Contextualising Dance
Recognises and discusses the background of Māori haka (UC)

Teacher and students are discussing the meaning and significance of haka in past and present times. Haka is actually the generic term for dance but tends to be used today to mean a Māori challenge or war dance. The haka is performed in various contexts for different purposes.

Exploring Dance
Develops greater awareness of correct technique and the need for warm ups (PK)

Contextualising Dance
Recognises the holistic nature of Māori dance as a distinguishing feature (UC)

In preparation for learning "Ka Mate" the students recite a karakia (prayer) and do whole-body and voice warm-ups. They learn the words and do voice work using phrases from the haka, exploring ways to maximise delivery.

Exploring Dance
Uses a developing range of vocabulary from a Māori haka (PK)

Contextualising Dance
Recognises and identifies some of the distinguishing features of Māori haka (UC)

The teacher and class identify movement patterns and features of haka – using the whole body, mind and spirit, the stance and posture for specific movements.

A student demonstrates good posture in the waewae takahia movement. The class then performs the haka using facial expressions and vocalisation (no words) to accompany their actions. Normally the teacher would mirror the student activity by facing them. Here the teacher faces the camera to demonstrate the movements and actions.

Performing Dance
Understands pace, projection, and clarity of movement (CI)

Students rehearse and refinine their performance. The leader of the group demonstrates a confident approach to the haka actions and vocalises a strong and commanding introductory call. This anticipates the performance in unison, incorporating the aesthetic dimensions of ihi (authority), wehi (awe), and wana (exhilaration) related to the energy, force, and quality of performance. The performance demonstrates a developing sense of group unity. Their timing, commitment, and energy level is greater than in previous demonstrations.

Contextualising Dance
Recognises the holistic nature of Māori dance as a distinguishing feature (UC)

Students sing the himene (hymn) "Ka Waiata kia Maria" and listen to the teacher reciting a karakia to mark the end of the learning experience. They show the ability to move quickly from performing a vigorous and vocal haka to singing a gentle and melodious himene and paying due reverence to the closing karakia.