History

History of the Tongan dance form known as the Lakalaka

Dutch explorers happened upon Tonga in 1616 after landing in Tahiti. Later, in 1773, the legendary Captain James Cook landed in Tonga. Cook returned again in 1777 and it was then that he gave Tonga the name of “The Friendly Islands.” During these expeditions records reveal detailed information about the people of Tonga, their customs and dances.
Dancing was not always embraced by Tongan culture. The introduction of Methodism in Tonga emphasized that dancing was considered a heathen practice. Decrees were issued prohibiting any form of dance for some time. Fortunately, Catholicism was also introduced and dancing was less restrictive. Dance continued to grow and evolve.
Records indicate that the lakalaka comes from a more ancient Tongan dance called the me’elaufola. This dance consisted of men standing in a circle surrounding a group of singers who also performed with instruments. It was usually led by the chief. The lakalaka was and adapted form of the me’elaufola where instruments were removed and women were included.
Dance in Tonga was also influenced by growing political interests.
The inhabitants of the Tongan islands originally existed as warring tribal entities with no unified leadership until 1831. It was then that Taufa’ahau Tupou united the people under his rule. He also took the name George. His consolidation of the country helped to shape what is now modern  Tonga. In 1875 a constitution was established.  In 1900 Tonga came under the protection of the British government and a protected state under George II. The treaty was revised in 1959. Tonga eventually became an independent country on June 4, 1970.
Before westernization, Tongans maintained and recorded their history largely by oral communication. History was also  manifested itself in the arts. Cultural identity and heritage was also transferred through song and dance.
During the reign of Queen Salote there was a national increase in maintaining Tongan identity and preserving heritage (while at the same time maintaining recognition of the kings authority) through the arts. These were done through music and dances (ma’ulu’ulu and the lakalaka). For Queen Salote, the lakalaka gave her the opportunity to respect Tongan values and still provide commentary on matters of import regarding the nation. This included her personal views, retention of national and cultural identity and structural acceptance of Tongan government through the arts. Volumes of her work have been recorded. These works continue to be a part of Tongan culture today. Tonga experienced a cultural renaissance under her rule and poets skillfully reinforced Tongan hierarchy as well as loyalty to country, God and family.
The lakalaka continues to go through changes. In many ways, it is a breathing entity that evolves with time. In the 1990′s, Princess Pilolevu encouraged the first lakalaka to be written and performed by a woman. Additionally, lakalaka’s have migrated to where ever Tongan populations have moved with performances being held all over the world for various events.