NATIVE DANCES IN FIJI

Temuka Leader, Issue 804, 22 December 1881, Page 3

NATIVE DANCES IN FIJI

The most graceful of all Fijian fiances was one which represents the breaking of the waves on a coral reef, a poetic idea adraiiably rendered. Years ago I r.membered the delight with which we hailed an exquisite t-tatueette in Sir Noel Paton’s studio, representing the curling of a wave by a beautiful female figure supposed to be floating thereon ; but I never dreamed that we should find the same idea so perfectly carried out by a race whom we have been wont >o think of only as ruthless savages. The idea to be conveyed is that of the tide gradually rising on the reef, till at length there only remains a little coral isp\ round which the angry breakers rage, flinging their white foam on

(.v'‘rv side. At first (he dancers form in 1,- n lx lines and approach silently, to re»resent the quiet advance of the waves. Alter a while tim wa'-es break np into smaller companies, which advance with oc(spread hands and bodies bent forward to represent the ripplin ; wavelets tiniest waves being represented by children. Quicker and quicker 'hey come on, now adv. I .ming, now retreatir.fr, yet, like tine waves, steadilv progressing and gradually closing on every side or the imngmary islet, round which they play after the manner of breakers, springing high in mid-air, and flinging their arms high above their heads to represent the action of spray. As they leap and toss their heads, tne soft white un>si, or native cloth (v. Inch for great r effect they wear as a turban, with long streamers, and also wind round the waist, whence it floats in long scarf-like ends), trembles and flutters in the breeze. The whole effect is most artistic, and the orchestra do their part in imitating the roar of the sari on a reef, a sound wh;ch to them has a never ceasing lullaby from the hour of their birth.-—Albany Sunday Press.