Video of the Week - January 17, 2014 - Maorian Haka Dance
The Haka (plural is the same as singular: haka) is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Haka are not exclusively war dances but were traditionally performed by men. War haka (peruperu) were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Today, haka constitute an integral part of formal or official welcome ceremonies for distinguished visitors or foreign dignitaries, serving to impart a sense of the importance of the occasion.
WATCH THE HAKA VIDEO BELOW. FROM WHAT YOU SEE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF A TRADITIONAL HAKA?
1. Describe the visual look of the dancers. What are they wearing? How does it add to the dance?
2. Ta moko is the traditional tattooing practice of the Maori. Where do you see this on their bodies? How do they add to the visual aspects of the dance?
3. How does their movement and facial expressions enhance what is going on with the dance?
4. What body percussion is added to the dance moves?
Compose your answers in 1-2 paragraphs of approximately 5-8 sentences, and submit either online at:
or email to:
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