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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 06/28/2008 : 10:04:49 PM
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This is a very good video to watch for several reasons.
First of all, the hula is fantastic. It is meticulous. Every move, every word, every oli, every mele.
Second of all, some of you folks better get rid of the stereotypical point of view that only mahus dance hula. Some mighty manly men dance for kumu Robert. Plenty of stories about having to fight to prove themselves when they first started dancing with the halau. These guys are not ashamed to make lei, to make malo, etc.
Thirdly, it gives a behind the scenese glimpse of what it takes to prepare for Merrie Monarch.
Fourthly, there are some good appearances of one of my all time heroes, Wayne Chang, who was a hula brother of Robert's when they were learning from their kumu. They uniki'd at the same time as Mapuana de Silva and Vickie Holt Takamine. A pretty illustrious graduating class, yeah? Wayne is the man behind Paul and my interest in all things Hawaiian, as our first trip to Hawai`i, he was the "cultural expert" on our NCL cruise ship. And what an expert he was! Is! And if you think Puakea Nogelmeier has a lovely voice, listen to Wayne Chang.
But most of all, it gives a mighty look at kumu Robert. Whoa. One tough teacher. He will chew you up and spit you out. I've known all along that those taught by Auntie Maiki were strict traditionalists and strict in their rules and honor for the hula. But yikes, Robert many times seems almost cruel to his hauman. I guess in the long run it paid off, though. Robert himself, though, said that Auntie Maiki chastised him for being so mean. Eveentually he said it dawned on him that when the students did not get what he was teaching, it was because he didn't teach it right, not because of a failing in the students, so I reckon he has mellowed a bit over the years.
There are some nice extras on the video, as well. Many interviews with students and others involved in theOne thing that really impressed me is that Robert said he does not charge his haumana anything. He said they raise funds when they are needed. He also said that is what his musical career with Roland is for to help fund his halau. Some nice talk story with Roland, as well.
This is a film that should at least be viewed by those who love hula, but moreover, should become part of the video library of those who are serious about it and want to aid in documenting the hula. If people help support the marketing of films such as this, perhaps there will be more.
PS: I got the video in three days from the time I ordered it. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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