Ori Tahiti History

From the very beginning, Ori Tahiti, or the dance of Tahiti as it is literally translated, was the art representing movement and life of the Tahitian civilization. It was only taught through oral tradition. It is one of the original artistic expressions that has deep roots in ancient Polynesian traditions. Today, during June and July the rhythm of the heiva festival vibrates throughout French Polynesia; Tahitian dancing takes center stage. This art form is enthusiastically enjoyed by all, yet was outlawed at one point, being considered lascivious, inappropriate, and savage by religious foreign visitors. It wasn’t until the mid 20th century that dancing re-emerged and took back its rightful place in society.

19th-century illustration of a Hawaiian hula performance in front of a thatched building with dancers and musicians.
Historical painting depicting a group of European explorers interacting with indigenous people in a tropical landscape.
Vintage photograph of eight women and one child seated and standing, wearing traditional attire with floral patterns and lace collars, some with flowers in their hair.
Hula dancers performing with grass skirts and floral leis, black and white photograph.
Traditional Polynesian dance performance with dancers in grass skirts and flower garlands, watched by a seated crowd in an outdoor setting.
Group of dancers in traditional Polynesian attire performing on stage
Group of women performing traditional Polynesian dance in vibrant yellow costumes and headdresses.
Women performing a traditional Tahitian dance in grass skirts and decorative headpieces.
Traditional Polynesian dance group performing outdoors near the ocean, wearing yellow and orange skirts, feathered headpieces, with palm trees in the background.
Group of women performing hula dance in orange skirts on sandy beach
Women performing traditional Polynesian dance, wearing grass skirts and headdresses, on stage at night.
Model wearing a red bikini and floral headpiece, performing on stage.
Male dancer in traditional Polynesian costume performing on stage, tribal tattoos visible, wearing an orange skirt, decorative headpiece and neckpiece with feathers and greenery.
Women in traditional Hawaiian hula attire, grass skirts, and floral headpieces performing a dance outdoors.
Performers in traditional Pacific Island costumes with elaborate headdresses.
Group of dancers in traditional Polynesian costumes with floral headpieces performing on stage.
Polynesian dancers performing in traditional attire with colorful headdresses.
Women in traditional Polynesian costumes and headdresses participating in a cultural dance.
Group of dancers performing traditional Polynesian dance with grass skirts and feathered attire, arms extended, night setting.
Four women in traditional Tahitian dance attire with red costumes and feathered headdresses, smiling at an event.
Polynesian dancers in traditional attire performing a cultural dance.
Group of women performing a traditional Polynesian dance in costume with grass skirts and feathered headdresses.
Traditional Polynesian dancers performing in elaborate feathered costumes under stage lighting.
Woman in traditional costume performing a dance with ornate headdress, night setting, festive lights in background.