The Barefoot Hawaiian

I first fell in love with Hawaiian culture the first time I saw the Barefoot Hawaiian dancers perform at the Tiki Terrace restaurant. I was so impressed with the dancing and the colorful costumes that I looked at their website and found they offered dancing classes, plus the classes were very affordable. The school is located in Des Plaines and have two Dance Studios. They also have a Hawaiian store that sell an extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts and dresses; as well as all things Polynesian. The classes are separated by Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s dance classes, and they also offer Ukalele and Polynesian drum classes; as well as Fire knife Dancing for men.
Shortly after seeing the Barefoot Hawaiian dancers perform at Tiki Terrace, I enrolled in their Kane (men’s class) Dance class every Monday night. The owner and instructor Gwen Keneddy was very nice and patient and really knew her Polynesian culture. The classes were taught in a fun and safe environment, and I learned allot of the dances in a short amount of time. After a few weeks of taking classes, I was invited to perform with the Barefoot Hawaiian dancers at local outdoor events and parades, while pretending to be a Hawaiian native. Lol. The school provided the materials to make the Polynesian costumes, and we paid and assembled the costumes ourselves with help from the more experienced older girls (or the Hula Nazis, as they were nicknamed).
I have been with this Dance troop a little under two years before I decided to retire from dancing, but overall, I enjoyed this part of my life. I will never forget the people I met and befriended during my time with Barefoot Hawaiian; it was like joining a member of a large Hawaiian family and Gwen was our mother. If you have an appreciation of Polynesian culture; I suggest you enroll in their dance, Ukalele or drum classes. You will come out with a more appreciation of Polynesian culture, and walk away with a new family.
The classes are held one day a week, during the evening, and a normal semester is 8 weeks and only $ 10 per class.

I’ve only been to Hawaii twice and it’s my favorite place in the world.
Eventually I plan on living there.
Until then I’s so glad we have the Barefoot Hawaiian. I couldn’t ask for anything more. The atmosphere is so superb, I feel like I’m back on the islands.
The flame twirlers impress me the most.

I have hired the Barefoot Hawaiian dancers to entertain at some of the events I’ve planned and they have never failed to impress. They’re very flexible and accommodating, and we’ve never had any problems. They do a great job of involving the audience and the flame twirlers are amazing! I highly recommend them for your next BBQ or Luau.

I’ve seen their full all-​inclusive shows at summer fests and also in a more intimate setting like their Saturday shows at Tiki Terrace. The costumes are beautiful, the Keiki (little kids) are adorable and the flame throwers are HOT! ;)
Check on them for your next event or look them up at Tiki Terrace and other neighborhood events all over Chicagoland.

Having a Luau? Stop by the Barefoot Hawaiian first; they have everything you need for your next Hawaiian Luau, from hula skirts to full size props. BH has another side past the retail shop. If your celebration is really big consider hiring from one hula-​gram to a full group performance for the evenings entertainment. Barefoot Hawaiian is Chicago’s own little piece of Hawaii on the mainland.
Pros: Good products, Good performances, Parking in back
Cons: Can be pricy
Overall Rating: 4 of 5
Recommendation: Recommended