The Popular Art of Traditional and Modern Hawaiian Hula

The Hula is the very popular dance of Polynesians particularly Hawaiians. No one really knows how this form of dance originated but many agree that this was first performed by gods and goddesses, thus making it a sacred tradition. Originally it was only performed during religious celebrations but it gradually developed into a form of entertainment not only for Hawaiians but for all.

Each and every move in hula represents a certain meaning. That is why every movement is significant even the small hand gestures. Usually, the dancer’s body represents a certain plant, animal, event or story. The dancer interprets the message or theme through sleek motions. Because hula is a form of religious worship, hula has to be learned in hula schools called halau. Other than the hula lessons, there are other policies which have to strictly obeyed by hula students. Rules like they are not allowed to cut their hairs and nails, certain foods are prohibited. Also, they are not allowed to engage in any sexual activities. This just goes to show that hula is a very complex form of dance that is full of movements that may signify different interpretations.

Two forms of Hawaiian hula are known today. The two differ from the kind of accompaniment the dancer dances to. The first one is accompanied by a chant and is called kahiko in Hawaiian. The other one is very similar to kahiko only modernized. It is usually accompanied by a song and more modern musical instruments such as a guitar, bass or ukulele. The latter form of hula is also called ‘auana.

The kahiko form of hula is accompanied by chants. Generally the chants’ themes include that of Hawaiian history, tradition, mythology and significant events in their lives. In the absence of a written history, chants are the most reliable form of such. Originally, female hula dancers were topless but wore wrapped skirts. Today the skirt is modified to cover up to the waist. Dancers also wear decorative lei in the form of necklace, anklets and bracelets. The lei has to be freshly-picked in the forest after these have been blessed by forest gods ad goddesses.

The auana is the more modern form of hula which is patterned with kahiko. It was hula with a slight Western touch. Unlike the kahiko whose themes are more on myths and religion, this type of hula includes events that happened since the 1980s. Another difference is that costumes tend to be more conservative and less revealing and its accompaniment is a Western version of their chants. These songs vary in subject. These may include personal experiences or may express opinions or emotions.

Since the 1970s many people have regained interest in traditional and modern hula. Today the Hawaiian hula is not only limited to Polynesians. It has earned recognitions and has become a commendable form of interpretive dance especially in the Western regions. The dance was even featured on so many Hollywood films, a sign that it has appealed positively to many people.