One Asia in Dance

Haka

New Zealand∙Maori

Performer
Atamira Dance Company
Date of Performance
Aug 27, 2017
Characteristics
∙Modern reinterpretation of Haka, a traditional Maori dance
Artistic director
Moss PattersonMultiple awards including Best New Choreographer by The New Zealand Listener, Best Choreography by Tempo Dance Festival and Te Whakahaungia Choreographic Award from Toi Maori Aotearoa. Co-directed the opening ceremony of the 2011 New Zealand Rugby World Cup. Directed and performed with the Te Manu Ahi dance project in association with the Aukland Philharmonia in 2014.
Choreographer
Moss Patterson
picture of Haka
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  • play youtube of joroonjoroo

This dance is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Haka dance, performed by the Maori in New Zealand. Haka was a ritual performed by Maori warriors to strengthen their resolve and the solidarity of the group, while displaying their might to the enemy before going into battle.

Maori people are taught the Haka from an early age to build confidence and pride in their identity. Haka is officially taught in many schools in New Zealand as well. Through a long process of adaptation to the times and situations while remaining rooted in tradition, Haka has become a cultural symbol of New Zealand in the present day.