CLARIFYING

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Why has it become necessary to clarify the practice of ‘Ori Tahiti?
Why do we need your help to make it happen?​​

 

Because:​

'Because the perception of tradition and modernity in the dance has grown unclear

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Dance is a living art. Its evolution is inevitable — and normal.
Each new generation of dancers creates movement in its own way, influenced by current trends,

sometimes out of sync with traditional style.

Until now, our choreographic vocabulary was relatively fixed.But more and more, external elements are being introduced.

Choreographies are transforming. Costume styles are evolving.

This shift began to spread about ten years ago. In the past five years, it's been accelerating.

This reflects the vitality of the dance world in Polynesia.
It’s something to celebrate — but also a call to action.

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The concepts of tradition, modernity, and fusion between ‘Ori Tahiti and other disciplines
are becoming increasingly unclear.

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Each school, each dance company, has its own form of expression, its own choreographic language.
This is ideal in theory... BUT:

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— In dance competitions:

The variety of styles creates confusion.
Each judge sees the level of "syncretism" in a performance differently.

Depending on the jury, a performer may be rewarded or penalized —
for being “too creative” or “too conventional.”

Dancers are often disappointed.
They’ve put in weeks or months of work — for less than two minutes on stage.

Frustration and confusion around results have become common.
But this shouldn’t exist — because a Heiva, a dance contest, should above all be a celebration of life and well-being.

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— In the Polynesian society:

Dance holds a unique place.
It is everywhere.It is a cultural and social marker . It is a reference point for identity.

In Polynesia, we dance on every occasion:
weddings, baptisms, family gatherings, company parties,welcoming or saying goodbye to relatives, friends, celebrities,
and during all kinds of public or private celebrations.

The average spectator often expects more than a show —they seek connection and a sense of well-being.

A part of the audience is also looking for something different: artistic experiences, innovation, and surprise.

But the line between tradition and modernity is blurry —it’s subjective, uncertain.
When modern elements become too dominant, the audience can feel destabilized.

This is often the root of some very strong audience reactions.

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To better understand:
Learn more about the role of dance in Polynesian society.

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The widespread influence of modernity in dance disrupts our cultural reference points. From this point on, reactions from the public can become very intense.
This is a sign of discomfort. That’s why it’s only natural to act.
And that is one of the missions of our project.

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At this point, we believe that no rules should ever be imposed.​

So we are starting by exploring how tradition and modernity are perceived within the dance community — and by the public,

here in Polynesia, and around the world.

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This is where you come in.
Whether you're a dancer or a spectator, wherever

we need your participation to move forward.

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