The Wave Meke

      Meke, in the Fijian language, is all traditional style of dance. It is a cognate of the words "maka" (Rotuman) and "mele" in Hawaiian. It is typically performed during celebrations and festivals. Traditionally the dances that comprise the meke art form are performed by groups of men only or women only, however, foreign influences, such as the male/female Tongan ma'ulu'ulu becoming the Fijian vakamalolo, are evident throughout.

       Fijian dances are called mekes, an in one of them, the wave meke, the Fijian girls, standing in rows, imitate the movements of the sea, as it rolls in upon the reefs.

       First they bend down, and slowly sweep the ground with their hands, waving their fingers to represent the little wavelets, blown by the wind. Then they sway their bodies to and fro, to show the long roll of the tropical wave, until their figures are rising and falling like the breakers. The dance becomes more rigorous--the wave is dashed up the reef - the girls spring forward, clap their hands, and sink to the ground with a long musical cry. The wave has surmounted the reef, and emptied itself into the glassy waters of the lagoon. Thus the dance comes to a peaceful end.

"During a visit to a small village at Nacula island in the nothern

end if the Yasawa group the villagers put on a show. A few men play

guitars and all sings during the traditional southpacific Meke dance."

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