Cook Islands cultural dancers will hit the stage tonight for the best, competitive and most entertaining Te Mire Ura Senior dance competition.

Representing his homeland of Enuamanu/Atiu, Terry Akava – last year’s intermediate male dance champion – will again showcase his talent, but this time around in the senior’s section.

The son of Paul Akava and Rose Ringiao Akava, Terry says he is proud to represent Enuamanu, “where my namesake comes from”.

Akava says he is “not nervous at all,” and is looking forward to “dancing confidently” at the event.

“I love my culture, and with the good support from others I’m proud to be able to showcase my talent and my heritage on stage,” he said.

His aunt Jeanine Daniel is assisting him with costumes and choreography and Terry is looking forward to hopefully giving the audience “some wow factor”.

The senior dance competitors will perform at the National Auditorium tonight starting at 7pm.

Dancers will be judged on criteria such as costume, choreography and skills.

The senior dancers are as follows: Moekapiti - Mangaia Enua, Temarama Rio - Aitutaki Enua, Tori Sosene - Nukuroa Enua, Piritau Nga - Vaka Takitumu, Nicolea Mateariki - Akatokamanava Enua, Christopher Bishop - Aitutaki Enua, Lisiane Messine - Oire Ngatagiia, Tamaiva Mateariki - Akatokamanava Enua, Irene Clyde - Aitutaki Enua, Maitoe Rua Henry - Aitutaki Enua, Estelle Short - Vaka Takitumu/Te Manavanui Cultural Group.