Originally Posted by Rev. Rob Large

The olelo (words or speak) at the beginning of each kahiko is, for lack of a better word, a summary of the story or history of the mele (song) that is about to be performed. Not only does she execute it flawlessly, she does it with amazing speed. ****, I can't even speak English that fast. It's a way of showing your mastery of the olelo. This is, then, extended to the hula itself since the hula is the physical (versus verbal) conveyance or expression of the mele. Master the olelo, master the hula.

For each kahiko, the dancers are judged on a whole gambit of categories -- the power and strength of delivery, accuracy of moves in expressing the olelo of the kahiko, fluidity of the movements, etc.

Kayli Ka'iulani Carr kahiko:


Her 'auana (modern), in complement to her kahiko, is a display of grace and captures the emotion of the mele, not only in her movement, but in her facial expressions as well.

Kayli Ka'iulani Carr 'auana:


One review I read called her performances something that is almost never used to describe a hula: perfect.

Originally Posted by rupees88

We need science and culture from you Samir.