Halau hula

Halau hula is a school in which the Hawaiian dance form called hula is taught. Within the halau hula, there are three categories that individuals are placed in. The kumu hula or teacher conducts the class and is usually the founding member of the halau hula. There is an "alaka'i" or assistant teacher who helps the teacher conduct class but is not the achieved status of kumu at this point. The "haumana" or student is the individual who learns and uses the instructions given by the kumu.

History

In ancient times, halau hula training was strict. Haumana were put on "kapu" or forbidden rules of conduct which banned the cutting of hair and the practicing of any kind of sexual activity. Presently halau hula each have their own set of rules for their haumana. Many halau hula today still enforce the ancient kapu of cutting one's hair.

Curriculum

Four basic steps are commonly used in all halau hula. The "kaholo", or travel step consists of four beats. This step is usually very abundant when a "mele" or song is danced, the kaholo is usually the dance step that is used during the musical measures between the verses of songs.

The "hela" is a step occupying a one beat count and requires one to point out one foot at a time in front of one's body while keeping the feet on the ground.

The "uwehe" is done by lightly stepping on one foot then elevating both heels and kicking knees out in a 45 degree angle. This step is usually done in two beats.

The "ami" requires the dancer to rotate their hips in a circular motion while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground. This is a basic step that may be choreographed into a mele during a point in the verse that either expresses love or lovemaking.

All of the basic steps in hula require the shoulders to remain steady and both knees to be in a bent position at all times.

Notable halau hula

*Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu, Kumu Hula Sonny Ching (Honolulu)
*Halau Hula Olana, Kumu Hula Howard and Olana Ai (Pearl City, Hawaii)
*Hula Halau 'O Kamuela, Kumu Hula Kaui Kamana'o (Kalihi/Waimanalo, Hawaii)
*Na Lei 'O Kaholoku, Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap and Leialoha Amina (Kohala, Hawaii)
*Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Kumu Hula Mapuana de Silva (Kailua, Hawaii)
*Halau Hula a Kawika laua 'o Leinani, Kumu Hula Kawika Viloria and Leinani Viloria (Los Angeles)
*Keali'i 'O Nalani, Kumu Hula Keali'i Ceballos (Los Angeles)
*Aloha 'Aina, Kumu Hula Verena Kainz (Salzburg, Austria)

References

[http://www.kaahelehawaii.com/hula www.kaahelehawaii.com]

[http://www.mele.com/hula www.mele.com]