Hula: A basic introduction
v Hula is a dance form accompanied by a chant or song. The chant or song is called a mele. Unlike other forms of dance, Hula utilizes very specific foot, hand and body motions that translate to words, phrases and ideas.
v Hula was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there.
v Hula is taught in schools called halau. The teacher of hula is the kumu hula, where kumu means source of knowledge.
v Chants that accompany hula represent the history of the Hawaiian people. Because no written record of historical events or families existed, the chants had to be accurately passed from generation to generation. Chants told the stories of creation, mythology, royalty and people.
v Musical instruments used in songs include the ipu (a drum made from a gourd), the pahu (a sacred sharkskin-covered drum), the ukulele, guitars and other natural and modern instruments.
v Costumes for female dancers are called pa’u (a wrapped skirt). Male dancers wear malo, or a loincloth. All dancers accessorize with necklaces, bracelets, anklets and lei (flower wreaths worn around the neck or on the head).
v Hula is performed for daily amusement at family feasts. During these dances, entertainment and humor were the focus.
v When hula was performed for high chiefs, not only did the host families have to house, feed, and amuse the chief, but the locals had to dance for him too. These dances were done to flatter the chief, and if not done perfectly, were viewed as unlucky and disrespectful.
v Hula experiences a revival today after almost being lost when American missionaries settled in the Islands in the 1800’s and banned the natives from doing hula. The missionaries felt hula insulted their god, so the Hawaiians were forced to continue doing hula in secret so as not to lose their own precious history.
v Ritual and prayer surround all aspects of hula training and practice. Teachers and students were dedicated to the goddess of hula, Laka. Gods and goddesses abound in Hawaiian history, and many hula dances serve as prayers of thanks for what these deities have provided for the Hawaiian people.
v Hula is performed at luau (Hawaiian parties) and celebrations. Hula lessons are common for girls just as other forms of dance are here on the mainland. Boys and men dance hula also, acting out roles different from their female counterparts. Hula can be performed by an individual dancer or in groups.
Aloha, mahalo and happy hula-ing!
Steps:
1. Kaholo – 2 steps to the right or left (step, together, step together)
2. Ka’o – in place – sway hips and lift opposite heel.
3. Kawelu – crossover step with hip sway. Usually right foot first, then left, then right forward, left forward.
4. Kahela – one foot out 45 degree angle with hips in opposite direction.
5. Ami – 360 degree hip rotation. Feet stay in place.
6. Lele – right foot forward followed by left with heel up; alternate.