O Tahiti E performance at Heiva 2016 Tahitian dance

Each year the event Heiva i Tahiti is held where different groups compete against each other in many different dance categories. This is a portion of the performance from the group "O Tahiti E" In Tahitian, the word Heiva (hei meaning to assemble, and va meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise, and festivals. Music, dancing, singing and sporting events have always held an important place in Polynesian communities. In ancient times, they were essential components of religious and political ceremonies. Dance was one of the most sophisticated and ritualized art forms performed in groups or individually. Heiva 2016,Heiva i Tahiti,O Tahiti E,Tahitian dance #otahitie #heiva2016 #tahitiandancing