After seeing a show in Hawaii, Vicki Johnston, of the Village of Fenney, fell madly in love with hula. Johnston is a writer, and she stated one of the things she likes about hula is that the dances tell a story even if people don’t understand Hawaiian.
Hula is a Hawaiian dance that incorporates gestures, music and chanting. According to Britannica, it was originally a ritual dance intended to increase abundance, worship gods or praise the chiefs.
Johnston claims that hula practice has helped her physical and emotional health. Many dance routines, she explained, require her to bend her knees, which improve her legs and hips. Her core muscles have improved as well. Because hula dancers are frequently on the move, Johnston claims it has benefited her by lowering her blood pressure, enhancing her balance and increasing her flexibility. Hula is also adaptable to a wide range of athletic abilities. People who are unable to walk, according to Johnston, can still partake by sitting in a chair and moving their arms.
Johnston also appreciates the social side of hula. She organizes the Aloha Friends of Hula club, which meets twice weekly. Johnston claims that her mental health has been aided by her friendship with other hula dancers.
“We all support each other in difficult times through thoughts and prayers,” Johnston said. “Everybody feels connected. If you miss a class, someone wants to check on you, and you can’t underestimate the power of a good laugh.”
Above all, Johnston encourages people to adopt hula in order to participate in its beautiful tale.
“One of the dances we are doing now is a love story about a couple that’s separated, and watching the hand gestures reaching out is really beautiful,” Johnston said. “You can see waves rolling at the beach, how the moon dances across the sky, the stars coming out, birds flying; you can see all that. It’s a joy to watch and learn how to do that yourself.”