Social dance was an integrated aspect of culture; so from birth children were taught to move their bottoms. Both males and females were vital in this dance, because the males brought energy while the females conveyed beauty. Social dancing required both sexes to work in unison. This attitude of teamwork rather than gender hierarchy was an essential characteristic evident throughout their culture, as exemplified by the collaboration used to build canoes and roads. Interestingly, the females asked the males to dance. This act clearly illustrated the important role played by women in society. Although there was no physical contact, males and females danced flirtatiously as a public expression of their sexuality. The dance reflected the Polynesian cultural attitude that dance was a healthy public display of physical vitality and sexuality and not