hula & music scene

[rosebud]

Just reading the posts on racism, I am almost afraid to ask. We hope to move to the Puna area in a year or so. I would like to take Hula classes. As a haole will I be welcome? I have done international dancing for twenty plus years and am a great respecter of cultures. My partner plays the guitar and ukulele. He would love to play with others for recreation. Is this a possibility in the Puna area? Thank you. Rosebud

[StillHope]

Rosebud,I don't know if you used the search button.There's lot posted on the topic.
If you want a digest-things happen,but be nice and people will be nice to you in return.Most of the time.

[Guest]

You will have no problem getting into a Halau because you are "Haole". In fact, I think it's great when "Haoles" immerse themselves in the Hawaiian Culture.

Many beginner classes are full with them.

A good starting place for your information you seek is here although the summer classes have already been filled up.

Click through the site for more information.

I know many Haoles that excel in Hula. With your experience, you should be able to pick it up in no time.

P.S. I'm from the Mainland originally as well.[]

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It is the way, the way it is

[Kelena]

The Hula is practiced worldwide. Channeling someone else's fears just gives life to them. Racism in Hawaii has very little to do with Hawaiians. People confuse localism with racism. And they confuse "locals" with Hawaiians. But the general rule holds true, do unto others as you would have them do unto you......except of course there may be others that you want to do unto and you may not wish them to do exactly the same thing unto you. But if you keep it positive what they do unto you, although different, may be very positive.

People that are in a hula halau are all about love for the most part, but I suspect every halau is different. It's like learning judo. Some judo instructors will practically insist that you speak Japanese, will immerse you in the teacher-student relationship and require that you be culturally reeducated before you make a move.

And some judo instructors will just show you how to throw someone over your shoulder.

[EightFingers]

I just had a laugh....thinking of me doing the hula.......

It is my understanding that the "hula" tells a story. In the old days, it one made a wrong move, the dancer was killed. Glad it's not like that today!