A recent viral video featuring a Tongan male dancer has reignited global fascination with taulalo, a traditional solo dance often overshadowed by the more widely recognised female tau‘olunga.
The electrifying performance, marked by vigorous footwork, rhythmic clapping (pasi), and dynamic full-body movements, has drawn praise for highlighting a lesser-known but culturally rich aspect of Tongan dance.
The video has amassed over 130,000 views and 170 comments, capturing widespread attention.
The footage appears to have been recorded at a reception event, showcasing the dancer known as Manatau Tu’ifua on Facebook.
Sources indicate he hails from a family of choreographers in Tatakamotonga, the ancestral home of the traditional lakalaka group dance.
While tau‘olunga emphasises elegance, showcasing fluid arm gestures, delicate head tilts, and poised upper-body movements, taulalo is all about power and energy.
Traditionally, a man can perform a solo dance as a background accompaniment to tau‘olunga known as tu’ulāfale, but the viral clip demonstrates taulalo as a potential standalone spectacle.
Taulalo vs Tau’olunga
Tau’olunga refers to a dance performed while standing, with the choreography primarily focused on the upper body movements (‘olunga).
Taulalo is the opposite, which means the male dancer must dance while lowering his body by bending his knees as low (lalo) as possible.
In Tongan culture, men typically perform in group dances like lakalaka, mako, ma‘ulu‘ulu, and sōkē, emphasising synchronised storytelling and choral singing.
The solo taulalo performance in the video, however, breaks from convention, offering a fresh take on male expression through dance.
It incorporates jumps, rapid side-to-side steps, seated sequences, and forceful clapping to create a captivating rhythm.
Viewers have praised its athleticism and creativity, with many calling for greater recognition of taulalo as an independent art form.
The resurgence of interest in tulāfale comes at a time when Tongan communities worldwide strive to preserve and revitalise traditional practices.
This renewed attention aligns with recent cultural celebrations, including the 50th anniversary of the Pacific Polyfest in New Zealand, where traditional Tongan dances took centre stage.
