Who exactly is determining the overall group and soloist titles? This year features five veteran judges who will observe and score hundreds of dancers and group performances in aparima, ahupurotu, drumming, paoa, and the overall performance of some of the best.

Several award-winning groups are vying for the overall title this year, including returning title-holder Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui of Waipio. Group leaders (ra'atira) Kevin and Aulii Kama are bringing back their group in a race to establish themselves as the top group.

Scoring these groups is a job that requires knowledge of the history of Tahitian dance, the mechanics, the mastery of the Tahitian language, an eye for details, an appreciation and experience in the making of traditional clothing and an unbiased approach to the presentations.

The judges for Heiva i Honolulu 2010 are:

Jeanne Moua Larsen
Jeanne has traveled the world to promote the culture of Tahiti. In 1988, Jeanne won the prestigious title of Mrs. Tahiti in the Mrs. woman of the world pageant. She is the niece of the ÒLegendary Madeleine MouÕaÓ, who was responsible in reviving the traditional dance of Tahiti.

Roiti Sylva
Roiti is a Tahitian dance instructor, choreographer and educator. She is an assistant to the professor of the Tahitian language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has been very influential in promoting and educating the public about the cultures of Tahiti.

Etua Tahauri
Etua is well known as a master carver who specializes in making Hawaiian and Tahitian drums. He is a regular sponsor of the Merry Monarch, Keiki Hula and many Tahitian dance competitions. Tahauri also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Tahiti Nui International.

Iaona 'Papi' Teriipaia
Iona 'Papi' Teriipaia who is originally from Bora Bora and raised in Taha'a and Ra'iatea by his adoptive father, the late, revered Tahitian culture authority Manutahi Ma'o came to Hawaii in 1969 on a Latter-day Saint mission to serve as chief of the Polynesian Cultural Center's Tahitian village. He is a skilled carver, musician, drummer, dance teacher, choreographer and competition judge. He has been a cultural specialist with Tihati Productions since 1973 and is also currently Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tahiti Nui International, an organization that he and three others helped to establish.

Head Judge
Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu
Heremoana is the director of La Maison de la Culture (House of Culture). Award winning dancer, chief ra'atira and an accomplished orero and chanting specialist.

Here are some of the criteria that the judges are looking for:
Tane (50 points)

Costumes (5 points)
Creative, neat

Pa'oti (20 points)
Fast & smooth movements of the legs while keeping the back straight, maintaining a great upper body form and arm position, all in sync with the drumming

Traditional and Creative Steps (12 points)
knowledge of basic steps is impportant. Appropriate & creative use of other steps, all in conjunction with the drumming

Overall Presentation (13 points)
Poise, stamina, excellent timing & coordination

Possible Penalties
Up to 4 pts deduction for short pareu


Vahine (50 points)

Costumes (5 points)
Creative, neat, & according to standards

Fa'arapu (20 points)
Fast and smooth movements of the hips while keeping the back straight, maintaining upper body form and arm position, all in sync with the drumming

Traditional and Creative Steps (12 points)
Appropriate & creative use of other steps, all in conjunction with the drumming

Overall Presentation (13 points)
Poise, stamina, excellent timing & coordination

Possible Penalties
Penalty is applied.
Up to 4 pts deduction for short pareu