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For those who don’t already know, the Haka is a traditional war dance, or challenge of the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stomping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. The New Zealand sports teams’ practice of performing a Haka before their international matches has made the Haka known more widely in the world.
War Haka were originally performed by warriors before battle to intimidate the opposition but Haka are also performed to welcome distinguished guests, to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals. Kapa Haka performance groups are common in Kiwi schools.
At this amazing Haka performed at a New Zealand Maori wedding, the family of the groom moved the bride to tears before she eventually joined in the performance.
Cool vid. We all ought to do this. Weird how white these new Maori are (well, not the bride, but so what).. What is the purpose of a War dance in today’s world? When do Kiwi’s learn this? Pretty primitive, though…
Cool!
This shows………. I am the greatest?
I didn’t see the bride join in with them. It appeared to be a bridesmaid in a sleeveless dress. The brides dress had sleeves. Impressive performance by any standard.
There was one quick shot of the bride engaging in the posture and chants.
Spot on, Alexandra. They are a mormon couple. It looks as though the performer with the taiaha (wooden spear) is Temuera Morrison who started in the performing arts with Kapa Haka and ended up being the model for the startroopers in the Star Wars series in later versions. He is a relative of mine by marriage through my uncle’s wife Pia. Their subtribe is Ngati Whakawe and they are Te Arawa. Small world.