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 Teoraroa Otea 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 Polynesia
6. Heali'i Stanley from Heali'i Polynesia Revue of San Diego
7. Sabrina Liufau from Nonosina of Anaheim
8. Lucie Wilson from Ranihere 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.