Participating in a Tere Aati
Tere Aati: A Journey Through Polynesian Dance in Tahiti
Tahiti, the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, is widely loved for its sparkling turquoise water, velvet sandy beaches, and verdant nature. However, amidst this natural beauty, it is the Polynesian culture, throbbing with life, music, and dance, that truly sets Tahiti apart. In particular, the “Tere Aati” is a unique tradition that both locals and tourists partake in to savour the rich cultural essence of Tahiti.
Understanding the Tere Aati
The Tere Aati, translated into English as a “walk” or “journey through dance,” is a traditional Tahitian event embodying the lively spirit and the cultural heritage of Tahiti’s Maohi people. It is an enchanting carnival of Polynesian music and dance, street parades, concerts, and elaborate shows that tell a story drawing from the island’s historical, mythical, and societal themes.
Participating in a Tere Aati
Visitors who are fortunate enough to witness this cultural event, typically held during the month of July as part of Heiva i Tahiti, partake in a dancing journey or ’tours de danse’ through the island’s various districts. In these tours, participants are taught traditional Tahitian dance styles such as the ‘Ote’a and the ‘Aparima’.
Learning the Ote’a
The ‘Ote’a’ is a fast-paced, rhythmic dance signified by rapid hip movement to the beat of Tahitian drums. For participants, learning to align the hips with the drumbeats is an exhilarating challenge that eventually morphs into a joyous experience of living the Tahitian rythms.
Exploring the Aparima
The ‘Aparima’, on the other hand, is a slower, more graceful dance that uses hand movements to tell a story. Here, participants learn to interpret and express the narratives of ancient Polynesian legends through the eloquence of their hand gestures.
Wearing the Traditional Costumes
A major highlight of the Tere Aati experience is the donning of traditional Tahitian costumes. These vibrant outfits, adorned with brightly coloured feathers, shells and pearls, add an element of glamour and authenticity to the dance experience. Participants are usually shown how to make some of these traditional accessories, connecting them further with Tahitian traditions.
The Cultural Context of Tere Aati
Participating in a Tere Aati provides an invaluable insight into the Polynesian cultural fabric. It is, in essence, a living testament to the Maohi people’s rich history, resilient spirit and innate love for revelry and collective expression.
Summary
In conclusion, Tere Aati is a wonderful celebration of Tahitian culture that visitors simply cannot afford to miss. It unites locals and tourists alike in the exuberant spirit of Polynesian dance, allowing them to experience a truly unique aspect of Tahitian life.
In Tahiti, whether you are letting loose in an enthralling ‘Ote’a’, or capturing hearts in a poetic ‘Aparima’, every swivel, every sway becomes your melody, and every step you take draws you closer to the beating heart of Polynesian culture. Dive deep into this fantastic cultural journey, and you’ll return home with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.