Hula ʻAuana
Also known as: Modern hula, ʻAuana
History & Cultural Context
Hula ʻauana is the modern form of hula that developed after Western contact, danced to melodic string-band music and song (with instruments such as guitar, ʻukulele, and bass) rather than chant alone. Its movement is softer and more flowing than kahiko while preserving hula's narrative hand and hip vocabulary. It is the hula most often seen in public performance, yet remains rooted in Hawaiian culture and language.
Cultural Significance
A living Native Hawaiian cultural form; though secular relative to kahiko, it carries Hawaiian language, story, and identity.
Characteristic Movement & Technique
Flowing hand and hip motions narrating song lyrics; melodic phrasing.
Partnering Dynamics
Solo and group.
Competitive Context
Widely performed publicly; ʻauana competition categories (e.g. Merrie Monarch).
Regional Variations
Hālau and island lineages.
Common Misconceptions
ʻAuana is the modern secular form—not 'fake' or lesser hula—and is distinct from the ancient sacred kahiko; both are authentic.
Dance Lineage
Track Your Hula ʻAuana Progress
Practice Hula ʻAuana figures between lessons with Figure Focus — step-by-step breakdowns, floor diagrams, and progress tracking. Free to use.
Sources & Further Reading
Cultural & Historical Context
Hula ʻAuana emerged from Hawaiʻi during the 1800s—present day. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.
Primary Source Documents
The Library of Dance contains public-domain primary sources for dance history. Copyrighted modern syllabi are indexed with purchase links to their respective copyright owners. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.
Last reviewed: June 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.
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