Meet Hula instructor JORDAN SARIBAY
Aloha, my name is Jordan Saribay, the owner of Kupu Productions. I am born and raised in Lahaina and have been a performer my entire life. I find it fulfilling to be able to share my heritage and cultural practices with everyone I come into contact with. To understand the importance of what my intentions are, it is important to share a little about Hawaiian culture. Today, Hawaiian Culture is not really understood by the general public, specifically hula. The truth is, there is more to our culture than the Hollywood image depicting hula dancers in cellophane skirts. Through the intricate motions of a dancer’s body, the emotional expression, the adornments, and the Mele or song, manaʻo, or knowledge is preserved and passed down to future generations ensuring a thriving new generation while still connected to our ancestors. An iconic point in time is when King David Kalakaua assured the perpetuation of culture that can be preserved through ʻŌlelo (Hawaiian Language), Mele, and Hula. It is more than just a dance; it is lifting the spirit of our ancestors, it is the depth and understanding of the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language). Hula expresses the stories of our kūpuna from the top of our heads, the bottom of our feet, and the four corners of our body.
Connect with the culture
This activity invites guests to connect with Hawaiian culture through hula, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of how the different motions of this dance purposefully intertwine to tell a story. Manaʻo (knowledge) is preserved and passed down from generation to generation through the intricate motions, emotional expressions, adornments, and mele (song). In this way, hula is more than just a dance – it is lifting the spirit of our ancestors; it is the depth and understanding of the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language); it is a practice that instills future generations with a connection to our ancestors
