ʻAparima

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.

CRITERIA

  • Groups must consist of a minimum of three (3) dancers.
  • Groups may not exceed a maximum of ten (10) 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.
MUSIC
  • Drop off ipod, iphone, or mobile device  for sound/music at the sound station no later than Saturday, February 18th​ at 8:00am for sound test. (No CD's)
  • If music is live please fill out a Sound Stage Requirements Form.

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

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 17th, no later than 9:00am.
  • If six printed fact sheets are not submitted by the end of registration on Saturday, February 17th, 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.

Winners will be announced at the award ceremony on Sunday, February 18th.