CRITERIA

• Soloists will be judged in one of 3 categories: 11 – 15, 16 – 20, & 21 – 26
• Judging will be based on precision and proper execution of dance steps, theme, and music chosen by group.

TIME LIMIT

• Not applicable as pre-recorded music and drumming will be provided.

MUSIC

• Audio File containing the ʻAparima Song and Oteʻa Pehe will be sent directly to email address provided on or before January 20, 2026.

SCORING & JUDGING

• The top 3 presentations will be awarded.
• Winners will be announced at the award ceremony on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

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.
• 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.

Theme & Interpretation:

• Judges will listen for the quality of the drumming; the appropriate drum beats for each dance as well as its integration and adaptation to the theme of the dance.
• Proper 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 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 their drumming piece.

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.

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 cannot exceed a 10x10. If tent size exceeds the 10x10 limit you will be asked to take it down.