Hawaiian Hula Dance

When you think of Hawaii the first thing that pops in your mind is a hula dancer. Aside from the colorful Hawaiian polo shirts, a hula dance and its music is a true Hawaiian trademark. Take a glance of this hula dance and get to know Hawaii more.

Hula origin

Hula is not simply swaying of the hips, graceful hand movements and colorful costumes. It is a complex form of art that tells a story through song or chant called mele . Many hand movements are representations of the words in a song or chant and basically signify aspects of nature such as waves of the ocean, plants, and animals. The ancient hula is exclusively for religion purposes and to honor a King or chiefly visitors and their entourage and perform only by men.

Some of the basic steps are Kaholo, Ka’o, Hela, ‘Uwehe and Ami. It is said that the goddess Pele is pleased by this form of dance worship and always bestow good fortune, good harvests and tidings. Polynesians settlers have great influence in Hawaiian hula. Dancers are clad in bark skirts called tapa, while heads, arms and anklet are adorned with lei and flowers. In slow pace, and formal movements, women wore the traditional Muumuu dress and sash for men. Both have elaborate head dress to signify dignified status.