Cook Islands, in the South Pacific, is famous for their drums and dancing. Particular drumbeats are unique to the Cook Islands and they represent an important part of indigenous Maori culture. Each drum rhythm imparts its own drum dance style, and you'll find that they're all mesmerizing and exhilarating.
The Drums
South Pacific nations have identifiable music, dance, drums and drum dancing. In the Cook Islands, wooden slit drums and drumsticks are carved from a variety of local trees. Slit drums can be as small as 10 to12 inches, and as long as 6 to 8 feet, and have a wide range of tones. It is men and boys who beat the drums.
Drum Rhythms
According to Cook Islander Dr. Jon Jonnassen, a professor at the University of Hawaii, several rhythms are characteristically unique to the Cook Islands. Dr. Jonnassen has recorded and preserved these specific Cook Islands rhythms for posterity.
Dance Styles
Ura Pa'u is the Cook Islands Maori name for drum dancing. Popular traditional Ura Pa'u include Fire Dance, Imene Tuki, Solo and Action Song.
Male Dancers
Male dancers, in lines several rows thick, face the audience. Dance steps are typically performed in unison, with characteristically fast thigh slapping action. Dancers stand in place on the balls of their feet, thrust both thighs to a maximum outward extension, and then quickly slap both thighs closed. This thigh action is repeated enthusiastically, while simultaneously alternating their feet in a marching or stomping action.
Female Dancers
Female dancers also line up in rows. The drumbeat determines how fast women will swing their hips, and choreography follows the beat. Women typically have graceful hand gestures that convey images from the surrounding beauty, such as birds, flowers and ocean waves.
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