Cook Island traditional dance is considered the most sensual in the South Pacific. The women are renowned for their swaying hips and the men for their thumping movements. The dances are based on stories of old passed down through the generations. What really makes these performances though is the accompanying rhythmic upbeat drumming for which the Cook Islanders excel at. The Rarotongan Beach Resort is the best venue for these dance performances which start about 8pm on Wednesday and Saturdays. Non-guests are welcome to watch for a fee of about NZ$40 which includes a traditional island feast. Some bars and nightclubs in Avarua have island dance displays and contests. The Aitutaki Pearl Beach Resort also has an island night with buffet feasts of local traditionally cooked food followed by Cook Island dance performances.
The best place to learn a little about Cook Island dancing is at the excellent Cook Island Cultural Village on Rarotonga. Guided tours, replica villages, demonstrations, dance displays and feasting.
