Sylvia Ramirez of Elmwood Park teaches hula and Tahitian classes at 2819 N. 73rd Court in Elmwood Park. She said she is passionate about hula dancing. Interested participants can call 773-875-0859 to sign up for her classes.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in Mexico City, Mexico.
Q: When did you start learning hula?
A: I started learning hula when I was 15. When I moved to Chicago, I kept learning the art of hula with a teacher who was Hawaiian.
Q: How did you become interested in learning hula?
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A: I love and respect the Hawaiian culture. For most Hawaiian people, hula is not about just moving your hips. It’s about their culture.
Q: Where have you performed?
A: I used to perform at Navy Pier during their Winter WonderFest.
Q: Why did you want to start hula classes in Elmwood Park?
A: I used to teach on the south side, where I used to live. Now that I live in Elmwood Park, I wanted to teach people here.
Q: What ages and classes do you teach?
A: I teach ages 5 through 13. I also teach ages 13 to adults. I teach hula and Tahitian. They’re two different types of dances. There is ancient and modern hula, which is the most popular. In Hawaii, they mostly dance ancient hula. In Tahitian, the movements are faster.
Q: How much are your classes?
A: They are $35 a month.
Q: Why do you like teaching hula?
A: I just love the culture. I feel like I can express myself dancing. I love to see kids grow and build their confidence little by little.
Q: When you’re not dancing hula, what do you like to do for fun?
A: I also like to do makeup. Other than that, I can’t think of anything else I like more than hula dancing. I can’t stop doing it.
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.