Cook Islands Dancers

Traditional dancing is integral to the Cook Islands Maori lifestyle, for people of all ages. Costumes range from leaves to extravagant and elegant works of art. The dancing tells stories, and slit drums provide exhilarating and tantalizing rhythms.

Tradition

Cook Islands children begin learning dance as soon as they can walk. All school children actively participate in dance classes, and typically showcase their talents each quarter at public events hosted by their respective schools.

Costumes

Costumes, the essential element, include long grass skirts, coconut shell bras, and flower garlands called ei, for women. Men go bare-chested and wear grass skirts and leggings.

Drums

Drums range in size from hand-held to over 6 feet in length. They are the lifeblood for dancers, providing rhythm, and a wide range of tones.

Movements

Cook Islands dancers perform the ura, which is characterized by fast or slow hip swinging, graceful hand gestures, agile reaching movements, and smiling faces. Women maintain minimal foot movement, while men stomp, leap, and demonstrate their fast foot actions.

Entertainment Value

Cook Islands dancers are extremely popular and provide entertainment for many events and venues. These include resort island nights, installation of new public officials, public parades, airport arrivals, greetings for dignitaries, flower festivals, national dance competitions, the South Pacific Mini Games, and the Miss Cook Islands Pageant.

References

• Pare Urumanu Albert, former professional Cook Islands dancer; Rarotonga, Cook Islands
• Cook Islands Tourism -- Our Culture
• Travel the Pacific -- Cook Islands