A Look Into Hula Jaime CabuagDNCE 255

What is hula?

Hula is a traditional form of dance of

the Hawaiian people.

It is accompanied by chanting that uses hand and

body movements to express the

meaning/story of the song.

There are 2 variations of Hula- Kahiko and Auana.

Origins of Hula

The origins of hula are not known. Hula can date as far back in time as early as the third century.

Hula was forbidden in the 1800’s when the missionaries deemed it was a heathen act.

Origins of Hula

Several Hawaiian gods

can be associated with hula: Laka, Pele

and Hi’iaka

Origins of Hula

Revived by King David Kalakaua in 1821

Today, there are many competitions and festivals that recognize, preserve, and celebrate hula.

The most distinguished hula competition is The Annual Merrie Monarch Festival which is held in Hilo, Hawaii.

Types of Hula

Hula Kahiko Traditional style of dance

which includes brisk and fast movements

Accompanied by mele or oli (chanting)

Variety of traditional instruments were used for this dance: ipu, pahu drum, pu’ili, etc.

Used to pass down stories thru the generations since there was no written language.

Hula Auana Westernized style of dance

Used for entertainment and is a more graceful style of hula

Slack key guitar or ukulele are the instruments accompanying this hula

Also used to tell stories

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfT3eJdrI94

Merrie Monarch 2006 hula performance by Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento and Halau Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR0KgQQRKqo&list=PLA9BB0205FFF6E02D

Merrie Monarch 2005 hula performance by Kumu Hula Kaui Kamanao and Kunewa Mook and Hula Halau O Kamuela

Hula InstrumentsA variety of traditional and contemporary hula instruments include the pahu drum, ipu, ukulele, ili’ili, hano, and kala’au

Hula in Hollywood

Hula can be seen in many

movies such as Disney’s

Lilo & Stitch, Frozen, Lion

King, Phineas and

Ferb, and Despicable

Me.

Hula is an important

cultural aspect of the Hawaiian

people. It is multi-

generational and speaks with a

universal language

through music and graceful movements.