Youngsters really, step onto the stage, but when the chant begins you become enthralled. So confident, graceful and thrilling. As I watch ,I admire the ability to step onto a platform and perform as though they were born dancing. The leis, hakus and costumes can take time and money.
Pain and hours and hours of practice is all behind them now as they immerse themselves into the past.
It is time for the Hula Oni e competition 2013 at the Hilton Hawaiian resort.
They aren’t just beautiful and graceful, they ARE the hula. In deep concentration, aware of every move, the face betrays none of this but relaxes as it tells the story.
My grandson has been dancing for about 3 years now and enjoys every step he makes. He has poise and confidence and executes his moves perfectly.
When his and other performances are done pockets of audience disappear. We’ve managed to get our photos. I’ve managed to get back up with my camera from my kneeling position without falling over. I join the exodus. The families, excited, file out the doors and down the hall to greet and hug their kids and add their, “job well done.”
In the past I’ve tried to show some of the behind the scenes as well as types of performances watched. But this year seemed different. As families and friends we have come together now for a few years to watch. In doing so we’ve grown more and more involved as we see the kids mature and grow in their art.
So I thought I would share the love and pride that is shown among families and friends back stage. There are also a few behind the scenes shots that I thought were colorful.
While waiting to perform these two boys kept each other entertained. “I’ll take a photo of you then……you take a photo of me.”
completely dressed to perform but keeping warm while they wait.
These girls might have been from Japan as groups do come over from there to compete. They are concentrating on something. It might not even be performance related
These young girls were adorable. They may even be related. But they were all dressed up and waiting and family started to take photos so I did too.
I took a photo of these two as no one had a camera so I photographed them for one of the relatives and emailed it to them.
This guy was relaxing with a cool drink of water and wearing his socks. I love photos that are so out of context. It remind me of the admonition that entertainers are no different than us because they have to put their pants on one leg at a time. 🙂
Then when I went back into the auditorium to watch more hula here was the guy who was drinking water. He got up their as cool as could be and gave a powerful, solo performance.
This guy was posing and having a lot of fun while waiting to go on
The kids are close in each halau as close as family and they gravitate to each other after their performances.
The grandparents grab the kids making sure to get their photos together.
These two siblings compete in the hula and with each other.
Grandma has something special for her girl.( I just love how beautiful and long Kili’s hair is gettingProud father
By now the kids are getting tired and want to be with their friends but wait. There are more grandparents
And Dad wants a photo with his son
Mom is back again with both kids now
And even the mentor who helped my grandson to stay on track throughout the competition steps in
and though my grandson has on his hat and is ready to make it he has still more family that wants those photos.And last but not least I manage to get into one shot, all washed out from running around trying to take everyone’s photo.
but that’s what family is about and we support the kids in their endeavors. But families here in Hawaii extend beyond blood.
The most important family in hula life is the Kumu. You can see the admiration for kumu Snowbird on Kili’s face.
And of course there are the hula sistersAnd the hula brothers.
And the very touching love of friends.
I’ve said it before but I can’t say it enough. What touched me most about living in Hawaii is how much children are loved. They, are to be seen, and they, are to be heard.