Haka is a traditional Maori dance from New Zealand. This terrifying dance, which looks like war in some settings, is often performed by the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team. With several people banging their chests, shouting, and sticking their tongues out, the show is quite astonishing to watch and works to intimidate opponents.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Learning Proper Pronunciation
Step 1. Pronounce each syllable separately
The Maori language, which is spoken by the indigenous people of New Zealand, has long and short vowels (like ay and ah for the letter A). each word, such as “ka ma – te,” is pronounced separately. There is a short stop between each word, with a few exceptions. The result of the vote in Haka will be staccato and fierce.
Step 2. Merge the two vowels together
Combinations of vowels, such as “ao” or “ua”, are pronounced together (such as “ay-o” and “oo-ah”). There are no momentary pauses or breaths between sets of vowels, also called diphthongs. In fact, it was a subtle combination sound.
Step 3. Pronounce the letter T correctly
The letter T is pronounced as in English when followed by a vowel A, E or O. It carries a slight “s” sound when followed by an I or U. The Haka has both of these instances:
- For example, in “Tenei te tangata,” the letter T will sound like the T in English.
- For example, in “Nana nei I tiki mai,” the letter T followed by I will have a slight “s” sound.
Step 4. Pronounce “wh” for the “f” sound
Haka's last sentence begins with "whiti ter ra." Pronounce "whi" as "fi."
Step 5. Complete the song correctly
The last word of the song is “Hi!” it is pronounced as "he" with a quick breath, not an exhale. Push the breath out of your lungs by tightening your stomach muscles.
Step 6. Listen to the recorded Maori pronunciation directions
Listening to the correct pronunciation will help you practice your language skills. There are several recorded pronunciation directions available online. Look for “Maori Pronunciation” in a search engine.
Method 2 of 6: Preparing to Dance the Haka
Step 1. Choose a leader
This person will not stand in formation with the other members in the group. Instead, the leader will shout a few sentences, giving direction to the group. The leader reminded the group how they danced while dancing the Haka. A Haka leader must have a strong and fierce voice and speak clearly and forcefully. This leader may be the leader of your sports team or group.
Step 2. Stand with several people
Often times, sports teams present a Haka dance together before the game starts. There is no exact number of people you need to dance Haka. However, if the group is larger, the effect of the Haka dance will be more intimidating and mesmerizing.
Step 3. Give a signal that you are doing the Haka dance
If you wish to perform a Haka dance with your team before the match, make sure you have informed the organizers and the opposing team.
If your opponent is dancing Haka, watch it respectfully with your team
Step 4. Spread into formation
Haka dance will look more ferocious if your group is standing in a certain formation, like preparing to go to war. Walk from closed groups to multiple rows of people. Make room for your arms, as you will be swinging your arms in all directions.
Method 3 of 6: Learning the Scream
Step 1. Learn the warm-up shout
The words in a warm-up shout are usually called out by the leader. The shout is meant to ignite the spirit of the group and to warn the opponent that the dance is about to begin. The shout of this section also guides the group to get into the right position. The five sentences shouted were:
- Ringa pakia! (Clap your hands on your thighs)
- Uma rest! (Push out chest)
- Whatia tour! (bend knees)
- Hope whai ake! (Let the waist follow)
- Waewae takahia kia kino! (stomping as hard as you can)
Step 2. Learn the lyrics of Kapa O'Pango Haka
The Haka cry has several variations. The Kapa O'Pango Haka was created in 2005 as a special dance for the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team. This dance is often performed by the All Blacks as opposed to Ka Mate Haka, and references the All Blacks specifically.
- Kapa o pango kia whakawhenua au i ahau! (Let me be one with the ground)
- Hi aue, hi! Ko Aotearoa e ngunguru nei! (This is our shaking ground)
- Oooh, oooh, oooh! (and it's time! It's time!)
- Ko Kapa o Pango e ngunguru nei! (This confirms us as All Blacks)
- Oooh, oooh, oooh! (This is the time! This is the time!)
- I hahaha! Ka tu te ihiihi (Our greatness)
- Ka tu te wanawana (Our advantage will prevail)
- Ki runga ki liti e tu iho nei, tu iho nei, hi! (And will be exalted)
- Ponga ra! (Silver nails!)
- Kapa o Pango, aue hi! (All Blacks!)
- Ponga ra! (Silver nails!)
- Kapa o Pango, aue hi, ha! (All Blacks!)
Step 3. Learn Ka Mate Haka
The Ka Mate version, a war dance, is another dance performed by the All Blacks. Originally created by Te Rauparaha, a Maori war leader, circa 1820. His screams are uttered in an aggressive and fierce voice.
- You die! You die! (This is death!, This is death!)
- You don't! You don't! (This is life!, This is life!)
- You die! You die! (This is death!, This is death!)
- You don't! You don't! (This is life!, This is life!)
- Tenei Te Tangata Puhuru huru (Here comes the hairy man)
- Nana nei tiki mai (The one who picks up the sun)
- Whakawhiti ter ra (And make it shine again)
- A upa ne ka up ane (One step forward, one more step forward)
- Upane, Kaupane (A step forward)
- Whiti te ra (The sun is shining!)
- Hi!
Method 4 of 6: Learning Body Movements from Kapa O'Pango Haka
Step 1. Get into the starting position
Make a resting position in place, kicking it into the position that will start the Haka dance. Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulders. Squat so that your thighs are at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Hold your hands in front of your body, one higher than the other, parallel to the ground.,
Step 2. Lift your left knee up
Kick your left knee while at the same time bringing your left hand forward. Your right arm will be by your side. Hold your fist firmly.
Step 3. Drop onto one knee
Lift your left knee and then drop your body onto your left knee while crossing your arms in front of you. Lower your left arm with your right hand on your left palm. Rest your left hand on the ground.
Step 4. Hit your arm 3 times
Raise your left arm at a 90-degree angle up in front of you. Cross your other arm to touch the elbow of your left arm. Tap your left arm with your right hand on the beat 3 times.
Step 5. Return your left hand to the ground
Clap your left hand with your right again and move your left hand back to the ground.
Step 6. Stand up and hit your arm
Slowly, stand up. Plant your feet wider than your shoulders. Continue hitting your hand with your left arm at a 90 degree angle.
Step 7. Hit your chest with your arms raised 3 times
Raise your arms to your sides and reach your arms up. as you beat, hit your chest with your arm. Then return to your sides, pointing upwards.
Step 8. Do the main sequence 2 times
The main sequence does many of these moves together. Shout out the group singing sequence during this section.
- Rest your hands on your waist with your elbows protruding.
- In a beat, raise your hand up to the sky and quickly lower it. Slap your thighs with your palms at the same time.
- Bring your left arm to a 90-degree angle up in front of you. Cross your other arm to touch the elbow of your left arm. Slap your left arm with your right hand to the beat. Switch arms and slap your right arm with your left.
- Bring both hands straight in front of your body with palms pointing towards the ground.
Step 9. Complete the Haka dance
Some Haka dances are finished with the tongue extended as far as possible, while others are done only with the hands on the waist. Shout "Hi!" fierce as possible.
Sometimes, the Haka dance is completed by cutting the neck
Step 10. Watch a video about Haka dance
Search online for Haka dance performances and watch some of the videos. You will know the different versions of the Haka dance, such as its use in sporting events, intimate events, and cultural events.
Method 5 of 6: Doing Other Moves
Step 1. Shake your hands
While the leader ordered, they would keep their arms up. if you are the leader, shake your hands and fingers while shouting to your group. If you are part of a group, you can vibrate your hands and fingers when your hands are in standby at the start of the Haka dance.
If you're part of a group, hold your hands in a fist for most of the movement
Step 2. Show your pukana
Pukana is the glaring, wild eye look that dancers have on their faces throughout the Haka dance. For males, pukana is a facial expression intended to intimidate and frighten an opponent. For women, pukana is a facial expression meant to express sexuality.
To show the pukana, open your eyes as wide as possible and tilt your head up. Look and glare at your opponent while raising your eyebrows
Step 3. Stick out your tongue
Sticking out your tongue, also known as a whereto, is another intimidating move to show your opponent. Stick out your tongue as far as you can and open your mouth wide.
Step 4. Flex your muscles
Strengthen and tense your body throughout the Haka dance.
Step 5. Pull your thumb across your neck
The neck-slashing motion is sometimes included in the Haka dance, in which you pull your thumb across the neck quickly. This movement is a movement that can bring vital energy into the body. This is often misunderstood, but many people find it too harsh. Therefore, this movement is sometimes not included in the Haka dance.
Method 6 of 6: Performing the Haka Dance Respectfully
Step 1. Learn the history of the Haka dance
Haka dance is an expression of traditional Maori culture to send signals of upcoming wars, times of peace, and changes in life. The Haka dance has also been performed by the New Zealand national rugby team from the 1800s. It's no wonder that its relationship with rugby matches also has a rich history.
Step 2. Perform the Haka dance in an appropriate context
Haka dance is considered precious and close to sacred, as an integral part of Maori culture. The dance has been performed by many different groups around the world, which has brought Haka dance to cultural prominence. Showing Haka dances in a commercial way, such as for commercials, may not be appropriate, unless you are a Maori.
There is a law in New Zealand's legislature that debates whether Ka Mate Haka can only be danced by the Maori Tribe, and forbidden for commercial use
Step 3. Perform the Haka dance in a respectful manner
Don't make fun of it by exaggerating its moves. Be sensitive to Haka dance culture and its meaning for Maori culture. If you are not a Maori, consider whether Haka dance is the best choice for your team or group as a form of expression.
Tips
- There are several variations of the Haka dance that can be adapted to different situations. Search online for different versions.
- Haka dance is not only specifically performed by men. Traditionally, women also perform Haka dances, including the “Kai Oraora,” which is a hateful dance against an opponent.
