Beyoncé Performs Haka War Dance in New Zealand

Beyoncé received a traditional welcome when her “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” rolled through Auckland, New Zealand, last week. The local Māori people greeted her backstage with the Haka ancestral war dance and she stepped up to the challenge.

A ferocious Bey made her best warrior face as she faced off with the intimidating crew, who responded by shouting and stamping their feet.

According to the video, the Haka is a traditional war dance meant to scare the opponent. It is also used to honor a distinguished guest (in this case Bey). The New Zealand All Blacks rugby team perform it before their international matches.

See Bey partake in the tradition.