noun

hula

HOO-luh/ˈhuːlə/

A Hawaiian dance with rhythmic hip, hand, and arm movements.

The hula dancer shifts her weight and extends her hands gracefully.

A Native Hawaiian hula dancer in a clearly readable bent-knee, weight-shifting stance, with gracefully extended hands and a simple lei and pāʻū skirt identifying the dance tradition.

Etymology

The Hawaiian name entered English for the dance itself. Its characteristic hip motions also inspired the later name “hula hoop,” through the resemblance between dancing and keeping the hoop moving.

In context

National Geographic2:20

there's a time in our history when hula was forbidden

Hula Is More Than a Dance—It's the 'Heartbeat' of the Hawaiian People | Short Film Showcase

More examples

She studied hula.
The festival included hula.
The class practiced a hula.

Forms

hula

Similar words

dance: The broader art and activity.
choreography: The arranged movements rather than this particular tradition.