There are a number of different ways to celebrate a birthday party, and Tonga's birthday parties tend to be quite unique, even if you are from the land of flash memories.
In keeping with the traditions of the college, Queen Salote College have prepared a number of activities to celebrate the school's 80th Anniversary. One of those big-item activities, is the school's "Ma'ulu'ulu."
Being that I didn't go to the school, you'll have to check with the ex-students what their "Ma'ulu'ulu" Ta'anga is all about, but it is a beauty to see all these young women/girls perform the sitting/hand-dance of Tonga called the Ma'ulu'ulu.
The school has been practising after hours for quite some time and today was the big bash day to perform infront of their parents, so everyone turned up.
As you can see, with over 900+ students in action this required a sizeable space to fit everyone.
Getting girls in line, at the best of times, is an arduous job, so it is with a lot of smiling and screaming that 'Ungatea and Mele finally get the girls into some semblance of order to begin the show.
Mind you, any opportunity to smile for the cameras is taken, regardless of who's on watch.
There is no music for starting the show, as the song is accapella by the girls and it is a tense moment when the choir master bellows the starting note and everyone gets into the miliu
Just before the action begins.
It would be remiss for that wonderful imagery of words, sound, and visual effects to go unappreciated so the moved in the audience are invited to faka-pale, show their appreciation by clapping, cheers of appreciation, and a little cash on the hand never goes astray.
Visit the Photo Gallery online to see the draft version of our dance, and be invited to visit the school when next you are in Tonga. Come this weekend, the draft will be final and you will have to wait at least another year for another event such as this.
If you can make it during the festivities you will treat yourself to sights not seen in many places in the world, our Queen Salote College.
