Hula Research Paper

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King David Kalkaua once said “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” Practiced internationally by many individuals, hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that tells stories of land, love, and life. Through hula, people are able to connect with the Hawaiian culture, as well as learn about multiple features of ancient, and present-day Hawaii. There are many different aspects of hula, such as its history, the various types of hula, and the different positions a person can hold while participating in the traditional dance. This paper will discuss the numerous angles of hula, including how this cultural practice is celebrated today. Hula is a Hawaiian form of dance, practiced across the globe by people …show more content…

King Kalkaua was a very musical man, and he found a way to intertwine hula with the musical instruments found in other countries. Today people can see both forms of hula whether it be on the television, or a local hike. Furthermore, there are different positions held by HULA participants. First and foremost, there are the lapa, also known as the dancers. The kuleana (responsibility) of the lapa is to understand what is being danced, and convey the story well. They do their research and listen to their Kumu to know the cues, beats, and meanings of what they perform. Another position held by someone who may be an active hula practitioner would be a kumu hula. Literally translated, kumu hula means hula teacher. Whoever the kumu hula is has the responsibility of passing down knowledge that they themselves have gained from the past (Lilleike 20). Kumu hula act as vessels of education in the Hawaiian culture for their dancers. The Kumu hula will not only teach choreography, but also provide enlightenment on various Hawaiian practices like lei making, chanting, or creating. It is also the responsibility of the kumu hula to make sure lapa understands the story behind what they are

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