Spirits of the Mele Hula - Hawaii
Music from the Mele Hula Best Collection CD highlights 11 performances of hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula auana (modern hula) by Nani Lim Yap and Lorna Lim of the famed Kohala halau and 2006 Merrie Monarch winner of Na Lei  O Kaholoku, and other Big Island performers. Performances include an opening chant (Sunrise Oli) by historian and musician Daniel Akaka Jr., the mesmerizing Aia La  O Pele I Hawaii and Kawika, the fun and sassy Noho Paipai, the enchanting and graceful Akaka Falls, and others. Shot entirely on location on the Big Island of Hawaii. The program also includes Hawaiian, English, and Japanese subtitles, and a 14-page booklet. This particular compilation is a departure from the usual  how-to  DVD and allows for the dancers and performances to speak for themselves, with an emphasis on both style and creativity.