Heiva I Miami 2026 - Polynesian Dance Competition - He Vaʻa, He ʻOri

Don't miss our first annual 'Ori Competition at the Heiva I Miami 2026 on April 19.

Explore the Polynesian Islands - He Vaʻa, He ʻOri — One Canoe, One Dance - This competition 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.

We have local and International judges who will be announced very soon!

Schedule (Subject to change):

11:30 AM: Opening Ceremony / Presentation of Judges

12 PM: Solo Performers

2 PM: Adult Solo/Groups

4:30/5 PM: Awards and Closing Ceremony/Concert

I. DANCE STYLE DIVISIONS

Tahitian

• ʻOri Tahiti – Traditional
• ʻOri Tahiti – Modern

Hawaiʻi

• 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

(Applies to all styles)

• Solo
• Group (3–10 dancers)
• Large Group (11+ dancers)

III. AGE GROUPS

• Keiki: 5–8
• Keiki ʻŌpio: 9–12
• ʻŌpio / Youth: 13–17
• Mākua / Adult: 18+

IV. JUDGING CRITERIA

Total Score: 100 Points

Judging reflects the event theme by honoring individual expression within collective tradition—many styles moving as one canoe.

1. 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

2. Storytelling & Interpretation – 20 Points

• Clear communication of story, meaning, or intent
• Connection between movement, rhythm, and narrative
• Emotional depth and cultural understanding
• Unity of dancers in group performances

3. Technique & Execution – 25 Points

• Precision, control, and consistency
• Timing, rhythm, and synchronization
• Strength, stamina, and balance appropriate to style
• Overall quality of execution

4. Stage Presence & Presentation – 15 Points

• Confidence and focus
• Engagement with audience and judges
• Energy, posture, and spatial awareness
• Cohesive visual presentation

5. Costuming & Overall Impression – 15 Points

• Cultural appropriateness and craftsmanship
• Harmony with story and music
• Overall impact and completeness

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.

Entry Fees

Solo

· Keiki / Youth: $40

· Adult / Kupuna: $50

Group (3–10 dancers)

· Keiki / Youth: $100 per group

· Adult: $150 per group

Large Group (11+ dancers)

· All ages: $200 per group

Pre-Submission Requirements

1. Registration Form (Required)

Due at registration

Collect:

· 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

Live chanting / drumming must be noted in advance.

3. Cultural Context Statement (Short & Optional-but-Strongly-Encouraged)

Due with registration or 7 days prior

Limit: 2–3 sentences

Example:

“This ʻori represents the power of the ocean and honors our ancestors who navigated by the stars.”