CulturalFest Countdown: Meet Hui Hoaloha 'Ulana
This year's CulturalFest Performance Showcase will feature 10 performing artists from around the world on the Meany Hall stage. Read on to learn more about one of this year’s performers, Hui, and watch them on the big stage on February 25!
How did your group begin? Tell us a little bit of your story.
Hui Hoaloha ‘Ulana translated means “A group woven together in friendship,” and that is what we are! Our club was formed out of love for the Hawaiian islands, and while most of Hui is comprised of people who grew up in Hawiai, there are also some members from mainland U.S. or elsewhere who also have a love of the islands. Every year in the spring, we put on a Lu’au, a celebration with good island-style food and music, and this year we’ve been finding ways to share Hawaiian culture outside of the Lu’au as well!
What do you hope the audience will take away from your performance? What do you hope they will learn about the culture that your performance represents?
We hope that with our performance at CulturalFest the audience may come away with a better understanding of Hawaiian culture. Hula is one of the major ways in which Hawaiian culture is passed on and kept alive through the generations, and as such, it is considered sacred. Many people don’t actually know much about Hawaiian culture, and even locals from the islands may not understand it fully. A common misconception is that hula is grass skirts, coconut bras and dancing on the beach, when in reality Hula - and the Hawaiian culture - is so much more complex and spiritual. So if there is one thing that we hope the audience understands, it is that hula is not just a pretty dance, but a very special and meaningful art form that carries the stories of a people.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about your performance?
The two dances we will be doing are “Aia lā 'o Pele i Hawai'i” (Pele is at Hawai’i), and “Holoholo Ka’a” (Car Ride). The first is a kahiko, or a more traditional style dance that features a more traditional style of costume as well as a drum and chanting. That chant itself speaks of the legend of Pele, the fire goddess, destroying the land of around Puna in a fit of rage. It can also refer to the active volcano and lava flow on the big island as something the inhabitants must learn to live with. The second song is an ‘auana or a more modern style of dance that features ‘ukulele music and beautiful vocals. This song speaks of taking a joy ride through the countryside, imagining the sights, sounds, and feelings of a lively island tour. We hope you enjoy our performance!
Join us for our celebration of the diversity and talent that international students bring to our community!
CulturalFest Ticket Information:
General admission tickets are on sale now for $15 online or at the door. Discounted student tickets are available for $10 in advance at the FIUTS office (HUB 206).