Thousands of Tongatapu students gathered at the Teufaiva Stadium this morning for the first mass rehearsal of dances that will be performed on Education Day July 29 in celebration of King George Tupou V's Coronation.

The Minister of Education Rev. Dr Tevita Palefau in his opening speech said over 10,000 students from throughout Tongatapu would take part in the Education Day.

The rehearsal began at 11:00am and parents filled the outdoor stadium to watch their children perform the Ma'ulu'ulu, Lakalaka and Kailao.

Overjoyed

The Ma'ulu'ulu included 9,000 dancers from Class 3 to Form 2 from all Tongatapu Government Primary Schools. While they performed some overjoyed mothers flocked on to the tracks to dance alongside their children.

A combined brass band of Tongtapu Government and Church High Schools also performed special numbers for the crowd.

A taekwando presentation was also involving some of the Nuku'alofa Primary schools including the Seventh Day Adventist Mangaia School, followed by an amazing Kailao or war dance performed by Tonga College.

Tonga High School performed a Lakalaka and the Lavengamalie College girls performed a Faha'iula.

The second and last rehearsal before the Education Day will be held on Thursday, July 24 at the outdoor stadium.