How Do You 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. 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. 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. Understand the significance of the
