Haka, a traditional performance originating from Māori culture, is a powerful display of raw strength, energy, and brotherhood. It is an ancient war dance that was used on the battlefield, but also when tribes came together in peace. It is a fierce representation of a tribe’s pride, utilising rhythmic body percussion and foot stamping to accompany a unifying chant. Today, Haka is used during Māori ceremonies and celebrations such as birthdays, reunions, weddings, and even to challenge opponents during on the sporting field.

Jaden Eisma, a sophomore and performer in Haka, explained how it stands out amongst the other acts in the multicultural show.

“Its memorable…It’s very spontaneous, and the display of emotion we give is incomparable,” states Eisma.

Danny Laurencio, the leader of Haka at Renton High School, detailed a similar viewpoint.

“We performed with all our hearts and that was my intent for this year. I wanted people to step out of their comfort zones and just be themselves and be that fierce warrior they keep inside themselves. And I believe Haka is a great gateway to tap in to that potential,” shared Laurencio.

Evidently, Haka not only gives an opportunity to show the passion and fierce confidence of the individual performers, but it is a major staple of Renton’s multicultural show which provides a spotlight for cultural traditions. This is especially significant because of the lack of representation of Māori or Pacific Islander culture in media in general.

“The [multicultural] show, as a whole, highlights many different cultures, and I think it can impact people’s understanding of these cultures,” explained Eisma.

When asked about the importance of respecting and adhering to tradition, even if many of the Haka performers are not ethically Māori, Laurencio shares his perspective.

“It’s amazing to embrace the culture of the Maori. The culture should not die out […] and many people who are not of that culture have Haka as a piece of that culture,” said Laurencio.

As a senior, Laurencio took the stage Saturday afternoon with the understanding that it was his last performance as part of the group. In reflecting on his time as both a leader and a performer, he shared more about his personal commitment to the group.

“For the 4 years I have joined Haka, I believe that Haka is a huge establishment to the show because over the years Haka has (become) a part of RHS’ tradition.[…] I wanted [the performance] to be the best version possible, and we accomplished that. I molded a team that worked together based off of our hectic schedules, and we succeeded and performed a well put together show,” said Laurencio.

It is often said that actions speak louder than words. However, in Haka, both are necessary to deliver an authentic, powerful performance.

Renton High School’s Haka performance unites individuals from all ethnic backgrounds in a celebration of culture, tradition, and the discovery of strength within oneself.

Laurencio encompasses this idea in his final words: ” Haka is a fierce war dance that is an art, not just through slapping but, through the words that are being yelled by the voices of the warriors.”

Check out Haka’s performance below: