The IA ORA TAHITI COMPETITION of ANAHEIM CHAMPIONS CATEGORY will take place on Saturday March 29th 2025
NEW UPDATE
Eligibility: Tāne and Vahine dancers who meet the following criteria are eligible to participate in the 2025 Ia Ora Tahiti Championship:
Age 16–35 ****
Dancers may also (but is not obligatory) compete in the regular solo competition
1 TANE & 1 VAHINE can be selected per group by their leader to compete in the CHAMPIONS category, or have won one of the following awards:
Registration Deadline: Register by March 14, 2025
Female Contest Performances:
Music
An original ‘Ōte’a, created by Mevina specifically for the Champions category, will be released on all major digital music platforms by early March. All competitors will perform to this track on competition day.
In the final round, the top three soloists from both the Tane (men’s) and Vahine (women’s) categories will compete head-to-head, dancing to live, improvised music by our house drummers. 2 minutes.
Male Contest Performances:
Music
An original ‘Ōte’a, created by Mevina specifically for the Champions category, will be released on all major digital music platforms by early March. All competitors will perform to this track on competition day.
In the final round, the top three soloists from both the Tane (men’s) and Vahine (women’s) categories will compete head-to-head, dancing to live, improvised music by our house drummers.
Female Dance Evaluation:The evaluation is based on:
Technical mastery, choreography, stage presence, artistic expression, ‘ōrero coherence.
Costume should be a two-piece, bra and solid color cotton pāreu. Necklaces/hei that don’t go below the belly button are permitted. Wristlets, anklets and arm bands are permitted. There are no length/height limitations on headpieces. Fresh natural materials, and dry natural materials are permitted.
Hip bands and rolled pāreu are not permitted.
· An award will be given for the best costume; however, it will not impact the dance score. Costume judging will be conducted separately.
Male Dance Evaluation:The evaluation is based on:
Technical mastery, choreography, stage presence, artistic expression, ‘ōrero coherence.
Solid color Tīhere is mandatory.
Neck pieces/hei that don’t go below the belly button are permitted. Wristlets, leg/anklets and arm bands are permitted. There are NO length/height limitations on headpieces. Fresh natural materials, and dry natural materials are permitted.
· An award will be given for the best costume; however, it will not impact the dance score. Costume judging will be conducted separately.
‘Ōte’a “Freestyle” Evaluation (Female & Male):The evaluation is based on:
Technical mastery of basics, stage presence, fa'arapu or pa'oti quality and endurance, artistic expression through choreography and musicality. The solo will be 2 minutes.
Judges and Judging criteria:The judges, composed of experts in ‘Ori Tahiti and Reo Tahiti, will select the 2025 ‘Ia Ora Tahiti Champions. Points will be deducted for costume malfunctions or broken rules. Points will be deducted for underwear showing. Competitors must follow the rules and guidelines. A 10-point penalty will be deducted from the final score for each rule violation.
Sportsmanship:Good sportsmanship is expected, as always. No drama, you’re already champs.
Can I get a Chee-hoo?
