Introduction
Hula is the Hawaiian dance type that is accompanied by a chant or a song as the other best alternative. The Polynesians developed this form of dance in the Hawaiian Islands when they settled there. The accompanying song is known as “mele” and Hula dance dramatizes it (Tater, 1993).
Main body
Different styles of hula dance exist. The two broad sub-divisions of the dance, which include the ancient Hula, are styles that have been able to pose the Hawaiian dance platform before the westernized styles came into existence. It is traditionally known as “kahiko”’ and when being performed or rather when danced, a respective chant should and does accompany it together with the other conventional dance instruments.
As Hawaiian dance evolved through the era of so-called westernized dance styles rampant in the 19th and 20th centuries, it changed its name to “Auana”.This is a kind of Hula dance that is associated with western-oriented musical instruments.
Hula dance is part of the drill prospectus in Hawaii. It is known as “Halau,” and the teacher “Kumu hula.” Hula dance is a complex form of art and this is tracked to the many hand movements that do accompany it as a signatory of the natural aspects and moldings. Wide varieties of other dances that are related to the neighboring countries exist, but Hula dance is the only dance style that is specific to Hawaii.
“Hula kahiko” is the typical traditional dance and it does not involve any modern instruments (Beamer, 1976). It encompasses a wide variety of dance styles as well as the mood that ranges from somber and holly to the frolicsome. The majority of these Hula dances were poised as praises to the chiefs and they were performed in their nobility and distraction.
Today, “hula kahiko” is performed by the dancing about chronological chants and are characterized by the antique costumes and an austere look as well as revenge that is due to the spiritual base. The accompanying chants can depict the creation stories and the mythologies that are related to Hawaii in addition to the show of loyalty and the other important people and happenings.
The costumes that were worn by women in the olden days have changed and it included a wrapped skirt without a top. Recent costumes have been altered to a formal dress and it implies the lavishness as opposed to the wrapped traditional skirt that was just enough to cover the waist. “Malo” or loincloth was worn by the masculine dancer as well. The bracelets and necklaces were used together with anklets and lei to complement the loincloth.
“Hula auana,” which is a modern version due to the westernization influences, is an evolution of Hula. Its being was mostly enhanced by Christian decency and the melodic synchronization that the modern instruments embraced. In the modernized kind of hula dance, the women’s bodies are not as traditionally uncovered during the dance.
Conclusion
Hula or Hawaiian dance is the soul of Hawaii depicted in a motion and its initial performance is traced to the goddess performances, which makes it holly (Mclaren, 1999). Hula dance of Hawaiian is specific to the country and largely different from the one which is adopted by the other Polynesian countries.
References
Beamer, W. (1976). Na Hula O Hawai’i: The songs and dances of the Beamer family.Minetoba: Island Heritage.
Mclaren, M. (1999). Dance For The Land. Iowa: Atheneum.
Tater, E. (1993). Hula pahu: Hawaiian drum dances.Hawaii.Bishop Museum Press.