TO BEE A HULA DANCER

Hula is more than a dance; it is a sacred Hawaiian tradition rooted in the connection between the gods, people and nature. It serves as the language of the heart of the Hawaiian people, through rhythmic body movements, with specific hand gestures, representing elements of nature.

Spiritually, bees symbolize community, collaboration, hard work, diligence, and the creation of abundance (honey).

In accordance with the Hawaiian tradition the dancer in the painting harmoniously unifies herself with the “element of nature”, as her hula outfit is created by the swarming bees. Although the nature may “sting”, the indigenous people through knowledge and experience were capable to tame the fiercest forces of nature and make them work for them.

The “waggle dance” is a communication method performed by a honeybee at the hive or nest, to indicate to other bees the direction of the source of food. Similar movements are performed by a hula dancer. In unison with the honeybee, the hula dancer performs similar rhythmic body movements conveying stories, genealogy and spirituality.