| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 04/06/2008 : 04:15:02 AM
|
Does anyone know where I can find the rules for Merrie Monarch. I am interested in what the judges look for when they score. I have read AHA web site that `auana song has to be entirely in Hawaiian, yet I have heard some songs with one or two English words. I wonder what are the rules for costuming, musicians, etc.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo nui loa.
|
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
|
|
hwnmusiclives
`Olu`olu
USA
580 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2008 : 07:17:26 AM
|
Wanda, rules be damned! Last night was not about competition. It was simply the most glorious night of hula... Maybe ever!
I couldn't ruin such a wonderful evening by scribbling notes in my program. But fortunately I have an excellent memory and when I am in front of a PC again (not this Blackberry) I will try to recreate the evening.
I will say that the California halau made an excellent showing (including an unexpectedly traditional turn by Mark Keali'I Ho'omalu's ladies and gents) as well as a halau from Vegas who performed a medley of songs sung by Maui's own Richard Ho'opi'i .
Other music legends - yesterday and today - that lent a hand or a voice were the Makaha Sons, Ho'okena, Kanilau, Kehau Tamure, Napua Greig (accompanying her own halau), Natalie Ai Kamau'u (accompanying mom and dad's halau), Aaron Sala, Ale'a, and members of Na Hoa and Holunape. |
Join me for the history of Hawaiian music and its musicians at Ho`olohe Hou at www.hoolohehou.org. |
 |
|
|
ypochris
Lokahi
USA
398 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2008 : 6:05:37 PM
|
Personally I think it has far more to do with politics than rules.
When I lived on the island I always did my best to see the Kahiko competition, which I prefer. Sometimes this meant hitting the crowd in front of the gate up for extra tickets, but I was usually able to get in- although I never did remember to bring a pillow!
One time stands out in my mind for two reasons. First of all there were several performances that were simply the best I had ever seen- absolutely spectacular! But the last performance was one of the worst I had ever seen- supposed to be Kalakaua-period, so overdressed and stiff I could hardly call it dancing. My girlfriend really wanted to leave because it was so bad and because after it was over it would be difficult to get through the traffic. I didn't want to go because it was disrespectful, but it was really bad and she convinced me to do it. Caught some stink eye and comments for disrespect, though!
Afterwards I really wanted to see which of those great acts had won the competition. Went over to my friend's who had a T.V., and guess what?
The winner was the halau that was so bad we had walked out on them!
So it isn't who wins- what matters is which one tells you a story, excites you, makes you jump to your feet and applaud, makes you want to take up hula. The one you wish would never end, not the one that makes you wish you had brought a pillow...
Chris |
|
|
|
PuaLynn
Lokahi
USA
120 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2008 : 11:59:22 PM
|
And when listing the musicians, don't forget local Hilo musician Kihei Nahale-A who played back up guitar and sang along for Mark Ho'omalu, Napua Greig, Sissy Kaio and others, for both wahine and kane 'auana. These local musicians are very generous with their time and talents. Hilo is blessed to have them.
And as to judging ... for the group dancing, the order of performance results from where the group placed in the previous year. So, seeing the "last group" place 1st is not really a big surprise. I've been told that in the very early days, a halau would dance and then each judge would hold up a number !! Can you imagine?
For me, one of the most moving 'Auana numbers was Kumu Karla Aikona's "Holei" as her ancestral home is Kalapana, ravaged by Pele. Her Kahiko was also very fresh and powerful .. Pele traveling to Hawaii, the "land-eating woman" as the Kumu has described her in the program blurb.
All in all, a wonderful and exhausting Merrie Monarch. We had interesting seats this year one row back from the photographers and the rolling camera on its track. While there were moments of distraction, it was great to see the detail of the dancers' faces, hands, preparation at the start and to smell all the wonderful adornments. Plus I have to confess a seat is much easier to deal with than the concrete stands at this stage of my life. But, I would happily take any seat just to be a part of this amazing event. |
Me ke aloha,
Lynn |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
