Archive for August, 2009
August 3rd, 2009 | 
Author: Cook Islands Dancing
The Cook Islands Dancing displays are renowned throughout Polynesia for their expression and sensuality. Many of the dances are based on ancient stories and tell a tale of love or adventure and in some cases both.
The gifts of music, song and dance play a large part in the culture of the Cook Islands and native children are introduced to them at a very young age.
The Dances
Each of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands nation has a slightly different dancing technique which makes their performances unique. Children begin to dance
as soon as they can walk and the islands compete in a festival once a year for the honour of being the best.
In general, the women dance with a swaying hip movement that slowly goes from side to side. They dance with flat feet – which is hard to do while swaying the hips – and the shoulders should be kept absolutely still. In fact girls and young women are judged on how still they keep their shoulders while dancing – the stiller they are the better dancer they are considered to be.
The men meanwhile dance with slightly bended knees which they knock together in time with the drum beat. They also have a grinding movement and overall their dance is very jerky when compared to the smooth swaying of the women. The two dances are completely opposite but when they are performed together they produce a dance which is simply described as spellbinding.
The Music
Cook Island dancing is always accompanied by music and on most occasions there are singers as well. The singers and drummers from these small islands are considered by many to be the best in Polynesia and they are known around the world
for their perfectionism. The singers tell traditional tales in the native language while the drummers and other musicians accompany them with a rhythmic beating of their drums. The music is described as being hypnotic and when combined with the swaying dancers and the general atmosphere, Cook Island dancing really is something to behold.
The Costumes
Cook Island dancing wouldn’t be complete without the traditional costumes. The skirts, which are worn by both men and women, are made from cotton material or bark cloth covered with grass, long green leaves and dried bark strips. Around the waist there is a titi which is much like a decorated belt. These are often adorned with shells, seeds, bright leaves and colourful flowers.
The headdresses are also made from bright flowers and are very ornamental. They are easily the most prominent part of the costume and the men regularly have feathers attached for added height. The costumes can take months to make, especially if they are for an upcoming festival, however once made they can last for years.
Where to watch Cook Islands Dancing
Many of the resorts on Rarotonga – the main island – and Aitutaki hold dance performances each week throughout the year. People staying at the resorts can watch for free however non-residents have to pay a small admission fee. For this fee though, they are allowed to watch the performance and take in the time-honoured atmosphere with the music, costumes and a traditional home-cooked feast. Many of the resorts encourage visitors to join in with the dancing so that they can get a feel for the movements and the sensuality of the dances.
Rarotonga is also home to the Cook Islands Cultural Village. This is an educational village where visitors can learn about the history of the Cook Islands and the rituals that are performed there. There is a section of the village which explains the history of the dances and what some of the movements mean. This allows visitors to better understand the dances when they see them performed.
Conclusion
Cook Islands dancing dates back thousands of years however the performers today show just as much expression as the ancestors that created the unique movements. Music and dancing play a large part in the lives of the Cook Islanders and they are arts that the inhabitants will always be known for. Tradition is also sacred to the people of the islands and the tradition of the dances is one that will continue to be passed on with each new generation.
People all across the world believe there is an epidemic with children becoming over-weight. There has been too much talk about our children getting fact and not enough acting. So instead of planting fear into these children about how they should lose weight, because they won’t fit in, surely we should be doing something to help them.
Everybody says that we do our bit for our children to help them eat healthily. So diets aren’t the only thing that can help, the best solution is entertaining exercise. The hard part is trying to set up something that they can have a good time doing, yet has positive effect on their health?
Well the one easiest way to do this, is to get them trying something that they enjoy. Try and get them into a form of exercise, but make sure that it doesn’t really look like exercise. Now Diving is one example, although expensive abroad could inspire them to get into swimming. The main question is, do you have any holidays booked this year? If you don’t but your planning on it, maybe you should consider diving holidays. Although the cost will be higher, they are getting cheaper and cheaper.
What you want to do is take them on one of these holidays and really get them involved in it. There is a chance this experience could inspire them to take up swimming so that when you get back home they have a fun avenue of exercise to take up.
The main point to this is trying something that may cost a little bit for one time. Then when they have tried it they will become enthralled in it and then it can spark off several different avenues for them. Another interesting one is to go out and go on a Safari; these are great for inspiring environmental thinking, leading to hiking trails or any other things outside back at home.
Posted in Travel Tips | 
Tags: Diving holidays, Exercise, Family, Family holidays, Health and Fitness, holidays, Safari | 
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The current economy has had a profound impact on every family and nearly every business. The travel industry has experienced a down turn because people are saving rather than continuing vacation and business travel. What is a downturn for the travel industry may just become your boon. There are some awesome travel deals available right now.
In order to find the best vacation packages, including air and hotel, you need to follow a few basic tips. When you do a little, you can find deals that are 50% or more less than normal rates. Don’t settle for a staycation. Go ahead and plan your trip. Using Internet resources you are going to be able to do it while saving lots of money.
The advent of online travel sites has made booking air tickets easier than ever. Find your own tickets at the lowest possible prices and book them for yourself. Easily compare tickets and accommodations from place to place, or to the same location. Everything can be accomplished in just a few clicks.
New air fares are posted every day. You really have to keep an eye on the world of travel in order to grab the best deal. Don’t rely on travel agencies to find the best deals, rely on your own intellect to visit travel sites and find all the information you need about tickets and destinations. All of this can be accomplished with a few clicks of the keyboard, and you will be booking some great travel deals.
You’ll enjoy participating in the world of smart traveling. Instead of booking at all the tourist “hot spots” allow your interests to take you to new destinations based on sight-seeing, culture, accommodations, or environment. These destinations can be easier on your wallet and offer you a more fulfilling vacation which broadens your horizons.
Air fares constantly rise and fall. By keeping an eye on the industry and your destination you will be able to book a trip for your dream vacation and keep it affordable. Notice when travel deals are offered in what is considered “off” seasons. Grab those deals and you will save even more money on air fare leaving you more to spend on your vacation.
Sometimes you just need to get away and create memories with a loved one. Now you can do just that, but save money at the same time. There is no better time than now. Explore travel websites and find the best deal for your vacation. Take advantage of low air fares to take that important trip with your loved ones and not delay any longer.
Posted in Travel Tips |
Tags: air fare deals, travel deals, vacation, vacation packages, vacation tips |
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