This is part 3 of a 5 part series delving into the origins of the modern version of Tahitian dance.
By Eric Ka’ahele Morales
The ‘Aparima
As stated earlier, the dance Tavana and Roiti created, the ‘ahuroa, was rooted within the dance form, the ‘aparima. Translated, ‘aparima means “movement of the hand,” with apa meaning “movement” and rima meaning “hand or arm.” Whereas in other Tahitian dance forms the hands are more ornamental, in the ‘aparima, the hands serve as a means of conveying a narrative and is the only one that is always meant to pantomime an actual story.
The two categories of ‘aparima are the ‘aparima vāvā and the ‘aparima hīmene. Male and females may dance both types of the ‘aparima. The costuming is flexible and can vary from a pāreu tied around the waist with a coconut bra or a separate cloth covering the chest of female dancers. Male dancers can leave their chest bare or adorn it with leis. More skirts and headdresses can be used by either sex. Gestures used in the dance are either descriptive, symbolic, or ornamental. An example of a descriptive gesture would be if the song were to reference sleep, the dancer may place both their open palms together on one side of their tilted head to mime the act of sleeping. A common symbolic gesture is putting one’s closed fists on the hips to mark the beginning or the end of the ‘aparima.
The Tahitian word, vāvā, means mute, thus the ‘aparima vāvā is largely a pantomime, as neither the dancers nor the musicians provide any lyrical accompaniment. For the most part, it is performed in a kneeling position, with dancers acting out stories, mainly being pulled from the daily life of the islands and lasting under a minute. The music is secondary to the dance, used to accentuate and coordinate the gestures of the dancers, and the instruments used are primarily the pahu (base drum) and the tō’ere (slit-log drum), with the vivo (Tahitian nose flute) occasionally making an appearance.
Hīmene, by contrast, is derived from the English word, hymn. The ‘aparima hīmene is thus reliant on a sung narrative to tell a story and is considerably longer in length than the ‘aparima vāvā. In it, dancers pair mainly symbolic movements to correspond with the lyrics. The songs used can come from the existing Tahitian folk song repertoire or be the original creation of the group director. In some cases, the group director may take an existing folk song and restructure the music or lyrics to fit their artistic desires. Folk songs that have already been affected by popular music genres or that have been fused with Western musical influences are also still viable options for the ‘aparima hīmene. These outside influences are especially significant in the instrumental accompaniment, which usually includes stringed instruments, such as the guitar or the ukulele, along with the use of drums or the vivo. Content wise, the song chosen for the ‘aparima hīmene is characterized by its focus on describing the abstract, such as emotions and thoughts towards other people, places, or objects. ‘Aparima hīmene can be based on a story that reflects childhood memories with a loved member of the community or they can be about the simple joys of one’s homeland.
Inherent in both types of the ‘aparima is flexibility, in costuming, music, and even choreography. In fact, many of the gestures are not fixed, and numerous interpretations of songs can be used that incorporate a wide range of gestures. Also, the choreography of dances can easily be adjusted; for instance, performances where the dances are standing can easily be altered to take place in a sitting position.
Dedicated to presenting news, information, photos and resources for events hosting Tahitian Dance & Culture throughout the world.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
‘Ahuroa: Dancing a Legacy - Tahiti to Hawaii
This is part 2 of a 5 part series delving into the origins of the modern version of Tahitian dance.
By Eric Ka’ahele Morales
Tahiti to Hawaii
The creation of the ‘ahuroa occurred shortly after the revival of Tahitian dance, which had been largely suppressed by the work of European missionaries. It was in 1956 that Madeleine Mou’a’s dance group, Heiva, gained recognition for being the first professional troupe to take Tahitian dance out of the place of shame imposed upon it by the church, restoring a sense of pride in the native dance form. Mou’a was a school principal and actively recruited students to join her group. Soon, a slew of performers were taking up the dance. Many of these people began leaving Tahiti to perform in other venues. Roiti Tahauri Sylva, one of Mou’a’s students, was among these performers, heading off to Hawaii in 1959.
The 1950s and 1960s brought about overwhelming change to the cultural landscape of Hawaii. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States of America, leading to an increase in the urban development of the islands, specifically in Waikiki, Oahu, which quickly became a center of tourism. At the core of the growing tourism market, in the heart of Waikiki existed Queen’s Surf Restaurant and Nightclub featuring Tavana’s Polynesia, which was a nightly show consisting of dances from Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and Tonga.
Tavana Hare Salmon, a native Tahitian who grew up in Hawaii, was the show coordinator. He and his family scouted the islands for performers who had talent suitable for the productions, always attempting to engineer the next big show. Each night, ten to twelve dance numbers were used to provide an hour of entertainment for the spectators. Believing that the current show repertoire consisted of too many fast and up-tempo beats, Tavana decided to incorporate a slower, more formal number. Working in conjunction with Roiti Tahauri Sylva, they both helped to create the first ‘ahuroa performance. He provided ideas, a stage for artistic freedom, an audience, and additional performers; she provided her talent and skill, choreographing the first actual dance. In this venue, the two were able to present their traditions to a new audience any way they pleased.
By Eric Ka’ahele Morales
Tahiti to Hawaii
The creation of the ‘ahuroa occurred shortly after the revival of Tahitian dance, which had been largely suppressed by the work of European missionaries. It was in 1956 that Madeleine Mou’a’s dance group, Heiva, gained recognition for being the first professional troupe to take Tahitian dance out of the place of shame imposed upon it by the church, restoring a sense of pride in the native dance form. Mou’a was a school principal and actively recruited students to join her group. Soon, a slew of performers were taking up the dance. Many of these people began leaving Tahiti to perform in other venues. Roiti Tahauri Sylva, one of Mou’a’s students, was among these performers, heading off to Hawaii in 1959.
The 1950s and 1960s brought about overwhelming change to the cultural landscape of Hawaii. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States of America, leading to an increase in the urban development of the islands, specifically in Waikiki, Oahu, which quickly became a center of tourism. At the core of the growing tourism market, in the heart of Waikiki existed Queen’s Surf Restaurant and Nightclub featuring Tavana’s Polynesia, which was a nightly show consisting of dances from Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and Tonga.Tavana Hare Salmon, a native Tahitian who grew up in Hawaii, was the show coordinator. He and his family scouted the islands for performers who had talent suitable for the productions, always attempting to engineer the next big show. Each night, ten to twelve dance numbers were used to provide an hour of entertainment for the spectators. Believing that the current show repertoire consisted of too many fast and up-tempo beats, Tavana decided to incorporate a slower, more formal number. Working in conjunction with Roiti Tahauri Sylva, they both helped to create the first ‘ahuroa performance. He provided ideas, a stage for artistic freedom, an audience, and additional performers; she provided her talent and skill, choreographing the first actual dance. In this venue, the two were able to present their traditions to a new audience any way they pleased.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
‘Ahuroa: Dancing a Legacy - The Show
Have you ever wondered where and how we have the modern version of Tahitian dance? How about where the names came from, the rules, the styles, and/or even how it made its way outside of Tahiti? This original five part series dives into these questions and more. Below is part 1 of 5 by guest author Eric Ka'ahele Morales, one of the organizers of the Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete, the longest running Tahitian Heiva outside of Tahiti. He, along with executive producer Rebecca Manandic and others make the Merced, California event a premier Tahitian dance annual event each March.
By Eric Ka’ahele Morales
The Show
It was an idea for a new take on an old dance, traditional, innovational, show stopping. The year was 1967, and Roiti Tahauri Sylva, a Tahitian immigrant to Hawaii, was on stage at the Queen’s Surf in Honolulu. She had a group of performers with her, all of them wearing long, elegant dresses with fitted sleeves and ruffles, tropical flowers adorning the fabric. They were to dance in front of a large audience: tourists, locals, complete with journalists. The dance was to consist of a slow ‘aparima, done in waltz time, to the song, Tau Tamaiti Here. But before they could go on stage, Roiti was asked a simple question by the master of ceremony and co-creator of the dance, Tavana Hare Salmon: “What is the name of this dance?” After a seconds pause, she answered, “‘Ahuroa.”
On the second show that night, Roiti reconsidered her choice in the name and called it an ‘ahu’purotu. Both names have since gained a certain resonance. The word, ahu, refers to any cloth or garment, and roa has numerous definitions, but in this context, it pertains to one complete piece of an object, long in length. The word, purotu, translates into beautiful. Each name then references the dress the dancers wear: ‘ahuroa is a single piece, long dress; ‘ahu’purotu is a beautiful dress. Both names continue to be used today, usually interchangeably.
Meant to be performed for only that weekend, the ‘ahuroa took on a life of its own. The dance was such a success that dancers in the group as well as dancers in the audience started copying the specifics of this new style and performing them in other nearby venues, sometimes calling it an ‘ahuroa, other times an ‘ahu’purotu, or simply referring to it as a slow or formal ‘aparima, which is considered one of the four recorded surviving forms of Tahitian dance: the others being the ‘ōte‘a, hivinau, and pā‘ō‘ā.
By Eric Ka’ahele Morales
“It’s a legacy. Something we are leaving behind … I didn’t realize it would be very popular” – Roiti Tahauri Sylva.
The Show
It was an idea for a new take on an old dance, traditional, innovational, show stopping. The year was 1967, and Roiti Tahauri Sylva, a Tahitian immigrant to Hawaii, was on stage at the Queen’s Surf in Honolulu. She had a group of performers with her, all of them wearing long, elegant dresses with fitted sleeves and ruffles, tropical flowers adorning the fabric. They were to dance in front of a large audience: tourists, locals, complete with journalists. The dance was to consist of a slow ‘aparima, done in waltz time, to the song, Tau Tamaiti Here. But before they could go on stage, Roiti was asked a simple question by the master of ceremony and co-creator of the dance, Tavana Hare Salmon: “What is the name of this dance?” After a seconds pause, she answered, “‘Ahuroa.”
 |
| Roiti Sylva performing the 'Ahuroa at the Queen's Surf |
Meant to be performed for only that weekend, the ‘ahuroa took on a life of its own. The dance was such a success that dancers in the group as well as dancers in the audience started copying the specifics of this new style and performing them in other nearby venues, sometimes calling it an ‘ahuroa, other times an ‘ahu’purotu, or simply referring to it as a slow or formal ‘aparima, which is considered one of the four recorded surviving forms of Tahitian dance: the others being the ‘ōte‘a, hivinau, and pā‘ō‘ā.
Monday, July 09, 2012
130th Annual Heiva i Tahiti
The Heiva you've all been hearing about is already upon us. Here's the complete Ori Tahiti schedule provided by the French Polynesia Ministry of Culture and Heiva Nui. The 130th Annual Heiva i Tahiti dance competition will run from July 5-14, 2012 and once again take place at Place Toata in the heart of downtown Papeete, Tahiti.Check out our Facebook page for updates including video links, photos and information.
Here's the schedule for the dance groups:
Thursday, July 5
Ori i Tahiti (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Terau
Theme: The canoe / Te va'a - Reflection on the evolution of the outrigger, its role and origins.
Ahutoru Nui (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Anthony Tirao, Arue
Theme: The legend of the coconut tree on the island of Ana'a.
Friday, July 6
Pupu Tuhaa Pae (Hura Ava Tau)Ra'atira - Arsene Hatitio
Theme: Theme: The privilege of the elder / Te Manatu o te mata'iapo
Hei Tahiti (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Tiare Trompette, Pirae
Theme: The weaving of Love / Te fenu aroha
Saturday, July 7
Manava Tahiti (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Amanda Bennett
Theme: The Kingdom of Atehi - The power of love.
Tamariki Poerani (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Makau Foster, Papeete
Theme: Life and the Four Elements / Te ora e te fenua te matai, te vai, te ahi
Sunday, July 8
Hitireva (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Kehaulani Chanquy
Theme: Timeless color / Uatau - Praise the colors of nature.
Heikura Nui (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Iriti Hoto
Theme: Deep in my soul / Te hohonuraa o te aau
Wednesday, July 11
Tamarii Manotahi (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Monette Harua
Theme: Manotahi
Tamariki Oparo (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Pierrot Faraire
Theme: The big giant reptile Maitua called Te Moko
Thursday, July 12
O Marama (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Marama Dugan
Theme: The Beginning / I te hamataraa
O Tahiti e (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Marguerite Lai
Theme: The Legend of Haumanavaitu - The origin of Poutoru, Tahaa district.
Friday, July 13
Fare Ihi No Huahine (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Jean Puupuu
Theme: Te muturaa o Huahine - How the island of Huahine was cut in two.
Temaeva (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - Coco Hotahota
Theme: Land of Pleasure - Navenave fenua
Haere Mai (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Moeata Laughlin
Theme: The sounds of echo / Te o te mau Vevo pehe
Tamarii Faretou No Haapu (Hura Ava Tau)
Ra'atira - Edwin Teheiura
Theme: Faretou - The story recalls the ties that bind Huahine Mataiva to RAROMATAI.
Tamarii Tipaerui (Hura Tau)
Ra'atira - John Cadousteau
Theme: The Legend of Haumanavaitu - traces the origin of Poutoru, Tahaa district.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Heiva i Honolulu crowns Grand Champions
 |
| Vahine of Maohi Nui |
It was a weekend full of colorful and extravagant costumes, original Aparima music, and dance themes ranging from Hawaiian legends (Pele, Pu'uloa) to traditional Tahitian themes based on the tiare flower, the beauty of vahine (woman), love and light, monoi and the warmth of a new day took the stage with dance groups and soloists.
Solo competition took place on Thursday, the first day of the competition. Dancers were divided up into vahine and tane age categories. Over 150 soloists took the stage and gave their all demonstrating their skills, endurance, costumes and charisma to the audience and judges. Awards were announced and the 1st place dancers of each category moved on to compete in the Overall award that was decided on Saturday. The overall vahine, Agnes Manuma (27-35 Vahine) of Maohi Nui was awarded a $2,000 Tahitian black pearl necklace and bracelet. The overall tane award went to Shane Galicia of Tiare Ura O Tahiti.
Friday was the start of group competition. Hura Ava Tau groups, which are the groups that are newer and have had less competition experience, took the stage with Tamatoa, the eventual Hura Ava Tau Grand Champion, starting off with their Ahupurotu presentation.
Hura Tau groups performed Saturday with competition in several categories including Vahine Ahupurotu (a more formal and graceful dance done in long traditional dresses), drumming (demonstrating proficiency in all traditional beats after which a creative section follows), and Overall Ote'a (which includes an Aparima, Paoa, and Ote'a). The Overall Ote'a presentation for groups had a maximum 30 minutes to tell their story with song, dance and drumming.
Heiva i Honolulu 2012 celebrated their 10th anniversary this year - Ahuru ra'a o te Matahiti
Participating groups in the Hura Tau division included Heretama Nui (Jimmy Ramento, Christopher Ramento) of Pearl City, Maohi Nui (Mervyn Lilo) of Aiea, Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui (Kevin & Aulii Kama) of Honolulu, and Te Iriatai Ora (Keali'i Bush) also of Honolulu. Tamatoa (Tino Moe) of Kaneohe, Puahinano (Pualani Horiuchi) of Okinawa, Japan, Te Hei Ura (Kapua Hau'oli, PuaUra Nishida) of Osaka, Japan, Te Mahana O Te Ra (Ku'uleinani Hashimoto) Tahiti Mana (Manari'i Gauthier) of Honolulu all competed in the Hura Ava Tau division.
Without further ado, here are the results. For additional information, feel free to visit the event website - Tahiti Nui International.
Heiva I Honolulu 2012 Group Award Results
OVERALL Tane ~ Shane Galicia / Tiare Ura O Tahiti
OVERALL Vahine ~ Agnes Manuma / Maohi Nui
HURA AVA TAU DIVISION (Junior)
Vahine Ahupurotu
1st Place Te Mahana O Te Ra
2nd Place Te Hei Ura
3rd Place Tahiti Mana
Tupuna Ahupurotu
1st Place Te Mahana O Te Ra
2nd Place Te Hei Ura
Aparima
1st Place Te Mahana O Te Ra
2nd Place Puahinano
Original Aparima
1st Place Tamatoa
2nd Place Te Hei Ura
Drumming
1st Place Tamatoa
2nd Place Te Hei Ura
Otea
1st Place Tamatoa
2nd Place Te Mahana O Te Ra
3rd Place Te Hei Ura
GRAND CHAMPION 2012
Tamatoa
HURA TAU DIVISION (Senior)
Vahine Ahupurotu
1st Place Maohi Nui
2nd Place Heretama Nui
3rd Place Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
Original Aparima
1st Place Heretama Nui
2nd Place Maohi Nui
3rd Place Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
Drumming
1st Place Heretama Nui
2nd Place Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
3rd Place Maohi Nui
Otea
1st Place Heretama Nui
2nd Place Maohi Nui
3rd Place Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
Best Ra'atira ~ Heretama Nui
Best Costume ~ Heretama Nui
Best Couple ~ Heretama Nui
GRAND CHAMPION 2012
Heretama Nui
HEIVA I HONOLULU 2012 SOLO AWARD Results
TAMARI'I DIVSION
4-6 Tamahine
1st Place Dionisia Robinson / Manutahi
2nd Place Quynn Bonilla / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Chardonnay Kinimaka / Maohi Nui
4-6 Tamaroa
1st Place Saige Marienthal / Here Tama Nui
2nd Place Matagi Lilo / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Jamie Wond / Here Tama Nui
7-10 Tamahine
1st Place Nicole Graham / Tamatoa
2nd Place Alana Nicely / Here Tama Nui
3rd Place Chasmine Drumeller / Manutahi
4th Place Hana Fujisaki / Tokariga Kaloke Mele Mele
7-10 Tamaroa
1st Place Jiovanni Tafisi / Maohi Nui
2nd Place Alize Kinimaka / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Kainoa-Sagon Sumaoang / Manutahi
TAURE'ARE'A DIVISION
11-13 Tamahine
1st Place Nagisa Takizawa / Tokariga Kaloke Mele Mele
2nd Place Tehani Perkins / Te Vai Ura Nui
3rd Place Cassandra Kanoho / Te Vai Ura Nui
4th Place Brooke Leslie / HereTama Nui
11-13 Tamaroa
1st Place Kailana Savonitman / Tamatea Nui O Kauai
14-17 Tamahine
1st Place Naomi Baldomero / Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd Place Kayli Taniguchi / Here Tama Nui
3rd Place Sammy McClymonds / Hitia O Te Ra
14-17 Tamaroa
1st Place Zacchaeus Uta / Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd Place Tamatoa Uta / Te Vai Ura Nui
VAHINE & TANE DIVISION
18-21 Vahine
1st Place Poerava Goo / Tahiti toa
2nd Place Chelsea Clement / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Charzelle Fuller-McAngus / Maohi Nui
18-21 Tane
1st Place Okuto Horiuchi / Puahinano
2nd Place Keanu-Neil Mesiona / Manutahi
3rd Place Tripler Fiapai / Maeva I Patitifa
22-26 Vahine
1st Place Pua Baker / Maohi Nui
2nd Place Ayumi Asano / Tokariga Kaloke Mele Mele
3rd Place Shantee Hookano / Te Iriatai Ora
22-26 Tane
1st Place Shane Galicia / Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2nd Place Peter Flores / Tahiti Toa
3rd Place Takafumi "Teva" Gima / Puahinano
27-35 Vahine
1st Place Agnes Manuma / Maohi Nui
2nd Place Maki Ito / Hei Tiare Tahiti
3rd Place Ronelle Dement / Te Iriatai Ora
4th Place Nihaniya Sam Fong / Te Iriatai Ora
27-35 Tane
1st Place Manarii Gauthier / Tahiti Mana
2nd Place Julian Maeva / Maeva I Patitifa
3rd Place Daniel Sherman / Te Vai Ura Nui
36-45 Vahine
1st Place Belinda Miranda / Manutahi
2nd Place Analyn Koeger / Maeva I Patitifa
3rd Place Kozue Oumuma / Hei Tiare Tahiti
36-45 Tane
1st Place Lawakua Gabriel / Manutahi
46 and more Vahine
1st Place Hei Tiare Komatsu / Hei Tiare Tahiti
2nd Place Pualani Horiuchi / Puahinano
3rd Place Chizuko Seta / Te Mahana O Te Ra
Friday, March 02, 2012
Heiva i Hawai'i debuts with Grande Performances
The Tahitian Dance community welcomed its newest event this past month ~ Heiva i Hawai'i. Fittingly it also started off the 2012 Heiva season. Produced by award-winning group Te `E`a o Te Turama and its leader, Maile Lee, Heiva i Hawai'i welcomed groups and soloists from throughout the islands to Kailua-Kona over a weekend of fun-filled dance, crafting and music.
Maile started the event because her best friend, Kula Keawekane, of Fun to Jump Kona did a Mahalo Fun Day for the `ohana's in Kona last year. They set up Inflatables and had some entertainment and invited some Vendors to enjoy the day. Later, they decided to expand and do a Tahitian Dance Competition and Mahalo Fun Day with the main focus of giving back to the community and bringing more awareness for the Tahitian culture and dance.
The 3-day event brought strong performances by local groups such as Merahi o Tapiti, Toa Here, Te Vai Ura Nui and Polynesian Paradise and a crowning of the first ever Mr and Miss Heiva i Hawaii. A wide range of local support sponsored the event as well. Those included: The Shops at Mauna Lani, Fun to Jump Kona, Earl De Leon, Show Systems Hawai`i, Loud & Clear Productions, ITA Hawai`i, West Hawai`i Screen Printers, Kaua`i Polynesian Festival, Fatu Krainer, Alofa`s Custom Instruments, Moani Lahi Designs, Camelia Temanaha, Wailana Lee, Keauhou Beach Resort, Kuma Contracting, Royal Kona Resort, Enterprise Ret a Car, and Parks & Recreation (Wes, Vic & Diego)
Official photographer, Mike Wine, of Island Tours & Activities has a gallery of photos and videos (coming soon) of the 1st Annual Heiva i Hawai'i. Photos may be purchased online in various sizes and styles.
And if you missed it this year, don't worry. Dates for next years event have already been announced. Heiva i Hawai'i 2013 will take place February 15-17, 2013 in Kailua-Kona. Visit the event website for updates as they become available.
Below is a letter from Maile Lee, producer of Heiva i Hawai'i, summarizing the event.
By Guest Contributor Maile Lee
Aloha a Ia Orana,
Heiva i Hawai`i 2012 was an awesome experience for myself and Te `E`a o Te Turama. The three day event brought artisans, dancers and patrons from all over Hawai`i and the neighbor islands to Maka`eo in Kailua-Kona. Malihini and Kama`aina alike were treated to the island’s finest Tahitian Dance and drumming, unique Polynesian crafts and jewelry and an awesome array of Local Grinds.
On Friday evening, February 17, 2012, we crowned our First Mr & Miss Heiva i Hawai`i at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the South Kohala Coast.
19 year old Makana Pohakuikalewa Keana`aina a Native Hawaiian speaker from Kailua-Kona played the `ukulele and sang ‘Te Tama Maohi’ to capture the hearts of the judges as well as the Mr Heiva i Hawai`i 2012 title.
Miss Naomi Kau`iokeaho Baldemero, proved that experience was the key in the girls competition. Her winning ways in Tahitian dance competition for the past few years with her Award-Winning group Te Vai Ura Nui helped her to realize her goal to take the crown and become Miss Heiva i Hawai`i 2012.
Saturday, February 18, 2012, featured over 70 of Hawai`i’s finest Solo dancers from 3 years old to 40+ and fabulous. House Drummers played for nearly 2 hours non-stop as dancers in beautiful costumes and adornments wowed the judges with their technical skill and creativity.
Afternoon competition featured Tamari`i (Children’s) Group Presentations. The audience was treated to Polynesian folklore as dancers acted out scenes depicting the Legend o Maui and Hina and the creation of the Kumu Niu, the first coconut trees of Tahiti and the story of Oro, the Master of the Sky who created Poerava ~ the Tahitian Black Pearls.
At the days end, winners were announced for the first place solo division winners as Ra`atira and their Pupu Ori contemplated and readied themselves for day 2 of competition.
Sunday, February 19, 2012, began with the Overall Solo dance off. Tane and Vahine along with their younger counterparts vied for The Overall Tane and Vahine Soloists along with the top Tamahine and Tamaroa. Solo dance competition gave way to a cacophony of Drums as two groups from Hawai`i island competed in Drumming competition. In the afternoon Junior Group competition got underway. The crowd was treated to a heated battle between Pele and her sister Na Maka o Kaha`i, goddess of the Sea and the melodic story of love in Mihi au ia`oe as dancers in lovely dresses brought our days competition to a close with images of the beautiful Tahitian Vahine.
When all was said and done Merahi o Tapiti and their Ra`atira Tiffany Delacruz and Corey Sibayan were the Junior group winners taking various awards including first place in drumming competition back to Hilo. As for the Tamari`i groups it was Mahealani Lee’s Polynesian Paradise that caught the attention of the Judges.
Te Vai Ura Nui’s Naomi Baldemero, Miss Heiva I Hawai`I 2012, and Daniel Sherman captured the Tane & Vahine Overall Soloist Awards and Merahi o Tapiti’s sweetheart won the Tamahine solo award. But it was Koari`i Atkinson-Siola who swept the judges votes when he performed a round-off back hand spring to end his Tamaroa Overall winning routine.
Results for Heiva i Hawai'i 2012
SOLO AWARDS
5-7 years old
Tamahine
1st – Katarina Piper, Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Leonahenahe Pavao, Polynesian Paradise
3rd(tie) – Aysia-Lee Jaquias, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd(tie) – Pualena Andrews, Toa Here
8 – 10 years old
Tamahine
1st – Tiani Bello, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Lokelani Diego, Toa Here
3rd – Angelina Ramirez, Toa Here
Tamaroa
1st – Anthony Kauwe, Toa Here
11 – 13 years old
Tamahine
1st – Tehani Perkins, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Cassandra Kanoho, Te Vai Ura Nui
3rd – Jaysha Pavao, Toa Here
Tamaroa
1st – Koari`i Atkinson-Siola, Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Daylan Kalai, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Tobee Kahaola Lee, Polynesian Paradise
14 – 17 years old
Vahine
1st – Naomi Baldemero, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Kelsye Curry, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Ryanne Richardson, Toa Here
Tane
1st – Jason Johnson, Toa Here
18 – 20 years old
Vahine
1st – Raynette Rezentes, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Mahealani Ramos, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Amanda Caban, Merahi o Tapiti
21 – 24 years old
Vahine
1st – Cassie Pira, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Amanda Gutierrez, Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Lilinoe Atkinson, Polynesian Paradise
Tane
1st – Quinten Vea, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Olin Caba, Merahi o Tapiti
25 – 34 years old
Vahine
1st – Kuualoha Kekuaniela, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Keaukaha Carveiro, Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Jamie Ganzagan, Toa Here
Tane
1st – John Anduha, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Aaron Olivarez, Polynesian Paradise
35 – 40 years old
Vahine
1st – Tanya Andrews, Toa Here
2nd – Debi Vierra, Toa Here
Tane
1st – Daniel Sherman, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Corey Sibayan, Merahi o Tapiti
40+ years young
Vahine
1st – Romy Salvador, Toa Here
Overall Tamahine Soloist – Tiani Bello, Merahi o Tapiti
Overall Tamaroa Soloist – Koari`i Atkinson-Siola
Overall Vahine Soloist – Naomi Baldemero, Te Vai Ura Nui
Overall Tane Soloist – Daniel Sherman, Te Vai Ura Nui
Group Awards
Tamari`i Groups
Ote`a
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Toa Here
Aparima
1st – Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Toa Here
3rd – Merahi o Tapiti
Best Costume Award:
Polynesian Paradise
Overall Tamari`i Group:
Polynesian Paradise
Junior Groups
Ote`a
1st - Merahi o Tapiti
Aparima
1st - Merahi O Tapiti
`Ahupurotu
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
Drumming
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
Best Costume Award
Merahi o Tapiti
Overall Junior Group
Merahi o Tapiti
Photos courtesy of Mike Wine, Island Tours & Activites
Maile started the event because her best friend, Kula Keawekane, of Fun to Jump Kona did a Mahalo Fun Day for the `ohana's in Kona last year. They set up Inflatables and had some entertainment and invited some Vendors to enjoy the day. Later, they decided to expand and do a Tahitian Dance Competition and Mahalo Fun Day with the main focus of giving back to the community and bringing more awareness for the Tahitian culture and dance.
The 3-day event brought strong performances by local groups such as Merahi o Tapiti, Toa Here, Te Vai Ura Nui and Polynesian Paradise and a crowning of the first ever Mr and Miss Heiva i Hawaii. A wide range of local support sponsored the event as well. Those included: The Shops at Mauna Lani, Fun to Jump Kona, Earl De Leon, Show Systems Hawai`i, Loud & Clear Productions, ITA Hawai`i, West Hawai`i Screen Printers, Kaua`i Polynesian Festival, Fatu Krainer, Alofa`s Custom Instruments, Moani Lahi Designs, Camelia Temanaha, Wailana Lee, Keauhou Beach Resort, Kuma Contracting, Royal Kona Resort, Enterprise Ret a Car, and Parks & Recreation (Wes, Vic & Diego)
Official photographer, Mike Wine, of Island Tours & Activities has a gallery of photos and videos (coming soon) of the 1st Annual Heiva i Hawai'i. Photos may be purchased online in various sizes and styles.
And if you missed it this year, don't worry. Dates for next years event have already been announced. Heiva i Hawai'i 2013 will take place February 15-17, 2013 in Kailua-Kona. Visit the event website for updates as they become available.
Below is a letter from Maile Lee, producer of Heiva i Hawai'i, summarizing the event.
By Guest Contributor Maile Lee
Aloha a Ia Orana,
Heiva i Hawai`i 2012 was an awesome experience for myself and Te `E`a o Te Turama. The three day event brought artisans, dancers and patrons from all over Hawai`i and the neighbor islands to Maka`eo in Kailua-Kona. Malihini and Kama`aina alike were treated to the island’s finest Tahitian Dance and drumming, unique Polynesian crafts and jewelry and an awesome array of Local Grinds.
On Friday evening, February 17, 2012, we crowned our First Mr & Miss Heiva i Hawai`i at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the South Kohala Coast.
19 year old Makana Pohakuikalewa Keana`aina a Native Hawaiian speaker from Kailua-Kona played the `ukulele and sang ‘Te Tama Maohi’ to capture the hearts of the judges as well as the Mr Heiva i Hawai`i 2012 title.
 |
| Naomi Baldemero |
Saturday, February 18, 2012, featured over 70 of Hawai`i’s finest Solo dancers from 3 years old to 40+ and fabulous. House Drummers played for nearly 2 hours non-stop as dancers in beautiful costumes and adornments wowed the judges with their technical skill and creativity.
Afternoon competition featured Tamari`i (Children’s) Group Presentations. The audience was treated to Polynesian folklore as dancers acted out scenes depicting the Legend o Maui and Hina and the creation of the Kumu Niu, the first coconut trees of Tahiti and the story of Oro, the Master of the Sky who created Poerava ~ the Tahitian Black Pearls.
At the days end, winners were announced for the first place solo division winners as Ra`atira and their Pupu Ori contemplated and readied themselves for day 2 of competition.
Sunday, February 19, 2012, began with the Overall Solo dance off. Tane and Vahine along with their younger counterparts vied for The Overall Tane and Vahine Soloists along with the top Tamahine and Tamaroa. Solo dance competition gave way to a cacophony of Drums as two groups from Hawai`i island competed in Drumming competition. In the afternoon Junior Group competition got underway. The crowd was treated to a heated battle between Pele and her sister Na Maka o Kaha`i, goddess of the Sea and the melodic story of love in Mihi au ia`oe as dancers in lovely dresses brought our days competition to a close with images of the beautiful Tahitian Vahine.
 |
| Merahi o Tapiti |
Te Vai Ura Nui’s Naomi Baldemero, Miss Heiva I Hawai`I 2012, and Daniel Sherman captured the Tane & Vahine Overall Soloist Awards and Merahi o Tapiti’s sweetheart won the Tamahine solo award. But it was Koari`i Atkinson-Siola who swept the judges votes when he performed a round-off back hand spring to end his Tamaroa Overall winning routine.
Results for Heiva i Hawai'i 2012
SOLO AWARDS
5-7 years old
Tamahine
1st – Katarina Piper, Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Leonahenahe Pavao, Polynesian Paradise
3rd(tie) – Aysia-Lee Jaquias, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd(tie) – Pualena Andrews, Toa Here
8 – 10 years old
Tamahine
1st – Tiani Bello, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Lokelani Diego, Toa Here
3rd – Angelina Ramirez, Toa Here
Tamaroa
1st – Anthony Kauwe, Toa Here
11 – 13 years old
Tamahine
1st – Tehani Perkins, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Cassandra Kanoho, Te Vai Ura Nui
3rd – Jaysha Pavao, Toa Here
Tamaroa
1st – Koari`i Atkinson-Siola, Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Daylan Kalai, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Tobee Kahaola Lee, Polynesian Paradise
14 – 17 years old
Vahine
1st – Naomi Baldemero, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Kelsye Curry, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Ryanne Richardson, Toa Here
Tane
1st – Jason Johnson, Toa Here
18 – 20 years old
Vahine
1st – Raynette Rezentes, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Mahealani Ramos, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Amanda Caban, Merahi o Tapiti
21 – 24 years old
Vahine
1st – Cassie Pira, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Amanda Gutierrez, Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Lilinoe Atkinson, Polynesian Paradise
Tane
1st – Quinten Vea, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Olin Caba, Merahi o Tapiti
25 – 34 years old
Vahine
1st – Kuualoha Kekuaniela, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Keaukaha Carveiro, Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Jamie Ganzagan, Toa Here
Tane
1st – John Anduha, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Aaron Olivarez, Polynesian Paradise
35 – 40 years old
Vahine
1st – Tanya Andrews, Toa Here
2nd – Debi Vierra, Toa Here
Tane
1st – Daniel Sherman, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Corey Sibayan, Merahi o Tapiti
40+ years young
Vahine
1st – Romy Salvador, Toa Here
Overall Tamahine Soloist – Tiani Bello, Merahi o Tapiti
Overall Tamaroa Soloist – Koari`i Atkinson-Siola
Overall Vahine Soloist – Naomi Baldemero, Te Vai Ura Nui
Overall Tane Soloist – Daniel Sherman, Te Vai Ura Nui
Group Awards
Tamari`i Groups
Ote`a
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Toa Here
Aparima
1st – Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Toa Here
3rd – Merahi o Tapiti
Best Costume Award:
Polynesian Paradise
Overall Tamari`i Group:
Polynesian Paradise
Junior Groups
Ote`a
1st - Merahi o Tapiti
Aparima
1st - Merahi O Tapiti
`Ahupurotu
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
Drumming
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
Best Costume Award
Merahi o Tapiti
Overall Junior Group
Merahi o Tapiti
Photos courtesy of Mike Wine, Island Tours & Activites
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)