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What is the history of the hula dance?
Hula (/ˈhuːlə/) is a Polynesian dance form accompanied by chant (Oli) or song (Mele, which is a cognate of “meke” from the Fijian language). It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. The hula dramatizes or portrays the words of the oli or mele in a visual dance form.
What does the hula dance symbolize?
hula, sensuous mimetic Hawaiian dance, performed sitting or standing, with undulating gestures to instruments and chant. Originally, the hula was a religious dance performed by trained dancers before the king or ordinary people to promote fecundity, to honour the gods, or to praise the chiefs.
Does hula dance tell a story?
The hula dancer is a storyteller. Hula is not just a dance; it’s a form of communication. Hula tells a story through the interaction of body language, music, and the dancer’s expressions. A hula dancer also tells the story of the past, present, and future; this is the story of hula yesterday and today.
What was the original purpose of the hula?
Much of this form of hula was created in the praise of chiefs and honoring Hawaiian goddesses and/or gods. Hula kahiko does not use modern instruments like the ukulele or guitar. Instead, it uses things like rhythm sticks, gourds carved into drums and rattles, or bamboo sticks cut so they slap together.
What kind of ritual did the hula dance start from?
Hula has its origins in ancient history as a ritual dance performed for the Volcano goddess, Pele. It is said that her sister, Hi’iaka originally performed the dance for Pele. The goddess Laka is the keeper of the dance. She was honored with prayers, offerings and leis which were given by the dancers.
How does the hula reflect on the Hawaiian culture?
Because Hawaii had no written language, Hula served as way to document history, lifestyle, particular events, and to honor royalty. Hula chants, or “mele Hula,” as referred to by Hula practitioners, convey various themes, stories of creation, mythology and royalty. Each movement of Hula has a significant meaning.
What stories are told through hula?
Hula shares traditional stories as well as mythology and creation tales, including those of the gods and goddesses of the islands. The power of oli lies in its “kaona” or hidden meaning.
What is the ancient style of hula dancing called?
Two overarching styles of hula are hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula auana (modern hula). To simply categorize the two as old and new, however, minimizes the differences between the two and overlooks important distinctions.
Who invented the hula?
Arthur “Spud” Melin
March 5, 1963: the Hula Hoop, a hip-swiveling toy that became a huge fad across America when it was first marketed by Wham-O in 1958, is patented by the company’s co-founder, Arthur “Spud” Melin.
When did hula originate?
Modern Hula, known as Hula ‘Auana, is the art form that arose in the 1800s from the integration of Western culture and traditional Hawaiian culture.
When did the hula dance originated?
When did hula dance start?
While its specific origin may still be foggy in nature, it has been recorded that James Cook, the first European to visit Hawaii, saw women dancing hula in 1778 in Kauai. At this time there was still some speculation that only men were allowed to dance the hula.
What is the history of Hawaiian hula dance?
The history of Hawaiian Hula dance is entrenched in the story of colonialism and the preservation of the Hawaiian culture. The dance is almost synonymous with the islands themselves. Originally, the Hula dance was developed as part of the religious traditions of the Pacific Islands, and is in some ways historically linked to Asian dancing.
Are hula dancers still popular?
While many hula dancers capitalized on the popular entertainment aspects of the dance in carnival sideshows, Vegas stages, or other venues catering to tourists, the traditional form also remains alive.
What instruments are used in hula dancing?
The second form of hula performed today is called hula’auana, which combines the traditional form of hula with western influences like melodic harmonies and Christian morality tales. String instruments like the ukulele, steel guitars and bass guitars are often used to accompany the performers.