More than just a dance
This photoshoot was extra special to me because it was for my sister who also decided to put her passion into a business but more than that because it took me back to the simple days of being a keiki growing up in Hawai'i.
Hula and photography share a common thread. Both are arts meant to keep stories alive.
In a way, I am grateful we couldn't coordinate with a lei vendor. Weaving the lei po'o (haku lei) took me back to being a keiki and watching the aunties weave our skirts and lei. All the love they put into them, but more than that, the community they wove into us as well.
And now we get to see the next generation carry on those traditions of old. With the grace of their hands, strength of their bodies, and determination of their hearts, these keiki hula dancers are the new leaves in this woven community.
And now we are the aunties.
It was such a beautiful experience joining the other mamas and keiki to celebrate the art of hula, and it is something I'd love to continue to do each year! I would love to make more space in our lives for hula and this woven community we call home.
Here are 3 things you might not have know about hula, taken from Little Hoku Hula's Instagram page.
"1. IT'S SO MUCH MORE THAN A CUTE LITTLE DANCE.
From an early age, hula has the power to build confidence. It's often a lifelong journey, and many take great pride in developing their skill. Most dancers can master basic movements and simple hand motions fairly quickly, but patience is needed to become more graceful. This usually requires a great amount of effort and endurance. Hula gives students the gift of rising to personal challenges while making a contribution to a group effort.
2. IT HELPED TO KEEP A LANGUAGE ALIVE.
Tragically, Olelo Hawaii (the native Hawaiian language) was legally banned from being used in island schools for 90 years. As a result, many stopped speaking it out of fear of the repercussions. Children growing up during that time often missed the opportunity to speak the language of their heart. Yet, culture and ideas continued to be expressed through this ancient dance, which encompasses art, music, poetry, and storytelling. Hula kept the aloha thriving and helped to preserve a very culturally rich language.
3. IT'S A WAY OF LIFE.
Hula gives a peek into times past, a time when the law of aloha (yes, this is an actual law) came into effect, and the majority were already following it. The aloha spirit is a deeply intricate part of hula and perpetuates this unique set of values. Hula has traditionally been passed down from generation to generation and continues to strengthen the bonds of each ohana that choose to honor the island ways of living."
Follow her on Instagram at @littlehokuhula
