Global Pacific Islands & Oceania
Dance traditions from Hawaii, New Zealand (Māori), Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and French Polynesia, often featuring storytelling, warrior traditions, and community celebration.
11 dance styles in this genre
Dance Styles
Hula
Slow, swaying movements of hips and arms; witnessed by Captain Cook (1778); fundamental to Hawaiian storytelling.
Haka
War dance featuring strong movements, facial expressions (pukana), and chanting; globally known through rugby All Blacks.
Poi
Women's dance twirling poi balls (small spheres on braided fibers); developed hand flexibility for weaving.
Siva
Graceful and elegant traditional dance reflecting Samoan culture; emphasizes slow, deliberate movements.
Fire Knife Dancing
Fire knife dance created when American/European whalers introduced long-handled knives; fire added 1946 by Freddie Letuli.
Ma'ulu'ulu
Large group seated dance with synchronized movements.
Lakalaka
Large group standing dance with more expansive motions than Ma'ulu'ulu.
Kailao
Traditional male warrior club dance tradition.
Tau'olunga
Special dance traditionally performed by women.
Meke
Fijian traditional dance performed at celebrations.
Tahitian Dance (Aparima, 'Otea)
Polynesian storytelling dance with hip movements and hand gestures depicting narrative themes.