Hoko is a traditional Rapa Nui dance that was performed in the past by warriors and high rank chiefs. Through Hoko, the ancient Rapa nui people would tell stories, prepare for ceremonies and lift up the spirit before going to war. Hoko is closely related to the Haka from New Zealand and it is mainly a war or warrior dance. Traditionally performed by man due to its dynamic and demanding physical movements, yet, Yoyo’s approach today welcomes both genders to join and experience it. To be able to dance or perform Hoko you need to follow a chant, which is generally accompanied by a traditional drumbeat. As you sing alongside the repetitive percussive drumbeat, you will use your body to express the lyrics of this chant. Once you’ve learned the chant, and become flown with the movements, a whole synchronised flow starts to happen and you find your body, voice and spirit working together.
This is an introductory workshop, when Hoko is performed regularly and for long hours, it can become a powerful fitness tool that will strengthen your body’s muscles and help with your posture. It can also be a potent releasing and cleansing tool for the body and spirit, with its intense body movements and vocal chanting. If you want to connect with the Earth, feel grounded and get out of your head, while gaining physical fitness in a cultural-meaningful way, then Hoko might be a good discipline for you. In this workshop, you will be guided through each one of the moves and learn the meanings of the powerful chants.
Facilitators: Yoyo Tuki. Sometimes accompanied by 2 live percussionists.
Venue requirements: Suitable space-venue (ideally a dance or fitness room with a mirror. A nice clear outdoors area is suitable as well, PA system to connect IPOD.
Student requirements: Suitable and comfortable dressing, water, towel.
Duration: 1hr
Note: This workshop is available for adults and schools. Please get in touch to further discuss.
A specially designed experience that offers a full immersion into Rapa Nui culture. An afternoon of workshops (Rapa Nui culture talk and traditional Hoko dance) followed by traditional pacific island food 'Umu' cooked the traditional island way in an earth oven. The cultural experience culminates with a world class music concert where the audience will be taken through a chronological journey. From very traditional music moving gradually towards more contemporary stuff. The show begins with a full traditional format, using only traditional instruments, customs and a selection of matching songs. As the show progresses, the instruments, customs and song selection will gradually change, evolving and taking the audience into to what it is Rapa Nui's most contemporary and front of the line music today.
This show is unique and offers the audience a one in a lifetime chance to experience the world's most isolated and remote culture.
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Rapa Nui Cultural Experience
10am Rapa Nui Culture Talk ($25) 11.30am Traditional ‘Hoko’ Dance workshop($25) 6.30pm Traditional Polynesian Food ($25) 7pm Music Concert ($25)
$85 full experience / $25 individual experience - workshop / $25 food
