PREAMBLE
For several years now, practice of ‘ori tahiti has benefitted from a growing interest throughout the world and more and more enthusiasts come to French Polynesia, seeking to perform and/or to train with locals. Based on this observation, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture launched a traditional dances competition adapted to small formations made of ‘ori tahiti enthusiasts from abroad and called “Hura Tapairu Manihini” or “Hura Tapairu International”. Purpose of this competition is to give international and non-residents’ groups the opportunity to perform in Tahiti and to promote Polynesian culture and image throughout the world. Therefore through this competition promoting creativity, groups will perform original creations inspired by cultural heritage of French Polynesia.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Article 1: May enter the competition, any Tahitian dance group which head office is located outside of French Polynesia, lawfully constituted and registered in its country of origin.
Article 2: Registrations are made by registering on www.huratapairu.com or by sending an electronic mail to [email protected], to Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture management. Registrations will close no later than two (2) months before the event’s date, that is 30 September 2019, or as soon as the number of ten (10) registered groups is reached.
For successful registration, please provide the following:
- the entry form duly completed;
- the image rights form fully completed;
- the waiver regarding minor participants from 16 to 20 years old;
- Pay up registration fees amounting to twelve thousand pacific francs (12,000 XPF) when entering the « mehura Manihini » category and to twenty four thousand pacific francs (24,000 XPF) when entering the “Tapairu Manihini” category. Such fees are not refundable and payable online https://huratapairu.com/en/hura-tapairu-international-en.
Article 3: Registered groups are under the obligation to submit to Te Fare Tauhiti Nui-Maison de la Culture one month and a half (1.5) prior to the event and in a digital version:
1 – A presentation file including:
- a brief presentation of the group and when possible, the record of its successes;
- the title of the theme in reo mä’ohi * and translated into French or English
2 – A competition file including:
- Whole text of the theme chosen in Reo mä’ohi * and in English and/or in French (should there be no English or French version, TFTN could handle the translation);
- lyrics of all the songs in Reo mä’ohi * with the names of authors and composers;
- nominative list of all members of the group entering the competition (first and last names, gender, date and place of birth) and their position (musician, dancer, etc.) along with a valid copy of the ID of each group member;
—–
* Reo mä’ohi is used here to mean any Polynesian language from French Polynesia
—–
3 – A technical file including:
- the detailed program of the show (cue sheets);
- Sound and lighting technical sheets;
COMPETITION RULES AND GUIDELINES
General terms and conditions of participation
Article 4: Programming of competition evenings and general rehearsals at the Grand Théâtre is set by Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture.
Article 5: With the exception of musicians and singers as provided for in article 7 of this rules and guidelines, all artists (male and female dancers, ‘orero) making up a group must be non-residents of French Polynesia. Those residing in French Polynesia are prohibited to participate and failure to comply with this clause is eliminatory.
Article 6: Age limit for each registered artist entering the competition (male dancers, female dancers, musicians, singers, ‘orero) is at least sixteen (16) years of age the year of the competition. Liability waiver provided with the registration form is to be duly completed and signed by the father, mother or legal representative of the minor child aged from 16 to 20 years. Original is to be returned to Maison de la Culture at [email protected].
Article 7: A band is compulsory during the competition. However, for international groups not being able to provide a band, for lack of financial or human means, Maison de la Culture commits to provide a band or facilitate contacts between the international group and a band leader based in Tahiti to set up the band. When Maison de la Culture provides the band, it will not be noted. Musicians and singers — and them only — can compete within a local formation and one international formation only. Male and female dancers and ‘orero registered in the local competition are prohibited to join a group entering in the international competition.
Article 8: Each group entering the “Hura Tapairu Manihini” competition can compete in one category or both. That being said, participants within a group, listed by name, must be the same in all categories the group is registered into. Failing to comply with this paragraph are subject to penalties.
Article 9: Groups may enter two (2) distinct dance categories during the “Hura Tapairu Manihini” competition:
- “Tapairu Manihini” category including ‘öte’a and ‘aparima
- “Mehura Manihini”
A minimum of three (3) registered competitors is required for the opening of each category. If this minimum of competing groups is not met in any category, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la culture —upon decision of the director— may allow groups registered to participate to the “Hura Tapairu Manihini” competition, for exhibition shows only.
“Tapairu Manihini” category
Article 10 – Content: Groups competing in the « Tapairu Manihini » category must present a completely new show; meaning a show that has never been performed in public before. A show made out of two (2) distinct parts judged separately:
- First part, ‘öte’a (‘öte’a ‘amui, ‘öte’a vahine, ‘öte’a täne and possibly ‘aparima vävä) performed to the sound of percussion instruments authorised in article 13;
- Second part, ‘aparima (‘aparima vävä, ‘aparima hïmene) performed to the sound of percussion instruments authorised in article 13.
In this competition category, covers of melodies, compositions and songs are prohibited. Finally, it should be made clear that the ‘öte’a part and the ‘aparima part must each be presented in one go, and both parts altogether being designed to form an uninterrupted show.
Article 11 – Group numbers: Each group competing in “ Tapairu” category is made out of:
- A minimum of eight (8) and a maximum of twenty (20) dances, male and female
- A minimum of five (5) and a maximum of six (6) musicians, including at least one compulsory pahu tüpa’i for the ‘öte’a,
- At maximum of three (3) singers for songs if need be, but none of them playing any instrument,
- and a raatira ‘orero if necessary.
Therefore, group number is thirteen (13) at least and thirty (30) at the most.
Note that should a group be registered in both “Tapairu Manihini” and “Mehura Manihini” categories, nominal roll (male dancers, female dancers, musicians, singers, ‘orero) of artist remains unchanged. Finally, no additional people are authorised. However, substitutes could be anticipated should there be a problem.
Any adding up to the maximum number of artists besides those mentioned in this article that might be justified by the theme of the show is subject to the approval of the jury, which could be obtained during meetings with groups or through written requests to the jury.
Article 12 – Costumes: In the “Tapairu Manihini” category, two types of costumes are allowed:
- a large costume which skirt is more–based and with various trimmings for the ‘öte’a, during part or the entire ‘öte’a
- a plant or fabric costume for the ‘aparima,
Body ornaments such as watches, bracelets, necklaces or earrings which are not Polynesian crafted, as well as piercings, are prohibited. Only engagement or wedding rings are tolerated.
Article 13 – Instruments: Authorized instruments in the “Tapairu Manihini”category are:
- for the ‘öte’a part: to’ere, tari parau, faatete, pahu tüpa’i, ‘ïhara, vivo, tïtäpu, pü ‘ofe, hue, pü;
- for the ‘aparima part: guitar, ‘ukulele, tari parau, pahu tüpa’i, ‘ïhara, vivo, tïtäpu, pü ‘ofe, hue, pü. The use of electro-acoustic guitars and ‘ukulele is encouraged to make sound take easier. On the other hand, the use of electric or electronic instruments is strictly prohibited.
All sounds from the produce of Polynesian natural environment are also allowed (mothers of pearl, rocks, seeds, etc.).
Any use of additional instruments other than those mentioned in this article, that may however be justified by the theme of the show, is subject to the approval of the jury through written requests to the jury.
Article 14 – Length: Group’s performance will last in total:
- ten (10) minutes minimum and fifteen (15) minutes maximum for the ‘öte’a ;
- ten (10) minutes minimum and fifteen (15) minutes maximum for the ‘aparima ;
Whole performance in “Tapairu Manihini” (‘öte’a and ‘aparima) category is between twenty (20) and thirty (30) minutes. A bailiff will apply a penalty of twenty (20) points per jury member whenever the performance is below or beyond the authorised time.
“Mehura Manihini“ category
Article 15 – Content: Groups competing in “Mehura Manihini” category must present a new dance performance; meaning one that has never ever been performed in public before. Criterion used in the dance performance is based on a rhythm or tempo called “mehura” (equivalent to hula) and its variations: bossa, swing, kaina, etc.
In this competition category, covers of songs that have already been produced are allowed on the condition that they are sung in reo ma’ohi *.
Article 16 – Group numbers: Each group competing in “Mehura Manihini” category is made out of:
- at least eight (8) female and male dancers and no more than twenty (20)
- at least (5) musicians and no more than (6) musicians,
- no more than three (3) singers for songs if necessary, but none of them are to be playing any instrument,
- and a raatira ‘orero if necessary,
Therefore, minimum group number is thirteen (13) and maximum is thirty (30).
Note that should a group be registered in both “Tapairu Manihini” and “Mehura Manihini” categories, artists’ nominal roll (male dancers, female dancers, musicians, singers, ‘orero) remains unchanged. Finally, no additional people are authorised. However, substitutes could be anticipated should there be a problem.
Any adding up to the maximum number of artists besides those mentioned in the current article, that might however be justified by the theme of the show, is subject to the jury’s approval through written requests to the jury.
Article 17 – Costumes: In the “Mehura Manihini” category, authorised clothes are:
- a long one-piece dress made using fabrics (purotu dress, mama rü’au, dress etc.) for female dancers;
- a shirt with pants or päreu for male dancers.
Body ornaments such as watches, bracelets, necklaces or earrings which are not Polynesian crafted, as well as piercings, are prohibited. Only engagement or wedding rings are tolerated.
Article 18 – Instruments: Instruments authorised in “Mehura Manihini” category are guitars and ‘ukulele, with a preference for electro-acoustic kinds in order to make sound taking easier.
Traditional instruments such as tari parau, pahu tupa’i, ‘ïhara, vivo, tïtäpu, pü ‘ofe, hue and pü are also authorised, just like all sounds obtained from the produce of Polynesian natural environment (mothers of pearl, rocks, seeds, etc.).
Likewise, use of electro-acoustic bass guitars, accordion and harmonica is tolerated. On the other hand, use of electric or electronic instruments is strictly prohibited.
Use of any additional instrument other than those mentioned in this article, that may however be justified by the theme of the show, is subject to the jury’s approval through written request made to the jury.
Article 19 – Duration: Total duration of the performance is at least four (4) minutes and no more than six (6) minutes.
A bailiff will apply a penalty of twenty (20) points per jury member whenever the performance is below or beyond the authorised time.
Competition award
Article 20: At the conclusion of competition evenings, a podium of prize winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd) is set per category: “Tapairu Manihini” and “Mehura Manihini”. It is made clear that podiums result from the ranking obtained when adding up all scores awarded by the jury and calculated by the bailiff; the highest score tallying with the 1st prize winner.
THE JURY
Article 21 – Composition: Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture appoints a jury made up of chairman and three (3) or more members, to judge “Hura Tapairu Manihini”, all volunteers. Composition may change depending on the type of performance and according to each one’s competence.
Note that chairman and other jury members are key figures and their competences in fields of dancing and music are publicly acknowledged.
Article 22 – Duties: The jury is competent to:
- judge performances of the groups and to mark them in accordance with scoring sheets drawn up by TFTN. The jury is tied down to the upmost confidentiality regarding the marking of groups’ performances;
- ascertain breaches to the rules and guidelines;
- award prizes within the limits of the financial envelope set up to that end;
- conduct meetings with competing groups leaders.
Finally, the jury may submit Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture any proposition that may prove useful to the quality and good progress of the event.
Article 23 – Voting: Each jury member is entitled to speak and to one vote. In case of dispute, the president has a casting vote. The jury is sovereign and decisions are irrevocable.
Article 24 – Role of the bailiff: Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture appoints a bailiff. The bailiff calculates points from the jury’s scoring sheets and ensures enforcement of these rules and guidelines. In this case, the bailiff may enter into accounts penalties equivalent to twenty (20) points per jury member ever since a jury member and/or himself/herself may ascertain a failure to comply with the rules and guidelines (duration, costumes, number of male/female dancers or musicians, etc.).
