Entrance
iPod (320x240) [1:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (212) Bigger (640x480) [1:41m]: Download (162)This video was recorded on June 28, 2006. It features a wonderful Maori performance group, and I’m kicking myself that I can’t remember their name. The leader, Dave, who is blowing the conch shell and isn’t wearing traditional dress, gave me his business card, and I know it’s around here somewhere, so when I find it, I’ll update this post with the group’s name and a link if possible.
Anyway, my travel group was made part of the “home crowd,” and given shelter at Puniho Pa Marae, and the dance troupe is seen here entering as welcome guests. In this video they are performing, and the next video will show the traditional way Maori groups enter one another’s communities. Over the next few days I’ll be showing several more videos from this evening. The performers split us into 3 groups, taught us each a different skill, and then we all performed for our hosts. It was an evening of much laughter, sharing and love.
I spent time with this troupe in 2004 and was thrilled to see them again. They are amazing and very giving. I’m planning to start a little fund raiser to help them come to the U.S. and visit local tribal lands. I also hope to help them book some performance gigs - anyone engaging them will get more than their money’s worth.
December 11th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
I just love this. So magical Glad you recorded something for us.
Brilliant idea to try and get them to the tribal lands of the US. Hope you get the funds.