Hawaiian Hula Dance Classes

Hawaiian Hula is a traditional dance accompanied by chant or song. It was developed by the aboriginal dwellers of the islands, the Polynesians. Each dance portrays what the chant or song is saying. There are actually many types of Hula that come from different areas of the islands. These are generally split into two groups called Hula 'Auana and Hula Kahiko. As with most other ethnic dances, Hula has been westernized due to tourists. But Kahiko is the original and ancient form of Hula. It is accompanied by chant and original instruments. The evolved Hula is the 'Auana form. It is accompanied by song and musical instruments such as the guitar and 'ukulele that suit western taste better.

Monarchy is a term for choreographed Hawaiian Hula of the 19th century that was the result of influence of tourists and visitors to the area. Dance schools generally teach the westernized versions of Hula. They are less complex and more palatable to students of dance studios. These classes taught to groups are called halau. Teachers of Hula are subject to a hierarchy. At the top is the teacher or the kumu. The leader is the alaka'i. The helpers are kokua. 'Olapa are the dancers. And haumana are the students.

There are many complex movements involved in Hawaiian Hula. The hand movements are especially complex because they are used to relate the story the chant or song is telling. Both men and women dance Hula. But each has very specific roles to play in the dances. One of the most noted differences between the male and female dancers is the costumes. Traditionally, female dancers wore the wrapped skirt, pa'u, but nothing on the top. This has been altered significantly. The costumes are exaggerated with very long skirts or tightly fitting barkcloth that is wrapped around so many times that it makes the dancer look much larger than they are. Dancers also wear many lei as headpieces, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.

Male dancers wore a loin cloth or malo traditionally. Now the malo is also exaggerated by being made longer or of many layers. They also wear lei, usually made of leaves instead of flowers. Hawaiian Hula in ancient times was used for both festivals and amusement. Hula performed for chiefs were a very special occasion and good reason to be nervous. Hula was thought of a form of fealty and flattery to the chief. In performances to the chief the men would start off and the women would end the performance.