'Ote'a

TIME LIMIT 

  • 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

Adult/Tamariʻi ʻOteʻa:

    • Adult ʻOteʻa Time Limit 6 - 12 Minutes.
    • Tamari'i ‘Ote‘a Time Limit 4 - 8 Minutes.
    • Adult 'Ote'a performed by no less than and no more than 5-10 dancers Vahine or Tane.
    • Tamari'i 'Ote'a performed by no less than and no more than 5-10 dancers Vahine or Tane.
    • Costumes must be made with natural fibers, feathers, and/or shells.
    • Judging will be based on precision and proper execution of dance steps, theme, and music chosen by group.
    • Up to 25 bonus points may be awarded to groups who properly include the “Hivinau” and the “Pa‘o‘a” during the ‘Ote’a performance.

    SPECIAL CATEGORY

    Adult/Tamariʻi 5 Man ʻOteʻa:

    • Time Limit 5 Minutes
    • Performed by only five (5) dancers Vahine or Tane.
    • Costumes must be made with natural fibers, feathers, and/or shells.
    • 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 group 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. No artificial flowers.
      • Costumes should be mostly sewn, not glued.
      • After each group performance two dancers from each group may be selected to show their costumes to the judges for examination.

      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 with precision will 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 that coney the theme 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.