Kailao

The kailao is a cultural dance from the South Pacific country of Tonga.

The kailao originated on the island collectivity of Wallis and Futuna, where it is still performed in public ceremonies.

The men, bearing stylized clubs (pate kailao), dance in a fierce manner that emulates fighting, to the accompaniment of a beaten slit drum or tin box which sets the tempo.

Source:[2] The Tonga rugby union national team's pre-game challenge, the Sipi Tau was penned by King Tama Tu'i Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV in 1994, but its origins can be traced back much further.

But in the 19th century a war dance was introduced from the neighbouring Wallis and Futuna Islands and Tonga quickly annexed it.

Tonga College students performing a kailao for the King's 70th birthday (1988)
The Tonga national rugby union team performing the Sipi Tau before a match
The Tonga national rugby league team performing the Sipi Tau before a match during the 2008 Rugby League World Cup
Tonga performing the Sipi Tau before a match during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup
Tonga starting the Sipi Tau before a match during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup