Since 1980, the Mai Hiva Dance Company has been dedicated to the study of Rapa Nui’s music and dance, as well as to preserving Rapa Nui’s history and legends up through demonstration and narration. Rapa Nui is located about 3,700 kilometers off the coast of Chile and is commonly known as Easter Island.

The members, all native Chileans, have been fascinated by and respectful of Rapa Nui’s music and dance since childhood, which is how they came up with the name “Mai Hiva”, which is derived from the Rapa Nui words for “from the mainland”, symbolizing their profound respect for their cultural heritage and their mission to pass it on to generations to come.

Rapa Nui music and dance is a deep expression of the island’s Polynesian heritage, but also incorporates contemporary artistic influences. Traditional Rapa Nui music has a strong, harmonious rhythm and is played on ancient instruments such as drums, horse skulls, and stones. Dance is an integral part of Rapa Nui culture, rituals and celebrations, with dancers telling stories through expressive moves and colorful costumes that mimic the graceful movements of the ocean’s waves and the gestures of birds. Elaborate costumes adorned with feathers and symbolic body paint add visual richness to dancers’ performances.