CRITERIA

• Groups must consist of a minimum of three (3) dancers.
• Groups may not exceed a maximum of eight (8) dancers.
• Costumes must be made with natural fibers and fabric.
• Judging will be based on precision and proper execution of dance steps, theme, and music chosen by group.

TIME LIMIT

• Adult Aparima Time Limit: 5 - 10 Minutes.
• Tamari'i Aparima Time Limit: 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.

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.

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 presentations will be awarded.

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 & Interpretation:

• Judges will listen for the quality of the music, the appropriate drum beats for each dance as well as its 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, allowing for more lively interpretation and vitality.

Expression/Esprit D’corps

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

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

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.

FACT SHEETS

• All groups must submit fact sheets.
• A fact sheet must be submitted at time of entry form completion.
• Groups are responsible for having a printed fact sheet for each judge on competition day by registration on Saturday, February 21st, no later than 9:00am.

If six printed fact sheets are not submitted by the end of registration on Saturday, February 21st, there will be an automatic 50-point deduction for that entry.

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.