How to choose the right mele for hula.

The idea that the Star Spangled Banner, music from Pocahontas, America the Beautiful and songs by the Goo Goo Dolls, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face etc. etc etc. can be used for hula brings us to the subject of what songs are appropriate for hula.  I sat in on a lecture several years ago by Ka'upena Wong, master chanter, who shared his expertise on mele.  He painted a very clear and concise definition of mele, oli and mele hula that I've expanded on but would like to share with everyone as a foundation for selecting appropriate mele for hula.

Mele is the general term used to refer to poetry, chant and song.
We can divide this category into two major divisions, oli and hula.

Oli is Hawaiian chant, never danced to and is always chanted in the Hawaiian language.  There are many functions of oli that cannot be discussed in its entirety in this setting, but in general oli are used for pule (prayers), aloha (greetings), mo'oku'auhau (genealogies) and there are chant styles and vocal techniques that are associated with these categories.

Hula is the general term used to describe dance.  Hula can divided into two major categories.  Hula Kahiko, ancient style Hawaiian dance, is always chanted in the Hawaiian language and accompanied by traditional Hawaiian percussion instruments.  Hula 'Auana, modern style Hawaiian dance, can be divided up into two major categories:  Hawaiian, songs in the Hawaiian language and Hapa Haole, songs about Hawai'i, its land, people and culture in the English language.

Hula songs should be performed to mele (chants/songs) that fit into these major categories.  Not all songs about Hawai'i, its people and culture are appropriate for hula.  Hula rhythm is 2/4 tempo.  Waltz tunes are not appropriate for hula, its a waltz tempo in 3/4 and hula steps are in 2/4......

Not all songs about Hawai'i are composed with hula in mind so be selective about what songs you choose for your hula.  If it doesn't feel right or flow naturally it might not be the right song....

Attached find a clip from Dancing Greener, our University of Hawai'i dance concert happening this weekend..Feb 11-13 at Kennedy Theatre on the Mānoa campus.  Choreography by Vicky Holt Takamine.  The opening song, Singing Bamboo composed by Maddy K. Lam is sung by my brother Albert Holt.  It's a perfect example of a Hapa Haole song & hula.  The second is a hula 'pū'ili, A Kona Hema, sung by Kapaliula deSilva and is a good example of a hula 'auana in the Hawaiian language.

E hula kākou!