It is our pule (prayer) and kuleana (responsibility) that we provide and be disciplined in hālau hula education to honor Ke Akua (God), ‘ohana (family), Kānaka Hawai‘i (Hawaiian people), our hula and ho‘ōla lineages and our Kumu Hula and our desire to align with Kamehameha School’s language and cultural competencies. The Mainland USA Extension is in the progress of documenting its Hawaiian Language, Culture and Hula Competencies Program for incorporation.
The following was provided by Kumu Hula Leihi’ilani Kirkpatrick, the founder of our halau and mainland USA extension, with permission to make amendments at the discretion of her Alaka‘i (leader) Auntie Kahānoa Floresca. Statements regarding Kumu are hereby to be applied to designated Alaka'i.)
… is not a “dance class” where we pay for a service, come to class, learn new steps, and then leave. Hālau hula embraces ‘ohana (family) values. Hālau members have a relationship with each other. We are connected.
…is a place where we strive for lōkahi. We are unified in mind, intent, goal and movement. Though we may be made up of individuals, we are one unit.
…is not just dance/movement; it is a Hawaiian art form that perpetuates history, traditions, culture and language.
…is where there is a very defined teacher/student relationship.
• Nā haumana (students) traditionally begin class with an oli (chant) requesting permission to enter and asking for Kumu’s blessing. However, traditions may vary from hālau to hālau, depending on the desire of each Kumu.
• Nā haumana address their Kumu with the title of “Kumu _________”, “Auntie/Uncle _____________” or the name that that Kumu prefers to be called.
• Nā haumana show love and affection for their Kumu by extending a greeting of alohā (i.e. hug or kiss).
• Nā haumana show respect for Kumu (and learn best) by listening first, then asking questions.
• Nā haumana line up for class and do not leave or take a break unless they’ve been given permission by Kumu.
• Nā haumana do not take for granted the time, effort, and love that their Kumu has invested in them.
…is where students show mutual respect for each other.
• Nā haumana show love and affection for each other by extending a greeting of alohā.
• Nā haumana all work together toward the same common goals.
• Nā haumana help each other out.
• Nā haumana are all of equal value.
• Nā haumana help and encourage each other.
• Nā haumana build each other up.
• Nā haumana work as a team (lōkahi).
…is where we not only value each other, but each other’s property and belongings. When we borrow costumes or adornment we take proper care upon receiving, using and returning what we’ve borrowed.
…is a tradition of protocol and discipline. Because there was no written language in the past, hālau protocol was very structured. This strict protocol kept the Hawaiian traditions, stories and history from changing from generation to generation. Although it is not the same today as it was in the past, hālau protocol is still highly valued and adhered to in today’s hālau traditions. (In Auntie Kahānoa’s absence, Uncle Kūpono is in charge to mālama (care for) the hālau hula.)
• Only Kumu teaches. We learn our oli, mele and hula from Kumu, and not teach others, unless we receive permission first. This applies to all instruction received by designated teachers of protocol, customs, traditions, crafts , etc.
• We only perform hula in public with the permission of our Kumu. The exception would be kanikapila style (informal family/friends type settings). To perform solo in a public setting without Kumu’s presence, the following must be met: one year hālau hula membership attendance, testing and obtaining approval of Kumu. There are exceptions made at Kumu’s discretion.
• Hālau members never perform hula in public without each dance first being released by the Kumu. In order for a dance to be released it must be thoroughly taught and learned by each student:
• Each student must be proficient in knowing and performing the steps of the hula.
• Each student must have a good understanding of what the song is communicating.
• Each student must understand the kaona (underlying meaning) and mana`o (thought, meaning) of that song.
• If we choose to attend or join another hālau, we must first seek the permission and blessing of the Kumu.
• Students never change any part of a hula that has been taught to them by their Kumu.
HĀLAU HULA TRADITIONS DURING PERFORMANCES
(These were provided by Kumu Hula Leihi’ilani Kirkpatrick, the founder of our halau and mainland USA extension, with permission to make amendments as desired by her Alaka‘i (leader) who is Auntie Kahānoa Floresca.)
• Read all corresponding written communications (handouts, emails, text messages, Facebook Messenger Messages, etc.) carefully and follow the instructions.
• Noncompliance with these communications may result in forfeiture of participation in performances.
• Arrive at place of performance dressed nicely and modestly. No mini dresses, short shorts, or low cut tops.
• Arrive at place of performance when Kumu says. Arrive dressed appropriately.
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL AT PERFORMANCE
• No polish or jewelry. No gum chewing.
• If Kumu says hair is to be done, then hair is to be done. If Kumu says arrive with adornment in hair, then arrive as such. (reason: time or changing place is small)
• Prepare all garments and adornments the day before. Make a list and check it twice. Each ‘olapa (dancer) is responsible for every piece of garment and adornment. Do not rely on someone else to bring it. Miscommunication can happen.
• If borrowing anything, get it the day before. Do not assume someone else is going to bring it for you. They have enough to do.
• Bring your costumes in a garment bag. Bring your hula bag for implements, food or snacks (not to be eaten in costumes). Bring your own bag for makeup, hair clips, bobby pins, rubberbands, hair brush, mirror, hair spray, etc.
• If borrowing, do not leave it at place thinking someone else or the owner of the borrowed item will pick it up. You are to bring it home, wash it if needed, and return it to the owner within a few days.
PRIOR TO PERFORMANCE IN DRESSING ROOM
• No gum chewing or eating in dressing room or in costume. Drinking water is acceptable.
• Keep your area of dressing organized and neat. Costumes shall not be placed on the ground.
• Kōkua (help) each other.
• Check each other making sure everyone looks right and the same. (i.e. length of pa’u, leis, hair, etc.)
• Stay in dressing room until Kumu says to go out. Do not leave dressing room whenever you feel ready. If you are dressed and ready and Kumu hasn’t said to go out, then kōkua each other.
• After dressed and Kumu says to go out, posture, behavior, etc. needs to be appropriate. You reflect the hālau, each other, and Kumu’s teaching.
• No running or roaming around. Sit properly especially if seated on ground.
• If people are performing, show hō‘ihi (respect), watch and hāmau (be silent). Always watch Kumu dance.
DURING PERFORMANCE
• Approach stage as rehearsed. Leave stage as rehearsed. Do not fall apart until out of sight.
• While waiting to enter stage – don’t fool around with hair and costume. Do not move around, look around, talk, etc.
• Keep composed in place – looking calm, happy, and smiling especially if waiting is a long time. Sometimes there are glitches with sound or MC is talking a lot, or musicians are still singing.
• Once on stage, do not adjust costume, hair, etc. When dancing, if you drop something like an implement, leave it and do not pick it up.
• When you made a mistake, pretend you didn’t. Do not fall apart, laugh, roll your eyes up, etc.
AFTER PERFORMANCE
• Do not undress unless Kumu says. Sometimes there is encore or picture taking, etc.
• Do not undress and leave dressing area until all packed and area is clean.
• Kōkua (help) one another in gathering and packing up.
• Do not leave dressing area until it is cleaned up.
• After you leave dressing area in clothes you came in, behavior is still important. You continue to reflect the hālau. You have been noticed and people are watching.
