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waiata-a-ringa
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waiata-a-ringa

song
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Quick Summary

Waiata-a-ringa, or "action songs," are a modern development of traditional Māori performance forms. These songs combine graceful movements with popular European melodies, fitting the actions to the music.1

Māori culture has a rich oral tradition of songs, including laments (waiata tangi), love songs (waiata aroha), and courtship songs (waiata whaiaaipo). Other forms include pao (gossip songs), poi (songs accompanying a dance with rhythmic balls), and oriori (songs for children of chiefly descent). Chants, such as karakia (incantations) and haka (chants with rhythmic movements), are also significant. These traditional forms are inseparable from their accompanying gestures and music.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. New Zealand literature - Maori narrative: the oral tradition
  2. Oceanic music and dance - The Maori

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