Merrie Monarch 2006

[Lei Liko]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

That's Mark Kealii Hoomalu, who I mentioned above.

I know he's gotten some criticism from certain people in the community, but I've always enjoyed his work -- innovative and borderline pushing the limits without losing respect for the hula.

And yes, I still love Lilo and Stitch.

[Lei Liko]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Something I'm puzzled by (Merrie Monarch division):

Why were the stands so empty after 8:30 or so? Were those all seats dancers used earlier in the night and then left as they completed their performances? My understanding was that you've got to reserve a ticket a year in advance, so wouldn't you stick around for the whole night?

Let's also remember that Miss Aloha Hula didn't get done until 12:30 Friday morning.

On hula kahiko night most halau don't stay till the end of the night mainly because they have to be up bright and early Saturday morning to prepare for their `Auana. Depending on where the halau is staying, some have lots of miles to drive just to get some sleep. Last year, we stayed at the Kilauea Military Camp (about 30-45 minutes away) so we could avoid the hustle and bustle of Hilo Town.

I even know of some kumu who don't let their halau watch the Miss Aloha Hula competition on Thursday just to make sure they don't lose focus.

The area behind the stage is for halau/VIP only, and security's usually really good about not letting anyone in without that pass around your neck.

[Linkmeister]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Something I'm puzzled by (Merrie Monarch division):

Why were the stands so empty after 8:30 or so? Were those all seats dancers used earlier in the night and then left as they completed their performances? My understanding was that you've got to reserve a ticket a year in advance, so wouldn't you stick around for the whole night?

[zztype]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Keep your eyes on the halau from Dallas, Texas. The group includes one 'Ailina, from Hawaii Threads! She lives and studies Hawaiiana in Louisiana and drove to Dallas to meet and travel together with halau to the Merrie Monarch!

See if you can spot her on TV. I haven't seen them dance yet.

They are called "Hâlau Hula Ho'ola Ka Mana O Hawai'i." You can find pictures of them at 'Ailina's blog:

http://panahula.blogspot.com/

Blaine

[kimo55]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

tanxehmahaloz

[tutusue]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

who was it that was just doing the chanting with academy of Hawaiian arts?very distincive voice i have been hearing here for years...

That's Mark Kealii Hoomalu, who I mentioned above.

[kimo55]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

who was it that was just doing the chanting with academy of Hawaiian arts?very distincive voice i have been hearing here for years...

[tutusue]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

At the risk of offending you purists...

Mark Kealii Hoomalu is BACK! He was a bit more traditional than in previous appearances but, still, there's always an edgyness to his and his dancers performances. Chickenskin, as usual. WOW! It was great to see the return of his halau and to listen to his original chant. They knocked my knee-highs right off.

[tutusue]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Indeed it is. Growing up my older siblings nicknamed me "Chunk" because I resembled the personality...all this despite the fact that I'm female.

Now hold on just a minute, Lei. I know you're new here but did you know that the rule is if you use a photo for your avatar it *must* me an actual photo of you? At least that's what I was told. You don't think I'd use my avatar photo if it wasn't absolutely necessary...do you? I mean, sun damage is not a pretty picture but da rulez is da rulez.

To stay on topic...I stayed home tonight to watch Merrie Monarch and, so far, I'm not disappointed! Hope I can stay awake thru the entire evening and wish I could stay home tomorrow night. When I take my hat off I'm actually dating material.

[Lei Liko]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Question for Lei, is that avatar/picture off the goonies?

Indeed it is. Growing up my older siblings nicknamed me "Chunk" because I resembled the personality...all this despite the fact that I'm female.

[kine1]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Question for Lei, is that avatar/picture off the goonies?

[Pomai44]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Well said.

The dancers are, after all, human beings from the planet earth. They've probably kept their emotions in check throughout the rigors of preparation for the festival. And, as human beings, it's not healthy to continually stuff emotions (whether positive or negative), keeping them inside.

I'm happy for you, kamuelakea, that you found the answer to your disdain by watching the performances and not watching the awards ceremonies. I'm one of those who loves to see the outbursts of sheer joy. Dif'rent strokes for dif'rent folks!

Tutusue I agree, dif'rent strokes. All I know is that I can't dance hula and if I tried they would arrest me, but I do know that if I put in as much work (and it is work) as those kids do, an I won, you couldn't hold me back from expressing the joy that I know would fill me. My hats off to all the dancers they are all winners I feel.

[tutusue]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

[...]I see where you're coming from, kamuelakea. BUT...whatever journeys the kumu and their haumana take to get to the Merrie Monarch, be it cultural and spiritual, I really do believe that all of the above, plus celebration...they are able to co-exist, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Well said.

The dancers are, after all, human beings from the planet earth. They've probably kept their emotions in check throughout the rigors of preparation for the festival. And, as human beings, it's not healthy to continually stuff emotions (whether positive or negative), keeping them inside.

I'm happy for you, kamuelakea, that you found the answer to your disdain by watching the performances and not watching the awards ceremonies. I'm one of those who loves to see the outbursts of sheer joy. Dif'rent strokes for dif'rent folks!

[lurkah]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

Wouldn't it be nice to ceremoniously "honor" the halau and kumu in a spiritual, respectful ceremony. Something classy and quiet. Something you might see in church. Something Hawaiian in sight, sound and smell?

It's been happening every third Saturday in July for the past 28 years at the beautiful Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu, and it's called the Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival which is a noncompetitive hula celebration as opposed to a competition, which is what the Merrie Monarch and the King Kamehameha Day Hula Festivals are.

[Lei Liko]

Re: Merrie Monarch 2006

I simply have the most respect for individuals who do great things and yet are able to temper their response. We used to see that even in sports in the past but now certain cultures can't help but put on some silly show everytime they do anything minor.

Even if true with many sports, I thought (and I believe) that hula is spiritual and cultural. Baseball is not exactly spiritual in the same sense (I'm sure some would disagree with that).

With an event that borders on religious, the celebration just seems over the top. Nothing wrong with being proud and being happy. But the endless jumping up and down out of control is odd. It sends the loudest possible signal that "Hah, we won, you looze, we won you looze" Is that the message of the Merrie Monarch?

Wouldn't it be nice to ceremoniously "honor" the halau and kumu in a spiritual, respectful ceremony. Something classy and quiet. Something you might see in church. Something Hawaiian in sight, sound and smell?

Is this a spiritual and cultural experience? Or is it a sport?

Just one man's lonely opinion.

And you are most certainly entitled to it!

There's a time and place for everything. This year alone I've already been to several halau ho`ike, many of which were held at the Hawai`i Theater -- call it quiet and subdued if you will. It's probably an atmosphere more to your liking. The Merrie Monarch Festival is not. It's never been and most likely will never be. Auntie Dottie started everything 43 years ago with hopes to help Hilo's merchants. It's a CELEBRATION.

I see where you're coming from, kamuelakea. BUT...whatever journeys the kumu and their haumana take to get to the Merrie Monarch, be it cultural and spiritual, I really do believe that all of the above, plus celebration...they are able to co-exist, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.