Hula Dancing For Men

There are many ways that people tell stories and communicate. In the Hawaiian Islands the method for telling stories is not only graceful and beautiful but is also thrilling to watch. Most people forget when they are watching hula dancing that story telling in Hawaii is not something that is limited to women. Men are story tellers as well, they just tell stories in a different way than women and so, naturally, hula dancing for men is a practice that is not just a part of Hawaiian history but is important to hula dancing as a whole.

The Hula Auana is the dance that is most commonly seen by tourists. Dancers tell a story using smooth and graceful movement and dance. The Hula Auana is performed in an entertaining manner with costumes that enhance the movements and graceful hand motions. There are usually many instruments involved and music, light, and contrast are used to bring meaning to each movement.

Hula Kahiko, the more traditional dance is what most people identify with hula dancing for men. This dance involves chanting, percussion, discipline, strength, and is story driven. The costumes are traditional and do not change to please an audience. This type of dance is performed with a reverence and a more spiritual attitude toward the purpose of the story that is being shared.

Historically hula dancing began when a person was very young. Boys were introduced to hula dancing as naturally as fishing or playing ball. Students grew up with their teachers and knew them as well as they knew other members of their immediate family. With their teacher they worked toward perfection of the dance discipline and techniques through adult hood. Then continued their lessons with their own children.

This changed drastically in the 1980s' and hula dancing for men is only now beginning to make a comeback and enter the mainstream. There are many reasons that young men have difficulty with entering hula dancing. This is an art form that takes an extreme level of commitment and dedication. The effort in perfecting the steps and movements require the same type of attention that an athlete gives to any sport.

Whether a man wishes to learn Hula Auana or Hula Kahiko they will be required to develop skills and techniques that they may not be comfortable with at first. Men who dance are trained to be athletic and gentle, strong and sensitive, and aggressive and graceful, all at the same time.

When a dancer is gleaming in the firelight of a Hula Kahiko performance it is because of the intensity of the dance and the strength that is required to control every muscle, every movement, every breathe through the dance.

There are many benefits to hula dancing for men. This is a great way to lose weight, learn new skills, and develop a new understanding of the inner strength. The benefits and advantages far outweigh the effort that will be needed to be successful. By attending classes regularly an individual can develop long term friendships with others who are dedicated to preserving the culture of Hawaii. 

by Hula Jack - 

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Hula Dance