TIKA 157: Introduction to Maori Performing Arts

This past semester at The University of Waikato I took TIKA 157: Introduction to Maori Performing Arts. The only pre-requirements are just an open mind and a willingness to shake that groove thing! Well TIKA 157 is not so much of booty poppin kind of 'dance', but more of an understanding to the meaning's the type of dances and cultural impact that kapa haka have on the Maori people.
Although there are no language requirements to take TIKA 157 at The University of Waikato, be prepared to learn and be expected to know basic Maori words (don't worry though, they are not too hard to learn). The class of 30 was full of students of Maori background with only five American students. I was keen on this because I did not come to New Zealand to hang out with the same culture and mind frame that I see back home. I've come to New Zealand to learn and understand another culture, not get drunk all the time with their own culture like so many of international students do. Lame.  I've learned that the kapa haka and the many forms of Maori dance are a mean of communication and expression of the Maori outlook and mind frame. Here are some of the final presentations from class.