Heiva Tahiti En Mexico

Going south of the border? The 3rd annual Heiva Tahiti En Mexico, billed as "100% traditional" will be happening later this year November 13-15, 2010 in Guadelajara.

Saturday activities begin with the group competition followed by workshops. Sunday features solo and couples competing in all age groups. And Monday will feature more workshops and awards.

Registration is open until October 31, 2010. For more information, visit the event website.

Kauai Polynesian Festival on track for Memorial Day weekend

It's going to be very busy for Tahitian dance events come this Memorial Day weekend. Four events are taking place. Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV), Tarena Tahiti and Te Arenui O Tahiti (San Bruno, CA), Heiva 'Ai 'Ai (Honolulu, HI), and the Kauai Polynesian Festival (Kapa'a, HI) are all taking place on that same weekend.

If you are heading to Kauai, the 4-day event will kick off with a Polynesian Grand Luau on May 27 at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, followed by the Festival on May 28-30 at the Vidinha Stadium soccer field featuring Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian entertainment, Polynesian arts and crafts, solo and group dance competitions, food booths, workshops, and much more.

Tickets may be purchased online at the event website or at the gate.

Established in 1994, the Kamanawa Foundation is a Kauai-based non-profit organization. Its mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture, including the language, social values, arts, crafts and music, primarily through the study of hula. The Kamanawa Foundation hosts three annual events that highlight hula and Polynesian performing arts including the Kauai Polynesian Festival, Holiday Hula Celebration, and Kauai Hula Exhibition. The Kamanawa Foundation is led by Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza, Kumu hula of Halau Na Hula o Kaohikukapulani.

More updates about this event and others coming shortly.

Hura Tahiti announces special hotel sponsor offer

Only a 10 minute walk away from the Hura Tahiti 2010 Tahitian dance competition, the Fullerton Marriott at California State University just announced their special "Hura Tahiti" rate of only $94 per room-single, double, triple or quad. To book reservations, call 714 738-7800 and mention the Hura Tahiti special rate. Book now to avoid losing out on this opportunity.

With at least 18 dance groups represented at the event and 5 large group presentations, Hura Tahiti 2010 is shaping up to be full schedule event. All activities are taking place June 18-19, 2010 at Hope International University, 2500 E. Nutwood Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92831.

Hura Tahiti is a Tahitian dance competition featuring both solo and group performances. The event is produced by the award-winning Hitia O Te Ra group led by ra'atira Alex Tekurio. Last year, the dance group Manuia Polynesia took the overall group title. Soloists Evlyn Bustamante of Da Island Way and Glenn Salonga of Manuia Polynesia took the overall vahine and tane titles, respectively.

For more information on the event, visit the official Hura Tahiti website.

Event photos courtesy of David Do / www.ddodesign.com

Ori Tahiti Workshop in Tahiti

If you find yourself in Tahiti later this month, here's something you may be interested in. The Ori Tahiti workshop will be held from April 12 to April 16, 2010 by the Conservatoire Artistique de la Polynésie-Française, the Ori Tahiti workshop is reserved for visitors, students of Ori Tahiti, and non residents of French Polynesia. It's purpose is to share the art of Tahitian dance to the next generation as well as all students willing to learn and improve their knowledge of the Polynesian spirit.

This Tahitian dancing course will let all participants improve their traditional dancing skills progressively throughout the steps, starting with the beginner level. At the end of this session, each member will receive a certificate of participation indicating your progress.

Students will also learn about Tahitian melodies and lyrics as well as various rhythms created by local instruments, (drums and ukulele). Everyone will have the opportunity to improve their dancing level throughout all the stages of the courses.

Heiva I Waimea solo competition and pageant

The deadline is approaching fast for competing at Heiva I Waimea. Applications need to be in by April 15th. Late registration is possible but additional fees apply. Entry forms for both soloists and the Miss Heiva I Waimea title may be downloaded here.

Heiva I Waimea

This will be the fourth year of the event that has taken place at Waimea Valley on Oahu. The dance group Manutahi Tahiti, led by ra'atira Pola Teriipaia, has produced the event that features tamari'i (children), both tamahine and tamaroa, and dancers up to 21 years of age. Soloists compete by performing to Tahitian drumming.

Miss Heiva I Waimea contestants must be between the ages of 12-21, unmarried and without children. Contestants will be judged on talent, costume, and formal wear. Entry fee is $35 per individual.

For more information or questions, please contact Tess DeCorte (Promotions/Marketing) of Manutahi Tahiti.