Students learn to pop, pirouette or simply find their own style of movement at the Kapolei Yoga & Dance Studio. Classes like yoga and meditation help to combat stress as well as stay in shape, but Anna Peahu and Tahia Lang, owners of the establishment, continue to work on higher goals of community outreach.

“;Our goal is to make fitness available to everyone, regardless of their economic background,”; said Lang. “;We offer free yoga classes in the park and ballet scholarships. We want to start doing more work with foster kids. We really want to expand our youth programs. There aren't enough activities that incorporate kids and adults.”;

The free hip-hop class led by Lang was set up to target at-risk youths ages 10 to 16, but everyone is welcome, as long as they agree to a minimum four-week time commitment.

The program has evolved to include many families dancing together. The classes are free, but if people drop in only occasionally, it's hard for them to keep up with the steps, she explained.

Other classes offered at the studio include yoga, kickboxing, circuit training, Pilates and Zumba.

“;WE ARE a mixed group of people. We don't have a lot so we share,”; Lang said.

For instance, street dancer Donovan Almarza, who has been frequenting the studio for the past year, said, “;We worked out a trade: I help out with the classes in exchange for studio space.”;

Fellow dancers Valen Ahlo and Jack Baguyo recently joined Almarza to show students their footwork. They all agreed that they are there “;to inspire the kids.”;

It worked for 9-year-old Brianna Dass at a recent hip-hop class. “;We learned how to do the Cupid Shuffle. ... It's really groovy,”; she said. “;I like freestyle a lot. We can do whatever we want.”;

Virginia Portillo and her 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, have danced together in numerous classes at the studio and were able to appear in a formal performance with other adults. “;I was the only little kid,”; Olivia boasted. She has tried ballet, Latin/fusion and hip-hop but doesn't seem to have a favorite.

“;I just like to dance,”; she said.

“;The free class helps,”; said her mom, who appreciates Peahu and Lang's understanding of family budgets. “;Even my classes are very inexpensive,”; she said.

Affordable membership fees were among the factors that attracted Edna Hechtman to join the club. “;I love the surroundings ... very Zen-like for the yogis but also very inviting and good energy for all other classes.

“;Because it's not a typical gym with equipment, their classes teach you to trust and rely on your own body's abilities,”; she said.

Sierra Silva has helped Lang, her mother, teach the hip-hop class for the past year. “;It's cool that I get to be a part of the routine. I always have a heads-up on what we will be learning. I like teaching the little kids,”; she said. “;Mom teaches new steps, and I become a student on those days, too.”;

Silva incorporates dance into her regular fitness routine. “;I tried sports, but I'm more of a girly girl,”; she said, noting that she also studies ballet, Tahitian dance and Zumba.

“;My mom always encourages me, and it's rewarding for me to encourage the little kids. I know what it feels like to be discouraged,”; said Silva. “;Dance has taught me not to quit; you just need to keep on trying.”;

Kapolei Yoga & Dance Studio is at 338 Kamokila Blvd., Suite 201, across the parking lot from Home Depot. Call 674-9642. Classes are $10, or $50 for a monthly membership.

Free hip-hop classes take place 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays.

Visit www.kapoleiyogaanddancestudio.com.