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Maori
Culture Highlighted During World Steps Performance Sept.
9
Clark
County Parks and Recreation’s World Steps dance series
continues with dance from New Zealand at 2 p.m. Sept. 9
at Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive.
Hakatoa, an all-male traditional Maori dance group,
presents the performance. Admission is $10 for adults,
$7 for children and seniors.
The
Maori people of New Zealand have always excelled in haka,
or the dance of their culture. The music is provided by
the hands, feet, legs, body and voices of the dancers
and expresses passion, vigor and identity.
“Hakatoa,”
which means “the dance of courage,” is led by
award-winning singer and songwriter Dane Nghauka, who
founded the group in 2004. The all-professional male
troupe is comprised of performers from New Zealand and
other Pacific Islands. Locally, the group has performed
for Mayor Oscar Goodman and at the Las Vegas
International Music Festival.
Nghauka,
a Las Vegas resident, was nominated for a Grammy award
in 1998 and has worked with the Neville Brothers, the
late Jimmy Rogers (from the group Muddy Waters), Robbie
Robertson (from The Band) and others. Although he works
as a music producer, arranger, engineer and studio
session musician, Nghauka hasn’t forgotten his New
Zealand roots and promotes traditional Maori dance
through Hakatoa.
The
World Steps series was created in response to requests
by those who enjoyed Winchester Cultural Center’s
World Vibration music series. Both showcase the rich
cultural talent of the people who make Las Vegas home.
The World Steps series continues with dance from China
on Oct. 7.
Those
interested can call 455-7340, or visit the Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com.
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