Best Dancer of Heiva i Tahiti - Matahi Vairaa - Ori Tahiti Workshop

One of Tahiti's premier dancers is coming to Hawaii to conduct in depth workshops from November 23 - December 12, 2009.

Named Best Dancer of the Heiva i Tahiti (2002) and the Beachcomber Mini Heiva (2001), Matahi Vairaa

Ori Tahiti workshop with Matahi Vairaa for men & boys wanting to learn traditional techniques, proper footwork, and otea choreography. Two levels of classes, beginners and advanced. Each class is 2 hours and each session is $70.

For more information and to sign up for a workshop, contact Christopher Ramento (808 853-7125) or email heretamanui001@yahoo.com

Hura Tahiti 2010

Looking to the 2010 Tahitian dance calendar, we have the Hura Tahiti 2010 dates hosted by Hope International University in Fullerton, California on June 18-19. This will be the sixth year that Alex Tekurio, ra'atira of the award-winning group Hitia O Te Ra will be producing the event.

This past June, intense competition in the 5th annual event led to Manuia Polynesia taking the overall group award. But Nemenzo, Le Polynesia, Te Mana O Te Ra, and Te Pura O Te Rahura'a were close behind. Overall Vahine - Evlyn Bustamante of Da Island Way and Overall Tane - Glenn Salonga of Manuia Polynesia will also be hard pressed to repeat next year.

Applications are now available on the website and additional information about special hotel rates and schedule will be forthcoming. Check back periodically for updates.

Ori Tahiti Solo Competition in Kona

If you want to take a break from all the Christmas shopping, hustle and bustle, and enjoy the last Tahitian dance event of the year, head over to Kona.

Mahealani Lee of Polynesian Paradise announced recently that a new Tahitian dance solo competition will be occurring in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island next month, Saturday, December 19, 2009. The Kona International Marketplace will host the event that will start at 10:00 am and run until sunset.

The event is in part a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the dance group. It will be Kona's first Tahitian dance competition. The entire event is free and open to the general public to attend. All day entertainment, food and fun.

Registration forms are now available online at the Polynesian Paradise website. Registration deadline is December 5, 2009.

Miss Pearls of Polynesia/Kori Kori Tahiti Fete

The Kori Kori Tahiti Fete is sold out! according to information provided by producer Ravahere Allred. Events are scheduled to start on Thursday and run through Sunday, November 12-15, 2009 and take place at the Horn Theater on the College of Southern Nevada-Cheyenne Campus (3200 East Cheyenne Ave).

On Thursday, Tumata Robinson will be holding a dance workshop. This will be followed on Friday by the 2nd Miss Pearls of Polynesia Pageant. Tickets for both activities are still available. Tickets for the pageant are $20, children 3-10 are $10.

Last year, Dina Here Auneau became the first Miss Pearls of Polynesia. This year, 10 young women are vying for the crown. They include:

1. Jasmin Jade Anes from Teaaroa of San Francisco
2. Alyssa Acfalle from Siosi of San Diego
3. Ariel Dille from Tevakanui of Las Vegas
4. Angela Sencil from Hui Tama Nui
5. Ashley Inguito from Manuia
6. Heali'i Stanley from Heali'i Polynesia Revue of San Diego
7. Sabrina Liufau from Nonosina of Anaheim
8. Lucie Wilson from Rangihere of Laie, Hawaii
9. Constance Anna Palelei from Tevakanui of Las Vegas
10. Michelle Baker from Nemenzo of Daly City

The girls will be competing in a number of categories including interview, talent, swimsuit, and gown. Total prizes total over $10,000 including a round trip ticket to Tahiti. In addition, the girls will have the opportunity to be in the planned upcoming Miss Pearls of Polynesia calendar.

The following day, Saturday, group and solo competition begin. Activities start at 11:00 am and run to 8:00 pm. On Sunday, the competition will conclude. After the awards ceremony, a special show by Nonosina will take place. Separate admission is required and tickets are still available ($20 in advance $25 at the door for Adults, Under 10 $10 and $15).

A special VIP After Party will take place in the evening.

For any questions and additional information, please contact Ravahere Allred (702) 336-8988 or visit the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete official website.

Kaneohe to host 1st Annual Mehetia Fete

It's been almost 10 years since a Tahitian dance competition has occurred on the Windward side of Oahu. This Saturday, October 17, King Intermediate will be the site of Kaneohe's 1st Annual Mehetia Fete. The event is produced by Mehetia Productions' Charelle Silva and will feature a soloist and group competition.

Tickets are $12, 3 and up. Doors open at 2:00 pm.

Event Schedule

1:00 pm Soloists Check-In back Entrance
2:00 pm Gym and Booths open to the Public
2:30 pm Greetings & Welcome, Introduce Judges
2:45 pm SOLO COMPETITION – FINAL ROUND
Tamari‘i Division:
ages 2 - 4 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa (Exhibition)
5 - 7 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
8 - 10 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

Taure‘are‘a Division:
ages 11 - 13 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
14 - 17 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

Vahine/Tane Division:
ages 18 – 21 yrs: Vahine & Tane
22 – 26 yrs: Vahine & Tane
27 – 35 yrs: Vahine & Tane

Ta‘ata Pa‘ari Division:
ages 36yrs+: Vahine & Tane

3:45 pm GROUP COMPETITION
3:55 pm TAMA TOA – Tamari‘i – ‘Ote‘a Division
Tino Moe (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI

4:10 pm MANUTAHI – Tamari‘i – ‘Ote‘a Division
Debra Pola Teriipaia (Ra’atira pupu) – Wahiawa, HI

4:25 pm MARANIA HAORAGI PUPU ORI – Tamari‘i – ‘Ote‘a Division
Tahia Parker (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

4:40 pm AWARDS CEREMONY

Program ends at approximately 6:00 pm

For the most up to date information, check the official site for details.

Counting down to Heiva i Honolulu 2010

In just a couple of weeks, the Heiva i Honolulu new 2010 website will be going live. Applications for vendors, dance groups and soloists will be available for the March 18-20, 2010 event at the Waikiki Shell.

Several major dance groups both in Hawaii and the mainland have indicated that they are preparing to come to next years event to compete.

Tahiti Nui International, the organizer behind the event is also looking to have a few additional exhibition performances for Polynesian groups not wanting to compete but wanting to participate in the event.

This years featured dancer is Te Mana O Te Ra's Charity Offril, who was the 2009 Overall Vahine Soloist. Details about the event will be forthcoming.

Gearing up for Kori Kori Tahiti Fete

Ravahere Allred, producer of the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete has recently released detailed information about this years event. Taking place over the November 13-15, 2009 weekend, activities include Tahitian dance workshops by Tumata Robinson, soloist and group competitions, and the Miss Pearls of Polynesia beauty pageant. Also announced is a featured show by the Anaheim, California group - Nonosina.

Activities actually begin on Thursday. Tumata Robinson, a former leader of the acclaimed group Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti and current director of her own group Tahiti Ora will be conducting the Tahitian dance workshops on Thursday and Friday. The workshops will be followed by the Miss Pearls of Polynesia beauty pageant. Last year Dina Auneau walked away with the crown at the first annual event.

Saturday will feature the soloist and group competition. The competition will conclude on Sunday. The awards ceremony will follow. In the afternoon, Nonosina will present their show and a dinner/dance will conclude the activities.

A special room rate for the event has been arranged at the Circus Circus hotel (1-800 634-3450). Just mention the group promo code B11MPP and mention Miss Pearls of Polynesia/Kori Kori Tahiti Fete for the special rate. Visit the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete website for more information, applications and contacting the producer.

The Kori Kori Tahiti Fete is the last major Tahitian dance competition of the year. It takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be the second annual event after last years premier. Additional information will be forthcoming.

TICKET INFORMATION

Kori Kori Tahiti Fete Entrance Fee: $10.00

Nonosina Show: $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. $10.00 in advance for kids under 10 and $15.00 at the door.

Miss Pearls of Polynesia: $20.00 for Adults, $10.00 kids under 10

Tahitian Dance classes by TUMATA ROBINSON: $50.00 for 2 Hours session

VIP PRIVATE PARTY
Sunday Evening 15th November, 2009 8.00 pm to 11.30 pm
ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI and ALL YOU CAN DRINK $40.00
Dance floor and DJ. ONLY 100 TICKETS FOR SALE. Buy your tickets today!