![]() | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2013) |
![]() The lakalaka from Kanokupolu for the 70th birthday of the king of Tonga. Princess Pilolevu Tuita as vāhenga | |
Genre | Group dance |
---|---|
Origin | Tonga |
Lakalaka, dances and sung speeches of Tonga | |
---|---|
Country | Tonga |
Reference | 00072 |
Region | Asia and the Pacific |
Inscription history | |
Inscription | 2008 (3rd session) |
List | Representative |
The lakalaka (walking briskly) is a Tongan group dance where the performers are largely standing still and make gestures with their arms only. It is considered as the national dance of Tonga and part of the intangible human heritage. It is the ideal dance at formal occasions, like the birthday of the king or the opening of a church.