Kia Ora Tatou (Hallo everyone) visitors to this site have asked for more information on the pictures of "The Haka" - performed at the 2007 PARIS MONDIALE FITNESS in March. This Haka was performed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of BODYPUMP in France and a tribute to my good friend and Les Mills Agent Mr Christophe Andanson. Origin of the Haka According to Maori ethos, Tama-nui-to-ra, the Sun God, had two wives, Hine-raumati, the Summer maid, and Hine takurua, the Winter maid. The child born to him and Hine-raumati was Tane-rore, who is credited with the origin of the dance. Tane-rore is the trembling of the air as seen on the hot days of summer, and represented by the quivering of the hands in the dance.Haka is the generic name for all Maori dance. Today, haka is defined as that part of the Maori dance repertoire where the men are to the fore with the women lending vocal support in the rear. Most haka seen today are haka taparahi, haka without weapons.More than any aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of the race. Haka is not merely a past time of the Maori but was also a custom of high social importance in the welcoming and entertainment of visitors. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the haka (Hamana Mahuika).Haka reflected the concerns and issues of the time, of defiance and protest, of factual occurrences and events at any given time Haka History The centrality of the haka within Les Mills tradition is not a recent development. Since the original "1997 IMT team " from New Zealand the haka has been closely associated with Les Mills Trainers. Its mystique has evolved along with the fierce determination, commitment and high level skill which has been the hallmark of Les Mills programs and people. The haka adds a unique component, derived from the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, and which aligns with the wider Polynesian cultures of the Pacific. 
The Les Mills Trainers perform the haka with precision and intensity which underpin the Les Mills approach. For more global fitness newz visit http://www.lesmills.com/global/en/members/team/my-profile.aspx Next appearances Antwerpen, Belgian visit www.ride4life.be May 5th Fitness First, Rotterdam RPM Marathon May 6th Dutch Quarterlies Utrecht May 19,20 kia kaha, kia mau, kia manawanui
