Kapa haka is the term for Māori action songs and the groups who perform them. The phrase translates to 'group' (kapa) 'dance' (haka). Kapa haka is an important avenue for Māori people to express and showcase their heritage and cultural Polynesian identity through song and dance.

Kapa haka means traditional Māori dances performed by a group standing in rows. Iwi reputations were based on their ability to perform haka and the expertise of the haka leader. There are many different types of haka, appropriate for different occasions.

Watch New Zealand’s Tuku Iho Living Legacy perform kapa haka at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Kapa haka is the term for Māori performing arts, kapa means to form a line, and haka to dance. Kapa haka involves an emotional and powerful combination of song, dance and chanting. It is performed by cultural groups on marae, at schools, and during special events and festivals.

Kapa haka is a living art form. Contrary to popular belief, haka is not only a war dance. There are many different types of haka, each appropriate for a different occasion.

2024年10月23日 · The term ‘kapa haka’ means a group or groups standing in rows to perform traditional Māori dances, accompanied by sung or chanted words. Kapa haka is a living art form. Contrary to popular belief, haka is not only a war dance. There are many different types of haka, each appropriate for a different occasion.

The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka are a fierce display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant.

2024年8月19日 · Kapa Haka is the heart and soul of Maori cultural expression. It’s a powerful and dynamic form of traditional Maori performing arts that combines singing, dancing, and chanting. The term “Kapa Haka” itself comes from two Maori words: “kapa” meaning row or rank, and “haka” which is a traditional dance or performance.

Kapa haka competition consists of 10 disciplines combining a variety of singing and posture dances, all of which are judged according to set criteria, including clothing and skill and clarity of language use. The event culminates with the tallying of points, the awarding of prizes in many categories, and the announcement of an overall winning team.

2023年4月29日 · The Te Matatini Festival, held every two years, is essentially the Olympics of Kapa Haka, a gathering of the sharpest exponents of the art form from New Zealand and Australia, who battle over four days to be crowned Toa Whakaihuwaka, Te Matatini champions. This title has been contested since the festival’s inception in 1972.