Hula Dance

Hula is a type of dance from the islands hawaii accompanied by chants or songs. Hula was created by the Polynesians from the Hawaiian islands. The song that accompanies the dance is called mele. Hula describe or dramatize mele.

Hula dance is often shown to tourists as an appealing presentation of the characteristics of the Hawaiian culture.

There are many types of hula. Hula can be classified according to the style, theme, or period. Hula Preservation Society records about 300 types of hula. Based on the style of presentation, the hula is divided into two categories: Kahiko and Auana.

In Hawaii there are hundreds of hula studio, dance studio who teaches hula called Halau. Hula dance teacher called Kumu hula, Kumu means source of knowledge. In a hula dance there are many movements

who danced symbolizing aspects of nature, such as the basic Hula and Coconut Trees movement, or the basic leg movements like Kaholo, Ka'o, and Ami.

Kahiko is the ancient hula performed before white people arrived in Hawaii. Kahiko accompanied by song and play traditional musical instruments. Hula evolved through the influence of western called Auana. Hula is also accompanied by singing and play traditional musical instrument that has been combining modern musical instruments like guitar, ukulele, and kontrabass.

Costumes play a role in illustrating the hula instructor's interpretation of the mele. While there is some freedom of choice, most hālau follow the accepted costuming traditions. Women generally wear skirts or dresses of some sort. Men may wear long or short pants, skirts, or a malo (a cloth wrapped under and around the crotch). For slow, graceful dances, the dancers will wear formal clothing such as a muʻumuʻu for women and a sash for men. A fast, lively, "rascal" song will be performed by dancers in more revealing or festive attire. The hula kahiko is always performed with bare feet, but the hula ʻauana can be performed with bare feet or shoes.

Hula performed for entertainment everyday or family at parties. When performed in the presence of chiefs, dance the hula became a serious event. Chiefs typically traveled from one place to another in the realm.

each village must entertain the chief with food, provide shelter and entertainment for the chieftain and his entourage. Hula performances used to be one form of sign of loyalty, and is often used to flatter chiefs. All dance the hula should be brought to complete without errors. Errors are thought to bring bad omen and disrespect.