Name: Heiva I Miami 2026 - Polynesian Dance Competition - He Vaʻa, He ʻOri
Start: 2026-04-19T10:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-19T18:00:00-04:00
Location: Miami Marine Stadium

$Heiva I Miami 2026 - Polynesian Dance Competition - He Va\u02bba, He \u02bbOri$

This first annual dance competition reflects the shared rhythm, discipline, and ancestral knowledge that connect all Polynesian movement.
About this Event

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: