Hula was traditionally danced by the men as well as women in old Hawai'i. Dances typically revered the gods and goddesses, other religious aspects of the ancient polynesians, places, historical, family and daily events. 'Oli, or chanting, was the vocal form which accompanied the dance; there was no singing as we know it. Instruments were of a percussive nature; gourds, drums, rattles, wooden sticks, bamboo nose flute, conch shell. Laka is the goddess of Hula.

The more popular image of Hula is the Hula 'Auwana, or modern hula. This form has developed in the 20th century, influenced by introduced values, customs, clothing, and music of foreigners, beginning with the influx of the missionaries, who arrived in the early 1800's.

When the Kahiko style had to go underground due to its non-Christian association, it was 'Auwana which surfaced. More elaborate and colorful costuming, soaring vocal harmonies, and instruments such as the guitar, ukulele, and often falsetto singing are the hallmarks of Hula 'Auwana.

Both forms are an integral part of a hula student's training by the Kumu Hula, or instructor, who also teaches language, cultural protocal, etc. to the members of the troupe, or Halau. Whether the dance be one of a bold, joyful, sassy, frightening, or humorous nature, hula is sure to evoke emotion in the viewer. It is considered an honor to be able to dance hula, and there is great respect among the followers - both the performers and the avid spectators - of this highly revered art form.

PHOTOS & TEXT BY BARRY R. FRIED