The Pahu drum is a staple in traditional Hawaiian dance, providing a basic rhythmic accompaniment.
Performing Hawaiian dances on Long Island is not without its challenges.
During a Hawaiian themed dance in the spring of 2005, several severely intoxicated students were transported to local hospitals as a result of alcohol poisoning.
Traditional Hawaiian dance can look a little solemn, a chiaroscuro flow of lilting arms and hips to undulating strings and plaintive chant.
The offerings had little to do with the corny or sentimental Hawaiian dances one sometimes sees in nightclubs or movies.
Although, just as in those commercialized presentations, bodies swayed and arms rippled, traditional Hawaiian dance proved to possess enormous dignity.
Nevertheless, Hawaiian dance involved a fusion of the arts.
On Broadway, this was replaced by a Hawaiian dance featuring "Sixteen Yankee Girls".
Students perform Hawaiian dances in traditional costumes.
Panati also says that the name 'hula' came from the Hawaiian dance in the 18th century, due to the similar hip movements.