|
In old Hawai'i, the people love to tell
stories of bravery and love, and tales of the gods. And when the story was important -
like the birth of a king or the miraculous feats of Madam Pele - the words of the chapters
were illustrated in a dance.
The type of Hawaiian hula accompanied by chanting and drums is called
"hula kahiko," or ancient hula. The movements of the dancers are kept low to the
ground and are very dramatic.
Each year, at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, hula schools called
"halau" bring their dancers to the little town of Hilo on the Big Island of
Hawai'i to compete and demonstrate their hula skills. These lovely dancers tell ancient
stories, and shine like stars in the constellations of Hawai'i's glorious past.
Here is a little bear named Hoku Li'ili'i, who wants to be adopted by you.
Hoku means "star" in the Hawaiian language, and li'ili'i means
"little".
Hoku Li'ili'i loves to dance. She is the little star of her halau, the best
dancer. |
