Hawaii Hula
Hawii Hula is much more than just a dance. Hawaii Hula is a choreographed interpretation of a poetic text. All dance movements are determined by the words of a song.
In Hawaiian language, poetic text is called mele. If there isn´t mele, then there isn´t also Hula.
Hula means a dance.
Traditional Hula is called Hula Kahiko. Hula Kahiko (´U´umi Ka Hanu):
- Ancient
- Performed only by locals
- Singing and chanting
- Music is often not melodious
- Movements are vigorous
- Costuming is indigenous
Modern Hula is called Hula Auana. This dance is allowed and can be performed by everyone, who would like that. Hula Auana:
- Modern
- Westernized performance style
- Melodic, harmonical. Music is soft, romantic and sweet
- No chanting
- Movements are soft, tardigrade
- Costuming is often western apparel
7 main Hula movements:
- Kaholo
- Hela
- Double hela
- Uwehe
- Lele` uwehe
- Kawelu
- Ka´o
Hawaii Hula Auana dance costumes differ a lot from Tahitian ones, because they are less disclosing. Stomach should always be claded! Dancer may wear a green leaf skirt with a blouse or a long colourful dress.
Hawaii Hula may also be performed by men.
Hapa Haole Hula is a dance, which is performed by white people. This is more exciting that the traditional Hula.