How to Be a Traditional Hula Dancer

The ancient art form of hula has been practiced among indigenous communities throughout the Hawaiian Islands as a pre-language method to communicate local history. Hallmarked by swaying hips, emotional expression using the face and eyes, grace and beauty, the traditional form of the art has surged into more mainstream culture over recent decades. Learn a little about the dance to distinguish traditional hula dance from the commercialized versions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take lessons in the pre-European form called hula kahiko ("ancient hula"), which is accompanied by chants and the rhythm from a sharkskin-covered log drum called pahu. Dedicate your learning to Laka, goddess of the hula.

2. Recognize the importance of chanting mele ("poetry") in the hula dance. Mele are collections of historical stories and information about Hawaiian culture, including love songs, salutes to chiefs, prayers and praises of the land. Non-dancing performers recite the mele during the performance.

3. Understand the significance of the different movements. The term "hula" stands for movements and gestures. Allusive, pictorial hand and arm gestures directly relate to scenes described in the mele. Barefoot, left to right foot movements correspond to the rhythmic pattern of the pahu. The entire traditional hula dance incorporates less sex appeal (such as less pronounced hip movements) than the Hollywood version.

4. Connect with the ancient culture. Visit the ruins of Heiaus, ancient sites where hula dances and sacrifices were performed to please the gods. Missionaries destroyed most of the sites, but their ruins still dot the islands. Attend or participate in the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii, held every April. Contestants from all over the islands perform traditional hula dances.

Tips & Warnings

• Song-accompanied hula is not traditional and only became popular as a tourist attraction and for Hollywood-film audiences.
• The English language is not used in traditional hula.

Resources

• Learn more about the Merrie Monarch Festival at its official website.
• Help support the preservation of hula history through the non-profit Hula Preservation Society.

[Hawaiian808]

on 12/4/2008 Hula Kahiko, takes years, even decades to master--so please do not assume once you've taken a couple of lessons you can do the Hula Kahiko well. And, do not worship Laka if you do not know all the protocol and such. If you really want to learn Hula Kahiko, join a Halau (Hula School)--and stick with it, because the rewards are amazing.