How did christian missionaries of the 19th century feel about cook island dancing?

Christian missionaries of the 19th century generally viewed Cook Island dancing as immoral and inappropriate, often condemning it for its association with pagan rituals and sexuality. They sought to suppress these traditional practices, believing that they undermined Christian values and promoted licentiousness. This perspective led to efforts to replace indigenous cultural expressions with Western-style religious practices and teachings. Ultimately, missionaries aimed to transform the cultural landscape of the Cook Islands in alignment with their religious beliefs.