Hula animates history, genealogy, prophecy, and the tales of those who came before. For dancers who connect more deeply through their hula traditions, dance is just one part of the practice, which often involves stewardship of the environment.

Hula is an important part of Hawaiian culture and history. This ancient dance form tells the story of the Hawaiian people and their land. Hula is also a way to connect with the spirit of aloha, or love. When hula is performed, it is a way to show respect for the gods and goddesses of Hawaii.

It began as an accompaniment to the oral storytelling traditions of those islands, conveying the literal meaning of a tale. Modern Polynesian dance still tells stories through movement, but those narratives can be a bit more abstract, allowing audiences to focus on the beauty of the dances themselves.

"Even though it's just dancing, there is just so much more to it; the actual story being told when you dance hula — every footstep matters. Every hand motion tells a story," Prater said. Hula and Tahitian are traditional Polynesian dances that use the motion of the arms and, most importantly, hips.