Tahitian Dance Adornment

Much like Hawaii, Tahiti is known for their beautiful dances. Dancing to the beat of drums hit hard, Tahitians have used their dance, or traditionally known as 'Ori Tahiti', as a way of life. They are specifically to tell stories, welcome visitors, prepare for an enemies battle, pray to a god and even to seduce a mate. Since native Tahitians can remember, 'Ori Tahiti' has been around since time. Many of the dances require specific costumes and dress for both men and women. For example the 'o'te'a' dance, inspired by traditional legends, requires a very colorful costume with feathers and shells that create necklaces, headpieces and skirts.

And during the 'aparima' dance a simple cloth used as a skirt for both men and women is worn, accompanied by flower and fern wreaths, necklaces and headdresses. Many fibers, like the inner bark of the hibiscus tree, were woven for numerous skirts. Theses skirts or 'mores' also included tassels, shells, feathers and other items that sometimes weighed as much as eight pounds, were worn to accentuate the movement of the hips. Female dancers prefer heavier material as it helps with a harder hit of the hip.

Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QahgraRrYs

Even though missionaries in 1819 banned dance from the native Tahitians, 'Ori Tahiti' remained in their culture and is still being practiced today. Now traditional and contemporary costume is being used, still keeping the messages through their dance alive in their ceremonies. The importance of their values of dance bring family and friends together, keeping the culture alive.