Haka

media type="youtube" key="3GpTsPNwwms" height="364" width="445" The haka is the traditional dance form of the maori. it involves vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with shouted accompaniment.

Although the use of a haka by the All Blacks has made one type of haka known to most, it has led to some confusion after the south african rugby team found a cut-throat motion offensive. The haka in not only a war dance, nor is it only performed by men. Some are performed by women, even some in mixed groups, and some basic haka are performed by children. Haka are performed for various reasons: for amusement, as a welcome to important guests, or to acknowledge great achievements or occasions. War haka (//peruperu//) were originally performed by warriors before a battle, showing their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Various actions are used in the course of the haka, showing the whites of the eyes and the poking out of the tongue, and a wide variety of vigorous body actions such as slapping the hands against the body and stamping of the feet. As well as chanted words.the haka may be understood as a kind of symphony in which the different parts of the body represent many instruments. The hands, arms, legs, feet, voice, eyes, tongue and the body as a whole combine to express courage, annoyance, joy or other feelings.

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