A Poi Collage

I've been playing about with assorted photo-shopping programmes to see which one will produce the best collages and panoramas. This is one result - poi dancers performing at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village when I visited Rotorua last year. There is room for improvement though, so expect to see a few more experiments in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you'd like to know more about Whakarewarewa, either click on their name in the label line below this post for other things I've written, or check their website: www.whakarewarewa.com

Poi at Rest

Poi

Hanging from an Antler

An Unexpected Vignette at Whakarewarewa.

Rotorua

May 2009, Ajr

www.whakarewarewa.com

Poi Pupil

I spend a lot of time sitting around waiting for what I consider to be an interesting photograph.

Sometimes - often - I find that photograph in the detail of things rather than in 'the main event.'
That was certainly the case here - last year on Waitangi Day, at a kapa haka performance at Christchurch Art Gallery. I did in fact, get some terrific shots of the group performing but I loved these shots of the little girl best of all. Like so many Maori cultural groups, they encourage the young ones from a very early age and the adult performers never seem put off or distracted by the inattentions of the young. I loved the way she just kept doing her own thing, fiddling with one of the women's piupiu (skirts).

Souvenir Bag

One Cute Maori Doll

Playing with Poi

Seen in Kaiapoi Information Centre

Dance Festival

Images supplied by the Body Festival 2009.

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about kapa haka and the Maori poi dance, the 2009 Body Festival offers the perfect chance to get up close and personal. Staged in Christchurch, the festival opened yesterday and runs until October 11. Tucked in between the many outstanding dance performances across all dance genres, is a comprehensive series of workshops designed to meet any dance preference. You can learn all about kapa haka from one of Christchurch’s most dynamic and versatile performing groups, Te Ahikaaroa on Saturday October 3; or you can try your hand at twirling the poi led by Maarie Hutana of Positive Touch on October 10. www.thebody.co.nz

In Training

Waitangi Day, Mareikura Kapa Haka, Christchurch Feb 2009 Ajr

These are just some of the dozens of photographs I took of the Mareikura kapa haka performance at yesterday’s Waitangi Day celebrations at Christchurch Art Gallery. I loved the fact that they included some very small children – and this little girl almost stole the show with her confidence. It’s good to know that the youngest generation are being taught about their culture at an early age. She may not have been the best at twirling the poi (soft balls on string) but she gave it her best shot and what she lacked in skill she more than made up for with enthusiasm. There are more shots below in my Waitangi Day post.