Hula Dancing

The history of when hula dancing first began is not known some even believe that it could have been brought to Hawaii by individuals who migrated there. The origination has not been agreed on and there are many different islands that state the dance came from their land. Hula dancing has also been associated with various gods, goddesses, and individuals in Hawaiian culture. It does not really matter where hula dancing originated from what is really important is how important it is in their native culture and in today's time. 

The art of ancient hula started off in worship form and was used in religious ceremonies; hula had an important part in the culture of Hawaiian people. It was common for training centers of the art of hula dance to be positioned close to temples that were dedicated to them. Hula dancing was very well-respected. The training centers were extremely strict and people who attended them had to follow certain protocols. The centers had rules regarding conduct, grooming habits, eating, hierarchy, and even relationships. 

Dancers would wear leis on their head and shoulders, skirts, and anklets that were made out of dog teeth or whale bones. In traditional times a dancers words held more value then how they moved their hands. 

When protestant missionaries begin coming to Hawaii they had a great influence over the island's culture. The missionaries did not approve of the practice of hula dancing and in 1830 the queen who had been converted to Christianity forbid dancing from being used in public performances. This was the very first time that hula dance was not considered a positive thing and placed among religious honor. In many parts of the island the banning of hula dance was ignored and when the queen finally died in 1832 it was as if it never was put into place. Natives continued practicing the art of hula dance especially in the more rural parts of the island. Even though there was pressure from the Christians the natives stayed true to their tradition and started incorporating other instruments that they were introduced to from other cultures that had made themselves known ever since James Cook visited their land. 

Hula dance was put back in its rightful place among Hawaiian culture and no longer had to be done in secret because of King David Kalakaua. He had the dance performed at his 1883 coronation and also at his 1886 jubilee celebration. This officially removed the disapproval of hula dancing by royalty. Ever since these two events hula became more public and maintained its importance among Hawaiian culture.