Hula Class in Iguana, Nicaragua: The Dance Class You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Definitely Do)
If you’re living in Popoyo—or just passing through—and looking to shake up your wellness routine, let me put you onto something unexpected: a Hula dance class in Iguana, Nicaragua at Ola Studio.
Though the studio is known for Pilates and yoga, this is definitely not that—and that’s exactly the point.
If you’re looking for a unique wellness class in Popoyo or Iguana, Nicaragua, this might be one of the most unexpected (and rewarding) options around.
Worth the Trek (Even If It’s “Close”)
I live in Limón Dos, and even with the new highway cutting the journey down to under 15 minutes, Iguana still feels like stepping into another world.
You pass through security (they don’t play around—ID and license plate fully documented), and suddenly you’re in this pristine, curated bubble. It’s a shift. One that kind of prepares you for what’s coming.
First Impressions: A Studio with Soul
Walking into Ola Studio, I was feeling a little off—low energy, not totally in my body. Then I met Melissa Leonette.
Immediate vibe shift.
She’s warm, grounded, and glowing in that effortless way that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. She mentioned people tend to arrive on “Nica time,” but I was early, wandering around the studio, distracted by shelves of natural cosmetics, shiny baubles, and little treasures. For a small space, Ola has a lot going on—and it works.
Let’s Talk About the Sarong Situation
Before class started, Melissa handed me a sarong and wrapped it low around my hips. (In Hawaii, this is called a pareo when worn by women and a lava lava when worn by men.) Apparently, high-waisted is not a thing in Hula.
Honestly? Thank God.
You didn’t have to tell me twice to ditch my compressive gym shorts. Yes, the sarong was slightly see-through. Yes, I had underwear on. But the freedom you feel shaking your hips sans constriction? Absolutely life changing.
Now I totally get why NOT wearing anything under your pareo is standard practice.
As other students trickled in, one of the regulars ran outside and came back with fresh flowers for everyone to tuck behind their ears. It was simple, but kind of a magical way to start the class.
Cultural Respect Matters (And It Shows)
Before I decided to come, I had one question: Is the instructor native Hawaiian?
Given Hawaii’s history with colonization, I wasn’t about to casually step into something that felt culturally off.
Melissa addressed this right away when we introduced ourselves. She has been dancing Hula professionally for ten years and trained within the tradition under a kumu (Hula teacher). She was clear—she would never call herself a master, and she only teaches because she has been properly trained.
Her intention? To honor the lineage, share the history, and create space for the art form to live on.
That mattered to me. A lot.
Hula Is a Language (And Your Body Is Speaking)
At one point, Melissa casually dropped something that stayed with me the entire class:
“Hula is a form of communication—like sign language for the body.”
And once she said it, everything clicked.
Every movement has meaning. Every gesture tells a story—like when we picked flowers and then handed them to an invisible someone, all while moving our hips. Or when we “played” the ukulele.
It’s a Workout… Just Not the One You Expect
Let me be very clear: Hula will humble you.
There is a lot of squatting involved. Like… a surprising amount.
As a 5’9” woman with long limbs, I felt like I had to squat even lower to find that fluid hip movement. At one point I leaned over to my friend and whispered, “I don’t think this dance is made for long people.”
But that’s part of it. You’re learning a new language with your body—it’s going to feel awkward before it feels natural.
What You’ll Learn in Class
Melissa blends history, technique, and practice in a way that keeps things engaging and grounded. You’ll learn foundational movements like:
Kaholo (side-to-side step)
Hela (pointing step)
Ami (circular hip movement)
Uwehe (lifting the heels with a soft bounce)
After learning each movement, you’ll put it into practice with short 2–3 minute songs. It’s immersive, repetitive in a good way, and surprisingly meditative.
She also weaves in elements of Tahitian dance (Ori Tahiti), including faster, more fiery hip work—which, not gonna lie, was one of my favorite parts.
The Class Flies By (Your Legs Will Disagree)
By the end, I was sweaty, grounded, and fully out of my head—which, if you’ve taken any of my classes or read anything on this site, you know is kind of the goal.
We closed with a cool down while Melissa gently reminded us (multiple times):
“Stretch the calves.”
Noted.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go?
If you’re in Popoyo or Iguana and looking for something:
Different from yoga (but still deeply embodied)
Rooted in culture and intention
Playful, expressive, and a little outside your comfort zone
Then yes—this is the class you didn’t know you needed. And honestly? That’s usually the good stuff.
Find Melissa at Ola Studio every Saturday morning at 9:30a. Then grab some homemade sourdough next door at Paloma Bakery or a fresh coconut at Cocos and Vino, also next door.
Looking for More Yoga & Wellness in Popoyo?
At PopoyoYoga.com, I round up all the local class schedules, wellness events, and unique experiences happening around town—so you don’t have to hunt them down.
Whether it’s Kundalini, Vinyasa, private yoga sessions, or unexpected gems like Hula, there’s always something happening.
👉 Browse the latest Popoyo yoga classes and wellness events here:PopoyoYoga.com
A special Mahalo Nui Loa to all the peoples of Polynesia, past, present, and future. 🌺