Hula

Hula is a narrative dance. It developed in Hawaii, the archipelago that forms the northern tip of the " Polynesian Triangle" and today is the 50th state of the United States. Hula is therefore related to the dance forms of other Polynesian peoples, but has lived through an independent development because of the distance of Hawaii to the other Polynesian islands.

  • 3.1 instruments

Style

Certain figures step follow the beat of the music or the (talk ) song, with other parts of the body, a story is told. The narrative character of the Hula allows it to be used for various purposes: as a cult dance, to the preservation of traditions (eg genealogies, myths and legends), in different social contexts (eg family, nobility ), or simply to Entertainment.

The importance of hula for the Hawaiian culture is best exemplified by the words of the King David Kalākaua expressed: "Hula is the language of the heart and THEREFORE the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people" ( "Hula is the language of the heart and therefore the heartbeat the Hawaiian people " ).

Traditional hula is in the Hawaiian language in a halau (school, originally: big house, hall ) learned under the direction of kumu hula. The name of the teacher as kumu ( source, origin) shows the high esteem and responsibility of those who pass on the knowledge.

The classification of the different types of hula can be made ​​according to the content of the song ( mele ), the accompanying instruments or dance style. Most hula kahiko (old dances) and hula auana be distinguished (modern dance ) simplistic today. This distinction relates more to the style of dance. The Hawaiian word auana means " move to remove ", " agreements path from the [ old ] " within the meaning of, so that, strictly speaking, everything beyond the ritualized traditional hula kapu (the word kapu stands for the regulation ) hula auana is. When hula kāekeeke dancers are accompanied rhythmically with two bamboo stamping tubes ( Kāekeeke ).

Already in the time of King Kalākaua the Hawaiian dance began to change, even if he was initially even further accompanied with chants and rhythm instruments. Many auana - modern - dances are now already more than 100 years old, as well as new dances in kahiko style continue to be written.

The hula performed as seat dance is called a hula noho. Also, the muumuu hula is performed in a sitting position.

Hula kahiko

Preparation (eg, learning and understanding of texts, production of jewelry ), clothing and performance are very strictly regulated. For the accompanying chant is the correct pronunciation of great importance.

Instruments

  • Pahu: Stand Drum reserved from a hollowed tree trunk (usually palm), traditionally covered with sharkskin and originally ritual dances
  • Ipu: rhythm instrument from a gourd
  • Ipu heke: rhythm instrument consisting of two or three gourds ( heke = Highest, here: Ipu with a formed from another calabash shell)
  • Pūniu: small drum that is mounted above the knee (usually from a coconut ( niu ) )
  • Uliuli: Rattle from a calabash tree ( Laamia ) or coconut with handle; often decorated with feathers
  • Kalāau: wooden rods in various sizes
  • Papa hehi: foot board that is used with kalāau
  • Pūili: partially split bamboo rods
  • Iliili: abraded by water stones that are in pairs held in one hand and struck together like Spanish castanets.

Hula auana

In this style of hula group has included diverse influences primarily from Western music styles. The elements of dance are essentially the same, but the change in monitoring and melodic vocals to be adjusted. This is especially true for clothing, jewelry, and performance practice, which differ significantly from the hula kahiko. This conversion capability based on an unbroken tradition shows the vitality of the Hula particularly clear.

Instruments

  • Guitar
  • Double bass
  • Piano

History

Name

The Hawaiian word hula was used until the mid-19th century only in connection with dances for entertainment and only afterwards extended to all dances. Before the religious dances haa been called .. The older term lives in ai haa further, a traditional style that is danced with knees bent.

Mythical beginnings

The goddess Laka first taught the people of Molokai, the hula dance. The location of the first halau hula is still revered as Ka hula piko ( origin of the Hula ). Hiiaka, the sister of the volcano goddess Pele, is today revered as patroness of hula. She learned it from Hōpoe, who comes from Pune ( on the island of Hawaii), and knew the dances of the ancients.

1820-1851

The abolition of the kapu system by Kaahumanu and the influence of Christian missionaries led to the exile of the Hula from daily life. 1830 Kaahumanu banned hula in public, after her death (1832 ) the ban was not enforced in of Christian mission stations and religious chiefs remote areas.

After 1851

The ban was lifted in 1851 Hula, public performances had to be notified, and subject to high fees.

King David Kalākaua

Under King Kalākaua (reigned 1874-1891 ) abolished the restrictions. Further, old traditions - if they still exist - revived and promoted especially by the King. At the coronation ceremony and the celebration of the 50th birthday Kalākaua large public Hula demonstrations were held.

1898 to today

After the annexation of Hawaii (1898 ) Hula was pushed back along with other areas of Hawaiian culture under the influence of the United States. Around 1970 began continues to this day Hawaiian Renaissance, which also led to a growing return to tradition of hula. One of the most obvious signs include numerous competitions and festivals, including the particularly honoring David Kalākaua organized Merrie Monarch Festival (since 1963).

Lap steel guitar
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