It looks like our performance inspired a young Maori boy and an older kuia (elder woman) to hop up and test out their poi skills. I was impressed and thrilled to discover she could still keep two long poi going, single-handed. I haven’t got that kind of coordination on my best day. And I love [...]
You saw us learn it, now see us perform our haka for the group. I think we gave ‘em their money’s worth! I should mention we were gently told later that women do not stick out their tongues when they pukana. This wasn’t mentioned during our learning because the evening was all in fun. But [...]
Next up, group two. They learned a rhythm game with sticks! Well, “learned” may be too strong, but they sure had fun trying! In their defense, I’ve tried this. It really hurts when you miss and smack your face or knuckles with a flying stick. You get a little jittery. And they probably did better [...]
This cracks me up! My very favorite moment is when the group leader asks for someone to come up front, and my dear friend Wendy is “volunteered” by her mom, Linda, my friend and leader of our group. So funny. And my other favorite thing is seeing Noah, the young man twirling poi in the [...]
So after a few performances for us, the troupe decided we should perform for them! But before we could, we needed to be taught. They divided us, the guests, into three groups, and taught each group a different performance piece, then brought us back into the main hall for a little friendly competition for the [...]
