Hula kahiko is a Hawaiian dance that tells a story.
The hula kahiko is an ancient form of Hawaiian dance requiring rigorous movement and discipline. The dance was historically performed by men, but modern-day performances and competitions include both men and women. The hula kahiko is different from the hula auana, a modernized dance complemented by music and flowing motions. Dancers performing the hula kahiko practice movements, utilize instruments and wear accessories that are reminiscent of ancient Hawaii and were used as tributes to Laka, the goddess of hula.
Instructions
1. Sway your hips from left to right and from front to back. The complete path of your hip movement should resemble the shape of a figure 8.
2. Lift your feet slightly off of the ground with each back-and-forth motion of your hips. This combination is the principal movement of the hula kahiko.
3. Listen to the chanter and the percussionist. As the beat speeds up and slows down, adjust the pace of your hips and feet.
4. Step out with one foot, extending your arms in the same direction of your foot. Repeat this movement in the order that you choose to the left, to the right and to the front. After each extension, bring your body back to the center and resume the principal movement.
5. Squat down to the ground and raise your hands to the air, then raise your body up and resume the principal movement. Do this following the rhythm of the chanter and the percussionist. Perform this as the background noise becomes softer, slower or more dramatic.
6. Clap your hands or clasp sticks or flat rocks together. This mimics the noises made by ancient kahiko hula dancers through instruments made from bamboo, rocks and gourds.
7. Repeat Steps 4 to 6 in the order that you choose. Listen to the chanting and the percussion, and move in response to the background noise. Remember that the purpose of the hula kahiko is to become a character and to help tell a story.
Tags: hula kahiko, principal movement, your hips, background noise, chanter percussionist, Hawaiian dance, left right