Hawaiian Hula is much more than just a dance. Hawaiian Hula is a choreographed interpretation of a poetic text. All dance movements are determined by the words of a song.

In Hawaiian language, poetic text is called mele. If there isn´t mele, then there isn´t also Hula. Hula means a dance. 

Traditional Hula is called Hula Kahiko. Hula Kahiko (´U´umi Ka Hanu):

• Ancient

• Performed only by locals

• Singing and chanting

• Music is often /art melodious

• Movements are vigorous

• Costuming is indige/arus
   

Modern Hula is called Hula Auana. This dance is allowed and can be performed by everyone, who would like that. Hula Auana:

• Modern 

• Westernized performance style

• Melodic, harmonical. Music is soft, romantic and sweet

• No chanting

• Movements are soft, tardigrade

• Costuming is often western apparel
  
  7 main Hula movements:

• Kaholo 

• Hela

• Double hela

• Uwehe

• Lele` uwehe

• Kawelu

• Ka´o
   

Hawaiian Hula Auana dance costumes differ a lot from Tahitian ones, because they are less disclosing. Stomach should always be claded! Dancer may wear a green leaf skirt with a blouse or a long colourful dress.

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Hawaii Hula may also be performed by men.

 

Hapa Haole Hula is a dance, which is performed by white people. This is more exciting that the traditional Hula.

 

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Tahitian dance (Ori Tahiti) is a dance, which contrary to Hula has a accent on hips. Tahitian dances are energetic, happy and rhythmic.

Tahitian dance can also be called a drum dance, which is usually performed in groups. It can be performed alone, but the show is certainly much more efective with many dancers. Tahitian dances are performed by men and / or women.

Tahiiti aparima is profoundly a drum dance, without any words.

 

Tahitian dance costumes differ a lot from Hula ones. Dancers usually wear grass skirts and bras (coconut or fabric bras). Costumes are decorated with shells or flowers and head coverings.

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