Summer in January, you just can't beat it.
If you're thinking of adding a great dance event in your Arthur Murray calendar for next year, look no further than the Hularama 2016. This event happens every other year in Hawaii, and is never on the same island twice in a row.
Hularama 2016 Quick Guide
- When: January 20-24th
- Where: Grand Hyatt Resort - Kauai, Hawaii
- Why: Dance improvement, Fun in the sun, Get a tan in January, tropical beverages
Aside from the incredible location, this event is hosted by two first class Arthur Murray area directors: Russ Clark, (Seattle Dance-O-Rama® and Banff Dance-O-Rama®), and Steve Platt, (Unique Dance-O-Rama®). The pair join forces for the Hularama, and it's no coincidence that the result is an incredibly popular dance event.
We caught up with Russ Clark and asked him to give us the inside scoop on this fantastic dance trip to Kauai in January.
AML: What makes this Hula-Rama in 2016 special for you?
RC: This will be our third time holding Hularama in Kauai. In 2008 it was a banner turnout as almost 400 of our Arthur Murray family came to the Hyatt and enjoyed the amazing facilities and spectacular beauty of the island! Kauai always has a new adventure to experience and memories that last a lifetime!!
AML: What does it mean to the public when you are teaming up with Steve Platt for an event like this?
RC: On the west coast we're a little biased but believe the best events and people all come from what was originally Area 5. Area 6 and 7 is an opportunity to have an event that brings all the original family back together and the experience our clients receive is top notch as we team together to make sure every moment brings a smile and any problems are quickly dealt with so we can get back to having the dance experience of a lifetime!!!!
When Does 6 + 7 = 5?
All Arthur Murray Dance Studios are divided up into areas based on their geography. Years ago, Area 6 and Area 7 were once one giant area - covering the entire West coast of the USA, Canada and stretching East through Texas.
AML: What sets Kauai apart from some of the other islands you've held this event on?
RC: Kauai has the most diverse terrain and weather of all the islands. Mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and canyons accompanied with world class beaches-gives you an opportunity to have an adventure of almost any type.
AML: Speaking of adventures, the Hula-rama always offers some sort of cool excursions for the staff and students, do you have a favorite yourself?
RC: The Na Pali coast snorkeling adventure is amazing with sheer cliffs that rise up to 1,000 feet, and beaches accessible only by water. The whales will be out in huge numbers, don't miss it. For the more adventurous types - the paddling, swim the waterfall pools, and zip-lining is a must!!
AML: Do you have a favorite Hawaiian word? Why?
RC: "Ohana" The hawaiian word for family combined with "O'ahu"(the gathering place) brings out the nature of the Hawaiian culture of coming together with people that we care about and have a common bond.
AML: In a sentence, why should new students consider a dance vacation like the Hularama?
RC: After Experiencing an Arthur Murray D.O.R., the first thing you'll say is "Why didn't I do this sooner?" and after visiting Kauai you'll say, "Why did I wait so long to do this?" You'll be putting two checks off your bucket-list by attending one event!!!!!!
My Hula-Rama Experience
By Diane Naar, Student - Arthur Murray Redwood City
Hula-Rama was like a location wedding where you end up in a beautiful location, excited for the event at hand; you enjoy friends and make new ones, get to party a little before the big event, let loose during it and then finally relax and let the ambiance of the location and experience sink in.
My favorite events were the first night hoe-down, and, of course, the Luau (I continue to dream about the tropical fruit drinks). It was a wonderful, well-run dance event ,and all the other perks were just icing on the cake.
I would do it again in a minute!
My Hula-Rama Experience
By Alex Doan, Supervisor - Arthur Murray Redwood City
Aside from the dancing, which was always fun and enjoyable, just being in Hawaii was always a great experience. I always loved the side adventures, whether it was kayak and zip-lining, or riding in a submarine. Luaus were also fun, complete with Hula dancers and all.
And after a long day or week of dancing, it was always nice to go for a swim in the ocean. Other than Hawaii, how many DOR trips could we say we did that in?
Final Thought
January: Where most hobbies begin to die. After the Holidays, the time off, the shopping, carbs, and family - it's easy to see why. A Dance-O-Rama® is the best "fun deadline" you can add to your dancing calendar.
Doing that in January, in Hawaii will make you want to look up the Hawaiian word for "no brainer".
Mahalo!
