Tuesday, May 23, 2 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature the film Hawaiiana. After watching, dive deeper with resources about the historic and cultural origins of hula on PBS LearningMedia.
In Hawaiiana, examine the enduring legacy of Winona “Aunty Nona” Beamer, a revered educator, storyteller, composer and hula expert who dedicated her life to preserving and celebrating traditional Hawaiian culture. Archival music and dance performances, along with past interviews and footage, tell the story of a pioneering woman whose wisdom and life story continue to spread the message of aloha worldwide.
PBS LearningMedia
How Hula Dancers Connect Hawaii’s Past and Present | If Cities Could Dance
Grades 6-12
Honolulu is home to tourism hotspot Waikiki, and many of the city’s beachfront hotels host lavish luaus showcasing styles of hula influenced by Western music and instrumentation. But for Native Hawaiians, the origins of hula are deeply spiritual and rooted in Hawaii’s creation stories and the history and culture of their kūpuna or ancestors. Driven by the mele (poetry), hula marries movement with spoken word to express stories about specific deities, people, places and events.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!