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Kumu Hula: Keepers of a Culture

This edition presents a documentary about the ancient Hawaiian art of hula, a dance practiced since the early Polynesians arrived in the islands around 500 A.D. Beginning with a brief overview of the history of hula and definitions of Hawaiian hula terminology, this program focuses on interviews with, and performance footage of, the "kumu hula" (master teachers), who have been largely responsible for keeping this art alive through the centuries, and who express strong feelings about the primary importance of the hula tradition in maintaining a unique and vital Hawaiian culture. It is explained that each kumu hula leads a "halau" (school of dancers), and these halau fall into two major styles of hula currently danced: "kahiko" (ancient hula), a mixture of dance and chants, featuring traditional Hawaiian percussive instruments; and "'auana" (modern hula) modern dancing and singing with western instruments. Performance highlights of these two forms are contrasted to illustrate the differences. Included are interviews with and/or footage of the following kuma hula: Aloha Dalire, Pua Kanahele, Nalani Kanaka'ole, George Na'ope, Charles and Nina Maxwell, Frank K. Hewitt. Also included is the following: footage of the various halau dancing at hula festivals and in pieces performed specifically for this program, including "animal dances" from three islands -- Elaine Kaopuiki's "turtle dance" from Lana'i, John Kaimikaua's "dog dance" from Moloka'i, and Nina Maxwell's "lizard dance" from Maui; and footage of the movie "Waikiki Wedding" (1937), with Bing Crosby and Shirley Ross, for which Louise Leiomalama Beamer served as dance and language advisor.

English
  • Originally Aired July 12, 1990
  • Runtime 25 minutes
  • Network PBS
  • Created July 15, 2021 by
    poopbucket
  • Modified July 15, 2021 by
    poopbucket