Hula

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Hula Ad on the U.S. Mainland

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Hula is a traditional Polynesian dance form that is particularly associated with Hawaii. It is a highly expressive dance that utilizes both body movements and gestures to tell stories, convey emotions, and celebrate various aspects of Hawaiian culture, history, and the environment. Hula is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian religion, mythology, and cultural practices, making it a vital part of the Hawaiian identity and a significant cultural heritage.

History

The origins of hula are steeped in ancient Hawaiian legend. According to one popular myth, the goddess Laka is credited with inventing the hula dance. Laka is often associated with fertility, beauty, and the forest where the hula dancers would gather the leis and other adornments for their performances. Hula was initially a form of worship performed in heiau (temples) or on specially consecrated grounds. Over time, it evolved to include both religious and secular forms: the hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (modern hula).

Hula Kahiko

Hula kahiko is the traditional hula, which is accompanied by chanting (oli) and traditional instruments like the pahu (drum made from a hollowed-out log). This form of hula is characterized by its rigorous discipline, with dancers performing precise movements that have been passed down through generations. Hula kahiko is a powerful expression of the Hawaiian people's connection to their gods, ancestors, and the natural world.

Hula ʻAuana

Hula ʻauana is the modern form of hula that evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by Western settlers and culture. This form of hula is often accompanied by ukulele, guitar, and double bass, featuring more fluid and interpretive movements compared to the traditional hula kahiko. Hula ʻauana tends to focus more on storytelling and entertainment, reflecting changes in Hawaiian society and culture.

Cultural Significance

Hula is more than just a dance; it is a means of storytelling, a preservation of history, and a living connection to the Hawaiian past. Each movement, gesture, and expression in hula has a specific meaning, from the swaying of the hips to the positioning of the hands and feet. Through hula, stories and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next, keeping the culture alive.

Costumes and Instruments

The costumes worn by hula dancers are an integral part of the performance, adding color, texture, and meaning to the dance. Traditional costumes may include skirts made of ti leaves or tapa cloth, lei for the neck, wrists, and ankles, and sometimes a headpiece. The choice of costume often depends on the nature of the hula being performed and its thematic elements.

Instruments play a crucial role in hula performances, especially in hula kahiko. Besides the pahu, other traditional instruments include the ʻuliʻuli (feathered gourd rattles), ipu (gourd drum), and puʻili (split bamboo sticks). These instruments help to set the rhythm and mood of the dance.

Modern Hula

Today, hula is celebrated and performed worldwide, both in its traditional and modern forms. It is taught in schools, performed at festivals, and competed in hula competitions, such as the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival. This festival, held annually in Hilo, Hawaii, is a week-long event that celebrates Hawaiian culture and the art of hula, attracting hula hālau (schools) and dancers from around the globe.