Music of Tahiti

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the music of Tahiti was dominated by festivals called heiva. Dancing was a vital part of Tahitian life then, and dances were used to celebrate, pray and mark almost every occasion of life. Examples include the men's ʻōteʻa dance and the couple's 'upaʻupa. Professional dance troupes called ʻarioi were common, and they moved around the various islands and communities dancing highly sensually and erotically.