Ancestral Dance Competition
He Vaʻa, He ʻOri — One Canoe, One Dance
He Vaʻa, He ʻOri — One Canoe, One Dance reflects the shared rhythm, discipline, and ancestral knowledge that connect all Polynesian movement traditions. Whether expressed through the strength of the canoe, the grounding of ancestral games, or the storytelling of dance, each form represents a different expression of the same lineage. This competition honors unity across styles, generations, and islands—many movements, one people.
I. DANCE STYLE DIVISIONS
Tahitian
- Ori Tahiti – Traditional
- Ori Tahiti – Modern
Hawai’i
- Hula Kahiko – ancient hula with oli & percussion
- Hula ʻAuana – modern hula with mele & string instruments
(Additional Polynesian styles may be included as competitive or exhibition divisions.)
II. PERFORMANCE TYPE DIVISIONS
Solo Division
Tahitian
- Ori Tahiti – Traditional
- Ori Tahiti – Modern
Hawai’i
- Hula Kahiko
- Hula ʻAuana
Group Division (3-10 Dancers)
Tahitian
- Ori Tahiti – Traditional
- Ori Tahiti – Modern
Hawai’i
- Hula Kahiko
- Hula ʻAuana
Large Group (11+ Dancers)
Tahitian
- Ori Tahiti – Traditional
- Ori Tahiti – Modern
Hawai’i
- Hula Kahiko
- Hula ʻAuana
III. AGE GROUPS
Keiki: 5–8
Keiki ʻŌpio: 9–12
ʻŌpio / Youth: 13–17
Mākua / Adult: 18+
IV. JUDGING CRITERIA
Cultural Authenticity & Protocol – 25 Points
- Accuracy of movement, technique, and style
- Appropriate use of music, chant, and costuming
- Respect for cultural protocol and lineage
- Integrity of traditional or modern expression
Storytelling & Interpretation – 20 Points
- Accuracy of movement, technique, and style
- Appropriate use of music, chant, and costuming
- Respect for cultural protocol and lineage
- Integrity of traditional or modern expression
Technique & Execution – 25 Points
- Accuracy of movement, technique, and style
- Appropriate use of music, chant, and costuming
- Respect for cultural protocol and lineage
- Integrity of traditional or modern expression
Stage Presence & Presentation – 15 Points
- Confidence and focus
- Engagement with audience and judges
- Energy, posture, and spatial awareness
- Costuming & Overall Impression – 15 Points
Cultural Authenticity & Protocol – 25 Points
- Accuracy of movement, technique, and style
- Appropriate use of music, chant, and costuming
- Respect for cultural protocol and lineage
- Integrity of traditional or modern expression
V. JUDGING PHILOSOPHY (Theme-Aligned Language)
In the spirit of He Vaʻa, He ʻOri — One Canoe, One Dance, dancers are evaluated within their own cultural tradition while being recognized as part of a shared ancestral journey. Performances are not compared across styles, but honored equally as expressions of one lineage moving together.
VI. SPECIAL AWARDS
- He Va’a Award – Strength, unity, and precision
- He Ori Award – Storytelling and expression
- Mana Award – Spirit, presence, and cultural integrity
- ʻOhana Award – Group cohesion and collective energy
- Judges’ Choice
VII. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Ancestral Dance Competition, guided by the theme He Vaʻa, He ʻOri — One Canoe, One Dance, celebrates the diversity of Polynesian dance traditions while honoring their shared foundation. Through movement, rhythm, and storytelling, each performance reflects a collective journey—many styles, one people, one canoe.
VIII. Entry Fees
Solo Division
- Keiki / Youth: $40
- Adult / Kupuna: $50
Group Division (3-10 dancers)
- Keiki / Youth: $150 per group
- Adult: $200 per group
Large Group (11+ dancers)
- All ages: $275 per group
IX. Pre-Submission Requirements
1. Registration Form (Required)
Due at registration
- Group / solo name
- Dance style & division
- Age group
- Number of dancers
- Song / chant title
- Length of performance
- Contact person
2. Music Submission (Required)
Due 7–10 days before event
- MP3 or WAV file
-
Clearly labeled:
GroupName_Style_Division.mp3
- Prevents tech issues
- Allows sound check prep