Songs and Dances of Tahiti

The island of Tahiti is the economic, cultural, and political center of French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Famous for its lagoons, mountains, and black-sand beaches, Tahiti is also home to a vibrant dance tradition. The songs in this 1974 release celebrate the confluence of two ensembles: Tahiti Nui and the young Rarotongians of Turepu Turepu from the Cook Islands, coming together to form the new Royal Tahitian Dance Company. The instrumental pieces (“Tamarii Tahiti,” “Tiare Aute,” and “Two Instrumentals”) are played using such instruments as the pahu (the ancient Tahitian standing drum covered with a shark skin and struck by the hands or with sticks) and the ukulele.

Track Listing

101	Ute Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:33
102	Miri Iti Royal Tahitian Dance Company	04:04
103	Apai Pai Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:38
104	Tiare Aute Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:11
105	Bora Bora Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:46
106	Tamarii Tahiti Royal Tahitian Dance Company	00:54
107	Parahi Marite Royal Tahitian Dance Company	03:17
108	Hei Porohiti Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:19
109	E Maru Rahi Royal Tahitian Dance Company	05:00
110	Ua Hiti Te Marama Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:16
111	Papio Royal Tahitian Dance Company	01:32
112	Aue Ue Royal Tahitian Dance Company	02:38
113	Winds of Joy / Takoto Royal Tahitian Dance Company	00:57
114	Raiatea Royal Tahitian Dance Company	03:32