Tahiti Nui International shifting location to Tahiti

In a move that has been rumored for awhile, the Tahiti Nui International organization has announced via their website that instead of holding the annual Heiva in Waikiki, that 2007's scheduled event will occur in Tahiti. Heiva i Honolulu is not on the schedule for 2007. Little details are available, but the website promised to be updated soon with additional details and information.

Just a month ago, the website was not promoting any Tahitian event at all. It looked to have been taken over by hackers, but it is back up and running, albeit with minimal information.

The Heiva i Tahiti that occurs in Tahiti during the month of July is the largest Tahitian cultural event in the world. It hosts dancing, drumming, sport, music and a number of other competitions, exhibits, and events. However, one entry requirement requires entrants to be French Polynesian or living in French Polynesia. Outside groups have not been able to participate. This new event in Tahiti looks to be a way that groups from the USA and other foreign countries such as Japan will be able to participate in a competitive event in Tahiti.

The new event is scheduled for August 13-18, 2007.

More on this as information becomes available.

Nonosina dance group to perform in Tahiti

(Tahitipresse) - The US dance group Nonosina will perform Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Papeete. The dance group will present a new show to the Tahitian audience.

Nonosina is expected to arrive Wednesday night in French Polynesia.

Nonosina is mostly made up of Polynesians living in the United States. More

Tahiti Nui Heiva I Japan

Tahitian dance is expanding around the world. This 1st annual competition located in Tokyo, Japan is a sister competition to the Heiva held in Tahiti and Honolulu, Hawaii. The event has an official website and more information will become available shortly. The event will take place on Sept. 9, 2006. Tahiti Nui Heiva I Japan is sponsored by Treasure Island Corporation of Japan.

Te Hura Nui Festival starts in Tahiti

(Tahitipresse) - The Mini Heiva, which gathers the best dance groups, at the Intercontinental hotel in Tahiti, ended last week-end but another dance festival, Te Hura Nui, started Friday at Le Méridien hotel, in Tahiti's west coast Commune of Punaauia.

Heiva I Tahiti 2006 winner Tamariki Oparo performed for the opening show.

Tamariki Oparo offered quite spectacular and unique dances from Rapa, the southernmost island of French Polynesia. The show entitled "Puku Tangi" (The weeping mountain) tells the story of fierce battles between two tribes.

After the traditional Heiva I Tahiti dance contest in July, and the Mini Heiva at the Intercontinental, the best dance groups, such as Hei Tahiti or Nonahere, will perform until September 2 at Le Méridien both for tourists and a local audience.

Nonahere group leader Matani Kainuku announced that the group will soon tour the Cook Islands and Hawaii in March 2007.