Hula is a dance associated by Hawaii. Everyone knows
what is hula but very few people know its origin, not
even the Hawaiians. No one knows exactly who performed
hula for the first time and what the purpose was. However,
one thing is sure that some god or goddess performed
hula which makes it sacred to Hawaiians. Information
is that only men use to participate in hula but women
also started performing Hula because it's considered
sacred.
Hula is a type of Polynesian dance. However it's very
different from other dances in the same category. Earlier
hula was only performed for rituals and in ceremonies,
but now it's also dome for entertainment.
Hula is performed in synch and all individuals performing
the hula consider themselves as one. It's a meaningful
dance and every stance represents something. While performing
hula, individuals may intimate any object such as tree,
wars, animals etc. More important is the story which
is narrated with the dance.
Chants also accompany dance. However now the dance is
more dedicated towards entertainment. Earlier the dance
used to focus on rituals, but both ancient and modern
versions of hula are great. Hula is also accompanied
with songs. Songs are usually popular music and are sung
by a lead voice singer in a major scale. Subject of song
is related to the dance and matches the theme of hula.
Mostly a male sings the song.
Hula dancers wear a costume to perform the hula dance.
Costume has leis made of flowers. A grass skirt is also
used with anklets made of dog teeth or whale bone. Earlier
dancers were not allowed to eat forbidden items. They
used to live a hard life. So, individuals performing
hula were respected.
Today there are two types of hula, hula kahiko and hula
auana. Hula lahiko is more traditional and old style
of dancing. Hula auana is more modern style of dancing
which is used for entertainment and has more entertaining
costumes and hand movements. This dance is focused on
the tourists and is made simper so tourists can easily
understand it.
Hula was on verge of extinction because missionaries
in Hawaii did not like the dance. They spread rumors
that hula is against god and is devilish. However, King
Kalalua made his own team of individuals are encouraged
them to practice hula. Fortunately hula did not disappear
and even today there are many students who are learning
ancient hula.
There are many schools and individuals who are training
other dancers in ancient hula. It remains an important
part of Hawaii culture. Many are getting attracted to
this meaningful dance and show interest in learning how
to hula dance. Hula when taught in schools is called
ha¯lau. The teacher teaching hula is called kumu
hula. Kumu means person who gives knowledge.
Whenever you visit Hawaii, you'll see a lot of people
performing hula and both old and new style. New form
of hula is more entertaining and tourists enjoy it a
lot. However there are many people who visit Hawaii to
see just the ancient hula dance.
