Music And Dance In New Zealand

The origins of New Zealand's music lies in the traditional forms such as Maori Music (e.g. waiata-?-ringa) and Folk Music as developed by the early settlers and their bass and pipe music. Classical music grew and flourished with the growing European and American influence here. Some famous New Zealanders who have made it to the classical music hall of fame are Douglas Libum, David Farquhar, Jenny McLeod, Jack Body, Dorothy Buchanan, Anthony Ritchie, Martin Lodge, and Ross Harris. Orchestra, choirs and chamber music too gained its own fan following in the country. With the advent of the 21st century, the younger generation was highly influenced by the contemporary genre such as rock, hip hop, roots, reggae, dub and electronica. Rock and Hip Hop especially grew extremely popular and band music made its appearance. Some prominent names in the New Zealand Rock scene were Human Instinct, Th'Dudes, Otara, Shona Laing, Split Endz, The Exponents and Dave Dobbyn. Contemporary music has seen the revival of Maori music blended innovatively with popular euphony and the result is beautiful Kiwi music.

Native New Zealand dances are the Maori saltations performed on ceremonious occasions such as the Haka, a war dance and Poi dances. The Haka dance was believed to be a display of prowess and a motivational dance performed before war. These days Haka is performed by the rugby teams to the same effect. Later colonial influences saw the growth and development of ballet and such western forms of dances. A number of ballet organizations such as the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company and competitions such as Tempo Dance Festival and Auckland Dance Festival have been instrumental in promoting dance in the country.

Accommodation in New Zealand
Accommodation in Wellington	Accommodation in Queenstown
Accommodation in Christchurch	Accommodation in Auckland
Accommodation in Nelson	Accommodation in New Plymouth