The Taualuga dance

Yes, I know. I could register at You Tube and put together a collection there of all my favourite clips, but I’m the cool dude (chick) that’s going to be different and post my faves here. Why? Because as you can probably tell already, I like to talk / write and bringing the clips here means that I get to make comments about them, and then if you like, you can make comments about my comments and, well, you get the picture.

So anyway, most people will agree that the most gorgeous dance to come out of the Samoan culture would be the Taualuga, a graceful solo traditionally performed by a Taupou, or daughter of a high chief. The purpose of this dance is to flatter or celebrate this high chief on various occasions, or to serve as the showpiece finale at the end of a set of dances performed by an entertaining group.

Back in the old days, on top of being the daughter of a high chief, you also had to be unmarried and, um, virginal to perform this dance. Times have changed… But to this day, Samoan girls the world over (yes even us geek girls) are taught from a young age the timeless virtues of the Taualuga dance itself:

• Grace: A Taupou’s movements are fluid, easy… elegant and effortless. (Unless you’re a newbie dancer, then it’s just breathless and painful).
• The classic Taupou body: It’s all about those big beautiful legs, baby! Ever notice how difficult it is for a girl to look graceful when she’s all elbows and knees? Real Taupous have curves.
• The story: Okay it’s not always apparent what those hands are talking about, but if you pay close attention to her movements, you might be able to pick out symbols that tell a story. A stroke of the hair while looking into a ‘mirror’… the wringing of coconut fibers as she ‘prepares the kava’… the wielding of that fierce machete… Beauty.
• The prestige: These days you don’t always have to be the daughter of a high chief to perform the Taualuga, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be asked to do it if you don’t look the part or if, you know, you can’t dance. It’s an honourable thing to be known for your grace and natural ability with the Taupou dance. It’s the Samoan version of, let’s see… making the cheer leading team? Winning a beauty contest? It’s just a very cool thing.

So, I was surfing YouTube looking for World Wide Taualuga dancing and Oh. Em. Gee. the talent out there is absolutely gorgeous! This one (below) is probably my favourite. I don’t know anything about the event or the people who posted this video, but the dancing is just STUNNING. Grace, poise, animation, LIFE, beauty… this Hamo girl’s got it all!

Only one thing left for me to say: Malo lava le ma’au’au! Kiuussuuusssuuuu!!!

xx HGG