This is a ta'alunga dance, done by young unmarried girls. It's mostly hand movements, and the whole time their knees are bent. All the motions translate the words of the songs. During the dances people come up and put money on the dancers, the girls are covered in coconut oil. It's a type of fundraiser, this one was for Brett's school. Many times people will also be dancing behind the dancers, showing support for them.
This is an example of some of the dances the boys/men do here in Tonga. These dances are much faster paced than the ta'alunga dance the girls do. They often have drums in the music, and wear these grass leaf skirts. There are also some sitting dances the guys do. The dance in this video was from a performance when the US Navy was here on their humanitarian mission.
Dances (koniseti) are big fundraisers here at events or feasts. But then they play more modern music between the traditional dances, so it's funny to watch a dressed up ta'alunga dancer switch to "la bamba" after her dance is done.
Sorry the clips are so short, but it takes a long time to upload large video files here.
2 comments:
the girls dance looks just like Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies!"
Malo e lelei to you both Kate and Brett. I am from Nuku'alofa, but I moved into New Zealand over 15 years ago. I've only been in Pangai Ha'apai once for 2 weeks, more than 15 years ago, but I would love to visit again.
Cheers,
Falafulu.
Post a Comment