Hula - more than a dance

Hula

Tonight, a few of our USC Hawai'i Club members performed three hula dances at the Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Caucus's Annual Scholarship Reception. Because this hula performance was the educational piece of the event, we were asked to provide information about hula to include in the script so that the audience could learn more about hula. The following is some general information about hula, written by one of our choreographers: 

Hula is more than the dance of the Hawaiian culture; it is the soul of Hawai'i expressed in motion. Every hula movement has a specific meaning. Different gestures symbolize nature, emotion, even conflict and war. Traditional hula narratives tell a story, and every motion made by the dancer's hands or feet are significant in telling this specific story of Hawai'i. Hula is a way for stories and myths of Hawai'i to be passed down through generations.


In the Hawaiian culture, it is believed that hula was first performed by ancient gods and goddesses, giving hula much cultural significance to the ancient Hawaiian people.  Thus, hula was performed primarily during religious ceremonies, as an offering to the Hawaiian gods and goddesses. This old style of hula is called Hula kahiko which is performed in traditional costume, accompanied by traditional chants and percussion. However, after Western contact, hula gradually evolved into a form of entertainment. This modern style of hula is called Hula auana which is accompanied by songs, ukuleles, guitars, and other instruments.


Today, several hundred halau hula (hula schools) and less formal hula groups are active on every island and the mainland, teaching hula to thousands of students and keeping the old ways and traditional Hawaiian culture alive.

I hope that the audience tonight enjoyed the hula performances and learned more about hula because I definitely did!