Where in the world? Hawaii
Where in the world? Hawaii The Hula is a Hawaiian dance that is presented along with a song or chant called a mele. It was developed by the Polynesians who originally occupied the Hawaiian Islands. This has become a sacred ritual because the Hawaiians think that it was first performed by a god or goddess but has recently also became a form of entertainment. Some think that is was performed only be men, but history showed that both genders have performed this dance. Every Hula movement and expression has a significant meaning to the Hawaiians. http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/hacul/hula.htm says, "Traditionally it was not the dancer's hands but the words that counted the most. Today, because so few understand the language of the chants, increasing emphasis has been placed on movements and gestures." The dancers wear a lei for their head as well as around their neck, a skirt named the pau, and anklets named kupea that are made out of a whale bone or dog teeth.
Watch this interesting 2 minute video on Hula from National Geographic:
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/culture-places/arts-and-entertainment/us_hula.html
I have always wanted to travel to Hawaii. The very first thing that would be on my must do list would have to be to learn how to Hula dance. I was surprised by several different things in this post I learned. I did not know that the dance was a sacred tradition. I simply thought it was for entertainment. I also learned that it has been performed by both genders for a while. I always saw Hula dancing as a women thing to do.
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