will be placed.  Classes run evenings during the week from Monday through Thursday and during the day on Saturday.  The exact day and time depends on the class for which you will be enrolling.  The detailed schedule along with tuition for each class is provided in the curriculum and registration packet.

In addition to our regular dance company training year we also offer a summer program.  The summer classes are basic hula for adult women (age 16 and older) and are intended for fun with the classes being more laid back and relaxed.  Enrollment for the summer programs is also much simpler.

Following is our current schedule for the 2021 - 2022 School Year:

1. 1st Quarter
   

   Monday, September 20, 2021 — Saturday, November 13, 2021
   (8 classes out of the 8 week calendar period)
   All Classes according to the following day and time assignments:
   Monday evening programs offered: Adult Wahine I (Non-Pro, For Fun) (7:30-8:15p), 
   Tuesday evening programs offered: Keiki Three (6:45-7:30), Keiki Teen (7:30-8:15p)
   Wednesday evening programs offered: Adult Hula Movement Workout (7:00-7:45p)
   Company Professional - Performance Training (7:45-8:30) ¹,  
   Thursday evening programs offered: Company Professional - Advanced (7:30-8:30) ¹,  
   Saturday morning programs offered: Keiki One (10:30-11:15a), Keiki Two (11:30a-12:15p),  

   Status:  Classes for this quarter are now in session. Registration is closed.  Please consider joining us for the second quarter. 

   Download the 2021 Fall Quarter Classes Flier (444K)

   Notes:
     ¹ These classes require prerequisite training and experience and are restricted to invited students only.
    

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2. 2nd Quarter
   

   Please Note: No new students are being taken in for enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year at this time. 

   Due to the concerns of students and of parents of keiki students returning to class while the pandemic is still with us as well as mask and vaccine mandates imposed by the county in early 2022, we have decided to close public registration of new students to the company dance class program for the remainder of this school year.  The program has been reduced to a very limited training program and has been distributed to existing students only for continued enrollment into this quarter.

   We apologize for any inconvenience.

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3. 3rd Quarter
   

   Please Note: No new students are being taken in for enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year at this time. 

   Due to the concerns of students and of parents of keiki students returning to class while the pandemic is still with us as well as mask and vaccine mandates imposed by the county in early 2022, we have decided to close public registration of new students to the company dance class program for the remainder of this school year.  The program has been reduced to a very limited training program and has been distributed to existing students only for continued enrollment into this quarter.

   We apologize for any inconvenience.

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4. 4th Quarter
   

   Please Note: No new students are being taken in for enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year at this time. 

   Due to the concerns of students and of parents of keiki students returning to class while the pandemic is still with us as well as mask and vaccine mandates imposed by the county in early 2022, we have decided to close public registration of new students to the company dance class program for the remainder of this school year.  The program has been reduced to a very limited training program and has been distributed to existing students only for continued enrollment into this quarter.

   We apologize for any inconvenience.

On-Line Classes

Learn at home or wherever you might be.  The online classes use the Zoom video and web conferencing application.  Currently, we are offering only classes for Keiki.  We heard the children were getting restless being out of their dance class routine, and we decided to offer this solution.  

Your Keiki will learn and participate with other children in the zoom class and receive dance instruction in real-time (this is not video-recorded instruction) from an instructor experienced in online dance instruction.  If Keiki are in view of their web cam, the instructor can watch the progress of each child and offer specific feedback and guidance to the either the whole class or to any individual student as needed.  Classes will be run as virtually as possible to actually being in the studio.  

The registration process is simple: You simply register for a class with the contact information shown on the flier and provide the name or names of your child or children you wish to register, then make payment using any of the methods shown on the flier, or you may pay by check mailed to the Barefoot Hawaiian or over the phone with the Barefoot Hawaiian by credit card.  Once you have completed payment, your online meeting ID and password will be emailed to you.

With the re-opening of the in-person, in-studio classes for the fall of 2021,
No Online Classes are presently scheduled at this time

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Satellite Classes

Satellite Classes are similar to our Summer Program in that they provide a variety of classes that is less formal than in our quarterly-based school year structure, but they run in parallel to the 4-Quarter School Year classes. Think of it as continuing education night classes in a college without the need to feel pressured to commit to seeking a degree.  These classes are about fun and learning and you can take them as your schedule permits.  No need to feel that you must commit to a full school year or even an 8-week Quarter as most classes are 6 weeks and under and some are single classes. 

Ukulele & Tahitian Drumming Classes -  6 Week Course

6 Week Class on Saturdays starting January 8, 2022

Your choice of Group Ukulele classes or Tahitian Drumming, or take both
Drumming classes offered in two levels (see flier for details)
Ukulele at 11:30 AM, Drumming I at 12:30 PM, Drumming II at 1:30 PM
A total of 6 classes running on consecutive Saturdays
January 8 through February 12, 2022
Price: $110 for Ukulele; $120 for Drumming (for all 6 classes)
Download the flier below for the details and registration information

Download the Ukulele & Tahitian Drumming Class Flier  (1,123K)
Contact the Barefoot Hawaiian to register for the class

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Keiki Hula Class -  8 Week Course

8 Week Class on Mondays starting January 10, 2022

For Keiki students ages 9-14
A total of 8 classes running on consecutive Mondays
6:30 - 7:15 PM
January 10 through February 28, 2022
Price: $130 for all 8 classes
Download the flier below for the details and to register

Download the Keiki Hula Class Flier  (290K)
Contact the Barefoot Hawaiian to register for the class

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2022 Summer Program
The Summer Program for 2022 has been cancelled.

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Enrollment Procedure

Note: If you are not yet completely familiar with our dance studio and training programs, please first read the Program Details section on this web page, before reading about the particulars of actual enrollment.

Dance Company Students:

General Procedure for all Students

The enrollment procedure varies only slightly depending on whether you are an existing student or a new student.  In either case, pre-registration for all classes and students is required.  Once the class begins or becomes full, enrollment closes.

For both existing students and new students, enrollment for the new training year commencing in Fall opens in late Summer. During this time there is an open enrollment period whereby students must be admitted in person.  The dates for this open enrollment period are shown in the above Class Schedule and scheduled during the summer.

Although, general enrollment for the training year occurs in late summer, specific class assignments are made at the beginning of each quarter.  Class assignment and choices is determined between student and instructor and is usually based upon the student's progress and current skill level.  Tuition for each quarter is due before the start of each quarter according to the tuition deadline date in the schedule.

Please note that there are limits on the class size, and all classes offered through the Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Studio always fill to capacity.  Early registration is recommended and encouraged.

Existing Students

A class curriculum and enrollment packet is mailed (1st class postal) each summer to all current students of the Barefoot Hawaiian Dance School. If you do not receive this packet by the first week of August, let us know.  We will get one to you promptly.  Also watch your email.  Email notifications as to when the enrollment packets will be mailed are sent to all students with email addresses.

Student will complete the information section of the registration form and the consent form and come to the studio with the completed forms during the open enrollment period.  The purpose for the in-person registration to get each student properly placed in his or her appropriate class based on skill and advancement level. Students under 18, must arrive with a parent or guardian.  Tuition for the 1st quarter is due at the time of registration.  Tuition for subsequent quarters are due before each quarter starts by the date indicated in the class schedule.

New Students

The Barefoot Hawaiian openly welcomes new students to our dance company.  If you are a new prospective student interested in admission to the dance company and entering its training program, please call us at 847-699-7336, and we will mail out a full curriculum and enrollment packet when they are available for release each summer.

Upon receipt, complete the student information section of the registration form and the consent form and visit the studio during our open enrollment period in the same way that existing students do.  Students under 18, must arrive with a parent or guardian. The free, in-person consultation is to ensure you are properly placed in a class appropriate for your gender, age group, style, and skill level and exists to ensure success and satisfaction with our students.

Please note that we open admission for new students for the 1st and 2nd quarters only of each training year.  Only existing students may continue on with the training for the 3rd and 4th quarters.  This is to maintain the best and highest quality dance training program for our regular student body and so we can focus on more advanced training during the 2nd half of each school year.  If you are wishing to join us as a new student, you must do so by the 2nd quarter.

Summertime Class and Satellite Class Students:

Enrollment for the Summer Classes and the Satellite Classes are extremely informal and easy.  When the schedule for this class is announced, a flier and registration form will be available for download from this web site.   Look for the link to this downloadable form under the class schedule.  Simply complete the form and mail in with the appropriate class fee to the Barefoot Hawaiian, or stop by the studio or store and drop it off in person.  When received and processed, we will notify you with a confirmation of your enrollment.

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Program Details

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WE ARE EASY TO FIND AND GET TO

The Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Studio and School  is conveniently located in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago in Des Plaines, Illinois

15 minutes from O'Hare International Airport, and 10 minutes from both the I-90 and the I-294 Highways
Plenty of free parking.  

The Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Studio
458 Northwest Highway
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
(847) 699-7336
All regular dance classes are held Monday through Thursday evenings and on Saturdays

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