ndcisiv wrote in post #19166751
The look on her face is priceless!! Great timing.
The creative dance was based on Maori Kapa Haka and Haka moves. The Haka is a traditional expression of respect or a challenge. It is displayed to potential foes before a conflict but also shows respect (Mana) to people of note (including opponents), such as when someone dies, or when people of note are greeted. The NZ military, police and border security all have to learn the Haka as part of their training, most school children learn it as well. I have seen the border personnel shut down their booths, come out, and do a Haka when respected people, such as successful sports-persons, arrive from overseas. It is certainly common for Haka to be performed to honour the dead.
During the Haka men will strike warlike poses and make gestures as if to indicated combat, while women will come from behind and through their ranks to strike poses like the one you see - with eyes open wide to show the whites.