The Complete Guide To Hula: From Ancient Kahiko To Modern Auana
Hula is more than just a dance—it's Hawaii's living history, a cultural treasure that has survived centuries of change, suppression, and revival. From its sacred origins as a religious practice to its modern incarnation as a beloved art form, hula continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its graceful movements and powerful storytelling.
Understanding the Origins of Hula
Hula, sensuous mimetic Hawaiian dance, performed sitting or standing, with undulating gestures to instruments and chant, has been a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture for centuries. Originally, the hula was a religious dance performed by trained dancers before royalty and during sacred ceremonies. These early practitioners underwent rigorous training in special schools called hula halau, where they learned not just the physical movements but also the chants, songs, and cultural knowledge that accompanied each dance.
The religious significance of hula cannot be overstated. In ancient Hawaii, hula was more than entertainment—it was a way to honor the gods, preserve history, and maintain cultural continuity. Dancers would perform to celebrate important events, pray for success in battle or agriculture, and commemorate significant historical moments. The movements of hula were carefully choreographed to tell stories, with each gesture representing specific elements of nature, emotions, or historical events.
The Two Main Styles: Kahiko and Auana
When discussing hula, it's essential to understand the distinction between its two primary forms. [2] Ancient hula, performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi, is called kahiko. This traditional style is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the pahu (drum), ipu (gourd), and other percussion instruments. The chants accompanying kahiko are called oli, and they're typically performed in the Hawaiian language.
In contrast, modern hula, known as auana, emerged after Western contact and incorporates influences from other cultures. The dances from before 1893 are known as kahiko, or ancient hula, and the newer dancers are referred to as auana, or modern and unrestricted hula. Auana often features Western instruments like the ukulele and guitar, and the songs may be in English or Hawaiian. The footwork of the two styles is nearly identical, though auana tends to be more fluid and expressive.
Hula as Hawaii's Storytelling Tradition
Hula is Hawaii's storytelling in motion, recounting history and tradition through oli (chant) and mele (song). Each movement in hula has meaning—a raised hand might represent a mountain, a sweeping arm gesture could symbolize the ocean, and a gentle sway might depict the movement of palm trees in the wind. This visual language allows hula to preserve and transmit Hawaiian history, mythology, and values across generations.
The storytelling aspect of hula extends beyond mere entertainment. Through hula, dancers and audiences connect with their ancestors, learn about their heritage, and maintain a living link to Hawaii's past. Can students name some differences between hula and the formal dancing popular in Europe at the time, called regency dancing? This question highlights how hula stands apart from Western dance traditions. While regency dancing emphasized rigid social etiquette and precise formations, hula embraced emotional expression and fluid movement.
The Cultural Significance and Revival
Once forced underground, the dance is now celebrated as an intrinsic part of Hawaiian culture. During the 19th century, Christian missionaries viewed hula as immoral and worked to suppress the practice. This led to a significant decline in hula's popularity and practice. However, the early 20th century saw a cultural renaissance, with efforts to revive and preserve traditional Hawaiian arts, including hula.
Today, hula is experiencing a resurgence, with hula schools (halau) operating worldwide and competitions like the Merrie Monarch Festival drawing thousands of spectators. Hawaiian hula is a beautiful performative dance with a complex history, and understanding this history is crucial to appreciating its significance. Modern practitioners often spend years mastering not just the physical movements but also the language, history, and cultural context of each dance.
Learning Hula: From Basics to Mastery
Come and learn all of the hula basics with our free, step-by-step video tutorials by iHula Hawaii. For those interested in learning hula, there are numerous resources available, from local classes to online tutorials. The journey to hula mastery involves understanding the basic steps, learning to interpret the meaning behind movements, and developing the grace and control that characterize this dance form.
Beginners typically start with fundamental steps like the kaholo (a side-to-side sliding step) and the ami (a circular hip movement). As dancers progress, they learn more complex combinations and begin to understand how movements relate to the accompanying chants or songs. Unveil the mystery behind hula with this insightful guide that can help newcomers navigate the rich world of this traditional dance.
Hula in the Modern World
In today's interconnected world, hula has transcended its Hawaiian origins to become a global phenomenon. Discover the origins, myths, and facts this cultural dance form through various media, including documentaries, performances, and educational programs. Hula competitions showcase the incredible skill and artistry of modern practitioners while maintaining respect for traditional forms.
The digital age has also made hula more accessible than ever. Online tutorials, virtual classes, and social media platforms allow people from around the world to learn about and participate in hula. This global interest has helped ensure the survival and evolution of this important cultural practice while raising awareness about Hawaiian culture more broadly.
Practical Tips for Appreciating Hula
For those attending their first hula performance or considering learning the dance, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Respect the cultural context: Hula is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and spirituality. Approach it with respect and openness to learning.
- Pay attention to the details: Notice how hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements all contribute to the storytelling.
- Listen to the chants and songs: The lyrics (whether in Hawaiian or English) provide context for the movements and enhance understanding.
- Be patient if learning: Hula requires practice and dedication. Don't get discouraged if movements feel challenging at first.
The Future of Hula
As hula continues to evolve, practitioners face the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation. Find out everything you need to know about Hawaiian hula to understand how this ancient art form remains relevant in the modern world. Contemporary hula artists are finding new ways to express traditional stories while incorporating modern elements and reaching new audiences.
The preservation of hula also depends on the transmission of knowledge from experienced practitioners to new generations. Many halau now offer programs specifically designed to engage young people, ensuring that the art form continues to thrive. Additionally, academic institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of hula, offering courses and degree programs in Hawaiian studies that include hula as a core component.
Conclusion
Hula represents far more than just a dance—it's a living cultural treasure that embodies the spirit, history, and values of the Hawaiian people. Understand the importance of hula not just as an art form but as a vital link to Hawaii's past and a bridge to its future. Whether you're a casual observer, an aspiring dancer, or a dedicated practitioner, engaging with hula offers a unique window into one of the world's most beautiful and meaningful cultural traditions.
As we look to the future, the continued practice and appreciation of hula ensure that this remarkable art form will continue to inspire, educate, and connect people across cultures and generations. The undulating gestures, the powerful chants, and the stories told through movement all contribute to hula's enduring legacy as Hawaii's most iconic cultural expression.
