Monday 28 March 2016

TAUALUGA - particular dance for a Taupou or Manaia



The Samoan "taualuga" dance (taua: war; luga: above; translates as 'war in a higher place') reveals the importance of the number three in the Samoan culture. In the taualuga, a "taupou" (village maid or virgin) does a slow and dedicate dance. Surrounding her are the "aiuli" dancers who do animated dances, make lots of noise, and distracting the taupou from her slow dance - taunting her to move faster, and to copy them. The "taupou" should continue with her slow dance despite the distraction. 
The taupou wears a "tuiga" - a headdress made of flowers, shells, human hair, and three recognizable spikes. This is the basic form of the taualuga, which is demonstrated in a variety of ways by different performersMost Samoan festivities that I attended culminated with a 'taualuga' performance where anyone can join, makes lots of noise, and contribute money. 
This dance is performed at the conclusion of most Samoan fiafias. 

This song describes what a taupou is when she is dancing and that she is dancing on her own as a soloist while you have an aiuli trying to cheer her on when she is dancing.  the taualuga is one many samoan dances but this particular dance is made for the taupou only it gives her a chance to show gracefulness and respect to her elders or community with in her moves.

1 comment:

  1. we have just one week left until the presentations are due, please look to the Hobbsaroo Blogger for information :)

    ReplyDelete