How did you become interested in your dance style/genre?
I grew up in Hawaii so naturally was introduced to Polynesian Dance at a young age. The first time I saw a Tahitian performance I was hooked and vowed I would learn the dance someday. As a kid I wore Tahitian Costumes around our apartment and would dance with the girls on the television. Most of what I learned, at a young age, was Traditional Ote’a, but around 6-7 years ago I learned Tahitian Fusion. The modern style mixed with traditional I found to be just as fun and a great workout. I became interested in Hula at a later age, around 9-10 years old. I always enjoyed watching Hula, but it wasn’t until 4th grade when I got elected to be the Princess of Oahu for a May Day performance, that I got hooked. Since Polynesian Dance is part of the Hawaiian and Tahitian Culture(s), the Physical Education programs in schools I attended incorporated the learning of Hula and Tahitian. I continued to dance in May Day performances for the schools I attended, along with doing a solo performance at my Tutu’s (Grandmother) funeral, doing a performance at graduation with my whole class, and joined a professional dance troupe 7 years ago in Northern California named Wildfire (we did Fire, Bollywood, Vaudeville, Bellydance, Bhangra, etc), for whom I danced and choreographed Polynesian pieces (even with fire). Even though I am now far away from home (Hawaii), Polynesian Dance is still a part of my life.
What do you enjoy most about it?
I enjoy the fact that Polynesian dance incorporates its culture. The dances are not just a form of art, but are significant and also symbolic of its culture. The dances are used in ceremonies to the gods, prayer ceremonies, a personal greeting to guests visiting the tribe, told the myths of the tribe, and even used to attract or seduce a mate. Besides the historic and other significant content of Polynesian dance, it can also be a great work out. Tahitian is fun and sexy, and the costuming is elaborate, fantastic, and shows a lot of skin. Hula is also fun and a great workout, but I would say it is more subtly seductive. The costuming for Hula has a much broader range from formal MuuMuus to tribal tea-leaf skirts and shell bras. No matter what, Polynesian dance emphasizes and brings out the romantic and seductive side of women that we sometimes hide; along with working out muscles that create and form our feminine bodies.
Where does your style of dance come from? What are its roots?
Tahitian Dance—This is from www.eHow.com by Caitlin Kelly (I think this answers the question perfectly): It isn't certain when or how Tahitian dancing originally developed. It is a practice that dates back to ancient Tahitian people and their Maohi ancestors. Early native Tahitians had complex systems of religion, etiquette, social structure and artistry. This included dance and music. Troupes of professional dances, called Arioi, traveled the island and performed at ceremonies and celebrations. Dance was an important and popular cultural expression in Tahiti, but it suffered a setback during the 1800s. Early British colonists and missionaries who came to Tahiti found traditional Tahitian dances provocative and offensive. These dances usually included revealing traditional costumes, and some sensual movements and subject matter. In 1820, the British colonists abolished most forms of dance in Tahiti. Revival: Traditional dance was illegal in Tahiti until the early 20th century, when it began a slow and hesitant revival. Traditional costumes were not used during this period, and only the hands, feet and face of the dancer could be exposed. In the 1950s, the revival of Tahitian dance gained momentum, and there was a movement to preserve and revitalize the traditional styles. The style had been influenced by European presence and interaction and the changing religion of the country. Despite the cultural changes in Tahiti since the dances were first born, Tahitian dance has regained its importance as a unique expression of Tahitian culture and history. Hula: According to Hawaiian history there is no information available as to who performed the first hula dance or why, however it is a common agreement that the original hula dance was performed by a god or goddess, making the dance sacred to Hawaiians. The origination of the hula was used for rituals and ceremonies, however this changed over time and eventually the hula was a dance used strictly for entertainment. In the past, the rules regarding the hula dance were very strict and individuals involved in hula dancing school were required to follow them while they were learning how to dance. Students were required to follow all rules and behave properly while obeying their hula teacher in all requests. Some of the rules stated that hula students could not cut their fingernails or even their hair. Other rules stated hula students could not engage in sex nor could they eat certain foods that were forbidden. When dancing the hula individuals truly must become one with the dance and the actions, objects, or images they are imitating in their hula dance. The hula is a very meaningful dance and every movement of the body represents something. In addition to this, the hands are very important in the hula dance as well. The hula dancer is telling a story through the movements of the body and hands and as a result it is very important to watch. You will notice the difference if you see a portrayal of old style hula dancing compared to new style hula dancing. While both are still hula dancing and fun to watch, the first is more ritualistic and the second more entertaining.
Who are some of the icons in your style of dance? Have you ever trained with them?
For Tahitian, the Grande Danse de Tahiti Troupe is probably the most well known. They perform internationally and sell out almost all of their shows. This is a travelling performance group/troupe. As far as ones that win competitions (all over the world), I am not sure. It can vary from year to year, competition to competition. I have unfortunately never trained with the Grande Danse de Tahiti Troupe. Workshops in Tahiti for Tahitian dance by international professionals are offered and anyone can attend. For Hula, it depends on who wins the competitions and festivals. One festival that is world renowned is The Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii. I know that last year’s Overall Women’s (Wahine) troupe that won is called “Halau Ke’alaokamaile.” In fact, the next date for the Merrie Monarch Festival is April 24-30th, 2011. If you have cable television, I encourage everyone try to find the festival for it is sometimes broadcasted on the mainland; in Hawaii it is on local channel 4 or 5. Anyway, I have not trained with any of the Halau’s, for they are very restrictive and are not “class” oriented….you have to audition for them. Other workshops and classes are offered through individual teachers and the YMCA or YWCA in Hawaii, and/or on the mainland.
How should students feel when leaving your class?
Sweaty because they got a great workout, energetic, excited about life or what’s potentially next, sexy, and even happy. All my current students are happy ladies and leave class with a smile on their faces.
Do you have any advice for current or potential students?
My advice for my current students is that you all keep persevering and having fun, there are so many more fun moves to learn. My advice for potential students is that you should give the class a try. Other advice for potential students who may feel unsure because they have limited or no dance experience, or feel like it’s not for them, to remember that Polynesian is meant for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Not only is it a great workout, but the beginner moves are simple and straight forward. I am also an easy-going instructor and want my students to feel comfortable; so for any potential students with physical problems/injuries please inform me because I will adjust movements for you to comfortably do. You never know if you like something till you try it.
What sort of music do you use for class? Suggest for practice?
I use a modern twist on Polynesian music from “Fenua” and also traditional Tahitian drums. When I concentrate on a session with completely Hula (coming up soon) it will be Hawaiian Island songs. I would suggest Traditional Tahitian Drums for Otea practice—one cd would be “Tahiti Dances to Drums of Bora Bora and Papeet.” Hawaiian songs for Hula practice—some artists are “The Makaha Sons,” “Na Leo Pilimenhana,” and “Keali’i Reichel.” For Tahitian Fusion, I would suggest “Fenua” or anything with a mix of oriental and Tahitian drums. I highly suggest you look on Amazon.com for artists and music. Tahitian music is a little more limited, so anything on Amazon would work. Hawaiian music has so many artists that I suggest you take your time and listen to samples from any artist you find. For Hawaiian music, one good site is: www.mele.com/resources/artists.html.
Where can students buy costuming/merchandise for class or performance?
All of these companies are on the internet: www.alohahulasupply.com, www.etsy.com, www.blackpearldesigns.net/pareo.html, www.hulasupplycenter.com. Note: Many of the Polynesian costumes are Handmade so can be expensive, but absolutely worth the money. I do encourage that students learn how to create/make their own items for costuming so that way they a) save some money, b) feel good about making something for themselves, but c) get a learned experience with another aspect of the culture the dance form is from.
What is your favorite thing about World In Motion Dance, Movement and Music Center?
My favorite thing about World In Motion Dance, Movement and Music Center is the variety of dance forms and art forms that they offer. It is hard to find a place that offers a variety of classes that are rooted from all over the world; at World In Motion, people can find this, which is excellent!
For more info about Malia's class or any of our classes, visit our website!
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