Soke
In its own language: eke, sōkē
A Tongan group dance where performers strike sticks together on the beat of a drum.
Soke is a traditional group dance from Tonga where performers hold sticks and strike them against each other in rhythm with a drum. The dance aims to impress audiences and honor chiefs, featuring structured movements between pairs arranged in small groups. It spread to nearby islands through Catholic missionary activity and remains a key part of local heritage.
Watch it dancedShare on WhatsApp
- Dancers strike sticks together on the beat of a drum.
- Groups of four form a vaka or boat formation.
- Spread to Tonga via Catholic missionaries from Tafahi.
- Known as eke in Wallis and Futuna.
- Performed to please chiefs and dazzle spectators.
What is Soke?
Soke is a traditional group dance from Tonga. Performers hold sticks and strike them against each other in rhythm with a drum. The dance aims to impress audiences and honor chiefs. It involves structured movements between pairs of dancers arranged in small groups called boats. The performance relies on precise timing and coordination between partners.
Where does Soke come from?
The roots of soke are debated. Some view it as martial, others as agricultural. A Catholic source claims it began as penance for the 1841 murder of priest Peter Chanel. Catholic missionaries carried the dance to Tafahi and Niuafoʻou. After a volcanic eruption in 1946, survivors moved to ʻEua and later to Tongatapu, spreading the dance to the mainstream via the Maʻufanga diocese.
How is Soke danced?
Dancers form a vaka, a boat of two men and two women facing each other. Men use long sticks while women use shorter ones. They strike sticks on beats, hitting tops, bottoms, or middles in repeating sequences. Movements include turns, bows, and bumping sticks on the ground. Groups can perform independently or exchange members in larger formations.
Soke, drawn
The music of Soke
Songs are recited while dancers stand still, accompanied by stick striking during refrains. Lyrics often mention kings, priests, and seafaring terms. The dance is set to the beat of a drum. Words may be in old Tongan or ʻUvean languages, preserving historical references to figures like King Lavelua.
When and where Soke is danced
Performed for chiefs and spectators to dazzle them. Linked to Catholic traditions and festivals. Danced at events like the South Pacific festival. The dance serves to please authorities and entertain crowds without hidden meanings.
Styles of Soke
Known as eke in Wallis and Futuna. Two main types exist: eke nou, where small groups act alone, and eke loa, where groups swap members. Regional versions exist from Tafahi and Maʻufanga, with distinct lyrics and movement styles reflecting local histories.
What Soke means
Soke holds significance in Tongan culture and Catholic history. It is recognized as part of the heritage of Tonga and the ʻUvean community. The name sōkē comes from a song refrain used in performances. The dance reflects the impact of missionary activity and natural disasters on cultural transmission.
Questions people ask about Soke
What is Soke?
Soke is a Tongan group dance where performers hold sticks and strike them against each other in rhythm with a drum. It features structured movements between pairs arranged in small groups, aiming to impress audiences and honor chiefs.
Where does Soke come from?
Soke originates in Tonga, with roots possibly linked to Tafahi and Niuafoʻou. It spread to Tongatapu after the 1946 volcanic eruption, facilitated by Catholic missionaries and the Maʻufanga diocese.
How is Soke performed?
Dancers form a vaka of two men and two women facing each other. Men use long sticks while women use shorter ones. They strike sticks on beats in repeating patterns, including turns and bows, either independently or swapping members.
Why is it called Sōkē?
The name sōkē comes from a song refrain used in performances. While originally called eke, the refrain became the common name in Tonga, whereas Wallis and Futuna retain the original term.
Good reading and sources
- Soke (dance) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
- Videos of Soke on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by EveryGhunghroo
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Soke (dance)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryGhunghroo rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it describes the dance in outline: it is not a lesson. Traditions differ from one teacher, village or family to the next. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
More from Tonga
All the dances of Tonga
🇼🇸 Samoa and 1 moreTaualuga
A solo ceremonial dance of Samoa, performed by chiefs' children as the finale of celebrations.Folk dance · Solo
🇹🇴 TongaKailao
A Tongan war dance with clubs, originating from Wallis and Futuna.Folk dance · Group
Its cousins elsewhere
All folk dances
🇧🇪 Belgium and 5 moreProcessional giant
Huge costumed figures carried and danced in European street processionsFolk dance · Solo · Procession
🇵🇭 PhilippinesDinagyang Festival
A street dance festival in Iloilo City honoring the Santo Niño and Ati historyFolk dance · Group · Procession
🇮🇳 IndiaPaika akhada
A martial dance with swords and shields from Odisha, rooted in warrior trainingWar or martial dance · Group · Line or chain
🇧🇧 BarbadosBarbados Land-ship
A parade and dance tradition in Barbados, mimicking naval maneuvers on landFolk dance · Group · Procession