Monday 7 January 2013

The Haka

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The haka is the most frightening dance you'll ever see. And that's its purpose. It's a Maori war dance, and each violent movement is designed to intimidate the enemy. It's a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment.

The New Zealand rugby team's practice of performing a Haka before their matches has made the dance more widely known around the world.

3 comment(s):

judy said...

I'm a avid All Black supporter. The Haka is one of my favourite things to see. It's a great homage to the Maori culture. Always gives me shivers

Dan H said...

Check out the newest All Blacks haka. Its better than what you will see via the Neatorama link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S92KA3RKguU

I love my country!!! All Blacks forever!

Anonymous said...

I thought Haka is the general term for a traditional dance/chant, and the one performed here is Ka Mate, the most known Haka.

Going to NZ pretty soon; I hope to see some first hand at the Whakarewarewa festival!