HIstory

• Although the written history of the Cook Islands does not speak of the origins of the hura, oral histories suggest that the dance was first developed as a way to celebrate the vanquishing of foes in battle.
  
  

Significance

• Today, the hura is meant as a way to celebrate joy for a variety of reasons. It is frequently danced at family gatherings or to welcome visitors.
  
  

Features

• Female hura dancers sway their hips from side to side while standing flat-footed and keeping their shoulders still. Male dancers have a jerkier dance pattern, with bent knees knocking to the rhythm of the drums.
  
  

Clothing

• The hura is typically performed with elaborate and detailed ornamental headdresses along with grass skirts and (for the women) shell tops.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Missionaries who first came to the Cook Islands attempted to make the women do the hura in figure-covering muumuus as a way to take some of the sensuality from the dance.