Group Competition is open to any Pupu Ori, Studio, Organization, or Dance Company. Independent soloists may also participate.

Group Criteria (description)

Adult Groups: 

• Any established group with a minimum of six (6) dancers where all dancers, Vahine and Tane, are ages 14 and over on competition day.
• There is no maximum number of dancers that may participate; groups are expected to perform within the stage area.

Tamari`i Groups:

• Any group with a minimum of six (6) dancers where all dancers, Tamahine and Tamaroa, are ages 13 and under on competition day.

SOLO CATEGORIES

Tamahine & Tamaroa Solo Categories

8 – 10 yrs of age

11 – 13 yrs of age

Tane & Vahine Solo Categories

14-17

18-23

24-32

33-39

40+

COUPLES CATEGORIES

Tamahine or Tamaroa - Both Contestants are 13 and under

Tane or Vahine - Both Contestants are 14 and over

GROUP CATEGORIES

• Group ‘Ote‘a
• Tamari’i Oteʻa (children 13 and under)
• 5-man Ote`a - Tamari`i (13 and under) & Adult Division (14+)
• Group Aparima
• Tamari`i Aparima (children 13 and under)
• `Ahuroa - Vahine 13+
• Tahitian Drumming- Traditional
• Tamari`i Drumming (children 13 and under)

________________________________________________________________

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

SOLO GUIDELINES

Tamahine & Vahine dancers must perform in pareu.

• Length of the pareu should be no more than 2 inches above the knee and should not go beyond the knees.
• Pareu must be flat tie—NO rolling.
• Hairpieces and Heipo`o are encouraged.
• Hairpieces and Heipo`o must be made of natural fibers or flowers.
• No silk or plastic flowers or foliage are allowed.
• I`i and other hand-held objects are NOT allowed.
• Hip bands are NOT allowed.

Tamaroa & Tane must perform in pareu tied tihere-style or malo-style.

• Leggings may be worn and heipo`o are encouraged.
• Hairpieces and Heipo`o must be made of natural fibers or flowers.
• NO silk or plastic flowers or foliage are allowed.
• I`i and other hand-held objects are NOT allowed.

• Independent dancers may also enter the solo competition. 

     *There is no maximum number of solo entries from any group.        

               

SOLO COMPETITION ROUNDS

● 1st Round- All Competitors

● 2nd Round- Any division with more than 6 dancers

*The second round will be announced and tentative timing will be posted in the schedule so Ra`atira and IND dancers may prepare.

● NO FINAL ROUND- Unless Judges request for a final round there will be no final round on Saturday.

*Dance Offs will be at specific times and will be listed in the schedule so Raʻtira may prepare.  Do not let competitors change out until the division is released.

OVERALL SOLOIST COMPETITION

●  1st place finishers of all divisions will be announced between 3:00 and 4:00pm on Saturday.

●  Those individuals must return on Sunday for the overall soloist Competition.

●  Overall Vahine solo competitors will perform in ankle length more skirts (banded) and (1) Single Flower.

●  Overall Tane solo competitors will perform in Pareu tied in the `Tihere` Style, NO leggings and (1) Single Flower.

SOLO TIME LIMITS- Ori Solo 1.5 - 2 minutes

All drumming for solo competition will be done by our house drummers.

COUPLES GUIDELINES

Tamahine & Vahine Costumes: (must perform in pareu)

• Length of the pareu should be no more than 2 inches above the knee and should not go beyond the knees.
• Hairpieces and Heipo`o must be made of natural fibers or flowers.
• No silk or plastic flowers or foliage are allowed.
• Hand held props and Iʻi are allowed.
• Hip bands are allowed.

 Tamaroa & Tane Costumes: (must perform in pareu, tied tihere style or malo style)

• Leggings may be worn and heipo`o are encouraged.
• Hairpieces and Heipo`o must be made of natural fibers or flowers.
• No silk or plastic flowers or foliage are allowed.
• I`i and other hand-held objects are allowed.

Couples Judging:

• Dancers must show synchronicity and must be connected at least one time during their routine.

• No limits on the amount of couple entries from any group.

• Independent dancers may also enter the couples’ competition.

• Overall Winning Couple is the couple who captures the highest scores and will be announced on Sunday February 16th during the Awards Ceremony.

Couples routine time limit: 3 minutes.

• Drop off CD and/or IPOD recording at the sound station no later than Saturday, February 18t​h​ at 8:00am for sound test.

• CD’s and/or IPODS may be collected from Sound Man at the end of the day’s events Sunday February 19th.

• If music is live please fill out a Sound Stage Requirements Application and attach it to your Couples Application.

PENALTY

• The penalty for violating the above outlined SOLO/COUPLES guidelines is 5 points per infraction.

JUDGING CRITERIA-SOLOS & COUPLES COMPETITION

Solo Competition

Technical Areas:

• Variety and difficulty of dance steps

• Knowledge and execution of traditional steps

• Strength and stamina

Artistic Areas:

• Creativity

•  Facial and body expressions

•  Stage presence

•   Interaction of dancer with the audience

Costume:

• Creativity

• Appropriateness

• Beauty

• Ability to dance with costume

 

Couples Competition

Technical Areas:

• Variety and difficulty of dance steps

• Knowledge and execution of traditional steps

• Strength and stamina

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

________________________________________________________________

GROUP COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Adult ‘Ote‘a and Aparima:

• Groups must consist of a minimum of six (6) dancers (Vahine and/or Tane).

• There is no maximum number of dancers.

• Up to 25 bonus points may be awarded to groups that perform the “Hivinau” and the “Pa‘o‘a”

  during the ‘Ote’a.

Although there is no penalty for pre-recorded drumming the judges prefer you to

present your piece live.

Tamari`i Oteʻa and Aparima:  

• Groups must consist of a minimum of six (6) dancers (Tamahine and/or Tamaroa 13 and under)

•  There is no maximum number of dancers.

• Up to 25 bonus points may be awarded to groups that perform the “Hivinau” and the “Pa‘o‘a” during the Tamari`i ‘Ote’a.

Although there is no penalty for pre-recorded drumming the judges prefer you to

present your piece live.

Ahuroa (Mehura):

• Dancers must be female. Male escorts may lead the dancers into the dance area.

• Minimum of 5 dancers, no maximum. Dancers must be 14 years of age or older.

• Dancers must wear long or calf-length mu‘umu‘u-style dresses also called “ahuroa” in Tahitian.

• Pareu may be used to wrap around the dresses. Midriff area must be covered.

• Live music preferred, but recorded music (CD) is permitted.

• Name of group
• Artistic director
• Name of ‘Ote’a, Aparima and/or Ahuroa piece
• Words and translations for each song used
• The story or research behind the selection
• A brief outline of the choreography, costume and theme used.

*Although there is no penalty for pre-recorded music pieces the judges prefer you to present your piece live.

Drumming Adult & Tamari`i

• There is a maximum of twenty (20) drummers and/or musicians for all group drumming/music performances.
• Each drumming entry will consist of two portions: Basic Pehe and a choreographed piece.
• Drumming entries must play at least five (5) of the following seven (7) during the basic pehe portion of their presentation: Paea, Pahae, Takoto, Bora Bora, Hitoto, Puarata and Tiare Taporo.
• If other traditional beats are to be used to fulfill this requirement please submit an original drumming audio recording and documentation of it’s viability along with application and fees.

 

JUDGING CRITERIA-GROUP COMPETITION

ENTRANCE/EXIT:

• Is the entrance and exit routine appropriate to the dance? Judges will look for how the performance projects a feeling of energy, electricity, a dynamic quality, and a level of showmanship.

COSTUME:

• 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.

• 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.

• No artificial flowers.

THEME and INTERPRETATION:

• Judges will listen for the quality of the music, the appropriate drum beats for each dance as well as it’s integration and adaptation to the theme of the dance.

• Proper pronunciation and understanding of Tahitian lyrics used is very important in interpreting the theme.

CHOREOGRAPHY:

• This important area refers to the dance composition/organization and arrangement using traditional Tahitian dance movements.

• Appropriate translation and interpretation of your theme, as outlined on your Fact Sheets, should be reflected in the choreography.

• Judges will also look for creativity, style & form, and whether the dancers were engaged and their attention held by the performance.

EXECUTION & PRECISION:

• This area is concerned with the performer(s) overall presentation and how he/she/they work with the stage space and audience.

• Judges will look for the quality of the performer’s technique in, for example, entering and exiting the dance area, and making dance transitions.

• Traditional Tahitian steps and movements will also be observed.

• Coordinating dance movements with the music will be observed.

Remember that Tahitian dance is much more spontaneous than hula, allow for more lively interpretation and vitality.

EXPRESSION/ESPRIT D’CORPS:

• Facial and other expressions should match the lyrics or theme of the music.

For example, when performing to a somber or tragic story, dancers should not be smiling.

• Judges will look for the technical ability of the dance group to relate to one another, to convey a feeling of unity much like an ensemble.

CREATIVITY:

• Be as creative as possible using mostly traditional Tahitian steps and even some newer steps.

• The use of props and other enhancements are allowed.

 

GROUP TIME LIMITS

• Group ‘Ote‘a (6 - 12 minutes)

• Tamari'i ‘Ote‘a or Aparima (4 - 8 minutes)

• Group Aparima (5 - 10 minutes)

• Group Ahuroa (5 - 10 minutes)

• Drumming (5 - 10 minutes)

• Tamari`i Drumming (4 – 8 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. 

If your group will be performing all categories as one performance the total group performance will be timed as follows:

• (3 categories) 20 - 45 minutes

• (4 categories) 25 - 55 minutes

• (5 categories) 30 - 60 minutes

• (6+ categories) 60 minute maximum (no minimum)

   

PENALTY

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.

 _______________________________________________________________

 

5 MAN OTE`A GUIDELINES

5 Man Ote`a may consist of:

• 5 Vahine; 5 Tane or a mixed group of (5) Tane and Vahine.

• 5 Tamahine; 5 Tamaroa or a mixed group of (5) Tamahine and Tamaroa.

• Vahine (Tamahine)/Tane (Tamaroa) dancers may perform in pareu, more skirt or other natural fiber skirt. 

• Headdresses and hairpieces are encouraged.

• Headdresses and hairpieces must be made of natural fibers.

• No silk or plastic flowers or foliage are allowed.

• Hei Tino, I`i and other hand-held objects are allowed.

• Hip bands are allowed.

• Arm bands and chest bands are allowed.

• Dancers must show synchronicity during their routine and perform to a common theme.

• Please attach a brief description (theme) of your 5 Man Ote`a Piece to your application.

5 MAN OTE`A routine time limit: 3 minutes.

• Recorded Drumming may be used without penalty.

• Drop off CD and/or IPOD recording at the sound station no later than 9:00am on the day of performance.

• CD’s and/or IPODS may be collected from Sound Man at the end of the Heiva I Hawai`I Event.

• Live Drumming is encouraged.

• Please fill out a Sound Stage Requirements Application and email to teeaoteturama@gmail.com

• Overall Winning 5 Man Ote`a Group is the group who captures the highest scores and will be announced on Sunday February 19th during the Awards Ceremony.

• Multiple entries from a single group is acceptable.

________________________________________________________________

 

Competition Application Deadline Penalties

Please pay close attention to Application deadlines. This year applications/fees received after the deadline date will be assessed a penalty. Penalty fee may be paid with original application, sent in separately after application/fees are submitted or at registration on the day of competition.

Solo/Couple Application Fee - 10.00 Group Fee - 25.00

Payments
Please make all payments through our official online website at HEIVAIHAWAII.COM.  NO CASH OR CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED*

Discount Fee Chart

6 Categories - 450.00
7 Categories - 500.00
7 Categories + 5 Man Ote`a - 550.00

 

Live Drumming and Music

Although there is no penalty for pre-recorded drumming and music pieces the judges prefer you to present your piece live. 

Costume Check

• Soloists and Couple Competitors may be asked to approach the judges or scoring table.

• Groups must send 2 representatives (male and female) to the judges table after your groups presentation.

Dressing Area

• Dressing room is for active dressing for competition.  If your group is interested in setting up a holding area for extra supplies and family please let us know.

 _______________________________________________________________

BASIC Competition Schedule

 

Saturday Morning - February 18, 2023

• Opening Remarks
• Exhibition Dancers
• Introduction Of Mr. & Miss Heiva Contestants 2023
• Tamariʻi Solo Competition-1st Round
• Mr. & Miss Heiva 2023 Competition Continues
• Tamari`i Dance OFFS & 2nd Round
• Mr. & Miss Heiva 2023 Competition Concludes

Saturday Afternoon

• Introduction Jr. Master & Miss Heiva Contestants 2023
• Tane & Vahine Solo Competition-1st Round
• Jr. Master & Miss Heiva 2023 Competition Continues
• Tane/Vahine Dance OFF(S) & 2nd Round (if needed)
• Jr. Master & Miss and Mr. & Miss Heiva i Hawaiʻi 2023 Winners Announced Overall Solo Winners Announcement
• Drumming & Dance Workshops

Sunday Morning - February 19th, 2023

• Opening Remarks
• Introduce Jr. Miss and Master & Mr. & Miss Heiva i Hawaiʻi 2023 Winners
• Overall Solo Competition
• Couples Competition
• 5 Man Ote`a Competition

Sunday Afternoon

• Group Competition
• Symphony of Drums
• Awards Ceremony

________________________________________________________________

 

AWARDS

Mr. & Miss Heiva I Hawai`i 2020 will receive:

• Cash Award donated by David and Arlene Garcia Tahitian jewelry and/or other island inspired adornment Heiva I Hawai`i apparel.

Solo Awards:

1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Award in each age category for Tamaroa/Tane & Tamahine/Vahine.

• Overall Winning Tane & Vahine will win special gifts in addition to their 1st Place Award.

• Solo/Couples awards may include: Plaques, Heiva I Hawai`i apparel. Tahitian jewelry and/or other island inspired adornment.

• Certificate Awards for Overall Winners

 Group Awards may include:

• Plaques, Drum or Toere, Certificate Awards