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Did you miss 'Alua? A review of AHA's 2005 show with the Mākaha Sons
'Alua was held on November 19, 2005 at Chabot College Center for the Performing Arts in Hayward, CA.
'Alua, the second annual presentation by the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, took place on Saturday, November 19, 2005 in Hayward, California. It was an exciting evening featuring the Mākaha Sons, Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, and the Academy of Hawaiian Arts dancers. Master Chanter Charles Ka'upu presided as Master of Ceremonies over nearly three hours of music and hula.
	The Academy of Hawaiian Arts lived up to its reputation for innovative performances. 'Alua opened with a dramatic rendition of "He mele no Kamoho, ka mano heleku", a dance honoring Kamoho, the shark god. The dancers wielded paddles to depict Kamoho steering Pele's canoe from island to island in her quest for a new home in Hawai'i.
The driving beat, athletic style and Ho'omalu's melodic vocals set the tone for most of the kahiko (ancient style) hulas that followed, including "Aia La o Pele", "Waika" and "Ka Ua i Hamakua," to name a few.
	A softer tone prevailed in the next set, which began with a solo performance of "He Oho" (Her Hair) by Karen Bringas, AHA lead dancer. This mele praises Kapi'olani for her beautiful hair. It was followed by dances honoring the islands of Lana'i and Ni'ihau. "Hanohano Ni'ihau" was anything but soft, as the dancers used their ipu heke (double gourd drums) in a fast-paced dance describing "the surging sounds of Kaulakahi" and "the sound of birds clamoring above Ka'ula".
The set ended in another hula pa ipu (dance with drums), "Hanohano Waimea," that was performed as a hula noho (sitting dance). As the dancers swayed from side to side and changed positions throughout the dance, "Hanohano Waimea" looked as gentle as "Hanohano Ni'ihau" was athletic, yet both dances require incredible strength and stamina. Ho'omalu has a special talent for taking an implement, in this case the ipu heke, and using it to create a completely different effect.
AHA dancers use kala'au to depict ancient Hawaiian fishing methods in "He Mele No Lawai'a" (MKH).	Kumu Ho'omalu wrote an entire set of new mele for 'Alua. These songs are about various Hawaiian fishing methods, and in one case, a particular fish. "O Pao'o" is about a little fish that jumps from pond to pond, but, if caught, lands himself in the frying pan. 'Auwē! In "Na Kia'a Kai", the dancers don their malokai, mend their nets, polish the lures and sharpen their spear points before asking Ku'ulakai and Hinapuku'ia, the fishing gods, to provide an abundant catch.
In "He Mele no Lawai'a", the women poke kala'au (sticks) around in the shallow waters of the reef to drive the fish out of their hiding places. The men received a standing ovation for "He mele no na Kanaka Lawai'a," an innovative dance using ropes to depict pulling in the heavy nets laden with the bounty of the open sea.
AHA wahine performs a hula 'auana to the Makaha Sons' "Hopoe."	In between the kahiko sets, the Mākaha Sons performed their special brand of Hawaiian music. The Mākaha Sons have been writing music and performing for 30 years. Jerome Koko talked story and they played many of their most popular songs. The AHA dancers accompanied the Sons with hula 'auana (modern style) for several tunes, including "Ke Alaula", "Pi'ilani," "Hopoe" and "Ka Loke." The AHA keiki showed that the next generation of AHA dancers will be something to look forward to when they danced to "Kaimana Hila." 'Alua was a well balanced combination of old and new Hawaiian music and dance.
If you missed 'Alua, your next chance to see an Academy of Hawaiian Arts performance will be at the 2006 Merrie Monarch Festival in April. Kumu Ho'omalu often receives accolades and criticism for his style of hula, the main critique being that it is not traditional enough, which is exactly what others find so exciting. Interestingly, Ho'omalu's hula is strongly grounded in tradition. Basic steps are practiced on a regular basis at every level of instruction at the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, from beginners to 20-year veterans.	An AHA keiki performs "Kaimana Hila" with the Mākaha Sons.
Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu and Master Chanter Charles Ka'upu joking with the crowd after 'Alua.	However, for a free spirit like Kumu Ho'omalu, tradition is just the starting point. There is always a new direction to explore. Kumu Ho'omalu plans to stay on the cutting edge as new hula traditions evolve, so pack your bags and head for Hilo to see what surprises AHA has in store.
- by Gayle Vivona