Haka

Haka (plural here is the same as singular in Maori language: two Haka, one Haka) is a ritual dance of the Maori, the native people of New Zealand. In some time, a haka is performed to excite friends and to scare enemies. In peace time, a haka is performed as a challenge.

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  Painting of a haka war dance in New Zealand around 1845

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  Haka of the All Blacks before a match against France in 2006

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  Junior House student performing a haka

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  Forces of New Zealand, performing a haka in Egypt for the King of Greece in 1941 during World War II.

A haka can include:

• voice (chanting)
• feet (stamping and leaping)
• hand (slapping, waving and clapping)
• eyes (rolling)
• tongue (poking out)

There are many different haka. Each tells a story. The most famous haka is Ka Mate. The Ka Mate haka is performed by many New Zealand sports teams before games. Another famous haka is 'Kapo O Pango' which is performed by New Zealand's rugby union team. This team is called the All Blacks.

Women are not usually allowed to perform haka. Instead, they sing and chant in support. But these women also sing and dance in the front. Once you search, you will find them women.