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Enjoy this curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Traditional maori Waitangi Day celebrations at Waitangi, Paihia.
Feb 6
Waitangi Day
A Trip to New Zealand
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
“He waka eke noa” (We are all in this canoe together.)
~ Māori proverb (whakataukī)
Take a dance journey to New Zealand on today, Waitangi Day, celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on Feb 6th, 1840, a foundational document in New Zealand’s history. Among the diverse groups that contributed to the nation’s development were Scottish settlers, who played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s cultural and economic landscape, particularly in the 19th century. Many Scots emigrated in search of new opportunities, bringing with them their traditions, strong Presbyterian values, and a pioneering spirit. One of the most notable Scottish settlements was Dunedin, founded in 1848 by the Free Church of Scotland, which aimed to establish a community rooted in their religious and cultural heritage. The settlers introduced sheep farming, which became a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, and their influence can still be seen today in place names, architecture, and vibrant Highland Games celebrations. Scottish traditions, from bagpipes to Scottish dancing, continue to thrive in New Zealand, reflecting the deep and lasting connection between the two nations. This jig will provide the armchair traveler a dancing chance until you can make a dancing visit in person! Kia ora, dancers! 🖤 🤍 🖤 🇳🇿 🏔️ 🐑 🎶
A Trip to New Zealand
New Zealand has a rich and diverse dance culture that reflects its unique blend of Māori heritage, European influences, and contemporary artistic expressions. Traditional Māori dance, or kapa haka, is one of the most recognizable forms of dance in New Zealand. This expressive performance art combines waiata (songs), poi (a dance with swinging tethered weights), haka (posture dances), and action songs, all of which serve to tell stories, celebrate identity, and honor ancestors. The haka, in particular, is famous worldwide due to its use by the national rugby team, the All Blacks, as a powerful pre-game ritual. However, haka is deeply embedded in Māori culture and is performed at many occasions, including ceremonies, celebrations, and as a form of challenge or tribute.
European settlers brought ballroom, folk, and classical dance traditions, which evolved into New Zealand's own unique styles. Scottish and Irish settlers contributed ceilidh and Highland dancing, which remain popular, especially in the South Island. Today, New Zealand boasts a vibrant contemporary dance scene, with companies like the New Zealand Dance Company blending traditional influences with modern techniques. Pacific dance forms from neighboring Polynesian cultures, such as Samoan siva and Tongan tau’olunga, have also become integral to New Zealand’s multicultural dance landscape.
For more on dancing in New Zealand, visit one of the regional RSCDS website, Dance Scottish Wellington, by clicking the 2024 photo by Gaye Collin of a new dancer celebration dance.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
