Merrie Monarch 2013
 

Anyone tuning in? You can livestream or replay individual videos or the program in full at kfve.com

Congratulations Miss Aloha 2013

http://www.k5thehometeam.com/categor...o-performances

Miss Aloha 2013

http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/sect...mpetition.html

What a difference a year makes - only 6 dancers from last years Kane Kahiko winners. Although I love watching the Wahines, I can't help but gaze at the Kane as they roll their hips and flex their muscles like warriors. Is that so wrong? Is that objectifying them? I miss iamq. He might have commented on skirts vs diapers.

Topping in case anyone on island or off island are interested in the festivities.

I love Merrie Monarch!

My favorite is the kane hula kahiko. So much to admire.

I prefer a paniolo on a pony to a kahiko kane in a loin cloth. :)

Its "art", weke

save a horse, ride a cowgirl...

I mean paniolo girl!!!

http://vickycollins.files.wordpress....lo_country.jpg

hoping to see a bit of the festivities livestream before nite nite.

Aloha

My boyz won!!! I never thought it would happen. I think the judges have evolved! Woohoo

http://merriemonarch.staradvertiser....errie-monarch/

http://www.k5thehometeam.com/story/2.../kawailiul-kne

Is it my imagination, or does it seem that there's been a lot of renewed focus on more global Polynesian-style (Samoan, Tahitian, even Maori) chanting, singing, and even fire dancing in the past decade, and a bit less traditional Hawaii (even at the Merrie Monarch, which is supposed to be hula?)?

I find your question odd, considering the lush history of Hawaii and the Polynesian islands and how they are bound. It's akin to questioning an American child doing Irish step dancing.

How is "renewed focus" odd? There's certainly more "fire dancing" than 30 years ago; almost every hotel with a luau has it. The traditional Hawaiian hula is a specialized thing, compared to the various other specialties of other cultures.
"Hula is a uniquely Hawaiian dance accompanied by chant or song that preserves and perpetuates the stories, traditions and culture of Hawaii. Hawaiian legends tell stories of hula beginning on the islands of Molokai and Kauai."
See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hula
So, I find your comparison to Irish step dancing odd.

I'm just topping this gratuitously as I loved the winner kane and was pleased that the Monarch judgement seems to be moving in a good direction.

Thanks, well worth rewatching; nice way to start a Monday!