Hula in the Coola

Hula in the Coola. The Hub Radio Show for Monday February 1, 2021. View the completely aloha playlist for 02-01-21 (CLICK HERE)

Fontaines DC , Little Dragon & Moses Sumney , Ian Sweet , Wax Tailor 

It may be cold outside, but today people venture out to hula, and maybe even have a luau, regardless of temperature. The hula dance goes back to ancient times, and different Hawaiian islands claim to be its birthplace. Its creation is steeped in myth and legend, and most stories connect the beginnings of hula dancing to Hawaiian goddesses. It is accompanied with a chant called an oli, or a song called a mele. The words of the oli or mele are expressed in dance form. There are different types of hula dances, and there are two main categories. Hula kahiko is ancient hula performed by those native to the islands; it is done with chants and musical instruments. Hula ʻauana evolved with Western influences in the nineteenth twentieth centuries; it is accompanied with Western-influenced musical instruments such as the guitar, ukulele, and double bass. Hula dancing can be done while sitting, which is known as the noho dance, or by standing, which is known as a luna dance. Some hula dances use both types.