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South Pacific Traditional Dance
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south pacific pictures map
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South Pacific Traditional Dance
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Superb
Tahiti
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Samoa
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Fiji
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Hawaii
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Traditional dance is undoubtedly the most significant form of art that exists in South Pacific culture. Through dance and song, the people of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia re-enacted not only important occasions in their history but also stories of daily life and this remains today. Themes include canoe explorations to far-off islands, the inauguration of a new chief, a successful war campaign, fishing outings and love ballads. And because the written word was not used in pre-European times, these dance routines are the source of much of the regions historical accounts of what went on.
Dance routines throughout the Pacific follow a similar theme with a group of costumed men and women performing a set of synchronized routines, usually with a song or chant and set to the rhythm of either drums or hand clapping. Like Opera, much of the dances' meaning is portrayed in the subtle movement of the performers body, in particular through the hands. It is often said about a dance performance that you need only look at the hands and listen to the song to understand its meaning. The composer of the songs was traditionally the work of one individual who was given a chiefly title to conduct such work. Dance performances are hosted at most important social gatherings including weddings, the arrival of an important guest and even at rugby matches. Costumes usually include grass, leaf or tapa cloth skirts, flowers and oil for the body.
Today, there is much competition amongst islanders to be recognised as the best dancers of the village, the best village group in the district, the best island group in the country, and especially the best dancers of the Pacific. Competitions are fierce with victors acquiring great stature amongst its people. If you happen to be in the region for one of the annual National Dance competitions, or even at one of the regions meets such as the Pacific Arts Festival (to be held in Palau in June 1004), then you are in for a real treat as well as a rich insight into the Pacific way of life.
The hula dance of Hawaii is one of the most recognised dances by the international audience outside of the South Pacific. However, traditional Hula does not use grass skirts, does not include fast hip swaying movements and is seldom performed as a group but rather by an individual.
The fast erotic hip-swaying movements of women dancers is the trademark of Tahitian dance and is known as the tamure. These movements are enhanced by either grass skirts or skirts made from colourful ti-leaves.
The Cook Islanders are best known for their rhythmic drumming (using many different drums of different pitch) and expert dance movements. Cook Islanders also utilise swaying hips in many of their dance routines but in a more subtle manner than the Tahitians.
In Samoa, the fiafia dance is a small group of male and female dancers with slow and graceful movements. The Samoans are also well known for their unique fire dance performances. These extravagant displays are particularly popular with tourists.
Tongan dance has many forms, but the most important is the lakalaka, a solo dance performed by a young maiden with slow and graceful movements. War dances depicting Tonga's widespread control of its empire are also common dances.
The Fijian meke highlights the transition to Melanesian dance routines. Usually made up of large groups, some dances are performed sitting on the floor with the emphasis on the hand movements, and other more aggressive dances (notably the spear dance), standing up. Hand clapping and drumming using bamboo poles sets the rhythm.
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Please note that we are not a booking agent and are unable to offer personal advice, recommendations or a booking service; nor are we set up to answer email enquiries about the region.
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