How to do the correct Ruru in Tahitian dance?

In Tahitian dance, the “Ruru” is a graceful and flowing movement that involves rotating the hips in a circular motion. It is often performed by female dancers and requires control, fluidity, and a deep connection to the music. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing the correct Ruru in Tahitian dance:

  1. Basic Stance: Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and arms slightly bent at your sides.
  2. Isolate the Hips: The key to performing the Ruru correctly is isolating the movement in your hips. Focus on moving only your hips while keeping the rest of your body relatively still.
  3. Hip Movement: Begin the Ruru by pushing your hip forward on one side, creating a gentle circular motion. Imagine your hip drawing a small circle in the air. As you complete the circle on one side, smoothly transition to the other hip to continue the circular motion.
  4. Continuous Flow: The Ruru is a continuous movement, and the circular motion of the hips should be seamless. Avoid any abrupt stops or pauses in the flow of the movement.
  5. Control and Fluidity: The Ruru requires control and fluidity to execute the circular motion gracefully. Practice the movement slowly and with intention, maintaining a consistent and even pace.
  6. Engage Your Core: Engaging your core muscles is important for stability and control during the Ruru. It will help you maintain balance and control as you move your hips in a circular motion.
  7. Arm and Hand Gestures: While performing the Ruru, your arms and hands can complement the movement and add elegance. One common way to hold your arms is to raise them slightly to the sides with your palms facing upward and fingers slightly curved. Allow your arms to move gracefully in coordination with the hip motion.
  8. Timing and Expression: The Ruru is often performed to the beat of the music, but it also allows for expression and interpretation. Connect with the rhythm and emotion of the music as you perform the movement.
  9. Practice Both Directions: To enhance your dance skills, practice the Ruru in both directions—clockwise and counterclockwise.
  10. Incorporate into Choreography: Once you’ve mastered the Ruru, consider incorporating it into your Tahitian dance routines. It can be used as a standalone movement or combined with other steps to create beautiful choreography.

Remember, the Ruru is a graceful and flowing movement that requires practice and dedication to perform correctly. Embrace the joy of dancing and the expression of Tahitian culture as you perfect this beautiful dance step.

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