Hula History: Dance Form Used as Archival Record by Ancient Hawaiians

Hula, the Polynesian dance form that originated in the Hawaiian Islands, was used as a historical communication method among the indigenous peoples of the "Aloha State."

This coming Tuesday, dance instructor Tina Marie Momilani Eggert will shed some light on that artistic epoch through descriptive direction and delightful dancing during "Family Hula Instructions" at Elmwood Park Library just outside of Chicago. The event goes from 4 to 5 p.m. on July 12.

Speaking to the Chicago Tribune in promotion for the upcoming affair, the instructor discussed hula's ancient importance as a prehistorical teaching tool: 

"Hula was the only way for the Hawaiians to have records of family and genealogy and history of monarchs and legends before the missionaries showed them how to write," said hula dance instructor Tina Marie Momilani Eggert. "Hula was the only way Hawaiians had to keep these stories for generations and generations."

As Momilani Eggert mentioned, hula was an essential part of everyday life for native Hawaiians -- especially in its role as an educational-historical device, pre-missionary contact:

"Before Western contact, hula was danced for social enjoyment but its chants also preserved epic tales, myths, history and philosophy. A dancer's rigorous training and performance were taken seriously with dancers paid and materially supported by the ruling [hereditary line]."

"Family Hula Instructions" isn't the only thing happening at Elmwood Park Library this summer -- the suburban media center has a slew of enlightening activities scheduled for the season. An "Adult Coloring Club" will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, and a family game of life-size Jenga will be played at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 28. The library also exhibits a classic film every Friday at 1:30 p.m. for "Film Lovers Friday."

Registration for all of the library's upcoming events (for both children and adults) is available at their website, www.elmwoodparklibrary.org. Don't miss out on these exciting educational opportunities near Chicago this summer!

Watch a quick and informative piece on historical hula in Hawaii right here:

We want to hear from you. Let us know if you like to hula dance in the comments section below!

TagsHula, Hawaii, Tina Marie Momilani Eggert