How did the Tongan me'elaufola differ from the lakalaka?

The me'elaufola and the lakalaka are distinct forms of Tongan dance, with the latter representing an evolved development of the former. Their primary differences lie in their performance structure and musical accompaniment:

• Performance Composition: The me'elaufola was traditionally performed by men or women in separate groups. In contrast, the lakalaka is performed by men and women together.1
• Musical Accompaniment: The me'elaufola was accompanied by singing, long bamboo stamping tubes, and percussion sticks. The lakalaka, which remains a flourishing tradition today, is performed solely to the accompaniment of sung poetry.1

Both dances are part of the broader tradition of Tongan dance, which functions as a visual extension of poetry, emphasizing specific hand and arm movements to interpret mythological, genealogical, and contemporary themes.1