“Hula, the ancient dance of the Hawaiian Islands, portrays the grace and beauty of movement. It is a dance that can depict everything from a gentle breeze, to love, to the harvesting of food, as well and sadness and war. The hula has survived and shall live forever in the hearts of those who dance it and in the hearts of those who have witnessed it.  No na mamo ~ for our future generations.”

Hula is the traditional dance of Hawai‘i. Passed down through generations, it has been practiced since early Polynesians arrived in the islands many years ago.  Hula dances embody the poetic lyrics of the mele or songs to preserve the culture and values of the Hawaiian people.  Hula celebrates the sacredness of creation by depicting many facets of life.  The dances retell legends and history, describe the forces of nature, honor ancestors, convey love for cherished relations, and pay homage to a pantheon of gods and their embodied forms on earth.

Ancient Hula
In ancient Hawai‘i there was no written language.  History, genealogy, spirituality, and legends were passed to others through chants.  Dancers were used to illustrate the stories through hand and body motions. The kahiko, or ancient and indigenous style of hula, is characterized by a chanter, who uses either a drum or ipu heke for percussion beat, and a dancer, who uses strong, stiff motions. 

Modern Hula
‘Auana, the modern style, is an evolution of hula that reflects contact with foreigners and the passage of time.  The melodious songs are accompanied by instruments, such as the guitar, ‘ukulele, piano and bass.  The movement style is softer, more fluid and languid.

Ka Pi'o O Ke Ānuenue of Ashland Oregon

View information about Andrea's hula hui, or group, Ka Pi'o O Ke Ānuenue, and find out about the classes she offers.

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Hawaiian Hula Dance and Classical Indian Dance in Ashland Oregon. Copyright © 2010 Integral Dance. All rights reserved.
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