Dancers move in graceful, yet strong
succinct movements to the rhythmic sounds of solemn chanting
accompanied by a simple instrument, such as a single reed drum. It is
an enchanting sound, competing - - or perhaps in harmony - - with the
blowing of the wind and the crashing of waves cascading on to the
sheltered sands of the Blackpool Beach. It's a dance and a sound
steeped in tradition with ancient Hawaiian roots: The Hula Kahiko.
This type of Hula, which, unlike contemporary Hula, is never
accompanied by a ukulele or guitar, is the oldest form of Hula.
Originally used in worship of Gods and Goddesses and used as an oral
history in a time with no written language, it is rare that this type
of dance be requested for dance companies to perform, let alone by a
company in England.
But that was the case for, The
Dancing Fire (The Los Angeles
based entertainment company headed by Natalia Dance), when
they were requested to perform at the The Venus Company's 20th
Anniversary Celebration by CEO Michael Smith on July 9th,
of this year. The Venus Company, whose mantra is “Loving the
Beach”, runs a number of environmentally friendly, takeaways, beach
shops, and all organic cafes in Devon and Cornwall, England. This
love for the beach is especially held by CEO Smith, who lived for
several years in Hawaii before starting the company with his wife
Louisa and business partner Lee Porter. Smith's time spent in Hawaii,
was what inspired him to request The Dancing Fire to perform,
Hula Kahiko which was a tremendous delight for guests, shocked to be
seeing award winning hula performers performing on their shore.
In addition to Kahiko, The Dancing
Fire also performed a contemporary hula show, while Josh Chang's
full Hawaiian band accompanied them. Chang (also from Los Angeles),
who took first place at the Pacific Island Talent Contest in 2011,
just had his second album released earlier this year. The exciting
evening of talented Hawaiian dance and music was capped off with a
mesmerizing Fire/Tahitian fusion show. The swift drumming rhythm and
high energy of the Tahitian dancing blended with the spectacle and
danger of the Fire props and dancing spellbound the audience, and was
the perfect way to end the 20th Anniversary celebration.
Witnessing a variety of Polynesian and
traditional Hawaiian dances was likely a special occurrence, and more
than likely, a first for several of the guests at The Venus
Company's celebration. Luckily a company like The Dancing
Fire, which prides itself in producing innovative, exciting, and
high quality performances, exists and is willing to travel the world
to spread the art form, as well as the spirit of Aloha.
