*Also see the Teaching and Primary Sources box in the Links tab of this guide.
Upper School Faculty!
Cultural and artistic expression are invaluable components of society.
Complications quickly arise during cross-cultural experience and/or exchange.
This lesson examines attitudes that arise from such encounters when considering dance, with an emphasis on Hula. A large focus is placed on giving students the opportunity to reflect personally and critically on the archival and contemporary materials presented. Students will exercise primary source literacy, visual literacy, and critical thinking skills while creating inferences to answer document and audio-visual based questions. Prompts can be accomplished via written assignments, either formal or informal, and/or class discussion.
The following is primarily intended to complement your existing teaching units, and has potential application for courses in the following academics departments: Performing Arts, History, English.
Grade: 9 - 12
Location: Classroom or 'Iolani School Archives. Adaptable for Distance Learning.
Context
Despite Hawai'i's remote location, and in some cases because of it, the islands and nā Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian People) have been subject to various acts of colonialism. Such encounters carry repercussions in all aspects of daily life, including political and religious perspectives.
Cultural and artistic expression of hula was banned under the reign of Queen Ka'ahumanu by reason of her conversion to Christianity.
Although such restrictions were eased after her death, hula was not seen in a large scale public context until the reign of King Kalākaua who placed it prominently in the celebrations of his coronation.
Critical Analysis and Reflection
The Past
-- Read the following press coverage of the celebrations --
Content warning: the article has an overall negative tone toward the monarchy; includes strong, derogatory and racist language toward hula and nā Kānaka Maoli.
Excerpt:
"The fact is, unfortunately, plain and undeniable that Kalakaua is looked upon as the patron saint of the hula in a far greater degree than was Kamehameha V, as much as he countenanced it."
---> Critical Thinking Prompts:
-- Read the following article about 'Iolani's hula hālau --
Excerpt:
"The atmosphere at Kualoa Regional Park on May 19th was charged with the electricity of controlled excitement and eager anticipation of hundreds of dancers waiting for the program to begin and their turn to perform."
---> Critical Thinking Prompts:
The Present
-- Group Discussion --
Do you think such prejudice as reflected in the Saturday Press article happens or can happen in current times?
-- Watch the 2020 NFL Halftime Show --
-- Read the following mainstream press coverage of the event --
---> Critical Thinking Prompts:
-- Read the following Latino community press coverage of the event --
ACTION NEEDED: After going to the above link, click English in the Google Translate dialog box (upper right).
---> Critical Thinking Prompts:
Dance as cultural representation and expression
-- Group discussion --
When it comes to artistic cultural expression, do you think there is a "right" or "wrong"?
Hawaiian Journal of History
Hawai'i State Archives
Bishop Museum
See Also
Past and present 'Iolani Kumu Hula include:
Content warning: the following list includes articles that have an overall negative tone toward the monarchy; includes strong, derogatory and racist language toward hula and nā Kānaka Maoli.
See Also
For additional information about Hula articles in Chronicling America see: