Puaikura drum dance at Rarotonga’s Te Maeva Nui

Vaka Puaikura, which includes the village of Arorangi, was one of two Rarotonga teams in this year's Te Maeva Nui dance competition.
The drum dance, ura pau, with its fast beat and emphasis on hip and leg movement, usually features boys to a greater extent than girls. The judges commented that this year many of the male dancers were quite young boys but they certainly make up in enthusiasm for what they lack in maturity. Of course, anyone who’s seen the junior and intermediate dancer of the year contestants knows what a huge amount of talent is available here.
This video shows excerpts from Puaikura’s ura pau – it was actually the final item of the Maeva Nui competition was an exciting finale. The team got a B grade for the performance.
The ministry of culture’s DVD of the entire Te Maeva Nui celebration should be out soon. It will include the full length performances for each night as well as the float parade and tangi kaara (drumming competition).