Figure 1.--These New Zealand primary school children are doing the Haka before a rugby match.

The haka is a traditional dance form practiced by South Pacific islander, most notably the Māori people of of New Zealand. It is best known outside New Zealand because it was adopted by rugby team for team displays--especially the All Blacks. The haka is categorized as a group posture dance, characterized by vigorous, styilized movements, stamping the feet, facial displays, and rhythmically shouting. The rugby haka are in the form of the war haka. There are, however, other types. Haka are not limited to war displays or exclusively male dances. There are haka performed by women and mixed groups. And since World War II, children have begun ding haka displys, most commonly school groups. They were initially a Maori dance, but in recent years have become a wider national display. They are now many reasons for staging the haka. They are often dine for fun, demonstrate Atletic prowess, and welcoming important visitors, or to honor major achievements. Schools for examole will have a haka group for appropriate occassions. Often each class will practice the haka.

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Created: 10:27 PM 7/28/2011
Last updated: 10:27 PM 7/28/2011