Keiki Hula Dancing in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. It’s also home to many different types of dances, but did you know there are specific ones just for kids? Keiki Hula Dances are a fun way to introduce your children to Hawaiian culture while exploring something new.
This type of dance is very similar to regular hula, but Keiki Hula is done in a group with different levels of involvement. Keiki hula usually isn’t as complicated as the standard, and it usually focuses more on moves that are popular for kids.
Kids Hula evolved from the ancient Hawaiian tradition of teaching children the art of hula. Keiki Hulas are typically performed by a group of 4-10 children and, contrary to popular belief, is not limited to traditional dance moves. Keiki Hula has many different styles including modern Keiki Hip Hop, Keiki Old Style, Keiki Circle, Keiki Chant and Keiki Action!
As with Keiki Hula, Keiki Hip Hop is also done with a group of children. This style uses hip hop dance moves and is performed to modern music. Keiki Old Style, Keiki Circle, Keiki Chant and Keiki Action! are more traditional styles using chant and choreographed movements.
Keiki Hulas can be performed in either grass skirts or hip hop apparel. Keiki Hula Dancers usually get involved through community groups, dance schools and the Risser Keiki Hula Competition held annually at the Hawaii Convention Center every August.
In Keiki Hulas there are generally three groups of dancers; Keiki In Training, Keiki Novice and Keiki Competitors. Keiki In Training dancers are usually between five and seven years old; Keiki Novice dancers range from eight to thirteen years old, Keiki Competitors can be as young as six or seven years old and continue until they’re nineteen
Why is hula important to Hawaiians and why should we care about it today
The first reason childrens Hula is important to Hawaiians is because it’s part of their culture and history. Keiki Hulas are a way that Hawaiian children are able to learn about their past through hula. Keiki Hula also teaches Hawaiian values, such as love, respect, friendship and discipline. Keiki Hula emphasizes the idea that if you work together as a team, then the whole is greater than the individual; just like in hula, Keiki Hula can only be successful if everyone works together. Keiki Hulas are important to Hawaiians because they help preserve not only their culture but also their history.
The second reason Keiki Hula is important is because Keiki Hula reflects the culture, history and values of Hawaiians. Keiki Hulas teach others about Hawaiian beliefs and traditions. Keiki Hula also preserves Hawaiian culture by passing it on from generation to generation in a way that’s understandable and enjoyable for children. Keiki Hulas are important to non-Hawaiians because Keiki Hulas give them insight to a culture that is different from their own.
Keiki Hula Dancers practice year round in order to perfect their moves and routine. Keiki Hulas are performed at Keiki Hula Competitions, Keiki Hula Festivals and Keiki Luaus. Keiki Hulas usually showcase dances that are easy to do because it’s hard for children to learn complex dance moves. Keikis also perform at special events like Sweet Sixteens, Graduations and Weddings.
Keiki Hula is great for kids of all ages because it teaches them about Hawaiian culture while still being a lot of fun. Keiki Hulas are usually performed in schools, festivals and even some hula shows (including Keiki O Nā Keikis). Keiki Hula Competitions are held all over the world every year including Hawaii, Canada, Korea and Japan!
What are the origins of keiki hula and how does it differ from standard hula
Keiki Hula evolved from the ancient Hawaiian tradition of teaching Keiki (children) the art of hula. Keiki Hulas are typically performed by a group of Keikis and, contrary to popular belief, is not limited to traditional dance moves. Keiki grow up in Hawaii learning Hula as a wayof life. It is taught in Halau’s (classes).
How can you start teaching your children or students to dance ʻauana style
Hula is not just about learning a dance, it’s about teaching your Keiki life lessons through the movement of the body. Keiki hula classes are normally taught by one or more Kumu Hula (teacher) who already have their own Keiki Hula classes in which they teach. In Keiki hula classes, you will teach Keiki how to dance in a fun and interactive way that they like and enjoy doing. ‘auna style is a little different from other Keiki hula classes, that it is not about teaching the Keiki a dance or songs.
‘auna style dance Kids Hula
‘Auana Keiki Hula is a fast moving style of hula for children and can be composed of motions only, actions only or both together. Keiki Hula are often performed at family events such as luaus. Keikis (children) perform dances with their parents and/or other family members. Keiki Hula is often accompanied by chants or songs. Keiki Hula is introduced in Keikis kumu hula (children’s teacher) classes at an early age and progresses to Keiki performance dances later on. Keiki dance routines are fast-paced because Keikis have short attention spans.
If the dancers are performing Keiki Hula to a song, they must be able to hear the music and move together. Keiki Hula should not be performed if Keikis cannot hear the music well or are not aware of their movements in relation to other dancers. Keikis can use Keiki hula as an opportunity to give them experience with performing kahiko (ancient) style hula before they learn the kahiko dances. Keiki Hula can be performed in front of an audience or just for fun with other Keikis.’
This is a great Keiki Hula activity because it teaches basic teamwork skills.
The future of keiki hula in Hawaii
Keiki Hulas are dances made for Keikis, the young children of Hawaii. The Keiki Hula Competition takes place every August at the Hawaii Convention Center. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian culture and Keiki Hula. Keiki Hulas are usually performed at community Keiki Luaus and school Keiki Hula Competitions. Keiki Hulas originate from ancient Hawaiian traditions and are a great way to teach children about Hawaiian culture both past and present
The Keiki Hula Competition is an annual event that started in 2000 and is the only of its kind within Keiki. The Keiki Hula Competition was created as a place for Keiki to gather together, learn from each other and perform for their audience. Keiki Hula is organized by Keikiland Lilikoi.
Keiki Hula is designed for Keiki ages 5 to 14, and this year there are two Keiki Hula Dance Categories: Keiki Hip Hop and Keiki Hula. Anyone with a Keiki of any age who wants to dance can join in the Keiki Hula fun! Keiki Luaus are another great way to share Keiki Hula with ou Keikis. Keikis are encouraged to bring their parents and other family members as they enjoy a Keiki-style luau within the community. Keikiland Lilikoi hosts Keiki Luaus throughout the year, and Keiki and Keikis alike enjoy Keiki hula performances, traditional Keiki entertainment, Keiki games and activities as well as Keiki food booths. Keikis are taught that Keiki Hulas are about much more than just learning to dance; they’re also about building a sense of pride in being Hawaiian.