“I’m coming to your class so I can ‘Shake It’.” This was said to me while I was standing outside Aloha Style studio. I should be used to phrases like this. I’ve heard them since I started taking Hula lessons some 28 years ago. Phrases like: “So….Hula…I guess you can really shake it.” Or, “So….Hula…I thought you had to be Hawaiian to do that.” Or, “So…..Hula…what do you wear under your grass skirt?” And, my “favorite”, “So….Hula…how do you keep that hoop up?”
Even though I have gotten used to these misconceptions, they continue to frustrate me. I always wonder whether or not it is worth it to explain Hula. I try to size the other person up. Should I tell them that Hula is a complex art form, and there are many hand motions used to represent the words in a song or chant? Do I tell them that Hula can be both reverent and playful? Should I explain that Hawaiian songs or “mele” sing about the beauty of creation and stories of love? Dare I explain “Kaona”?
So…Hula. I might tell them that when I Hula, mind, body and spirit unite. Hula is at once relaxing and energizing. I feel connected to the music and the spirit of the song. When I dance with my Hula sisters, I am connected to them. As we move to the same rhythms we share the physical and spiritual space. That is so………..Hula.
So…Hula. If you are looking to “shake it”, try Tahitian or Zumba. But, if you want to Hula, “E komo mai. Nou ka hale” which means “Welcome, my house is yours. ….so hula.