be distracted by the singing later. In semi-formal performances this is the moment that the public, which has become māfana (excited), can come forward to put fakapale on the dancers they fancy to be the best or close family. On really formal performances this is not allowed, on really informal performances, often fundraising, the fakapale goes on about for the whole dance, which unfortunately distracts a lot. When the tafua is over the nafa usually stops and singing starts. Like all other Tonga dances, the gestures do have some relationship with the words, but are largely symbolic. Like in the otuhaka the haka are supposed to be performed close the body, haka nounou (short armed) as opposed to the lakalaka. However the Vavau tradition allows much wilder and wider arm movements. The lyrics of the song is usually made for the occasion, praising the object into the skies. A silver jubilee of a school, a birthday of the king, and so on. The music is very limited. There are about 10 different tunes which can be used in a māuluulu, so that to the untrained ear they all sound much alike. Once the song is over another tafua follows. At this time the tempo of the dance has been increased feverishly, and so has the excitement of the public. A māuluulu takes around 15 minutes to complete. But it may have taken the performers 2 or 3 months to memorise the sequence of gestures. For a school there are daily sessions at the end of the class hours, for a community it will fill all their free nights, often combined with a faikava. References A.L. Kaeppler; Tongan dance: a study in cultural change; Ethnomusicology vol 14, 1970. A.L. Kaeppler; Poetry in Motion: Studies in Tongan Dance; Vavau Press, 1993. A.Linkels; Sounds of change in Tonga. The ma'ulu'ulu is performed on special occasions, whether it be a birthday, a wedding it all depends on who is willing to do it. There is no age limit to do this performance. Males and females can do it, or just females either way it is still accepted. Tongan culture Dances of Tonga