Shake Your Thing: Te Mire Ura of the Cook Islands

In 2015, the Cook Islands celebrate their 50^th anniversary of self rule. There will be events happening all year-round, but one of the best and most exciting is, without doubt, the annual Dancer of the Year competition.

Rarotonga © Christina Spicuzza | Flickr

The Cook Islands are a little-known destination in the South Pacific, about halfway between Hawai’i and New Zealand. The country is comprised of 15 islands spread across about 2.2 million square kilometers of ocean, though only comprising about 240 square kilometers of actual land.

Te Mire Ura, Cook Islands © Edward Mack | Papaa Competition

Dance is a large part of Cook Islands’ culture; the music and dance are Cook Islands Maori — cousin of other Polynesia styles such as the hula. Each island in the country has a slight variation on common steps and themes.

Punanga Nui Market, Rarotonga © Christina Spicuzza | Flickr

The Cook Islanders consider themselves the best dancers in Oceania, and they have plenty of reason to believe so. It’s all too easy to get swept away with their beautiful movements, enchanting rhythms and, at times, fierce dancing. Watching them dance is like stepping into the heart of this beautiful and proud culture.

Aitutaki © Christina Spicuzza | Flickr

The Te Mire Ura (Dancer of the Year) contest takes place in April at the National Auditorium in the capitol of Rarotonga. This is undoubtedly the best time to watch a Cook Island dance. Each of the inhabited islands sends its best dancers to compete in the various age groups, from juniors all the way up to Golden Oldies. Though it is hardly advertised, there is also an expat and visitor competition (papaa), called Te Akauroa. The friendly locals are more than happy to show you some moves, get you outfitted in a banana leaf costume and shaking your thing up on stage.

Cook Island dancing is an experience of a lifetime — one that will leave you intoxicated. And, who knows, you might just take home first prize.