Polynesie - rozcestník o Havaji a Francouzské Polynésii

First travelers could not imagine how much they are going to be touched by the contact with Polynesian dances. Obviously, dances were also the first thing that was abandoned by missioners when they arrived to islands. Despite this, dances went on anyway. In the fifties of 20th century there was a rebirth of traditional Tahitian dances and they truly represent Polynesian culture.

There are five types of Tahitian dances that are rarely danced separately. Currently, performance of Tahitian dances is rather modern form of dances that can be characterized by movements of hips (not very typical for old times traditional dances).

OTEA
It is usually impressive and sexy otea what the most people recall when talking about Tahitian dances. Is accompanied purely by percussion instruments.
Men and women dance steps are very different. Men dancers use mainly legs. Women rock their hips coming from an intensive movement of knees. You can note expressive arm movements as well.
Choreography constitutes of volcanos, sharks, historical events and myths - this all can be express in the dance.
Dances are quite intense, therefore last only couple minutes.

APARIMA
Very elegant, expressive and fluent dance. Women and men dance together and tell the story by arm movements and songs. Unlike in otea, hands and arms movements play a big role in dancing. Dancers show a pantomime and show activities like paddling, opening of cocoa nuts etc. Sometimes they use accouterments. As for the accompanying music, guitar and okulele are the major instruments. Percussion determines the rhythm.

HIVINAU
The name comes from English "heave now" and the dances are influenced by sailors movements when putting anchor out of the sea. Dance is performed by a bigger number of dancers. Steps similar to otea but less complicated. Percussion determines the rhythm.

PAOA
This dance has been inspired by the process of making tapa (cloth made from skin of tree). The key in the dance is the dialog between leading solo dancer and choir. People are sitting in a half circle where there is a male singer in the middle who recites words, usually a part of a legend. Other members of choir answer to him and keep the rhythm by slapping of hands against highs.

FIRE DANCES
This dance is originally from Samoa and being a very impressive dance it is often performed in hotel shows. Dancer - always a men - juggles with fire torches.

MARQUESE ISLANDS DANCES
Marquese people have their special culture and they invented special dances which are very different to Tahitian dances. Marquese dances are performed purely on Marquese Islands during their festive celebrations. The most famous is a dance called Haku Manu imitating bird movements. Percussions accompany the dance, the biggest instrument can be of 1,5 meters height.