Videos of Heiva on Bora Bora

Bora Bora Heiva Videos »

These videos show the Heiva festival celebrations on Bora Bora, which take place in the village square of Vaitape. Each of the communities on Bora Bora prepares an elaborate floral float, and they are brought into the square one at a time. Each float is accompanied by the villagers of that community in traditional dress, usually singing and accompanied by the local string band. Judges award prizes for presentation. Part 1 shows the first 3 floats. Part 2 shows the fourth float, accompanied by dancers representing both traditional and modern forms of Polynesian dance.

Thanks to Christian Wilson for the information.

Date announcements for Tahiti Fete of Hilo and San Jose

Tahitifete.com has announced the event dates for the Tahiti Fete of Hilo and Tahiti Fete of San Jose. Hilo will have a two-day format on October 6-7, 2007. This past October saw the event condensed into a one-day event. It's yet to be seen if this coming event will follow suite as well.

There won't be a San Jose fete for 2007. The event is planned bi-annually, occurring every other year. The 2008 Tahiti Fete of San Jose will be on July 4-7.

Both events are produced by Pua Tokumoto, out of Hilo, Hawaii. More info will be posted as it becomes available.

Tahitian Dance Resources

By guest writer Christian Wilson

There are many Tahitian dance resources that you can now find on the web.

In past, it was very difficult to find an expert on Tahitian dancing
and culture since most of the group leaders live in Tahiti and only
speak Tahitian or French. With the help of the internet and the
resources listed in blackpearldesigns.com, it is much easier to get
information about upcoming Tahitian festivals, workshops, groups,
costumes without having to travel to Tahiti. Many Tahitians live in
Hawaii or on the US mainland and speak English. Many have taught and
judged major Tahitian competitions and have contacts with the Tahitian
government and cultural experts.

Although Tahitian dance competitions (Heiva Tahiti) have been held in
French Polynesia for over 120 years, it has only been since the
arrival of the Hookulea in 1976 that has brought about a renaissance
of Tahitian culture, music, dance, language, tattooing and the arts.
Every year, interest in Tahitian culture continues to expand within
and outside of Tahiti, noteably in Japan, the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai,
Oahu, Maui and the Big Island‚ as well as the US mainland, Mexico,
Canada and Europe.

It is hoped that this resurgence of interest in traditional Tahitian
culture will provide locals the resources they need to help them
return to their former way of life as it once was before the arrival
of Western Civilization which brought overwhelming change to the
native cultures.

Here are some resources on the internet that may be of use:

Google Video - Tahitian Dance

YouTube - Tahitian Dance

Tattoo Traditions

Heiva i Honolulu website redesign

Check out the new Heiva i Honolulu web pages. With more information and details, applications, group tickets, and resources, the Tahiti Nui International website is updating and upgrading to provide a more comprehensive and informative resource of Tahitian dance.

Heiva i Honolulu 2008 will be the first Heiva of the year happening on March 13-15. Check back soon for purchasing general admission tickets.