‘ŌTE’A SOLO COMPETITION RULES
Overview:The IA ORA TAHITI International Competition of Anaheim 2025 is open to dancers of all levels both male & female
Competition Categories
Junior Division:
Ages 6–8
Ages 9 - 11
Ages 12–14
Ages 15–17
Senior Division:
Ages 18–23
Ages 24–29
Ages 30–35
Ages 36–44
Ages 45+
Registration Details:
Fee: $85 per soloist
Deadline: March 14, 2025. Forms must be signed by the soloist or a parent/guardian if the soloist is a minor.
Competition Access: Registration from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The competition begins at 10:00 AM.
Competition Protocol:
A minimum of 3 participants per category is required. If not met, competitors may be merged into an extended category.
Categories with exactly 3 participants will proceed directly to the finals.
Elimination and final rounds will include 3 to 4 competitors per series.
Music:
Original ‘Ōte’a music by Mevina, available late -February on all digital music platforms. Lyrics and translations will be provided.
Elimination rounds include 1 of 3 ‘Ōte’a songs.
Final round will be freestyle to live drumming approximately 1:45 min.
Costume Rules:
A headdress, such as a hei upo’o, tiara, or headband, is required and must adhere to the following specifications:
The maximum height of the headdress is 6 inches (15 cm), measured vertically or outward from the head.
The headpiece may be crafted from a variety of materials, including:
Fresh plant materials, such as ornamental foliage and flowers.
Natural dried materials, including shells, feathers, ni'au, and similar elements.
Any headdress exceeding 6 inches in height or outward length will result in a 10-point penalty.
No penalty will be applied to headdresses that remain 6 inches or shorter.
Neck adornments, such as necklaces or lei, that complement the headdress are permitted, provided they do not extend below the navel.
Matching adornments for ankles, wrists, and arms are permitted.
Belts and leg ornaments are strictly prohibited.
Female Solo Dance Costume:
Consists of a pareu and tape'a titi (bra)
The tape'a titi may be decorated with fresh, dry natural materials or covered in solid or pattern-printed material.
Pareu needs to be a solid color cotton, worn to the knee. Penalty for exposing underwear or butt will be a 10 point deduction.
Male Solo Dance Costume:
Consists of a pareu ta'amu tihere.
The use of a maro is prohibited
The pareu must be solid colored cotton material.
Judging Criteria:
A panel of 3 experts in ‘Ori Tahiti, each with one vote. The President has the casting vote in case of disputes.
Performance evaluation includes ‘Ori Tahiti basics and technique, rhythm and beat recognition and artistic expression.
Penalties:
Sportsmanship:
Poor sportsmanship by competitors or their associates will result in immediate disqualification. Repeat offenders will be banned from future competitions.
We reserve the right to deny entry to any participant who is considered a potential threat or poses a risk of harm to anyone both verbally or physically, involved in the event.
