Nestled in the remote expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is renowned for its mysterious moai statues and captivating natural beauty. However, beyond its iconic monoliths lies a vibrant cultural tapestry woven with captivating dances that encapsulate the island’s history, traditions, and connection to the land. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to discover the enchanting dances of Rapa Nui, a testament to the island’s unique heritage.
Rapa Nui Dances: A Glimpse into Rapa Nui’s Dance Traditions
The dance traditions of Rapa Nui are deeply ingrained in the island’s culture and have been passed down through generations. These dances serve as a medium through which the island’s people express their emotions, tell stories, and celebrate life’s milestones. From ceremonial rituals to modern performances, Rapa Nui’s dances are a living testament to the island’s rich history.
The dance of the Rapa Nui group, as well as all the cultural manifestations, constitute an important part of the insular people’s cosmovision. Of ancestral origin, many island dances have been extinguished, partly influenced by Catholic evangelization, which censored some manifestations for their erotic charge due to the sense of fertilization or sexual initiation.
The best known dance of the island is the sau sau. Of great scenic and media presence, the sau sau has gradually become the island’s cultural letter of introduction to the mainland. Of apparent Samoan origin, the sau sau is synonymous of dance and party. Its character is eminently recreational and has a marked erotic accent, appreciable in the undulating movements of hands and hips.
In the 1960s, the tamuré became popular on Easter Island. Almost as popular on the continent as the sau sau, this dance of Tahitian origin is much more aggressive, even acrobatic, with strong pelvic movements that aim to make the act of love evident.
To these two must be added a series of more traditional dances, although possibly less known. This is the case of the atarita or upa-upa, a mixed couple dance characterized by the man jumping on one foot, and then with a small jump to change support, while his partner performs pendulum movements.
There are also some collective dances, with circular, semi-circular or in line movements, advancing and retreating. This is the case of the oko, a circular dance of phallic character in which men emit guttural sounds called ngau, accompanied by low jumps and inciting and violent movements. There is also the kaunga terongo, a male dance of warrior origin or initiation to puberty, where the man dances accompanied by a stick called toko-toko. We can also mention the haka piri, a couple dance in which man and woman join their pelvises, puko vahine and puku langala, and move their hips circularly, carrying their arms in a jug, above or with the palms of the hand on the nape of the neck. Another example is the nagana, a kind of footwork in which one dances on one foot while throwing the other foot forcefully forward.
There are also a series of mimetic dances, in which legends, combats or daily activities are simulated, as is the case of the “dance of the boat”. Among them, there is a type of dance in which the dancer only through the movement of arms and hands, without displacement, gives account of the text of the interpreted song, giving with brief gestures deep meanings typical of the Rapa Nui tradition.
Rapa Nui Dances: Sau Sau
In the festivities the place of honor corresponds to the Sau Sau, of Samoan origin, which the inhabitants set the date of importation in the 1940s, and which has taken on its own characteristics on the island.
During the night meetings are organized, in which this dance is performed, in which the women show all their grace and ease, within a rhythmic mobility, which they accompany with the undulating movement of their hands. In the Sau Sau, the couples unite and move apart with rapid movements of the hips.
In this dance, the Pascuenses, especially the women, wear a colorful feather dress, which modern dance ensembles are introducing.
The authoritative author of “The Musical Heritage of Rapa Nui”, Dr. Ramón Campbell, describes this dance thus:
“The couple begins the dance as a true corrido, with the male embracing the female and taking a few turns around the dance floor. After one, three or four turns of the corrido, the lady is released from the arm that is holding her and is held only by the left hand of the gallant. She must then make a few turns on herself, spinning on the axis provided by her partner with his hand, while he watches her spin.
After this phase, in which the lady makes one, two or three turns on her axis, the couple separates and the most original part of the dance begins. This part is characterized by more or less oblique crossings of the couple in both directions, always facing each other and executing various parallel figures that become more and more complicated.
The multiplicity of the figures executed by the couple alternates with small intervals in which the dancers, placed at the ends of their respective dance floors, stop for a moment to start a new figure of a different shape”.
Rapa Nui Dances: Sau Sau Basic Steps and Movements
The Sau-Sau dance is a popular traditional dance from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), influenced by Polynesian dance styles. It is known for its graceful and rhythmic movements, which often tell stories of the island’s history and culture. Here are the basic steps and movements commonly found in the Sau-Sau dance:
Basic Stance – Rapa Nui Dances
- Feet Position: Stand with feet slightly apart, knees slightly bent.
- Posture: Maintain an upright posture with shoulders relaxed.
Hip Movements – Rapa Nui Dances
- Swaying Hips: The hips move side to side in a smooth, rhythmic motion. This is a fundamental movement in many Polynesian dances.
- Hip Circles: Circular hip movements that are slow and deliberate, mimicking the flow of the ocean.
Footwork – Rapa Nui Dances
- Basic Step: Step to the right with your right foot, then bring your left foot to meet it. Repeat to the left. This creates a side-to-side motion.
- Forward and Backward Steps: Step forward with one foot and bring the other foot to meet it, then step backward in the same manner. This movement creates a gentle rocking motion.
Hand and Arm Movements – Rapa Nui Dances
- Graceful Hand Gestures: Hands move fluidly to complement the hip movements, often extending outward or upward. Fingers are usually held together and can move in soft, wave-like motions.
- Storytelling Gestures: Hands can mimic natural elements like waves, birds, or the sun. These gestures help tell a story and add depth to the dance.
Upper Body Movements – Rapa Nui Dances
- Torso Twists: Gentle twisting of the torso from side to side, synchronized with hip and arm movements.
- Chest Pops: Subtle, rhythmic popping movements of the chest to accentuate certain beats in the music.
Facial Expressions – Rapa Nui Dances
- Smiling: A warm, inviting smile is often maintained throughout the dance.
- Eye Contact: Engaging with the audience or other dancers through eye contact enhances the storytelling aspect.
Group Dynamics . Rapa Nui Dances
- Synchronization: Dancers often perform in groups, maintaining synchronization with each other to create a harmonious performance.
- Formation Changes: Groups may change formations to add visual interest and complexity to the dance.
Practicing the Sau-Sau Dance – Rapa Nui Dances
- Repetition: Practice the basic steps repeatedly to internalize the rhythm and fluidity of the movements.
- Cultural Understanding: Learn about the cultural significance and stories behind the dance to perform it with authenticity and respect.
- Music: The dance is typically performed to traditional Rapa Nui music, which provides the rhythm and mood for the movements. Familiarizing yourself with the music helps in synchronizing the steps and gestures.
The Sau-Sau dance is a beautiful and expressive form of storytelling through movement, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Rapa Nui. By mastering these basic steps and understanding the cultural context, dancers can convey the rich history and vibrant spirit of the island.
Rapa Nui Dances: Ula Ula
A dance of Tahitian origin, it is danced on the island as a reminiscence of the original, according to Dr. Ramon Campbell. “Dancing generally in the rhythm of corrido vivo, the couples are accustomed to dance separated, making undulate especially the hips in lateral form, smoothly, and resting the feet alternatively on the heel and the tip of the toes, with rotation of them.
The women accompany the dance with graceful movements of the arms, making them undulate in a very harmonious way, either to one side or to the other, imitating in many occasions the act of combing their hair with one hand and contemplating themselves in an invisible mirror with the other hand.
All this with a very feminine and captivating grace and suggestion. There are usually no indecent or provocative movements in this type of dance. The dance movement is usually alternated with figures, in which the legs gradually bend until almost touching the buttocks with the heels, and taking a squatting position without ceasing to undulate rhythmically and then rise up in reverse”.
Rapa Nui Dances: Tamuré
Tahitian dance, whose grace lies in two main aspects. “On the one hand, the real acrobatics that must be developed with the legs, in extraordinarily fast movements and the execution of pelvic swaying movements more or less violent” (Ramon Campbell).
Current dances and songs are stylizations of the Polynesian folklore. Of recent origin are the Tahitian Waltz and the Easter Tango.
Rapa Nui Dances: What are the most important festivals in Rapa Nui?
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is known for its vibrant culture, and dance and music play a central role in the island’s festivals. Here are some of the most important festivals that celebrate dance and music in Rapa Nui:
1. Tapati Rapa Nui Festival – Rapa Nui dances
Timing: Typically held in the first two weeks of February
Overview: Tapati Rapa Nui is the most significant cultural festival on the island, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the Rapa Nui people. It began in the 1970s as a way to celebrate and preserve Rapa Nui culture.
Highlights:
- Dance Competitions: Various traditional dances, including the Sau-Sau and Hoko, are performed in competitions. Dancers wear elaborate costumes made from natural materials.
- Music Performances: Traditional music, featuring instruments like the ukulele, pahu (drum), and other Polynesian instruments, accompanies the dances.
- Cultural Competitions: Includes a wide range of events such as body painting, canoe races, and traditional sports, all aimed at earning points for their chosen “queen” of the festival.
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2. Rapa Nui Music Festival (Festival de Música Rapa Nui) – Rapa Nui dances
Timing: Dates can vary; usually held during the warmer months
Overview: This festival focuses on the musical traditions of Rapa Nui, bringing together local musicians and performers to celebrate the island’s unique sounds.
Highlights:
- Live Performances: Features performances by local bands and musicians who play traditional and contemporary Rapa Nui music.
- Workshops: Attendees can participate in workshops to learn about traditional instruments and musical styles.
3. Hoko Manu Festival – Rapa Nui dances
Timing: Dates can vary; often linked to traditional seasonal events
Overview: The Hoko Manu Festival celebrates the island’s Birdman cult, which was an important part of Rapa Nui’s history. The festival includes dances and rituals related to this ancient tradition.
Highlights:
- Birdman Dance Performances: Reenactments and dances related to the Birdman competition, celebrating the historical and spiritual significance of the tangata manu (Birdman).
- Cultural Activities: Various cultural activities and performances that highlight traditional practices and beliefs.
4. Mahia Rapa Nui Festival – Rapa Nui dances
Timing: Dates can vary; usually held annually
Overview: This festival is dedicated to the traditional arts and crafts of Rapa Nui, with dance and music playing a significant role in the celebrations.
Highlights:
- Craft Workshops: Workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as carving and weaving.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional dances and music performances that highlight the island’s heritage and artistic expressions.
5. Other Cultural Events and Festivals – Rapa Nui dances
Throughout the year, various smaller festivals and events take place, celebrating specific aspects of Rapa Nui culture, often including dance and music as key components. These events provide opportunities for both locals and visitors to engage with and appreciate the island’s rich cultural traditions.