Week 44: The Hula People

We have another hula-filled weekend. This is the weekend of Ia ‘Oe Ka La Hula Festival and Competition competition in Pleasanton, California. This weekend, different halaus (Hula schools) from all over the world display their skills and the dances that they learned this year and compete to be best group in their category. It is quite a festive event.

The T-shirt that I am featuring is not from the competition, but it is from one of the family hula traditions that my husband and I started. Around October, we go to San Francisco to enjoy Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu’s annual hula show. We look forward to their production each year. Their dance company, led by Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakane. not only dances to traditional dances but also to modern songs. As an example, this year, they danced to one of my favorite songs, “True” by Spandau Ballet. I think my favorite one is when they danced to “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. My husband and I really enjoy watching Na Lei Hulu’s shows and other hula shows. Na Lei Hulu’s performances are beautiful and almost have a Las Vegas quality and precision.

This t-shirt is probably the second one that I bought. I try to buy one each year and have probably never missed a year. I really love this shirt. I particularly love the back: It says “Ka Po’e Hula” or "The Hula People." For me, it represents the dancers, who practice their craft with so much dedication and commitment, the kumu hulas, who are dedicated in transmitting their knowledge, not only about dance, but also on culture and tradition, the musicians, and of course, the audience who enjoy seeing these shows year after year.

 

Although the dancers this weekend are not in a professional dance company, the caliber of dancing this weekend would be the same. These hula groups have been practicing for months. Before and after their performance, their hula sisters and brothers cheer them on. It can be a loud electric atmosphere. Also, not only are they judged for dancing (and they have to be synchronized), but also costuming and language. ‘Auwe! It is a huge commitment, indeed.

We would not expect any less from Ka Po’e Hula.