It might seem easy to put the fiery, energetic dancers and musicians of Whitireia Performing Arts in a box. But don’t. These New Zealand students, who perform everything from the traditional dances of Samoan, Cook Islands and Maori cultures to that of contemporary New Zealand, are anything but one thing.

Their dances are, as teacher and director Tuaine Robati explained, “a reflection of everyday life.”

And what’s life without anger, love and the occasional moment of serenity?

“It’s the portrayal of different emotions,” said Robati, 59.

That’s for sure. Depending on the dance, these Folkmoot favorites can look joyous, aggressive or pretty scary. While the young men and women treat some songs like energetic hulas, others are nothing short of fighting tunes. In the latter, the guys, ...