Ori Step by Step: Varu

The rhythmic pulse of Tahitian dance, or ‘ori Tahiti, is captivating—marked by the infectious energy of drums and the graceful yet powerful movements of the dancers. Among its most iconic steps is the “Varu”, a fundamental hip movement that embodies both control and fluidity. Learning the Varu not only enriches your understanding of Tahitian dance but also builds strength, coordination, and confidence.

Whether you’re a beginner or refining your technique, this guide walks you through the Varu step by step—from your feet to your fingertips.

🔶 What is the “Varu” Step?

The word “Varu” means eight in Tahitian. Appropriately, this movement traces a horizontal figure-eight pattern with the hips. The motion is continuous and fluid, and it forms the foundation for more complex combinations and choreography.

Unlike some sharper hip movements in ‘ori Tahiti, the Varu is smooth, flowing, and elegant—showcasing the dancer’s control and grace.

📏 Basic Posture: The Foundation of Control

Before starting any movement, your posture is everything. Here’s how to set it:

1. Feet Placement:

   • Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart.

   • Toes pointing slightly out, not straight ahead.

   • Knees bent, not locked. You want a soft, grounded stance.

2. Back & Spine:

   • Keep your spine straight, but don’t over-arch your lower back.

   • Imagine a string gently pulling your head upward—this helps lengthen the spine without tension.

3. Shoulders & Chest:

   • Shoulders are relaxed and rolled back.

   • Chest is slightly lifted (but not puffed out).

4. Arms & Hands:

   • Hold your arms gently curved at your sides or in a soft open position, depending on choreography.

   • Wrists and fingers stay soft—no stiffness or clenching.

🌀 Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Do the Varu

The Varu is created by alternating hip circles on each side, smoothly transitioning from one to the next.

Step 1: Isolate the Hips

Make sure you’re moving from your hip joints, not just your waist or shoulders.

Step 2: Begin the Figure-Eight Motion

Start with your right hip:

1. Push your right hip out to the side.

2. Scoop it back, creating a curved motion.

3. Transition to your left hip, pushing it out.

4. Scoop the left hip back.

That’s one full Varu:
Right out → Right back → Left out → Left back → Repeat.

The hips are always moving. There should be no breaks or jerks—just a continuous loop of motion.

Step 3: Engage the Core

To keep the figure-eight motion controlled, your core muscles must stay active.
Think of the hips gliding over a stable lower body. You’re not bouncing up and down; your upper body remains calm while your hips do the work.

🦵 Leg Work: Stay Grounded

Your legs play a huge role in making the Varu look effortless:

• Keep your knees bent—this lowers your center of gravity and adds bounce control.

• Weight shifts side to side, but never fully off one leg. Think of it like a pendulum: your weight travels with the hips, not ahead of them.

• Your thighs will burn (that’s normal)—they’re doing a lot of the stabilizing.

💃 Hands & Gestures: Adding Expression

In basic Varu drills, arms are often held in a relaxed second position or down at your sides. But in choreography, your hands may:

• Frame your movements (e.g., hands near the hips to draw attention to them)

• Express the story or emotion behind the dance

• Stay lifted and graceful, complementing the fluidity of the Varu

👉 Tip: Never let your hands look tense or forgotten. Energy should flow through your fingertips.

🧠 Mental Tips & Visualizations

Sometimes the body follows better when the mind is on board. Try these:

• Draw a figure 8 with your hips—literally picture the shape in space.

• Imagine you’re carving circles in the air with each hip bone.

• Think “wax on, wax off” (like the motion of buffing a car), but with your hips.

🎯 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Stiff knees – You need the bend to allow full hip mobility.

2. Too fast – Control is key. Speed comes after precision.

3. Bouncing upper body – Try recording yourself and watch your shoulders.

4. Over-arching your back – Protect your spine by engaging the core.

💡 Pro Tips for Mastery

• Drill slowly at first, even to the beat of a slow metronome or drum. Gradually increase your speed.

• Practice both directions—Varu can go right or left (start with whichever feels more natural).

• Watch professionals and mimic their smooth transitions.

• Work on layering: Once you master the basic Varu, add steps, arms, or even turns.

🥁 Practice with Music

Try simple Toere (Tahitian drum) rhythms or practice to a beat of 4/4. Let the rhythm guide your motion like a wave—your hips become part of the drum.

🌺 In Summary

The Varu is more than a dance move—it’s a celebration of fluidity, control, and tradition. While it might feel tricky at first, with patience and practice, your hips will flow like water, your legs will build strength, and your hands will carry the grace of generations of dancers before you.

Stay grounded. Stay graceful. Keep flowing.

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