KUMU HULA (HULA TEACHER)

Last Saturday night we were invited to a hula performance by Barb, the previous owner of our house. The event was held at MACC and believe it or not, this was our first time to ever see a HULA show. The program consited of 18 hulas, each one telling a different story. The first 7 hulas were called HULA KAHIKO, which is the ancient form of hula and performed in more authentic hula outfits (Male dancers wore the everyday malo, or loincloth. Again, they might wear bulky malo made of many yards of tapa. Female dancers wore pā`ū, a sort of strapless wrap dress. They also wore necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and lei.) and to chant with traditional instruments. The rest were called HULA 'AUANA and are more modern and performed in present day outfits - shirts and pants with cumberbunds for men and hawaiian print dresses for the women - with a live band. The live music was also a big treat. ʻUkulele, Slack key guitars and men with falsetto voices! What's not to like?
After the performance we wre treated to PU PU's and dinner in the garden at the MACC. Here are 3 short clips. (sorry for the shakey camera work)

Our new friend Barb (front row far left) was in this group called Na Haumana Hula O Ualani performed a Hula Kahiko called I Aloha 'Ia 'O Kilauea (Kilauea is loved). The use of the bamboo sticks produced a wonderful sound. Also in this group is Sheila (back row far right) who is one of our neighbors. She is in her 70's and was awesome workin' those bamboo sticks. Gotta give it up for Sheila!

This group was called Na 'Opio and the four girls on each corner were about 13 years old while the one in the middle was only 8 years old. They are doing a Hula Kahiko called 'Oaka Kalani (The Heaven's Flash).

This was the final hula of the night performed by the men and women of I Kona Mau Lima. This was a Hula 'Auana whch was quite fast called Beauty Hula. The Hula 'Auana's were real crowd pleasers as you will hear in this clip.