He tōnga kākano – The planting of the seed

He tōnga kākano – The planting of the seed is a collaborative study of indigenous performative knowledge within a contemporary dance context.

The focus for this work is the ways in which whakapapa and Māori identity are integral to the expressions of indigenous (Māori) performative knowledge within haka theatre especially, and the wider context of contemporary dance. Sophie has engaged a kaupapa Māori methodology in this study, using Māori principles that include whakawhanaungatanga (relationships), manaaki (care for colleagues and dance context), and the narrative style of pūrākau (traditional storytelling) to delve into the heart of indigenous expressions of dance and their effect on performance. The data is gathered from Māori dance practitioners in the field through their observations and their own experiences.

Dance students, exponents of dance, and researchers in the future will benefit from this research and the explorations of the terminology used to discuss Māori concepts. This study adds to the ongoing engagement of te reo in all areas of life, and in particular te reo revitalisation in research and the field of dance.