Cook Islands children begin learning dance as soon as they can walk. All school children actively participate in dance classes, and typically showcase their talents each quarter at public events hosted by their respective schools.
Costumes, the essential element, include long grass skirts, coconut shell bras, and flower garlands called ei, for women. Men go bare-chested and wear grass skirts and leggings.
Drums range in size from hand-held to over 6 feet in length. They are the lifeblood for dancers, providing rhythm, and a wide range of tones.
Cook Islands dancers perform the ura, which is characterized by fast or slow hip swinging, graceful hand gestures, agile reaching movements, and smiling faces. Women maintain minimal foot movement, while men stomp, leap, and demonstrate their fast foot actions.
Cook Islands dancers are extremely popular and provide entertainment for many events and venues. These include resort island nights, installation of new public officials, public parades, airport arrivals, greetings for dignitaries, flower festivals, national dance competitions, the South Pacific Mini Games, and the Miss Cook Islands Pageant.