Informative Preparation Outline

Informative Preparation Outline

Speech Topic: Two Major Forms of Hula

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the two major forms of hula.

Central Idea/Thesis: The two major forms of hula, Kahiko and ‘Auana, have played an important role in Hawaiian history, and each have distinguishable characteristics that make them easily identifiable when performed.

INTRODUCTION

Attention Getter: A Hawaiian Chant E Ila no Kawika o ka heke ao vapua. Ea ea. Ea ea.

Credibility Statement: I first started dancing hula at the age of seven. I have participated In recitals, the Keiki Hula competition, and school functions until the age of eleven. At the age of 14, I started dancing professionally in a Luau show.

Relevancy Statement: Living in Hawaii you are bound to see hula performances. The performers could be strangers, your classmates, or even your friends. If you have already seen a hula performance you will be able to recognize if you saw ancient, modern or both hulas after this speech. If you haven’t yet seen a performance, you will learn how to distinguish between the

two forms.

Preview of Speech: Today I will tell you about the history of the two major forms of hula and help you identify distinguishable characteristics of each.

The two major forms of hula are:

1. The ancient hula or Kahiko

2. The modern hula or ‘Auana

(Link: Let’s start with the ancient hula.)

BODY

I. The ancient hula or Kahiko is a unique form of hula and plays an important role in the history of Hawaii.

A. In an interview with Kuulei Punua, at her hula studio of forty years, she said that “For the Hawaiians, hula was their means of history before having a written language.” 1. Generation after generation the history of the Hawaiian people were passed on by hulas and the chants accompanying them. 2. Still today, Kahiko can be translated into some Hawaiian history.

B. Using the hands, the ancient hula usually told the stories of Hawaiian legends which were of the Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses. When it wasn’t about legends, It was in honor of the Kings and Queens of Hawaii. 1. Noted Hawaiian Historians, Kelly and Pukui In their Anthropological Record “Hula: Historical Perspectives” recorded that such legends as those portrayed in the ancient hula were long adventurous journeys. 2. A single dance would capture one aspect of the legend.

a. For example, one dance would be about a storm that one character had gone through while on this Journey.

b. A dance could also be about the anger the characters faced at one point of this Journey.

C. Akako Kaeppler author of “Hula Pahu: Hawaiian Drum Dances”contends that Kahiko can be easily recognized by its distinct characteristics:

1. First, performers wear serious, with unsmiling faces.

a. It is disrespectful to smile.

b. Dancers refrain from displaying emotions

2. They dance to chants and the rhythm is emphasized with a drum.

a. Their motions are stern.

b. Their motions are precise but not jerky.

3. The color of their costume usually represents the God, Goddess or Royalty they are dancing about.

a. For example, red usually represents the famous Goddess of Fire, Pele.

b. Purple is sometimesused to represent royalty.

(Link: Since we know a little about ancient hula, let us now turn to modern hula.)

II. The modern hula or ‘Auana has been around since the missionaries arrived and has developed into a unique form of dance.

A. Keko Makaha, a local Hula authority, states in his book “The Hawaiian Hula” that Since the 1820’s, ‘Auana was aimed more toward entertainment.

1. The sailors and merchants recruited native dancers when they ported in Hawaii.

2. They failed to understand the simple interpretive movements of the dancers and understood it to be purposely attractive and stimulating.

3. The visitors focused on mime rather than the spoken words.

B. The modern hula is another way of telling a story using the hands. Most ‘Auana songs were stories of lovers or about the love and beauty of nature.

1. Performers danced to songs sung in Hawaiian or in English.

2. These songs were accompanied by music played by the ukulele A Portuguese adopted instrument. It can be described as a miniature guitar.

C. ‘Auana can be distinguished from Kahiko by its distinct characteristics.

1. The facial expressions are of joyous, devoted character.

a. Smiling is one of the most recognizable features.

b. Conveyance of emotions through facial expressions was common.

2. The hand motions are smooth and elegant balanced with gracefully swaying hips.

3. The highlight of a dance was the visual quality of all the movements flowing together.

(Link: Now we know how to identify the two Major Forms of hula.)

CONCLUSION

Summary Statement: Hula is a term used for referring to Hawaii’s folk dances.

The two major forms are the ancient hula or Kahiko and the modern hula or

‘Auana. Kahiko is now danced mainly as an art form or as evidence of ethnic

identity while ‘Auana is a folk tradition danced for entertainment. They have both

played an important role in the history of Hawai’i.

Audience Response Statement: The next time you are watching a hula

performance see if you can identify which form it is — Kahiko or ‘Auana.

WOW Statement: (Chant) – E Ila no Kawika o ka heke ao vapua. Ea ea. Ea ea.

WORKS CITED

Barrere, D. B., Pukui. M. K., Kelly, M. (1990). Hula: Historical Perspectives

(Bishop Museum: Pacific Anthropological Records #30). Honolulu, HI: Bishop

Museum Press.

Kaeppler, A. L. (1993) Hula Pahu: Hawaiian Drum Dances (V. 1). Honolulu, HI: Bishop

Museum Press.

Makaha, K. (1976). The Hawaiian Hula Honolulu, HI: W.W. Distributors Ltd..

Punua, M. A. Kuulei (Kumu Hula) Hula instructor for fourty years. Personal Interview at her

studio on September 28, 1996