Dance is a major form of cultural expression and can reflect a society's history,
values, and identity. Hula is a Hawaiian dance form that originated with Native
Hawaiians and has been a part of Hawaiian life for hundreds of years. Hula dancers
move to chants or songs, called oli or mele, to dramatize or portray the words in a
visual way. Hula can tell stories about Hawaiian creation, weather patterns, the
stars, and the movement of earth and lava.
Male hula dancers, called hula kāne, are also known for their roles as storytellers,
conveying myths, legends, and historical events through their movements. Hula
practices can vary between hālau (hula schools), but they all aim to create a
connection between the dancer, the stories, and the origins of hula. For some
dancers, hula is also part of a larger practice that involves caring for the
environment. For example, dancers may use materials from the forests, like ferns
and maile, to make lei and other items for their performances.
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