In Tahitian dance (‘Ori Tahiti), ’Uī is a significant and expressive movement, often associated with the ‘Ōte’a style, which is a fast-paced, energetic dance. The term ’Uī refers to a specific hip movement, and it plays a crucial role in the execution of both rhythmic patterns and storytelling in the dance. This movement requires strength, control, and precision.

Understanding ’Uī in Tahitian Dance

Translation and Meaning:
- In Tahitian, the word ’Uī can be translated to “twist” or “turn.” In the context of dance, it typically refers to a sharp, distinct movement of the hips, often performed with rapid, circular, or twisting motions. It is a dynamic movement that adds to the expressive quality of the performance, particularly in fast-paced sequences.

Technique of ’Uī

Hip and Torso Movement:
- The ’Uī movement involves twisting or turning the hips in a controlled, circular motion. This movement is often fast and sharp, contributing to the rhythm and energy of the dance. The torso remains upright, but the hips do most of the work, engaging the dancer’s core to create fluid and powerful motions.
Circular Motion:
- The movement is circular, typically involving the hips being moved in a twisting or rotating manner. This motion can vary in speed, with the dancer controlling the pace to match the rhythm of the music. The ’Uī emphasizes hip movement while maintaining a strong connection with the ground, ensuring stability during execution.
Leg and Foot Positioning:
- While the primary focus of the ’Uī is on the hips, the legs and feet also play a significant role. The legs are usually bent slightly, which helps provide balance and control while the dancer performs the hip rotation. The feet remain firmly planted, engaging the lower body and adding to the grounded feeling of the dance.
Core Engagement:
- The movement of the hips is powered by the dancer’s core muscles, with emphasis on the abdominals and lower back. This core engagement ensures the movement is controlled, as the hips twist with precision.

Role of ’Uī in Tahitian Dance

Rhythmic Expression:
- The ’Uī movement is often used to match the fast, percussive rhythms of the music, particularly in ‘Ōte’a. The twisting of the hips can enhance the impact of the beats and is visually exciting for the audience. It adds to the overall intensity and dynamism of the dance.
Energy and Precision:
- The sharp, fast movements of ’Uī contribute to the high energy of the ‘Ōte’a style, which is characterized by fast-paced, vibrant choreography. The precision with which the movement is executed helps highlight the dancer’s control and skill, demonstrating both physical strength and grace.
Storytelling and Emotions:
- While ’Uī is typically associated with the more energetic dances, it can also have an expressive role in the context of storytelling. For example, in a dance that tells a story of strength, power, or passion, the ’Uī can symbolize movement, transformation, or even conflict. It allows the dancer to convey emotions and add depth to the narrative through body language.

Training and Mastery

Core Strength and Flexibility:
- Mastering the ’Uī movement requires significant core strength and flexibility, particularly in the abdominal and lower back muscles. Dancers need to be able to twist and rotate their hips with fluidity and control while maintaining balance.
Timing and Coordination:
- As with many movements in Tahitian dance, ’Uī requires precise timing and coordination with the music. Dancers need to synchronize their hip movements with the rhythm of the drums and other instruments, ensuring that the twists occur on the correct beats and accentuate the music’s percussive qualities.
Lower Body Control:
- The lower body, including the hips, legs, and feet, needs to be well-trained to perform ’Uī effectively. Dancers practice isolating their hip movements while maintaining stability in their posture. This isolation is key to achieving the sharp, clear movements associated with ’Uī.

Symbolism and Connection

Expression of Vitality and Energy:
- ’Uī is a movement that conveys vitality, strength, and energy. The twisting motion of the hips is a symbol of the fluid and dynamic forces present in nature. In some contexts, it may represent the movement of water or the swaying of trees in the wind.
Connection to the Land and Environment:
- Like many movements in Tahitian dance, the ’Uī reflects a deep connection to the natural world. The circular movement can represent cycles in nature, such as the ebb and flow of tides or the motion of wind currents.
Embodying Life’s Rhythms:
- The rhythm of ’Uī aligns with the pulse of Tahitian music and dance, emphasizing the natural flow of life, time, and energy. It embodies the cyclic, continuous nature of existence in Polynesian culture, where movement and rhythm are deeply intertwined with life.

Examples of Usage in Dance Styles

In ‘Ōte’a (Fast-Paced Dance):
- In ‘Ōte’a, ’Uī is performed rapidly and with sharpness, contributing to the fast rhythm and vibrant energy of the dance. It is often used during intense sections of the choreography where the dancer must execute fast, intricate movements. The ’Uī enhances the dramatic impact of the dance and showcases the dancer’s speed and skill.
In ‘Aparima (Storytelling Dance):
- While ’Uī is more commonly associated with ‘Ōte’a, it can also appear in ‘Aparima during certain moments where the dancer’s emotional expression is heightened. In storytelling, it may symbolize a turning point or a dramatic shift in the narrative.

Examples of Usage

In Group Performances:
- In group performances, ’Uī can be performed synchronously by all dancers, creating a unified effect that adds power and intensity to the overall performance. The sharpness of the movement in unison can create a striking visual impact, especially in large groups.
In Solo Performances:
- In solo performances, ’Uī allows the dancer to express their individuality and skill. It can be used to demonstrate speed, strength, and control, and to captivate the audience with precision.

Cultural Relevance and Symbolism

Embodiment of Polynesian Energy:
- The ’Uī movement, with its emphasis on sharp, fast hip twists, embodies the energy and vitality of Polynesian culture. It mirrors the movement of the natural world—whether it’s the swirling of ocean currents or the rhythms of the land—and reflects the connection between human expression and nature’s forces.
Celebration of Life and Joy:
- The sharp and vibrant movements of ’Uī are also a celebration of life, joy, and vitality. This is central to the spirit of Tahitian dance, where movements often reflect both the physical and spiritual energies of the dancers.