Draft:Traditional Māori dance

Submission declined on 1 August 2024 by Bobby Cohn (talk).

This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources.

If you would like to continue working on the submission, click on the "Edit" tab at the top of the window.
If you have not resolved the issues listed above, your draft will be declined again and potentially deleted.
If you need extra help, please ask us a question at the AfC Help Desk or get live help from experienced editors.
Please do not remove reviewer comments or this notice until the submission is accepted.

Where to get help

If you need help editing or submitting your draft, please ask us a question at the AfC Help Desk or get live help from experienced editors. These venues are only for help with editing and the submission process, not to get reviews.
If you need feedback on your draft, or if the review is taking a lot of time, you can try asking for help on the talk page of a relevant WikiProject. Some WikiProjects are more active than others so a speedy reply is not guaranteed.

How to improve a draft

Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia – a basic overview on how to edit Wikipedia.
Help:Wikitext – how to use the markup
Help:Referencing for beginners – how to include references
Wikipedia:Article development – how to develop your article
Wikipedia:Writing better articles – how to improve your article
Wikipedia:Verifiability – make sure your article includes reliable third-party sources

You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article.

Improving your odds of a speedy review

To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags.

Add tags to your draft

Editor resources

Easy tools: Citation bot (help) | Advanced: Fix bare URLs

Declined by Bobby Cohn 4 months ago. Last edited by Bobby Cohn 4 months ago. Reviewer: Inform author.

Resubmit

Please note that if the issues are not fixed, the draft will be declined again.

Comment: See WP:REF for guidance on using WP:Inline citations and Help:Your first article for more general advice on writing. Bobby Cohn (talk) 01:09, 1 August 2024 (UTC)

Traditional Māori dance includes a variety of performative and ceremonial practices from the Māori people of New Zealand. These dances are a fundamental part of Māori culture and are used for storytelling, celebrations, and rituals.

Historical background

Traditional Māori dance has deep roots in the culture of the Māori people, originating from Polynesian settlers who arrived in New Zealand centuries ago. Initially linked to warfare and ceremonies, these dances have since broadened to include various cultural expressions and celebrations.

Main types of Māori dance

Haka

The haka is a dynamic and powerful dance that involves chanting, rhythmic movements, and stamping. Originally performed by warriors before battle to demonstrate strength and unity, the haka has become well-known globally, particularly through its performance by the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks.

Waiata-ā-Ringa

Waiata-ā-ringa, or "action songs," blend dance with song. Performers use hand movements and body gestures to bring the lyrics to life. This dance form is often featured at social gatherings and ceremonies to tell stories and express themes.

Poi

Poi involves swinging balls attached to strings in rhythm with music. Traditionally performed by women, poi is noted for its graceful and intricate patterns. It was originally used to develop coordination and rhythm and remains a visually impressive part of Māori dance.

Peruperu

Peruperu, or the war haka, includes vigorous movements like jumping and stomping. Historically, it was performed by warriors to intimidate enemies and prepare for battle. This energetic dance shows physical strength and psychological intensity which is very important in battle.

Cultural significance

Traditional Māori dances are crucial for preserving and expressing Māori culture. They help convey important stories, celebrate key events, and strengthen community ties. For example, the haka is used in various ceremonies, including welcoming guests and commemorating special occasions.

Performance characteristics

Māori dance is known for its expressive and energetic qualities. Some Key elements are:

Facial Expressions: Performers often use strong facial expressions to add emotional depth.
Choreography: The movements are rhythmic and coordinated with music or chants.
Footwork: Stomping creates a percussive rhythm that supports the dance.
Hand Gestures: Specific gestures are used to convey meanings, especially in waiata-ā-ringa.

Preservation and Modern Adaptations

There are ongoing efforts to preserve traditional Māori dance through cultural organizations and educational programs. Modern performances may incorporate contemporary elements while respecting traditional practices, helping to keep Māori dance relevant and vibrant.