Polynesian Dance 2

Polynesian Dances

Dances that originate from the islands contained in a rough triangle whose points lie in Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island

Tongan

One of the most popular dances of this region is the Tau'olunga, often performed by girls at weddings, which uses hand movements to interpret song lyrics. Other notable dances include the Lakalaka, which uses only arm movements; the Ma'ulu'ulu, a sitting dance; and the Kailao, a war dance in which dancers use clubs to simulate combat.

Samoan

This culture has many visually exciting dances, or siva, such as the Siva Afi ("fireknife"), in which dancers twirl and toss a single- or double-bladed knife lit on fire. This dance originated as a way to train warriors, as did the Fa'ataupati, or slap dance, which teaches young men coordination by having them smack various parts of their bodies.

Fijan

characterized by the meke dances, which include the spear dance, the fan dance and the sitting dance. Simultaneously powerful and graceful, meke are usually accompanied by singing, drumming and hand clapping, and are danced during celebrations and special occasions.

Tahitian Dance

consists of fast, rhythmic hip movements, usually set to the beat of the toere, or slit-log drum. These hip isolations, known as oteas, are the highlight of many luau performances. Tahitian dance also has a distinctive basic step for men, pa'oti, which involves opening and closing slightly bent knees like scissors.

Hawaiian Dance

includes two basic styles: Hula Kahiko (ancient Hula) and Hula Auana (modern Hula). Hula Kahiko involves vigorous hand movements performed to the chants, or mele, of a singer playing a gourd drum. Hula Auana, set to contemporary music or accompanied by a ukelele, is more gentle and flowing.

Maori

originated in New Zealand, often involves sticks, songs and games. Particularly notable is the Poi dance, in which Maori women twirl Poi balls—small spheres attached to braided fibers—in an effort to keep their hands flexible for weaving. The whirring sound made by the props is also supposed to evoke the noise of the sea and of various animals.