Hālau hula
Halau hula is a school in which the Hawaiian dance form called hula is taught. Within the halau hula, there are three categories that individuals are placed in. The kumu hula or teacher conducts the class and is usually the founding member of the halau hula. There is an alaka'i or assistant teacher who helps the teacher conduct class but is not the achieved status of kumu at this point. The haumana or student is the individual who learns and uses the instructions given by the kumu.
History
In ancient times, halau hula training was strict. Haumana were put on kapu or forbidden rules of conduct which banned the cutting of hair and the practicing of any kind of sexual activity. Presently halau hula each have their own set of rules for their haumana. Many halau hula today still enforce the ancient kapu of cutting one's hair.
Curriculum
Four basic steps are commonly used in all halau hula. The kaholo, or travel step usually consists of four beats. This step is probably one of the most common, especially for beginning students of hula, when a mele or song is danced. The kaholo is often the dance step used during the "vamp," musical measures between the verses of songs.
The hela is a step occupying a one beat count and requires one to point out one foot at a time in front of one's body. The foot slides forward just above, and parallel to, the ground in a graceful point.
The `uehe is done by lifting and setting back one foot then elevating both heels and pushing the knees forward rapidly. Depending on the style of `uehe, the knees may move straight forward or at angles of up to 45 degrees from the center line. The lifted foot alternates.
The ami requires the dancer to rotate his or her hips in an eliptical motion while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground.
Each of the steps has many varients.
All of the basic steps in hula require the shoulders to remain steady and both knees to be in a bent position at all times.
Notable halau hula
- Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu, Kumu Hula Sonny Ching (Honolulu)
- Halau Hula Olana, Kumu Hula Howard and Olana Ai (Pearl City, Hawaii)
- Hula Halau 'O Kamuela, Kumu Hula Kaui Kamana'o (Kalihi/Waimanalo, Hawaii)
- Na Lei 'O Kaholoku, Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap and Leialoha Amina (Kohala, Hawaii)
- Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Kumu Hula Mapuana de Silva (Kailua, Hawaii)
- Halau Hula a Kawika laua 'o Leinani, Kumu Hula Kawika Viloria and Leinani Viloria (Los Angeles)
- Keali'i 'O Nalani, Kumu Hula Keali'i Ceballos (Los Angeles)
- Aloha 'Aina, Kumu Hula Verena Kainz (Salzburg, Austria)