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Polynesian Dance Styles and Implements
Hawaiian Hula
~ Hula Kahiko: Traditional, or ancient, form of Hawaiian dance developed in the Hawaiian islands by the original Polynesians settlers. This style of hula was traditionally danced in ceremony or as an offering, typically performed to mele (chants) accompanied by pahu, or drums of various sizes and types. It is a powerful, vigorous style of dance usually depicting Hawaiian legends, exploits of past royalty or the beauty of nature.
~ Hula 'Auana: Modern form of hula characterized by more fluid, graceful motions based on or inspired by their roots in hula kahiko. It is a less formal style of dance in which the dancers interact more closely with the audience, performed to singing and the playing of string instruments or even (these days) to modern music.
Hawaiian Dance Implements
Ipu: A percussion instrument made from gourds, often used to provide a beat for hula dancing (typically hula kahiko). The gourd is cut off at the neck, hollowed and dried, then polished smooth with sand or sandpaper.'Uli'uli: The most essential and versatile of the hula implements. They can be used singly or in pairs, by both women and men. Small gourds from the la`amea tree are hollowed out and filled with tiny beads or ali`i poe seeds. A handle is attached and topped off with decorative feather-work. Pu'ili: A split bamboo rattle that is struck against itself or against the dancers’ shoulders. Lengths of bamboo are harvested and cut to size. They are split lengthwise with a sharp instrument leaving a natural handle at one end. The sound produced is said to mimic the rustling of the leaves and grass.Tahitian Ori (or Ori Tahiti - Ori means to dance in Tahitian)
~ Ote'a: The famous hip-shaking dance of Tahiti performed to the syncopated rhythm of wooden to'ere and other drums. It is a very vigorous style of dance characterized by fast, sharp-moving hips and still upper bodies. The ote'a is the traditional dance o fTahiti, and probably the most spectacular dance of all of Polynesia, with its elaborate costumes, synchronization and poise of the dancers.
~ Aparima: Also known as the "Tahitian hula." The word aparima means the kiss of the hands, or to tell a story with the hands. It is generally slower and more melodic than the drum-dominated Ote’a, and performed to music and singing. It is usually performed in pareu.
~ Ahuroa: A slower paced form of the Tahitian Aparima. It is traditionally danced in an ahu purotu, or a long missionary dress, to slow, melodic songs depicting love stories, legends, and more.
Tahitian Dance Implements
Tahitian Hand Tassels : Also called II's (pronounced ee-ees), these Tahitian implements are traditionally made from the same bark material as the Tahitian skirts. They're most commonly used in the ote'a, accentuating the hand movements and story-telling aspect of the fast Tahitian dance.New Zealand Implements
Maori Poi Balls: Poi means ball in Maori. Poi is a form of juggling with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns. In Maori culture, the discipline of Poi developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women, including story-telling and singing, choreographed to poi routines.Fire Implements
Fire Poi: Contemporary poi has built upon the ancient Maori discipline, and fire poi is a modification of that ancient art. Instead of rope, the fire poi (made of kevlar wicks) are on steel cable or link chains, and the wicks are dipped in fuel and lit on fire.Makeup Artist/Photographer - Francine Alex
www.FrancineAlex.com
