WIP Naia Alii Pau

Im not sure if I was ready to unveil her yet or not... this is a subject I've been keeping under wraps for quite some time (not just this piece, but the subject itself) and just leaking out pieces of...

But you know, its a WIP sketch dump day... so why not?

This is the subject of one of my life's work... it based on the idea of "Reimagining the rich past"

I intend (and am somewhat in the process) of creating a Riding School not dissimilar to the traditions of the Spanish Riding School, Samur, or the Spanish institution at Jerez, where the highest forms of classical riding are taught.

I reinvision it however, by using sensibilities of the HAWAIIAN tradition of the Pau rider, as well as a little bit of the Elvish traditions from the Lord of the Rings films.

Like the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzans and Jerez with the Alter Real and PRE horses... I plan on having an exclusivity to a very specific horse bred for the school itself. My horses are Nai'a Alii... the dancing blue horses of the sea.

Without getting to much into the rich and intricate detail put into it, every element of the costume has a thematical element that it represents a piece of history and Mythos.

The vision is to see a group of six or eight riders on spectacular highstepping blue roan Araiban style horses, dancing the highest calibre in shining silver and blue dresses. Under a pavillion shaped like a Banyan tree and appearing to be lit by the moon. (as Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, the Nai'a, are nocturnal... and PRACTICALLY because in Hawaii its to hot and humid to do this during the day, so the showcase always takes place after sunset)

This piece was intended as a companion to an explanation of the act and costuming... so much of it is illustrative intending to show the "tradiotional" dress of the riders. Combining old and new, and brining the past to the future... the elevation of the common to a form of ART.

at anyrate... here she be... Pa'u Nai' Alii

Pa'u (PAH-OOOh) is a traditional Hawaiian skirt, and a tradition of women to ride horses with long skirt-like garments

Nai'a (Nah-EEE-uh) is Hawaiian for Dolphin, but is traditionally the graceful and supremely athletic Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin (Stenella Longirostris)

Ali'i (Ah-LEE-EEE) is Hawaiian for "Cheifly" or "NOBLE", here embodying the idea that Nobility was always to be found on the back of a horse, and that even the common man could be Ennobled through the dance of the Horse