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HAWAII - HULA : A Hip Tradition

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Author Topic: HAWAII - HULA : A Hip Tradition  (Read 11894 times)
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Bianca
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« on: September 16, 2007, 09:54:32 am »


MISS ALOHA HULA 2007
Keonilei Ku'uwehiokala Kaniaupio Fairbanks danced to the mele "O Ko'u Aloha Ia Oe" during the 'auana (modern) portion of the Miss Aloha Hula competition at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Fairbanks, who belongs to Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa'ahila under the direction of kumu hula Maelia Lobenstein-Carter, won the competition






Miss Aloha Hula, as one might imagine, is part beauty pageant winner, part mind-blowing hula dancer. Dalire won the title in 1971, a time, she says, when the contest was open to anyone "over 18 and ready to step into the limelight." She hails from a long line of dancers—she's the seventh generation—and her three daughters followed suit. They each individually won Miss Aloha Hula, in 1991, 1992 and 1999.

Dalire believes the Miss Aloha Hula contest births many kumu hulas. That may be true, but the path to becoming a hula master is not universally agreed upon.

Each hula school has its own particular steps and rituals. Several kumus seemed reluctant to describe these, instead uttering the Hawaiian proverb, "All knowledge does not come from one," when pressed about them. Dalire says students must study Hawaiian history, culture and language, as well as dance. Malama Chong, a protégé of Fonseca's, says lei-making and costuming are also important.

In addition, students may be required to heed kapus (taboos), including abstinence and food restrictions. "It's a serious undertaking that requires years of training," Chong says.

Indeed. Hula has again taken its place as a proud and integral part of Hawaiian culture. The next time you hear Elvis crooning "Rock-A-Hula Baby" on Turner Classic Movies, remember Dalire's parting words:

"We don't always run around in grass skirts—they're only for sharing hula. We're modernized as much as anyone else."

And, for the record, she's never worn a coconut bra.



                                                                       
                                                                         DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
                                                                         Bernice Alohanamakanamaikalanimai Davis-Lim
                                                                         performed last night during the kahiko portion
                                                                         of the Miss Aloha Hula competition. Davis-Lim
                                                                         won the title of Miss Aloha Hula 2006
                                                                         with 1,164 points.



Mimi Kirk is an editor and freelance writer in Washington, D.C.


www.Smithsonian.com
« Last Edit: September 19, 2007, 07:08:13 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

Your mind understands what you have been taught; your heart what is true.


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