We present for you: A trip through the Pacific...
Hawaii has been called the melting pot of the Pacific. Situated in the middle of the ocean, it has been a safe harbor since the arrival of the first Polynesians. Each voyaging group has left its mark.
While we emphasize Polynesian cultures, we also welcome our neighbors from this vast ocean: performers from other Pacific Islands such as Guam, Fiji, Philippines, Cook Islands and others. Some were sought out and brought over to work in plantations or on ranches. Other passers-by stayed because of the natural beauty and hospitality of the Hawaiian people.
Our Performers: Traditional dance, contemporary music, and more
Music varies from traditional instruments like drums to more modern song syles with ukuleles and guitars. Dance styles vary from each island group. 'Contemporary' music sprang up with the tourist trade via the ocean liners and early airplane flights and continues to evolve.
Additionally, two martial arts were developed in Hawaii and also deomstrated: Hawaii Kenpo and Kajukenbo. Masters and students from the Phoenix area often thrill Festival-goers with demonstrations of grace, concentration, and skill.
Hawaii
Dance groups are usually large and vary in styles. The best groups are closely coordinated so all dancers move as one. The traditional kahiko hula with vigorous movements is done to chants and percussion such as drums. Hula 'auana is set to contemporary music or accompanied by an ukelele and is more gentle and flowing. Frequently you will find a contemporary bandsharing tropical rhythms as well.
A crowd favorite is when the keiki (children's) hula halaus (schools) perform.
Little ones proudly show their new-found skills
Samoa
Samoa brings the exciting and energetic men's 'slap dance' as well as the seated group dances.
Often there is a comic dance done in pure fun on various topics. The last dance is usually a taualuga, and to be the featured dancer is an honor. The dance's slow and deliberate movements are made with stately poise. Other performers join the stage with humorous antics,loud shouts or with exaggerated movements to contrast with her poise and grace. To acknowledge the honor and dance skill needed, money is often thrown up into the air.
Tonga
Tonga's songs are marvels of a unique harmony. The dances are dignified and graceful. Dancers step their feet and move their arms in intricate gestures not to music but to harmonious singing and sometimes clapping as well. Female dancers wear a small headpiece of feathers to accentuate their soft, graceful head and and hand movements that interpret song lyrics. The exuberant men's dances highlight their strength and precision. All are dressed in wrappings of tapa plus neck pieces, flowers, and greenery.
Maori
The Maori are noted for the very distinct Haka. Once traditionally performed by men as a ritual when two groups first met, haka evolved into many styles, including the fierce wero (challenge) done for intimidation of their enemies.
The dance involves all parts of the body with eye rolling, movement like foot stamping or waving of arms or weapons, sticking out the tongue, and fierce facial expressions. Verbal challenges or loud chanting are made as well. Once for men only, women now embrace the haka. Indeed, the New Zealand men’s and women’s rugby teams are famous for their use of the haka as intimidation and to build energy before a game.
But another type of haka can be performed to honor someone, celebrate an accomlisment, or signify unity. The poi 'balls' are used for telling a story by swinging them in intricate patterns in the women's dances.
Tahiti
The drums of the enticing islands of French Polynesia echo across the Festival grounds.
While Hawaii tells a story with arm movements, Tahitian Otea features fast, rythmic hip movements done to the beat of toere, or 'slit drums.' The slower Aparima is done to a song. The brightly colored skirts are traditionally made from finely stripped bark of the Hau tree.
There are five basic styles of hip movements and numerous combinations, mostly performed by women. Men's movements are often done while circling the dancer and moving the legs while in a slightly bent position.
Phillipines
The Phillipines are an achipelago of over 7,000 smalls island in a long strip. Dance traditions vary across indigenous tribes, Spanish colonization with European influence, and traditions of rural countryside.
Most often seen are the Spanish/European-inspired waltzes, mazurkas, paso dobles, and others. The wealthy transformed the elaborate and formal costumes styles of the 16th century with fine fabrics and eleborate detail to style and fabrics better fit for the climate. The rural countryside simplified the dances and styles of dress to better reflect movements of dance centered on nature such as birds, animals, trees and the sea.
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