Hou is an annual strand for choreographic and artistic development. This is a supported process of investigation and refinement for choreographic experimentation and development of methodologies and concepts. Choreographers utilise foundations of cultural practice to develop ideas that are enmeshed with their whakapapa (past, present and future lineages and convergences), as well as embarking on their own unique pathway.
Ki Runga/Ki a Rangi — Up/Upwards/Towards the Sky-Ranginui
Ki Raro/Ki a Papa — Down/Towards the Earth-Papatuanuku
Ki te Taha — To the Side
Ki Mua — To the Front/to go Forward
Ki Muri — To the Back/to go Backwards
Ki Roto — In, Inside, Inwards
Ki Waho — Out, Outside, Outwards, Projection
Whakawehe — Separate
Whakatoro/a — To Stretch out/Extend
Porowhita — To Circle
Herea — To take or carry something somewhere
Hikina — To Lift
Mauria mai — To bring in
Whiua — To Throw
Tuuturi & Piko — To Kneel, Bend at knees & bend or bow
Tootika — To Straighten
E Huri, Takahuri — To Turn, Spin around e.g pirouette
E Peke — To Jump
Koi — Point, Sharp
Pirore or Koropiko, Tuohu — Roll or Bow Down
Kia Ngawar — To Soften
Tongi — Contract
Tukua — Release
Tipu — To Grow, Expand
Koopiri — Shrivel, Curl up
Whakatau — Relax, Calm
Whakahikohiko — Enthusiastic, Dynamic
Kia Tere/ Tere ake — Fast or Faster
Aatahaere — Slow
Haa ki roto — Inhale
Puhia ki waho — Exhale
Ringa — Hand/s and arm/s
Waewae — Legs, feet or foot
Tiinana — Body
Tuaiwi/Tangai — Backbone, Spine, Veterbrae
Tuara — Back
Puku — Stomach
Hope — Hips
Kakii — Neck
Pokohiwi — Shoulder
Tuke — Elbow
Upoko/Mahunga — Head
Kanohi — Face
Whaarooroo — Stretch to Lengthen
Nui and Iti — Big and Small
Oma — Run
Takatu — Stand still
Matau — Right
Maui — Left
Too — Your – Referring to 1 bodypart
Oo — Your – Referring to more than 1 bodypart
Hanga — Make/ Create
Hei Tauira / Examples:
Hikina to Ringa (Bodypart) — Lift your arm (1 arm)
Hikina to Ringa Matau — Lift your Right arm
Hikina to Ringa Matau Ki Runga — Lift your right arm upwards
Hikina oo ringa — Lift both arms (2 arms)
Porowhita to/oo Pokohiwi — Circle your shoulder/s
Whiua to Waewae ki runga — Throw your Leg up
Kia Tootika to/oo bodypart — To straighten e.g arms, legs, body
Kia Piko to/oo bodypart — To bend e.g elbows, body, knees
Herea to waewae ki te taha Maui — Carry your leg to the Left Side
Mauria mai oo ringa ki roto — Bring arms inwards
Hanga he porowhita nui — Make a big circle
Huri too upoko ki te taha Maui — Turn your head to the Left
Peke Nui and Peke Iti — Big Jumps and Small Jumps
Whaatoro to waewae kia koi — Point Your Foot
Tuohu ki raro — Roll down
Tukua oo uaua — Release your muscles