Definition

Noun: 1. A Polynesian rain dance performed by a woman: A traditional Hawaiian dance, typically performed by a woman, characterized by rhythmic hip movements and gestures of the hands and arms that tell a story or depict natural elements. Historically, it was a form of worship and storytelling, and specific forms like the hula kuʻi were associated with invoking rain.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The tourist watched a mesmerizing hula-hula at the luau.
  • She learned the ancient hula-hula from a kumu hula (hula teacher).
  • The graceful movements of the hula-hula tell the story of the volcano goddess, Pele.

Advanced Usage

• The term hula-hula is often used in a more general, sometimes stereotypical, context outside of Hawaii to refer to any Hawaiian dance. Within Hawaiian culture, the dance is more precisely and respectfully called hula.
• "to do the hula-hula": To perform this dance.
  • At the party, she was asked to do the hula-hula.

Variants and Related Words

• Hula (n): The more common and preferred term for this traditional Hawaiian dance. "Hula-hula" is considered a reduplication.
• Hula dancer (n): A person who performs the hula.
• Hula hoop (n): A toy hoop swung around the waist, limbs, or neck. The name is derived from the hip-swiveling motion of the hula dance.

Synonyms

• Polynesian dance: A general term for dances originating from Polynesian islands, including Hawaii.
• Hawaiian dance: A dance originating from Hawaii.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is the specific traditional dance form from Hawaii. The reference to a "rain dance" points to one of its many specific ceremonial purposes within the broader practice of hula. It is not solely a rain dance but a complex narrative and ceremonial art form.

Noun

1. a Polynesian rain dance performed by a woman