Hula Dancing

The term hula refers to movement and gestures. The dance itself, however, cannot be performed with out it’s most important component, mele, or poetry. Mele are records of cultural information ranging from sacred prayers and name chants (for chiefs) to tropical love songs and songs praising the land. The hand gestures used in hula dancing do not tell the entire story but do help to emphasize the important themes of the story.

The most traditional instrument used for hula dancing is the sharkskin drum called pahu. The Pahu stands two

After World War II, the hula began to bring tourists to Hawaii. “Auwana,” or wandering, hulas were presented as a welcome to tourists and sailors. This was during the time that the Hula became a form of entertainment and essentially an aspect of tourism. While the Hula became a popular and well-known dance, it became a cultural symbol and expression of the traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Hula dancing is a dance that has foregone its trials and tribulations. It is a tradition that is present today and that will continue to inspire the lives of many. Hopefully after reading this paper you have realized that Hula dancing is much more than a form of entertainment, it reflects the Hawaiian people’s culture and values. In the words of the man who welcomed hula dancing back into Hawaiian culture, King Kalakaua,

Some topics in this essay:
Hawaiian Islands, Christian Missionaries, War II, Hula Dancing, Captain Cook, King Kalakaua, Queen Ka’ahumanu, hula dancing, arrived hawaii, form entertainment, hawaiian people, drum called, king kalakaua,