Laka is the Forest –
Hula & the Environment
A Dance-Illustrated Lecture
Saturday, May 17, 7:30
pm
Location:Santa Barbara City College, Fé Bland Forum,
West Campus
Guest Artist:Kumu Hula (Hula Master), Kehaulani Kekua
with her 2 lead dancers
of the Traditional Hula School of the island of Kaua’i:
Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai
Sponsored by The Institute of World Culture
The traditions of hula are inextricably connected with the wildwood of
Hawai`i’s native forests.
In this vibrant presentation, selected chants and dances will
illustrate the transmission of Hawaiian environmental knowledge from hula
Master to pupil. The kumu hula (Hula Master) conveys to the student the
responsibility to nurture the life of the forest. In her exposition, Kumu
Kehaulani Kekua brings to light the sacred ecology taught through the
protocols and practices of a traditional hula school. The extensive
curricula of a traditional halau (hula school) include knowledge of
native Hawaiian plants prescribed to the guild of hula. Chanting affirms
and maintains the sacred relationship between the hula disciple and the
living beings of the earth and heavens.
Price:
$15 General Admission, $5
Students/Seniors (cash only)
Laka is the Forest – Hula &
the Environment (continued)
Ecological
Overview:
Native Hawaiian forests are
the sanctified abode of ancient Hawaiian deities whose mana or spiritual
energy continue to inspire procreative cycles of some of the rarest forms
of native flora and fauna. Without the physical interference of mankind,
the forest is a place where every living organism is genetically
engineered by nature to regenerate itself. From a Hawaiian perspective,
life and living is contingent on the sustenance provided us through the
watersheds and natural resources of the land. Thus, encouraging the
progress of pristine growth reinforces the health and continuance of
humanity.
Laka is the patroness of the hula. Laka is the forest. She dwells in the
highest, most sacred upper regions of the islands…on the ridges, in the
valleys, as well as in the wet bogs that crown the summits and slopes of
Hawai`i’s volcanic mountains. Laka’s forests enable for the islands’
rivers and streams to disperse nourishment to the social structure of the
land…all the way to the shore and out to sea.
Kumu Hula, Kehaulani Kekua - Hula Master of the school Halau Palaihiwa O
Kaipuwai - will expand upon the spiritual philosophies of hula,
highlighting the importance of Hawai`i’s fragile environments. “For
today’s contemporary hula practitioner, a healthy native forest is
necessary for our existence and cultural survival,” says Kumu Kehaulani.
“We trust deeply in our ancestral memories and the wisdom that is deeply
rooted in the `aina or land. Our decisions that we make today are
dependant on this precious source…enabling a balanced progression into
this modern day and time and for the traditional hula practices that will
continue into the future.”
Kumu Kehaulani
Kekua:
The Institute of World
Culture proudly announces a rare visit from Kumu Kehaulani Kekua, Master
of the ancient hula tradition of Kaua’i. Drawing upon Hawaiian culture,
history, dance, and chanting, Kehaulani and her two lead dancers will
offer a wide-ranging selection of workshops and presentations in Santa
Barbara from May 16-19. More information is available at
www.worldculture.org
.
Born into a family of hula Masters, Kehaulani Kekua was chosen by her
grandmother at birth to perpetuate the teachings of her ancestors
established centuries ago in the celebrated hula temple (heiau) of
Wahiawa, Kauai. Kehaulani acknowledges the late Kahuna Wahine,
Mahinake`oke`o Kele who first inspired her to seek the truth and
knowledge of Hawaiian ancestral beliefs and customs in spirituality. With
a life-time of formal training in Hawaiian ceremony and protocol, Kumu
Kehaulani Kekua hails from an ancient oral tradition transmitted by some
of Hawai’i’s most revered masters. One of her great gifts is her unique
ability to share without compromising her Hawaiian heritage with the
outside world.
Institute
of World Culture •
1407 Chapala Street, Santa
Barbara, CA 93101
•
(805) 966-3941
•
www.worldculture.org