"Haka Dance" (Anzac Army Dance) Canakkale 24-04-2004 in the seremony.

Thanks for your comments.

I think this is an amazing photo. I particularly like how the statue of (a general?) seems to be presiding over the drill. Excellent moment for a photojournalist!

6/6

Great photo. Good composition and nicely exposed. The only thing missing is the sound of music..

 

 

Kind regards.

Just to correct some misconceptions, this is neither a military drill nor a dance to music. It is a ritual challenge traditional to the Maori people of New Zealand (not, however to ANZAC forces more generally, as the Anzac expeditionary group was made up of non-Maori New Zealanders and Australians as well). Traditionally performed by men, it was historially often used as a prelude to battle. It is shouted chanting and with various gesticulations thrown in, unaccompanied.

 

These days, haka are often performed as part of a cultural performance, where-ever New Zealanders are found in the world. In this case it's at the Gallipoli battle (1915) celebrations which happen on April 25 annually.

 

What attracted me to this photo, other than the familiarity of its subject matter, was its great use of a low angle to emphasise the threat and bulk of these servicemen. I like the inclusion of the memorial and Turkish flag in the background, both of which give it an excellent sense of place. A great documentary shot.

 

Found an interesting reference on this battle campaign:

"Over 33000 allied and 86000 Turkish troops died in the eight-month Gallipoli campaign which achieved none of its objectives. A British royal commission later concluded that the operation had been ill-conceived. Gallipoli cost 8700 Australian dead and 19000 wounded. Large numbers of the dead have no known grave. The story of Anzac has had an enduring effect on the way Australians see themselves. Though the campaign was a failure, Anzac has come to stand, in the words of the official historian, C.E.W. Bean, 'for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, recourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance'."

 

 

Strange Dance ha ha!

Biliana

great emotion!

7/7

 

Great composition, wonderful angle!

 

Cheers

 

Misha

Orada olmak isterdim!

 

(I wish I were there.)