Hawaii’s Hula Dancers

Visitors to Hawaii never fail to be entranced by the graceful movements of Hawaiian dancers as they perform their traditional dance – the Hula.  The exact origins of the Hula dance are not known, but according to the Hawaiians the first hula dance was performed by a god or goddess.  That is why the hula is considered to be more of a sacred ritual.

The sacred Hula -  a tradition of Hawaii

The hula is accompanied by chants or songs that tell of the Hawaiian legends and the culture and traditions of Hawaii.  The hula is popular even in the U.S. mainland, Japan and Europe.  The dance is usually taught by a hula teacher in a hula halau, or simply a hula school.  Tourists to Hawaii can avail of a free lesson at the Royal Hawaiian Center or at the Waikiki Beach Walk.

Once regarded as a part of religious ceremonies, it is now performed also for entertainment.  The traditional costume of hula dancers consists of the lei worn on the head and shoulders, the pau or skirt, and the kupea or anklets made from whale bone or dog-teeth.

Hula movements, including the hand expressions and signs have specific meanings.  A dancer may move his or her body to represent plants, animals, or war.  For instance, when hula dancers imitate a shark or palm tree, they believe they have actually been transformed into a shark or palm.  The words of the song accompanying the dance give further explanations of the dancers’ movements.  But since not many people understand the language of the chanting, the stress is more on the body and hand movements.

Hula Auana – Modern Hula Dance

Hula Auana (Modern Hula) Being a religious dance, the training given to ancient hula dancers at the hula school was very strict, and the final graduation ceremony also followed a strict protocol.  Even today, the halau hula observe strict rules.  Some of these schools were located in temples.  One of the best halaus is located at Kee, on the north shore of Kauai. Continue Reading »
Hawaiian Hula Dancers