Polyfest 2013 dance festival attracts over 200 performing groups [1]
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - 23:04. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Thousands of Polynesian high school students in New Zealand have flocked to the Manukau Sports Bowl in South Auckland today to perform traditional dances in the opening day of the annual “Polyfest” competition.
The students of Pacific Island and Maori heritage will represent their high schools in a dancing competition with each Polynesian culture having its own stage over a four day period from 13-16 March. The dancing represents Maori, Tongan, Niuean, Samoan and a diversity of cultures.
The Tongan Stage performances from March 15-16 will feature over 50 schools performing dances such as the Lakalaka, Soke, Ma‘ulu‘ulu, Taufakaniua, Mako and the Tau‘olunga.
The ASB Polyfest organisers said that the event is the largest Maori and Pacific Island cultural festival of its kind in the world and over 9,000 students from 59 schools and 200 performing groups are expected to participate.
This year's festival is the 38th annual Polyfest.