TIME LIMIT

• 3 Minutes.
• Time begins when the Ra’atira speaks or when the drumming, music or dance begins. Time ends when the last performer finishes his/her performance.

The penalty for going over the time limit or under the minimum time limit is 25 points for each 5 minutes beyond the allotted time.

COSTUMES

Tamahine & Vahine:

• Judges will check the quality of the costumes and their appropriateness and integration with the dance.
• Natural materials such as feathers, shells, fresh flowers, ferns and other greens are favored. (Artificial flowers are frowned upon)
• After each group performance two dancers from each group may be selected to show their costumes to the judges for examination.
• Costumes should be mostly sewn, not glued.
• Handheld props including Iʻi ARE allowed.
• Hip bands ARE allowed.

The penalty for violating the above outlined couples guidelines is 5 points per infraction.

Tamaroa & Tane:

• Judges will check the quality of the costumes and their appropriateness and integration with the dance.
• Natural materials such as feathers, shells, fresh flowers, ferns and other greens are favored. Artificial flowers are frowned upon.
• After each group performance two dancers from each group may be selected to show their costumes to the judges for examination.
• Costumes should be mostly sewn, not glued.
• Handheld props including Iʻi ARE allowed.
• Hip bands ARE allowed.

The penalty for violating the above outlined couples guidelines is 5 points per infraction.

MUSIC

• Drop off ipod, iphone, or mobile device for sound/music at the sound station no later than Saturday, February 21st, at 8:00am for sound test. (No CD's)
• If music is live please fill out a Sound Stage Requirements Form.
  

SCORING/JUDGING

• The top 3 couples will be awarded.
• The Overall Winning Couple is the couple who captures the highest score.

Technical Areas:

• Variety and difficulty of dance steps.
• Knowledge and execution of traditional steps.
• Strength and stamina.
• Dancers must show synchronicity and must be connected at least one time during their routine.

Artistic Areas:

• Creativity.
• Facial and body expressions.
• Stage presence.
• Interaction of dancers with each other.
• Interaction of dancers with the audience.

Costumes:

• Creativity.
• Appropriateness.
• Beauty.
• Ability to dance with costume.
• Compatibility of Costuming.
• Couples Competitors may be asked to approach the judges or scoring table.

FACT SHEETS 

• All couples are to submit a one-page summary of collaboration between dancers and choreographer.
• Submit a PDF file along by the application deadline.

In addition to your virtual submission, please submit (6) six printed copies by 9:00 am Saturday February 21, 2026.

The following must be included:

• Name of Pupu ʻOri (Group)
• Name of Raʻatira (Group Director)
• Name of ʻOteʻa, Aparima, and/or ʻAhuroa piece.
• Words and translations for each song used.
• The story or research behind the selection.
• A brief outline of the choreography, costume, and the theme used.

DRESSING AREA

• Dressing room is for active dressing for competition ONLY.
• If your group is interested in setting up a holding area for extra supplies and family please let us know. Tent may be no bigger than 10x10. If tent size exceeds the 10x10 limit you will be asked to take it down.