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History
It is usually performed at public and private ceremonies. The men, bearing stylized clubs (pate kailao), dance in a fierce manner that emulates fighting, all to the accompaniment of a beaten slit drum or a tin box, which sets the tempo. Unlike most other Tongan dances, the kailao is performed without singing. The sequences of movements to be performed by the group are called by the lead dancer, who will give the name of the sequence, then will signal when to do it. The sequences can involve mock combat between dancers, changes in formation, and tricks involving the pate kailao themselves. The dance displays the dancers' discipline, obedience and skill with their weapon. A similar [|Rotuman] dance, also derived from the 'Uvean original is similarly titled //"ka'loa"// The Sipi Tau, performed by the 'Ikale Tahi, the [|national rugby union team] before each match, is a form of Kailao.

[ [|edit] ] Song: Sipi Tau
Tonga College students performing a kailao for the King's 70th birthday (1988)

[ [|edit] ] Tongan
// ʻ Ei e!, ʻ Ei ē!////Teu lea pea tala ki mamani katoa////Ko e ʻ Ikale Tahi kuo halofia.////Ke ʻ ilo ʻ e he sola mo e taka////Ko e ʻ aho ni te u tamate tangata,//// ʻ A e haafe mo e tautua ʻ a////Kuo hu ʻ i hoku anga tangata.////He! he! ʻ Ei ē! Tū.////Te u peluki e molo mo e foueti taka,////Pea ngungu mo ha loto fita ʻ a////Te u inu e ʻ oseni, pea kana mo e afi////Keu mate ai he ko hoku loto.////Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto////Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto.////Ko Tonga//

[ [|edit] ] English Translation by Sione Ngahe
Aye, ay! Aye, ay!I shall speak to the whole worldThe Sea Eagles is famished unfurl.Let the foreigner and sojourner bewareToday, destroyer of souls, I am everywhereTo the halfback and backsGone has my humanness.Hey! hey! Aye ay! Zap.Maul and loose forwards shall I mowAnd crunch any fierce hearts you knowOcean I drink, fire I dineTo death or victory my will is fine.That's how Tonga dies to her mottoTo her motto Tonga gives all.