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