Hula Dance At A Wedding: Is It Appropriate?

The hula dance is a sacred Hawaiian dance with a rich history and cultural significance. It is a vibrant art form that combines storytelling, graceful movements, and traditional costumes. With its roots in ancient Hawaii, the hula dance was initially performed in religious ceremonies and festivals, serving as a way to honour the Hawaiian gods and goddesses. Today, it continues to be a beloved tradition at weddings, especially in Hawaii, where it adds a touch of local culture and joy to the celebration. So, if you're planning a wedding, you may be wondering if you can incorporate the hula dance into your special day.

Choosing the right song for the hula dance

Hula is a unique dance form that originated in the Hawaiian Islands. It can be performed with a chant (oli) or a song (mele). The right song for a hula dance will depend on the specific context and the dancer's personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right song for a hula dance:

Theme and Lyrics:

Hula is a form of storytelling that expresses the history, genealogy, and culture of Hawaii. When choosing a song, consider the theme and lyrics to ensure they align with the message you want to convey. For example, you may want to select a song that celebrates love or nature.

Tempo and Energy:

Hula can be performed to slow and sentimental songs or fast and energetic ones. Choose a tempo that matches the mood you want to create and allows you to execute the dance steps comfortably.

Musical Instruments:

Traditionally, hula was performed with chants and percussion instruments. However, modern hula often incorporates Western instruments such as the guitar, ukulele, and double bass. Consider whether you want to include traditional or modern instrumentation in your performance.

Personal Connection:

Hula is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and can be a very personal experience for dancers. Choose a song that resonates with you and allows you to connect with the dance on a deeper level.

Choreography:

Consider the choreography and complexity of the dance steps. Choose a song with a clear and consistent beat that complements the movements and allows you to stay in rhythm.

Audience Engagement:

If you are performing for an audience, consider their preferences and energy levels. A well-known or upbeat song may be more engaging for your audience, especially if they are unfamiliar with hula.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Hula is a sacred part of Hawaiian culture. If you are not of Hawaiian descent, be mindful of cultural appropriation and respect the traditions and significance of the dance.

Venue and Occasion:

Consider the venue and occasion for your performance. For example, a wedding or celebration may call for a more upbeat and joyful song, while a solemn ceremony may require a slower and more traditional piece.

Collaboration:

If you are working with a choreographer or other performers, collaborate with them to choose a song that fits the vision for the performance and allows for cohesive choreography.

Practice and Comfort:

Hula can be physically demanding, and dancers often train for years to perfect their craft. Choose a song that you are comfortable dancing to and that allows you to showcase your skills effectively.

Remember, the choice of song ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific context of the performance. Respect the cultural significance of hula and ensure that your song choice aligns with the themes and values you want to convey.

The cultural significance of the hula dance

The hula dance is a sacred and sensuous mimetic dance form that originated in the Hawaiian Islands. It is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the early Polynesian settlers who arrived in Hawaii centuries ago. The hula dance served as a form of worship, entertainment, and communication. It is regarded as a vital tool for preserving and transmitting the history, values, and traditions of Hawaiian culture.

The hula dance is performed sitting (noho dance) or standing (luna dance), with undulating and graceful movements that tell stories of ancient Hawaii. The dance is accompanied by instruments and chants (oli) or songs (mele). The basic steps involved are the kahola to the right and left, the tree position, and the aloha position. The kahola to the right position involves the dancer extending their right arm with palms down and their left arm extended to the centre of their body with palms facing down. The kahola to the left is the opposite.

The hula dance is often done to honour the Hawaiian gods and goddesses and to promote fecundity. It is also used to pay tribute to the kings and village chiefs. Every movement in the hula dance tells a particular story, with hand motions used to represent words in a song or chant. For example, hand movements can signify aspects of nature, such as the swaying of a tree in the breeze or a wave in the ocean. The hula dance fosters a profound respect for nature and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.

The hula dance has also played a crucial role in the empowerment of women in Hawaiian society. Women were the primary performers and were revered as spiritual leaders, historians, and cultural experts. The hula provided a platform for women to express themselves and showcase their skills, thus asserting their place in society.

The different styles of hula dance

Hula dancing is a Hawaiian dance form that expresses a chant (oli) or song (mele). It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Native Hawaiians who settled there. There are two main categories of hula: Hula ʻAuana and Hula Kahiko.

Hula Kahiko

Hula Kahiko is the ancient form of hula that was performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi. It is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments such as the pahu hula (drums), pahupahu (bamboo pipes), ipu (gourd drum), ipu heke (double gourd drum), and pahu (sharkskin-covered drum). Hula Kahiko is traditionally performed as part of or as an extension of a ceremony. While many of the chants (oli) heard along with Hula Kahiko are compositions from generations ago, there are also new oli and accompanying hula composed today. Hula Kahiko has strong roots in the past and continues to evolve in modern Hawaiʻi.

Hula ʻAuana

Hula, as it evolved under Western influence in the 19th and 20th centuries, is called ʻAuana (a word that means "to wander" or "drift"). It is a less formal style of hula, performed without ceremony, and is usually accompanied by song and Western-influenced instruments such as the guitar, the ʻukulele, and the double bass. The costumes of the women dancers are also less revealing, and the music is heavily influenced by Western styles.

Other Styles

In addition to the two main categories, there are five hula genres that can be placed on a spectrum from "the most ancient" to "the most modern". The Hula pahu and hula 'āla'apapa subcategories are ancient, originating before the introduction of Christianity. On the other end of the spectrum, hapa haole songs are relatively modern. The other two types, hula ku'i and hula 'ōlapa, reflect the social transformation and Westernization within the region, influenced by American economics and politics.

Furthermore, there are two main positions of a hula dance: sitting (noho dance) or standing (luna dance). Some dances utilize both forms.

The costume and adornments for the hula dance

The traditional hula costume for women is called the 'ku'u poʻo', a skirt that can be long or short depending on where it's being danced. In ancient times, skirts were made of kapa (bark cloth) and often elaborately decorated with stamped and painted patterns. Nowadays, most people make skirts from woven cloth, and dye, paint, or silkscreen patterns onto them. Women can also wear a holoku, which consists of a one-piece short kilt that covers from the waist to mid-thigh, and a pareu (a wraparound skirt) that hangs down below. In modern hula, women usually wear a mu`umu`u, pareau, or other breast-covering costumes.

For men, the traditional costume is a loincloth called a 'malo'. In ancient times, male dancers often wore only a malo, and this type of costume has recently become popular again. For modern hula, men usually wear trousers, sometimes with a ti-leaf, lauhala or 'ilihau' skirt over them. They may also wear aloha shirts with slacks or go shirtless.

Both men and women can wear 'pa`u' (skirts) and adorn themselves with lei and kupe`e. Lei are worn around the neck, head, and sometimes hats, while kupe`e decorate the wrists or ankles, drawing attention to the delicate movements of the hands and feet. These adornments are often made of plants or other materials such as shells, feathers, and fibres that represent deities honoured in the dance.

The benefits of the hula dance

The hula dance is a fun and gentle way to get active and improve your health. It is a complex art form that originated in Hawaii, and every movement tells a story. Hula dancing is an excellent way to engage your mind and body, and it offers numerous benefits:

It's a fun way to get active and improve your health

Hula dancing is a great way to get more movement in your life. It is a low- to medium-impact exercise that can help with weight loss and boost your energy. A one-hour beginner session can be equal to about 2,000 steps, while more advanced classes can be about 4,000 steps. Hula can provide a cardiac workout similar to a pickup basketball game or a casual tennis match, and it has been found to offer cardiopulmonary benefits similar to those of cardiac rehabilitation.

It improves your balance, coordination, and flexibility

Hula dancing requires you to remember and perform various dance steps, hand motions, and arm gestures, all while expressing emotions through your eyes and tilting your head. This enhances your coordination and gives your mind and body a gentle workout. It also helps to maintain your balance, flexibility, and strength.

It's a great way to connect with Hawaiian culture

Hula dancing is an integral part of Hawaiian culture, with each dance telling a story about nature, love, or the history of the Hawaiian people. Joining a hula class can be a wonderful way to learn about and appreciate Hawaiian culture, and it's an activity that people of all ages and mobility levels can enjoy.

It promotes social bonding

Hālau hula, or traditional hula schools, are known for providing strong social bonds and a sense of community. Participating in hula classes or performances can be a great way to make friends and feel connected to a group.

Frequently asked questions