Hula Is More Than a Dance—It's the 'Heartbeat' of the Hawaiian People | Short Film Showcase

Experience the ritual and beauty of the Hawaiian tradition of hula dancing in this immersive short film by Bradley Tangonan.

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On the Hawaiian island of Kauai, hula teacher Leina’ala Jardin guides her hālau (class) in a sunrise chant before the anniversary performance. This Kumu Hula (master teacher) holds the important responsibility of passing on the tradition of the ancient art form to her students. In this immersive short film by Bradley Tangonan, experience the ritual and beauty of the hula as Leina’ala Jardin reflects on the invaluable role the dance has played in continuing their cultural heritage. “The Hawaiian people did not have a written language, and it was the hula that kept all the stories alive.”

Produced by MVNP in partnership with Hawaii Tourism USA.

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Hula Is More Than a Dance—It's the 'Heartbeat' of the Hawaiian People | Short Film Showcase

National Geographic

[NatGeo]

For the Hawaiian people, hula is not just a hobby or a pastime, but the heartbeat of the community. What do you think of the significance of hula in Hawaii?

[KHobbies_cina]

Them in a circle and dipping in the ocean is so majestic and tranquil

[fucdbpv]

i'm glad they're protecting the culture. cause culture keeps the history alive, and it's the history that keeps people together.

[AzlianaLyana]

This is so beautiful. I hope this tradition will continue to be passed on generations to come. It's a very interesting way to keep the history of Hawaiian people alive. Thanks National Geographic for sharing.

[angelawhite]

This was so beautiful, I wish It was longer.

[kellythayer]

Mahalo for the honor of this hula presentation as Lahaina is rising from the ashes this morning.The crisis is real on Maui right now. Please send your prayers and your aloha to the Maui people.

[kapno]

This brought me to tears. Being a Hawaiian myself, growing up I wanted little to nothing to do with the Hawaiian culture. Now, I regret that I didn’t spend more time exploring my Hawaiian identify with the cultural practices such as hula.

[xochitllee]

Indigenous stories must be preserved in tradition. I am so glad they are able to carry this one into the next generation. It’s how we show the oppressor we are not gone 🙏💯

[KKnits]

May the hula and Hawaiian people live long and always. So much grace and beauty. Thanks for sharing this beautiful clip.

[tjreid]

Words alone cant describe how mesmerizing and illuminating watching such grace in movement is.. Breath taking to see all the formation of Hawaiian people as they walk into the Ocean .
Thank You National Geographic
For sharing such Visuals
Sincerely Tanja

[bhuthemanakuma]

I don't know everytime I hear the chant of the Hawaiian music I feel at home and I'm not even close to being an Islander

[eam]

And the US tried to destroy this beautiful culture :( so happy to see that a lot of their history and tradition hasn't been forgotten and still lives on

[Kahumpton]

Captured the essence and importance of hula for kanaka maoli (native Hawaiians). Sadly, this art form was almost destroyed by colonization and Christian influence. Grateful our people still resisted and practiced in hiding to keep our language, our histories, and our spirit alive. Hula is more than a dance...thank you for educating the masses in a powerful way.

[ikaikaxkeahi]

Proud to be Hawaiian, God bless us Hawaiians and this

[dannyy]

I always thought that the Hawaiian culture is one of the most beautiful in the world!! Hula is such a beautiful form of art and expression

[myaaroha]

just like the Hula, the Haka is the heartbeat of the Māori people. there was a time when Haka was forbidden and it was also a sad time. with Hawai’i and Māori culture, i see so many similarities. i’m not hawaiian myself however i speak a small majority of my ancestors tongue (Te Reo Māori) and still i see so many similarities between both cultures. simple things like counting to 10 & more complex things. the respect we have for our culture and the respect that the Hawaiians have for theirs is so similar. not only do we relate through the good, but also through the mamae (pain, hurt, bad). i am not Hawaiian but i would one day love to learn the language and the Hula’s. aroha nui❣️

[amicifriends]

I saw this on a movie 5 mins ago, I liked it so much to come here and search its meaning. It’s one of the best traditions I’ve ever heard in my life… I don’t know the right words to express how amazed I am, but I can say that it is absolutely fantastic. I would love to see it in real life and learn more traditions of your beautiful country😍

[lifeinkorea]

Dancing helps you to stay physically and mentally fit. Even more so, dancing regularly can improve your general well-being, boosts your self-esteem and has also been shown to improve your social skills. Love from Korea🇰🇷💕

[christy_yms]

WOW. This video just got me in tears. Thanks for sharing!

[abbydoodles]

This was so beautiful. Culture is incredible. People are amazing (some people).