My experience of learning Māori performance – your sign to try new things!
Kara Dillon, the University of Otago
After reflecting on all the classes I have taken here at The University of Otago, one has really stood out to me. This was MAOR108. MAOR108 is a Māori performing arts class where you get to learn several ‘Waiata’ and ‘Haka’ alongside learning about Māori culture and values. Over the course of the semester, you learn 5 items which get assessed throughout, and the semester ends with a final performance of all these items. This sounds super scary, but trust me, once you attend the first class – you will never want to leave!
Being a Geography student, I was apprehensive at first to choose this module as I was unsure I’d be capable – due to my lack of singing and dancing skills! However, if you are coming to Otago or thinking of taking a module like this elsewhere, please take my advice and just go for it!!! Almost all of the people in this class were in the same position as me and had never taken part in anything like this before. The module is taught by an amazing set of tutors whose primary goal is for you to have fun whilst getting the opportunity to involve yourself in their culture. The assessments are also graded based on the atmosphere and emotion which is given off during each performance which is unlike any other assessment I have ever done.
Each week I attended a 1-hour lecture where we were taught about a different aspect of Māori culture every week. This was super insightful and gave some purpose and meaning when it came to the performance side of the module. We also had to attend a 2-hour practical workshop each week which was the most exciting part of my week in this semester. The key aspect of learning waiata and haka is that you learn it in the dark. At first, it seemed impossible to me that I was going to be able to learn songs in another language, in the dark, and without the lyrics. However, you will be surprised how quickly you can learn things this way.
Overall, this class gave me a new sense of confidence and passion, as well as some valuable knowledge that I can take home with me. The final performance was a key highlight of my time here in New Zealand, and a memory which I will cherish forever.
