What Is The Difference Between Tahitian Dance And Hula?
Tahitian dance is called ‘Ori Tahiti and Hawaiian dance is called Hula.
Many people mistake the Tahitian dance, ‘Ori Tahiti, for Hawaiian dance, Hula, or assume they are both the same style, but each of these dances are from different Polynesian islands and have their own identities.
Both 'Ori Tahiti and Hula were a vital part of life in ancient times and were present in religious ceremonies and rituals, social gatherings and celebrations, and everyday life. Prior to the arrival of written word, song and dance were used by the people to pass down information about their history and traditions. Every dance contains knowledge and information presented as story.
There are many different types of dances within 'Ori Tahiti and Hula. At LSHO, we focus on the Tahitian styles of 'ōte'a and 'aparima and the Hawaiian styles of Hula Kahiko and Hula 'auana.
At the London School of Hula and ‘Ori, we provide authentic Tahitian dance, or ‘Ori Tahiti as well as Hawaiian Hula classes to students who are interested in and passionate about these traditional and contemporary Polynesian dances and with our teachers and guest teachers guiding you during dance classes and workshops, you will quickly learn the differences between the two dances and how to perform each of them correctly.
The Types Of Tahitian Dance
There are different types of dances in Tahitian culture. These dances have different movements and presentations, but each one has a rich history behind it and is an important aspect of Tahitian culture. At LSHO we mainly focus on the ‘ōte’a and the ‘aparima.
‘Ōte’a: A Tahitian Traditional Dance
This is the most recognisable dance with male and female dancers powerful movement to the beating of the drums.
The 'Aparima: Where the Hands Tell the Story
The 'aparima tends to be slower more graceful movements, set to stringed instruments with the performers’ hands telling a story.
The recognisable Tahitian dance, the ʻōteʻa, is fast-paced and accompanied by the lively beating of drums– typically the tariparau, the fa’atete , and the to’ere drums– and the female movements incorporate the unmistakable fa'arapu, which is the quick rotation of the hips. Because it is energetic by nature, people see this dance as a great way to boost their physical fitness.
If you want to stay in shape by doing an exciting and aerobic exercise, we at the London School of Hula and ‘Ori highly recommend taking up our Tahitian dance classes!
On the other hand, the Hula dance can be more graceful and gentle. While engaging the use of hips, the focus is on the arm gestures, each with their own meaning, reflecting the chants and songs that accompany the dance. Hula can either be slow or fast, depending on the accompanying music, but even the faster Hula are not typically as fast as the Tahitian ʻōteʻa. However, this does not mean that you won’t get a great workout by dancing the Hula! The exercise style of the Hula is a deep workout. In our Hula dance classes, you will experience a meditative and soulful experience that focuses on maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health.
The Types Of Hawaiian Dance
Hula 'Auana
Hula 'Auana is the contemporary style of Hula and is often graceful, soothing, and emotive.
Hula Kahiko
Hula Kahiko is the ancient style of dance. It can be very dynamic and powerful.
The History Of Tahitian And Hula Dance
Here at London School of Hula and ‘Ori, we will teach you some of the important events that happened in Polynesian history. Knowing a dance’s history is important as it deepens your connection to the dance’s culture and makes for a more connected presentation.
Nowadays, anyone in the United Kingdom and beyond can learn how to perform Polynesian dances online just by registering for Hula and Tahitian dance classes London you can sign up for a foundation course in our Tahitian dance school.
Our comprehensive classes and workshops can provide you with an in-depth understanding of Tahitian and Hawaiian history, tradition, and culture, as well as improve your storytelling, performance, technique and fitness as a dancer.
If you want to learn how to dance Tahitian (‘Ori Tahiti) and Hawaiian (Hula) dances, get in touch with us and join our exciting and fun classes!
If you are interested in taking up Tahitian dance lessons, we are a group of enthusiastic and experienced Tahitian dance practitioners who can teach you everything from basic to complex dances.
If you’re interested in learning these dances, you can call us via 02080580450. For written enquiries, you may send us an email at kailani@lsho.co.uk. One of our friendly representatives will be happy to accommodate you!
FAQ: 'Ori Tahiti & Hula
What is Polynesian dancing?
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, made up of more than 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians, sharing many similar traits including language family, culture, and beliefs. Within Polynesia and its many islands, there are many different styles of dance and, though they are loosely related, they all have their own identities. Here at London School of Hula and 'Ori, we practice dances from Hawai'i (Hula) and Tahiti ('Ori).
Though a commonly used term, 'Polynesian dance' is a bit of a misnomer as the dances of Polynesia are incredibly varied. Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, made up of more than 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. Within Polynesia and its many islands, there are many different styles of dance. Though they are loosely related, they are all very different with their own identities. Here at London School of Hula and 'Ori, we practice dances from Hawai'i (Hula) and Tahiti ('Ori).
What is the purpose of Tahitian dance?
Song and dance were a vital part of religious ceremonies and rituals, warrior training, social celebrations, and everyday life.
'Singing and dancing were synonymous with festivities, as in modern times, and joyous performances were given during heiva. Traditionally dance was performed as a group and it’s interesting to note that in western society dance is more often performed in couples. Dance was a part of any type of social event that brought people together: welcomings, send offs, marking a particular honor, or just for fun.'
Words by Manouche Lehartel
Read more HERE
This is a unique dance that has become important to the people of Tahiti and symbolised their way of life. If you want to attend Tahitian dance courses or are interested in traditional presentations, feel free to get in touch with us.
What is Tahitian dance called?
The modern name for Tahitian dance is 'Ori Tahiti. It comes from the islands of Tahiti but is commonly mistaken for Hula, which originates from the Hawaiian islands.
Both dances are performed by men and women alike and represent activities and emotions of everyday life.
During our video classes, you can learn Tahitian dance online as well as Hula dance online.
What do Tahitian dancers wear?
When performing the Tahitian dance, 'Ori Tahiti, costumes are an essential part of the storytelling. Each part of the costume contains meaning and relates to the overall story and performance. Costumes are often made with shredded purau bark and include a long more skirt or fabric pāreu. The female top can be made of leaves and flowers, coconut shells, or cloth, while the men are typically bare-chested with a loincloth maro.
Why do Hawaiians dance the Hula?
Ancient Hawaiians performed Hula dance for religious purposes, warrior training, honoring monarchs, and at social events. Today, the dance is more commonly performed by Polynesian show experts to entertain and educate.
What do you wear to a Hula class?
Students who attend Hula classes and cultural presentation lessons usually wear a close-fitting tank top or T-shirt with pa'u skirt. You can purchase a pa'u skirt through our website, or make your own– there are many tutorials online. It is also acceptable to wear a pāreu or a sarong, or anything comfortable to move in, if you do not own a pa'u skirt.
Is Hula dancing good exercise?
Hula has a slow and relaxing nature that resonates with many dancer's souls. It is a deep, meditative exercise and it can ease the strain on the joints.
Hula dance at a recreational level is considered a low to medium impact exercise. It is great for strengthening your back, hips, abs, and legs.
Our classes are great for all ages, all fitness levels, all abilities and all who want to dance!
What are the important elements of Hula?
Hula dance was a way to document the Polynesians’ historical events and lifestyle before written language. Through the Hula, various stories and themes about mythology, creation, everyday life, and more were conveyed.
We could write so much about this, but join us in class to learn more!