The haka is the traditional war dance of the Maori people from New Zealand. It was made famous by the All Blacks rugby team. Now is your chance to learn this well-known, enlivening and invigorating dance and experience the power of this cultural phenomenon.

Join us for a haka workshop at Pilates & Arts, Echo Park. We will learn the history and cultural significance of the haka as well as learn how to do the haka. Haka incorporates full-body movement, voice, facial expressions, self-expression, mind, breath, spirit, posture and action. It will connect you to your higher self as well as create unity within self and other. Haka activates your personal power and authentic self. Don’t miss this transformative and empowering workshop!

During the workshop you will:

• Learn about New Zealand and the culture of the Maori people

• Learn about the meaning, history and cultural significance of the haka

• Engage in exercises that focus on specifics elements of the haka such as stance/posture, wiri (shaking of hands) and pukana (facial expression).

• Experience breath work

• Learn and perform the haka

• Discover your own self-expression and power through body movements, voice, posture and facial expressions

• Gain confidence and step outside of your comfort zone

• Access your authentic self

• Connect to your personal power and discover your own inner-warrior

• Create unity with others through shared learning, movements and vocal expression

WORKSHOP LEADER: Amelia Butler is an indigenous Māori performer, dancer and choreographer from New Zealand. She has been teaching and performing dance on an international level for over 20 years. Amelia moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue a career in dance and has worked as a professional dancer in the LA entertainment industry. She founded and leads Los Angeles based traditional Māori performance group, Nga Anahera Māori and teaches the Māori language via video chat through her company, Learn Māori Abroad. Amelia’s tribal affiliations are Ngatiwai, Ngapuhi and Ngatiawa. She is proud to share her culture here in the US.