I just wanted to stop by and give my opinion on something...

I watched a couple of vidoes and I like how people have actually planned out the Da Werda Verda...but can we at least put a little more effort into it if we're going to do it?

Every time I see someone who's not an Islander doing the Haka or even the Da Werda...it just seems very lack-luster. Remember the Da Werda was based on the Maori Haka to honor their traditions. Can we at least be a little more respectful of their culture when we do it? Let's at least put our hearts into it and at least show them that we're doing it do actually show some respect and not just to look cool in our armors?

I'm not trying to you know...insult anyone or anything, I just don't want this to turn into something kind of....lame, I guess.


Like I said, I'm not being a jerk and I'm not trying cause any problems, I'm just talking about respecting a culture and at least putting as much effort into our Da Werda as they do their Haka.


Anyone agree or disagree? I'd like to hear some other comments on this. Am I out of line for thinking this way?

Is that Mando'a? If so could you please translate the Mando'a into English? I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

Originally Posted by GCNgamer128

Is that Mando'a? If so could you please translate the Mando'a into English? I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

...which part?

Well, given that I'm one of the only two people that has actually tried to perform Dha Werda Verda, I guess this message is really for me. My friend Peter and I have been working on the Mandalorian tradition for quite some time. Each time, we add a little bit more to Dha Werda, to try to get it closer to what it should be.

The two videos that are on youtube are of Peter and I at CIV, and myself at Dragon*Con. Both are early versions of what we've been working on. It's hard to choreograph something meant for a large group when only one other person locally will really work on it with you. Having said that, recently I have made a lot more progress in my choreography. I've studied videos of the haka, Ka Mate, and have incorporated movements from that into Dha Werda. I've also incorporated advanced techniques from the martial art I practice, TaeKwon-Do. The parts I'm having the most trouble with are the footwork, and getting as many beats into the pattern as there are in the music. Several of the Mandalorian Mercs in other parts of the world have pledged to work with me to learn Dha Werda Verda, and do what we can to get it as professional looking, and pretty much as shab'la hardcore as we can. But it takes time.

If you still feel like I'm disrespecting the Maori by working hard to create a Mandalorian ritual out of nothing but words on a page and a song from a video game, well, I don't know what to say.

keep in mind that the ratio of mandalorian mythos enthusiasts vs. movie replica folks here is heavily skewed toward the movie replica side.

i'm guessing a lot of us have no idea what many of those words mean.

not making fun of anything, just letting you know. lots of us have no idea what this whole mandalorian language / culture stuff is all about. we just like that guy from that movie in the 80s

yes...can you explain what is wrong? I want to make sure that I'm not screwing something up!


womo

He's referring to two videos of me on youtube performing Dha Werda Verda.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5I7BYQI7ifo&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Cr56Opd_Y4

Apparently I'm not good enough for his ideals. Admittedly, these are very early versions...but besides my buddy Peter, I don't see anyone else even trying. More people I've talked to since then want to learn, so I've been choreographing it to be faster, more intense. But it takes time.

He did go out of his way to say that he ment no offence. We're all on the same page here we want and organized Werda Verda with some fire in it. I think that fact he had the Nads to do it for Travis is awsome you should be commended for being the first to put anything together.

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showt...ha+werda+verda

Originally my comment was that you needed more Mando'ade to perform it with you, but a bit more speed and emotion would only amplify the effect of a mass or semi mass werda verda. So count me in if you find a way to record the steps and pass them on im committed to learning them and bring a bit of my MA background to it. So thank you again for bringing the werda to life for the rest of us.


Oya Manda!

Just to chime in a little...

The only Mando'a words he used in that post were "Dha Werda Verda". All the other foreign words were names of "tribal dances" (don't know if that's the correct term) performed by tribes in New Zealand. Or so I assume.

No, I'm not trying to say you weren't good. I was posting this because not only was it your videos, but now I'm seeing a bunch High School kids run around and do Haka dances before their football games. Our local team here did it and it was the worst thing I'd ever seen. My friend who is an Islander just sort of sat there with this look on her face like someone just took her pet and threw it to an anaconda.

Hell, I was excited to actually see someone actually DOING the Dha Werda.

I just don't want people to be doing it without the enthusiasm. I was trying to get some people together here, but a lot of them are just like "Meh."

I just feel that if you're going to be doing something that's based on someone's cultures, at least put your best effort into it.


I probably sounded like a jerk in my first post and that's absolutly not what I was trying to do, and I apologize if I've offended you. It's not what I was trying to do.

I am glad that you're improving on it, that's awsome. I was under the impression that those dances were just something you sort of threw together at that last minute, and I was mistaken.

In fact, if you post more videos showing the moves that you've created, I'll see if I can learn them and join you at one of the next conventions.


If that's okay with you, of course.



Again, I apologize if I sounded like a jerk.

Okay, I see where you're coming from a little clearer now I suppose. And of course, I would love to have as many Mando'ade performing Dha Werda with me as possible. I'll keep my progress posted on the Mando Mercs boards mostly, with the occasional post in Dented Variants I suppose. I have a con coming up at the end of the month, and I'd like to have a better version to perform then...so we'll see what happens.

You'll have to forgive me, I'm not good at taking what I'm thinking in my head and making it come out of my mouth or figer tips correctly.

We're shooting an episode (The first episode) of our webshow tomorrow and I'll formally apologize to you there.

Forgive me if I act a bit incredulous, but am I to understand your initial post came from your frustration that people aren't performing a Star Wars dance with enough enthusiasm?!? Did I miss a meeting or something? I am trying not to be disrespectful, but is this really an issue?

I am so lost

I don't see Boba Fett doing this dance. Not even in a 6th grade PE class.

Having never heard of Dha Werda Verda, I will remain reticent on the subject.

As for cultural sensitivity, that's something I have had to learn something about, as I am a student of anthropology. The one thing I have learned is that what may seem offensive to one group can go completely un-noticed as such by another. The translation is often difficult for the others to wrap their collective head around.

Having said that, I still think perhaps a little more in the way of how and why the dance is potentially offensive might be in order.

I see where you are coming from but have we become so politically correct that we now have to be culturally sensitive to imaginary cultures?

Originally Posted by Gypsyboy

Having never heard of Dha Werda Verda, I will remain reticent on the subject.

As for cultural sensitivity, that's something I have had to learn something about, as I am a student of anthropology. The one thing I have learned is that what may seem offensive to one group can go completely un-noticed as such by another. The translation is often difficult for the others to wrap their collective head around.

Having said that, I still think perhaps a little more in the way of how and why the dance is potentially offensive might be in order.

Dah Werda Verda = Rage of the Shadow Warriors. It's a song that basically describes the fight of the Taung against the 13 Battalions of Zel on Coruscant around 25,000bby. It was modified by Jango Fett and taught to some of the ARC troopers, who passed it down to other clones.

I'm not sure there's much mention of the song outside any of the RC books.

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

I see where you are coming from but have we become so politically correct that we now have to be culturally sensitive to imaginary cultures?

All because Temura Morrison and Jay (cant spell his last name) have performed this at C3 and C4. It never existed in the SW world. They did it as entertainment of their own culture to entertain the crowd/audience at C3/C4. And because he portrayed Jango, its now considered canon?

Dont think so.

Guys,
This is all very interesting. Please remember here at TDH we are about the costumes and not the made up cultures. This is also meant to be fun. You know, love for a movie, something that is also made up.

Also, by looking at something somebody has done does not mean they have not put their heart into a project. There are only 2 people who really know how much heart somebody puts into something. So, please lets not judge them.

The fact that this conversation is actually taking place is the biggest issue here.

Originally Posted by Delta75

The fact that this conversation is actually taking place is the biggest issue here.

Man.. you are not kidding!

Originally Posted by Ripcode

Man.. you are not kidding!

lol



i don't know what else to say.

This is, by far, my favorite thread today.

Originally Posted by DellisTantor

I watched a couple of vidoes and I like how people have actually planned out the Da Werda Verda...but can we at least put a little more effort into it if we're going to do it?

Every time I see someone who's not an Islander doing the Haka or even the Da Werda...it just seems very lack-luster. Remember the Da Werda was based on the Maori Haka to honor their traditions. Can we at least be a little more respectful of their culture when we do it? Let's at least put our hearts into it and at least show them that we're doing it do actually show some respect and not just to look cool in our armors?

I'm not trying to you know...insult anyone or anything, I just don't want this to turn into something kind of....lame, I guess.


Like I said, I'm not being a jerk and I'm not trying cause any problems, I'm just talking about respecting a culture and at least putting as much effort into our Da Werda as they do their Haka.


Anyone agree or disagree? I'd like to hear some other comments on this. Am I out of line for thinking this way?

I guess I thought this was a forum about how to build a Fett suit, not about how to dance in one to look cool.

I guess I thought this was a forum about how to build a Fett suit, not about how to dance in one to look cool.

LOL!

I can't really believe this is a topic...but if you really want to play this way we might consider creating a sister site:

The Dancing Helmet
Boba & Jango Fett elite choreography forums

Originally Posted by schwartz

LOL!

I can't really believe this is a topic...but if you really want to play this way we might consider creating a sister site:

The Dancing Helmet
Boba & Jango Fett elite choreography forums

Count me in!

i may be a newbie but i think anyone who is brave enough to do the dha wherda in public deserves a round of applause. Maybe one day someone who is brilliant at organizing could set up a dha wherda if so count me in

We've been talking about it in Mercs, maybe at a DragonCon or Celebration.

And all of this over a brief mention of Mandalorian in the Empire Strikes Back sketchbook. I'm impressed a word can go this far.

Lee

Originally Posted by Mirax H

I guess I thought this was a forum about how to build a Fett suit, not about how to dance in one to look cool.

But yet posts about Starship Troopers costumes and other stuff are ok to post here?

Originally Posted by BigJon

But yet posts about Starship Troopers costumes and other stuff are ok to post here?

As long as they aren't dancing

Originally Posted by Delta75

As long as they aren't dancing

Nice!

Might this dancing be to make up for all of those school dances and Proms we never went to??

It's just a hobby. So some people like to choreograph a fictional dance in their spare time, it's not like they lock themselves up in their house and go all out crazy. That's the problem with this topic. The people who to most of society are freaks, who dedicate a lot of time to making a costume look right, are now insulting those who dedicate time to bringing a little more fantasy into this dark reality we're living in now. I find the Mandalorians fascinating, and guess what, GASP, I have a real life too, where I am actually aware of real things going on around me, and I talk to real people who like to talk about real things. Amazing, isn't it?

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

I don't think anyone is saying postings about synchronized mando dance recitals aren't ok, but as Brian summed it up early on, I think you will find that the majority of TDHers (not all, just most) are more interested in the aesthetics of the COSTUME worn by the CHARACTER "Boba Fett" than they are in plumbing the subtle depths of the "Mandalorian culture" as if it were a real way of life. If that is your thing, great for you, but I think you would see the same head scratching and subtle joking if someone posted on the proper courtship rituals of the elves from LotR.... and PLEASE... I don't doubt that there is someone here who knows the proper courtship rituals of the elves from LotR... please don't share it...

If the Starship Trooper posting had been a rant about the injustice and insensitivity of the military against the bugs and how we should try to better understand and relate to the bugs culture you might have a point... But posts showing off pics of screen used costumes compared to posts critiquing the authenticity of someone's imaginary cultural dance moves isn't exactly apples to apples.

Brak, I understand your point. But as you stated a majority of the the TDH costumers are more interested in the aesthetics of the costume...then why are they even replying to this thread?

All I ask is that some of the attitudes of people change in regards to EU and non-canon related topics. Besides, the description of the Sarlacc Pit reads "general discussion forum"...meaning that the discussions don't revolve around Boba Fett and his costume.

I see many threads in this very Sarlacc Pit that are not related to Boba Fett, Star Wars, or even costuming, yet none of those threads ever get as much flak as when someone starts talking about Mandalorian stuff.

I realize that not all of you are "as into" Mandalorians as everyone else...but have members show some restraint with their comments.

My two cents. Delete it, lock it, do whatever. Just quit picking on the EU folks just because others aren't into it.

In an effort of fairness I will see your two dancing tribal mandalorians and raise you two dancing Starship Troopers. These two guys are of course performing the well known "Prance of Klendathu" performed in honor of the first capture of a brain bug. Now granted, Jose's position #17 is a bit off as his left hand should be slightly higher and his stance a bit wider to better capture the rising of the twin suns and Dana's leg lift only seems half hearted without the required hip pivot. Still, I think we can all agree that this is a solid B+ effort and the spirit of the dead bugs left to rot in the desert would be appeased.

Hopefully, without being offense, you guys make it a bit easy to make silly comments. We all laugh at ourselves from time to time because lets face it, our entire hobby is a bit silly. However, it is even easier to poke a little fun when people begin to take things really seriously. Again, I would liken this to the people who want to BE jedi or who want to capture the "essence and mystique" of the elf culture (sorry I keep bringing that one up but I know some of those people). It makes it easy to poke fun at because it seems that some people begin to forget this stuff is all make believe. I would expect the same if we started assigning oursleves ranks with the SST stuff and started only referring to each other as Major this and Captain that... It is just a movie.. just a hobby.

Again, I don't think anyone is saying this stuff can't be posted, but you have to expect a LITTLE ribbing about it.

Originally Posted by BigJon

Brak, I understand your point. But as you stated a majority of the the TDH costumers are more interested in the aesthetics of the costume...then why are they even replying to this thread?

All I ask is that some of the attitudes of people change in regards to EU and non-canon related topics. Besides, the description of the Sarlacc Pit reads "general discussion forum"...meaning that the discussions don't revolve around Boba Fett and his costume.

I see many threads in this very Sarlacc Pit that are not related to Boba Fett, Star Wars, or even costuming, yet none of those threads ever get as much flak as when someone starts talking about Mandalorian stuff.

I realize that not all of you are "as into" Mandalorians as everyone else...but have members show some restraint with their comments.

My two cents. Delete it, lock it, do whatever. Just quit picking on the EU folks just because others aren't into it.

Originally Posted by BigJon

Brak, I understand your point. But as you stated a majority of the the TDH costumers are more interested in the aesthetics of the costume...then why are they even replying to this thread?

All I ask is that some of the attitudes of people change in regards to EU and non-canon related topics. Besides, the description of the Sarlacc Pit reads "general discussion forum"...meaning that the discussions don't revolve around Boba Fett and his costume.

I see many threads in this very Sarlacc Pit that are not related to Boba Fett, Star Wars, or even costuming, yet none of those threads ever get as much flak as when someone starts talking about Mandalorian stuff.

I realize that not all of you are "as into" Mandalorians as everyone else...but have members show some restraint with their comments.

My two cents. Delete it, lock it, do whatever. Just quit picking on the EU folks just because others aren't into it.

BigJon,

I don't think its a jab at custom Mandos or EU. I smarted off and I'm building Skirata. I feel the issue of this thread is that there was a complaint of sorts regarding the proper dancing style of a Mando dance (which is made up).

Once LucasFilm makes Boba dance in the live action series we could continue this debate.

Justify it however. I remember a bully telling me the same thing when he used to make fun of me at school when I was younger. "I was just joking with you". I guess you won't know how it feels for the ones being "joked with" until it happens to you someday.

I'm done here.

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

It is just a movie.. just a hobby.

Again, I don't think anyone is saying this stuff can't be posted, but you have to expect a LITTLE ribbing about it.

I definitely don't mind a little ribbing, it's completely fine. And those dancing SST's made me giggle. But when someone posts something like this, and more than half the replies are poking fun, that's a little out of hand. I'd say if you don't know what someone else is talking about, or you have no interest in it, don't post. Simple as that.

Maybe the use of Mando'a is a subject that we need to discuss on this board. I have had absolutely no ambition to learn this language or any of its words, but as it seems this is becoming a bilingual forum.

I would like to see the use of Mando'a to be discouraged, even in the custom mando section, being that a great majority of the members here don't speak a word of it and have no idea what anyone is saying; let alone how to pronounce it. Often I see when someone starts a run of an item, another member asks about it using Mando'a as if it's common knowlege, the one starting the run has to ask what was said before a real answer could be given.

Custom Mando's have their own forum now, Mando Mercs, and Mando'a there seems to be used just as frequently as English. Mando'a has crept onto this board, as well as clonetroopers.net.

Many members here don't even have English as their first language, and with them trying to learn that as well as having Mando'a thrown into the mix, this will really confuse someone. We have members here from France, Spain, Germany, Japan, China, Italy, where have you, many different languages, and I don't think a fake language needs to be mixed in when many of us are here just to build a costume; not to be a real Mandalorian.

So my final thought is that you can speak your Mando'a if you want to, I just don't like to see it, I have no idea what it means and no one translates it. Being in the South West I have to deal with this issue every day not speaking a word of Spanish. For all who use Mando'a, I would recommend that you explain what you're trying to say in English too.

The only part that I really have a hard time with is when folks post this mando stuff assuming that everyone will know what they mean.

Were this a Mandalorian community, they probably would. But this is a board dedicated to bickering about how superior the RotJ paint scheme is to the ESB one

So as a result, there are lots of us that just have no clue what any of this means, so seeing a post typed in a language that doesn't exist to the world at large is just awkward.

And somehow I feel like we've had this very same conversation. Repeatedly

Originally Posted by tk7602

But this is a board dedicated to bickering about how superior the RotJ paint scheme is to the ESB one

Couldn't agree more!

Originally Posted by BigJon

Justify it however. I remember a bully telling me the same thing when he used to make fun of me at school when I was younger. "I was just joking with you". I guess you won't know how it feels for the ones being "joked with" until it happens to you someday.

I'm done here.

Come on.... you are taking this way too seriously. As I said, we ALL laugh at ourselves, and at each other. You are comparing this to bullying? Really? Guess some people DO take this stuff way more seriously than others...

best thread eva...

Originally Posted by tk7602

But this is a board dedicated to bickering about how superior the RotJ paint scheme is to the ESB one

ROTJ wins - bickering over

And to think... just a few years ago the RotJ paint scheme was on the dancing mandalorians side of the argument and the ESB paint scheme was the "bully." How times have changed...

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

Come on.... you are taking this way too seriously. As I said, we ALL laugh at ourselves, and at each other. You are comparing this to bullying? Really? Guess some people DO take this stuff way more seriously than others...

No, I think it falls along the lines of "Some people take different aspects more seriously then others.".

Just like your example of arguing over paint schemes here on TDH, we have some people who argue over words on Mercs. It's not that one person takes "Costuming" any more seriously then you do, but the aspects of TDH which is mainly a prop forum may be different from someone who is looking to know more about "Mandalorians" in relation to Star Wars. It's a hard line to see because as groups we are used to seeing certain things in certain ways. Like Obi Wan said, it depends on your point of view.

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

No, I think it falls along the lines of "Some people take different aspects more seriously then others.".

I totally agree with this. The thing is, I don't guess I would go over to a place where I knew it was all about "mandalorian culture" and try to force a point about how those guys aren't being "screen accurate" and if I did, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the general response was "who cares?" What I don't understand is that there are people who actually seem to be getting offended about this.

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

Couldn't agree more!

so you AGREE that the rotj paint job is superior! see! good conversation! that ESB bully is outta here!

Originally Posted by tk7602

so you AGREE that the rotj paint job is superior! see! good conversation!

Been screaming it for years against the crushing tsunami that is the support for ESB!

Originally Posted by Delta75

ROTJ wins - bickering over

That's for sure...now somebody just needs to let the ESB guys (Spidey) know.8)

I don't think the OP knew in this case that this aspect of mando costuming wasn't discussed here.

TDH has a variants board where non-Fett mandos do post, and while it's not a board that is seen as a board to discuss "Mandalorians", it does mean that a door is open for EU discussion. Some people will see that and take it to mean TDH is a board for Mandalorian costuming and discussion.

The only advice I have for something like this is point them in our direction at Mercs if people come with questions such as this. It'll cut down on threads that are going to get possiable negative responses as well as keep TDH more on track with being a Fett/Zam props forum. To me, that seems like a winning alternative for everyone involved.

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

And to think... just a few years ago the ROTJ paint scheme was on the dancing mandalorians side of the argument and the ESB paint scheme was the "bully." How times have changed...

Erm... theres one? (depict voice from life of Brian)

Thank you for reaffirming my signature! I think a visit from the High Clam Lord might be in order.

BTW, Cultural Relativism is Overrated.

Originally Posted by BigJon

BigJon
formerly joNich
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Leave TDH to the Elitists...
Posts: 579

e·lit·ism [i-lee-tiz-uhm, ey-lee-]

- Show IPA Pronunciation –noun
1. practice of or belief in rule by an elite.
2. consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.
—Related formse·lit·ist, noun, adjective

I see no elitism in this thread. I guess not taking a made up language and culture seriously makes me an elitist. A great majority of the board doesn't take this language seriously, so I don't know how a minor subculture can call the rest of the community elitists.

I think we all need to take a step back because Jango DID set a standard to be followed... break out those umbrellas guys!

As far as those who want to get their feelings hurt about this... my advice: grow a little thicker skin... we are ALL in a nerd hobby!

Hey.....Lets have a good old ESB vs ROTJ brawl again!!!! I miss those!!!! Oh...wait...No, I guess i don't miss those that much.

The other day, I was going up to a guard tower here in Iraq, and I looked down. I saw this rock sticking out of the ground. And I was like, whoa...so I set down my rifle, and started to dig around at the edges of it. And I did, and this rabbit popped OUT OF THE ROCK! I KID YOU NOT!!

So I chased the rabbit down, and then I was like, dang, my rifle is sitting back there, so I ran back and got it, and the rabbit was gone. So I got in my tower....and thought...a rock rabbit. How interesting....

...

It appears that this dance is taken from a "real" living culture, existing more than just in the mind....

"Every time I see someone who's not an Islander doing the Haka or even the Da Werda...it just seems very lack-luster. Remember the Da Werda was based on the Maori Haka to honor their traditions. Can we at least be a little more respectful of their culture when we do it?"

But did anyone really know this? So we go back to the intention, I don't see it

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

As far as those who want to get their feelings hurt about this... my advice: grow a little thicker skin... we are ALL in a nerd hobby!

I pretty much expect to get ribbed by canon Fett costumers for being a custom, and wanting to get involved with Mandalorian culture. That's a given, and my skin is like bantha hide to that kind of teasing. But I agree, this kind of topic is something that should be over on Mercs.

What really bugged me was the fact that my work and my efforts were being insulted so blatantly. I accept Dellis Tantor's apology, but the fact remains that it was just a blanket insult to say there was no effort put into what I've done. I know most of you guys think the EU is a pile of bantha poodoo, but I take it seriously. I've been trying to put Dha Werda Verda together based on la couple of pages worth of writing in a couple of books, and a song from a video game. It's true, the times I've performed it before, it's slow paced, and pretty roughly choreographed. But I'm working on making it faster and more intense. Like anything, it takes progress. I can imagine the sculptors here know how many times they need to refine a clay sculpt before it looks anything like a canon Fett helmet.

And now for 27 posts joking around with maybe 1 relevant paragraph mixed in:

Originally Posted by Gilmore of OK

The other day, I was going up to a guard tower here in Iraq, and I looked down. I saw this rock sticking out of the ground. And I was like, whoa...so I set down my rifle, and started to dig around at the edges of it. And I did, and this rabbit popped OUT OF THE ROCK! I KID YOU NOT!!

So I chased the rabbit down, and then I was like, dang, my rifle is sitting back there, so I ran back and got it, and the rabbit was gone. So I got in my tower....and thought...a rock rabbit. How interesting....

Freaking boots leaving rifles laying around


So whats this "Da Werda Verda" dance any ways? If no ones seen it in live action then how dose one know if they are doing it wrong

I remember when recasting was the hot topic. Only been here 4 years and kind of miss those days. Dont get me wrong ive started pointless threads and made a few absurd comments myself.

Originally Posted by ShatirLavan

I've been trying to put Dha Werda Verda together based on la couple of pages worth of writing in a couple of books, and a song from a video game.

Can someone tell me exactly how much screen time Boba had in the trilogy (not the special editions) and how many lines of dialog (not including the scream)?

Maybe we should get Karen Traviss to erase the dance from all subsequent printings of her RC books and she can retcon Fett's Vette into the books. Then we can all follow MC Chris around like a Star Wars version of the Greatful Dead, worship the ground he walks on, and troop or loiter with extreme prejudice at all his shows.

Can't we all go back to making fun of the Star Trek folks?

Originally Posted by boba-fetus

Can't we all go back to making fun of the Star Trek folks?

Now that's only thing that makes any sense

Originally Posted by boba-fetus

Can't we all go back to making fun of the Star Trek folks?

Originally Posted by Commander Voltaire

Now that's only thing that makes any sense

*Charges Klingon disruptor*

Bring it !!

Can't we all go back to making fun of the Star Trek folks?

Awwww man. And I thought we could go somewhere with The Dancing Helmet thing. I know Gilmore knows the moves to Thriller. I was ready to begin studying Flashdance... Nuts...

You asked for it. Um, let's see, nah, I don't want scratch up my nice armor, I prolly can clean up on you in this rig *loads Kenner E-11 with Ethanol*

I see nothing wrong with the Dancing Mando's.
I really wonder why things like this always come up, this is supposed to be fun,
We need a "ask Mr. Mando" thread.

Originally this was about showing respect when preforming the Haka, a real life ritual dance. It was also mention that when preforming the Werda Verda, a ficticous ritual done by mandos and clones, (an omage to the real dance from the Maori) a certain amount of intensity be used as in the Haka. I think his point was that if we're are goin to emulate a culture because we admire their qualities we should put our all into it as a sign of respect (not to mandos, to the Maori and all island cultures). Also there are some of us who want to learn the Werda or help to form it to a point where we can perform it at and during trooping events to add the fun of it all.

Here are a few link about the haka. The first is more traditional, the second is a rugby team performing the Haka to intimidate the other team. (Look at the face of the other team)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-lrE...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHW1K...eature=related

Originally Posted by boba-fetus

Maybe we should get Karen Traviss to erase the dance from all subsequent printings of her RC books and she can retcon Fett's Vette into the books. Then we can all follow MC Chris around like a Star Wars version of the Greatful Dead, worship the ground he walks on, and troop or loiter with extreme prejudice at all his shows.

I do that all ready, haha. Hey, he's worn my Fett to the playboy mansion, shouldn't he be worshiped anyway!?

i believe if most hardcore boba's are against using mando'a it might be a good idea to only use mando'a in the dented variant section. Personally i love the mando'a langauge as it allows me to escape this world for a fantasy one:o

Originally Posted by dha'kad junn

i believe if most hardcore boba's are against using mando'a it might be a good idea to only use mando'a in the dented variant section. Personally i love the mando'a langauge as it allows me to escape this world for a fantasy one:o

That won't work, because Boba and Jango mix in with EU, and EU runs though Dented Variants. The best option for me would be the discontinuation of the language in the costuming forum. If there were a cultural forum, then it would be acceptable. Since this is a costuming forum, I don't see this happening.

Originally Posted by dha'kad junn

it allows me to escape this world for a fantasy one:o

I use the military for this haha

only kidding, i must take the military more seriously - my Company Commander tells me so hehe

btw Braks - love the costume and pose

Okay, three things.
First. I understand the feelings that those of Maori origin may feel when they see a Haka performed badly, if you are going to do a tribal dance then it should be done with all due respect and enthusiasm due that culture (unless it's Morris Dancing in which case they should simply be shot!) HOWEVER, the Dhe Werda IS NOT a Haka! Okay, it's inspired by it but it isn't it. It's fictional! It's not even a fictional Maori dance but a fictional dance by a fictional culture in a fictional universe! So given that it's not real, what's the problem? There's no disrespect to any real culture there as it's nothing to do with any real culture. This has been blown up out of all proportion and is somewhat silly to say the least.

Secondly. I'm a big fan of Karen Traviss's works, I have read all her books, Star Wars and non Star Wars, I can speak Mando'a, I can read it AND write it BUT as has been pointed out this is a costuming forum for people wanting to create costumes and as such they will ask questions that need straight forward, easy to understand answers, you can't get that if only 10 percent of the people on the forum can understand what you've just written. We're not Mandalorians, we are costumers that dress as fictional creations called Mandalorians, we don't need to talk or write it and those of us that can (because we have decided to rival Star Trek's Klingons for nerdness) shouldn't inflict it upon those that can't or do not want to.
IF you choose to write something in Mando'a at least have the decency to write the English translation for those that don't read the afore mentioned fictional language.

Thirdly and this one is directed at Big Jon whom I've known for a few years through HV&M and here. You're over-reacting mate! There's no attack here on EU costumers by film costumers or a superior attitude and certainly no bullying. Most of the replies on this thread are simply regarding the confusion over what this topic is about and why it's such a big issue. This is a website and forum for the creation of costumes, everyone here is about making said costumes but not everyone here is into the EU or understands it when people are, and fewer still know what someone is saying in Mando'a, how to do the Dha Werda or could perform the Hildeberg Two-fling made famous by the Naked Zendosian Monks from the mountain regions of Gondos Prime (okay, I made that up, so no offence is intended to Ballroom Dancers upon whom I based that fictional dance ). IF they don't know those things and don't understand what you're talking about and find the conversation a little silly that doesn't constitute an attack on those that do. Chill out a little, my friend.

I think accusing people of making fun of a culture's real dance is a but too serious. I think this is a way to validate being nerdy and has nothing to do with offending a a race or culture, I mean come on if you are serious about that culture then also respect it by not dancing in a clone uniform from a Science Fiction movie and wear the traditional garb they wear and not fanboy out in front of the author of a ficticious book. I think that is the ultimate form of disrepect if you are truly emulating and care about the real culture. This whole thing gives me such a Klingon vibe it's not funny.

Very well said!! This was pretty amusing to read though. It is quite amazing what happens to people and how they react! I should really look into what a sociologist has to say about us.
Now THAT would be an interesting read.

Um... is this about Mando'a or Maori? If it's about Mando'a then I say whatever people wanna do is cool because it's just a made up culture. If it's about Maori, then that's different. We get people dressing up and acting the part of SW characters doing crazy stuff all the time. Is the dance something in particular that stands out? Until I understand the direction this thread is supposed to be taking I think I'll bow out of adding more comments.

You absolutely nailed it. Couldn't have said it better.

Originally Posted by OrtharRrith

Okay, three things.
First. I understand the feelings that those of Maori origin may feel when they see a Haka performed badly, if you are going to do a tribal dance then it should be done with all due respect and enthusiasm due that culture (unless it's Morris Dancing in which case they should simply be shot!) HOWEVER, the Dhe Werda IS NOT a Haka! Okay, it's inspired by it but it isn't it. It's fictional! It's not even a fictional Maori dance but a fictional dance by a fictional culture in a fictional universe! So given that it's not real, what's the problem? There's no disrespect to any real culture there as it's nothing to do with any real culture. This has been blown up out of all proportion and is somewhat silly to say the least.

Secondly. I'm a big fan of Karen Traviss's works, I have read all her books, Star Wars and non Star Wars, I can speak Mando'a, I can read it AND write it BUT as has been pointed out this is a costuming forum for people wanting to create costumes and as such they will ask questions that need straight forward, easy to understand answers, you can't get that if only 10 percent of the people on the forum can understand what you've just written. We're not Mandalorians, we are costumers that dress as fictional creations called Mandalorians, we don't need to talk or write it and those of us that can (because we have decided to rival Star Trek's Klingons for nerdness) shouldn't inflict it upon those that can't or do not want to.
IF you choose to write something in Mando'a at least have the decency to write the English translation for those that don't read the afore mentioned fictional language.

Thirdly and this one is directed at Big Jon whom I've known for a few years through HV&M and here. You're over-reacting mate! There's no attack here on EU costumers by film costumers or a superior attitude and certainly no bullying. Most of the replies on this thread are simply regarding the confusion over what this topic is about and why it's such a big issue. This is a website and forum for the creation of costumes, everyone here is about making said costumes but not everyone here is into the EU or understands it when people are, and fewer still know what someone is saying in Mando'a, how to do the Dha Werda or could perform the Hildeberg Two-fling made famous by the Naked Zendosian Monks from the mountain regions of Gondos Prime (okay, I made that up, so no offence is intended to Ballroom Dancers upon whom I based that fictional dance ). IF they don't know those things and don't understand what you're talking about and find the conversation a little silly that doesn't constitute an attack on those that do. Chill out a little, my friend.

Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

I think accusing people of making fun of a culture's real dance is a but too serious. I think this is a way to validate being nerdy and has nothing to do with offending a a race or culture, I mean come on if you are serious about that culture then also respect it by not dancing in a clone uniform from a Science Fiction movie and wear the traditional garb they wear and not fanboy out in front of the author of a ficticious book. I think that is the ultimate form of disrepect if you are truly emulating and care about the real culture. This whole thing gives me such a Klingon vibe it's not funny.

Awesome.

Hey im Half Kiwi and about an 8th Maori, and can trace my Whakapapa (genealogy/ancestry) back to the Warrior Cheiftan Timaru, who was killed in a misunderstanding when Captain James Cook first landed on Aotearoa (New Zealand)

That being said, i find no offence to an Omage to Kapa Haka, as long as it isnt being physically copied down to exact movements to imitate it exactly/close to exactly, but if you do take aspects from it, make it subtle.

Referring to this dance as Inspired by the Maori Kapa Haki, to create a dance of passion and tradition for a culture similar in structure, whilst not emulating it is the best way to describe what you are doing.

I am not a huge fan of EU, but I appreciate what you are doing. As long as you make sure to keep respectful of the culture, and have fun doing what you love doing with your EU realisation, then kudos to you and keep up the good work.

For those that are too serious in your replies, remember that this is a hobby, and a few of us are 501st. being said a main reason for us is to enjoy like minded company, costume and have fun, and put smiles on kiddies faces. Tolerance and acceptance without excessive provocation and jest should be maintained.

I was bullied severly as a kid for being a star wars fan, and being short, and that included 6-7 years of physical beatings and mental/emotional bullying, so i see both sides of this debate VERY VERY CLEARLY....

Final note: Congrats for putting yourselves out there and trying something new which has never been done before, im sure that you will find that you have the same passion and enthusiasm as the founders of the 501st, and hopefully the same patience and discipline to see this through as an accomplishment to those of you very much into the EU

Just viewed the youtube clips, and from my work in choreography I must say that you have done well to start up so far

One major issue/suggestion is that you are moving/over extending too far, which is causing your being slightly off balance and looking awkward. Try smaller and more deliberate moves. You can still project what you want to visualise, but keep it in a small circle area around you that you can control.

Also, Jumping will really put you off balance and can really destroy what you are trying ot accomplish if you look bad or fall over if you mis-step/leap.

Summing it up, Less major over exerting movement, more tighter deliberate movement, and keep it all in a small area you can control. Plus try refrain from jumping and Id say you are set, and very much well on your way to creating a very good ritual

Btw stick around the boards, itll be worth it in the long run. Everyone has something to contribute here, and this can be your legacy on here, just remember to put the passion into the dance, but let the non constructive criticism skim off your armour like an energy bolt on beskar

Very well said Matt, and on another note, if ppl want to type in Mando'a, i say, type on, those who don't know it, won't answer and I am sure those who use it, know this.

It is fun and adds to the role playing aspect of this hobby

Alcfalath,

Thank you. As one of those Klingons of the Star Wars Galaxy known as Mando's or Fandaorians myself I have to say that you have replied in the most kind, amazing and understanding manner I have seen in this thread.

I understand myself the separation of costuming and culture and keep my Mando heavy things to the Mercs forums or various threads Miss Traviss frequents to clarify Mando'a. But I think you nailed a vital point.

Folks we are all geeks, big time, we spend thousands of our hard earned dollars on parts and "greebles", metal upgrades, and we talk about things 90% of the world would not understand. Inside our dynamic is bound to be a similar 10% who go farther than most and learn and use things that are geeky even to the geeks. But as Alc said we all came here because we share a like minded love for costuming in Star Wars costumes.

As for the whole offending a culture. Admittedly I know little of the Maori, but having watched both videos and read what Alc said I have to agree that so far Shatiir has a good homage base and can even see what Alc meant about shorter more deliberate movements.

I think some people lost sight of the act we all costume here together and focused a bit too much on why their type of homage to Star Wars was more comfortable to them.

As for the OP, I can understand why he would want to see a good homage done to the Haka if that is indeed where the basis for the Dha Werda Verda came from, but I think this thread got blown a bit out of proportion.

Love you all,
Alexis
*smiles*

I feel violated... Years back, Got Maul and I where dancing the jitter bug (no SST pun intended) on a cold lonley night, after drinking 2 bottles of a terrible merlot. I thought we had burned those pictures and forgot them for ever...

this website is full of acronyms and it took me a while to work ROTJ and ESB
so i think this website already has it's own language and can hardly be called normal (no offence intended), and you could say that mando'a is part of this langauge. so maybe we should bring this discussion to an end

I really didn't mean to cause such a stir, really. I actually had other things on my mind. Mostly, I was upset because I saw videos of people doing an actual Haka dance, and it was revolting. Then I saw the Da Wherda and took that in stride with my initial rant. Again, i wasn't trying to insult anyone or make a fool out of myself...but I guess I failed. I just figured this was a general descussion and thought the topic might be interesting.

Again, sorry.

Dellis, you did nothing wrong man. IMHO, people skills should have won out in this thread and didn't. There's really no reason why this topic couldn't have been discussed here as this specific board is a general any topic board.

Like I said man, no fault of yours.

The OP is the only person in this thread who isn't being a jerk.

Originally Posted by Cailieg

I think some people lost sight of the act we all costume here together and focused a bit too much on why their type of homage to Star Wars was more comfortable to them.

Exactly.

To put it into a bit of perspective, what do the Boba and Jango costumers do? They ACT like Boba and Jango would when in public. What do the custom Mandalorian costumers do? They ACT like Mandalorians would in public.

Simple and to the point.

Now can we all be friends?

Originally Posted by dgasser

I feel violated... Years back, Got Maul and I where dancing the jitter bug (no SST pun intended) on a cold lonley night, after drinking 2 bottles of a terrible merlot. I thought we had burned those pictures and forgot them for ever...

You and Jose have clearly been defiled...both of you were blatantly taken advantage of for your trusting natures and lack of alcoholic inhibition. It saddens me to see Dana and Jose victims of this kind of adult exploitation.

(Yes, I just made that term up.)

Let’s just be thankful those C4 photos never surfaced.

I have those pics.... and I'm sorry I do....

Dana looks a little gassy in that pic, and Jose looks like he's waving the smell away..........

Originally Posted by dha'kad junn

this website is full of acronyms and it took me a while to work ROTJ and ESB
so i think this website already has it's own language and can hardly be called normal (no offence intended), and you could say that mando'a is part of this langauge. so maybe we should bring this discussion to an end

ESB and ROTJ are acronyms for words in English, Mando'a is a made up language. Saying ESB instead of Empire Strikes Back is just easier to do, I have no idea how to begin to pronounce Mando'a, it just over complicates things.

I speak English and French, and the syntax between both of those languages are astronomical. I looked up Mando'a long ago and it shares its syntax extremely well with that of French, hard transition. Trying to say that Mando'a is a type of internet slang is absurd.