Heiva calendar updates for 2012

It's been a few months since we've posted any updates on the blog but we were a little busy trying to get our new Tahitian dance database up and running. It's almost there for Phase I and it has updated group information as much as we have been able to gather. We are specifically looking for dance groups that dance Tahitian. In the future we may expand, but for now, we are staying focused on Tahiti.

Along with the dance group directory, we have the Tahitian Heiva events calendar. As with everything on the new site, things are in a work in progress. We are working to make it more accessible for dance group leaders and event producers. In addition, we are working on a new awards area. It will be searchable and clickable to allow for multiple ways of accessing the information.

So if you are looking for a calendar of events for next year, look no further, we are continually working with event producers and have the most up-to-date information available. Check back often for updates or sign up for updates via Twitter, Facebook or RSS feed.

Events that have updated 2012 dates include Heiva i Honolulu, Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete , Hura Tahiti, Tahiti Fete of San Jose, Heiva i Kauai, Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas and Ori Tahiti Las Vegas, to name a few.

More to come on our new website for Tahitian dance.

Oh, by the way... it's

www.ipolynesia.com

Check it out and look for more information about its official debut coming soon.

Heiva i Tahiti 2011

Heiva i Tahiti 2011 activities have already started in Tahiti this year. Amateur dance groups have held exhibition performances as the heralded Toata Place in Papeete starting last week. The annual event brings together some of the best from all parts of French Polynesia. Activities not only include traditional Tahitian dance, or ori Tahiti, but also drumming, sport including canoe, or va'a, racing and for the first time, the Miss Tahiti pageant.

The official grand opening will take place this evening at the Conservatoire Artistique de Polyésie Française. This will be followed by the Miss Tahiti pageant next Friday evening, June 24. The current reigning Miss Tahiti, Lucie Poehere Wilson, hails from Laie, Hawaii and has been a consistent award winning dancer at many of the heiva in the US. She will hand over the crown to the 51st Miss Heiva from a field of 16 young women competing this year.

From there, starting July 1st, the Heiva i Tahiti Va'a first round race will start from Papeete Harbor. Races will continue the following day and on the 7th, 8th, 9th and 14th. Traditional athletic events will take place starting the 14th and include javelin throwing, stone lifting, copra (coconut) husking, fruit carrying racing, boat racing, and coconut tree climbing.

Traditional dance, music and drumming competitions will occur throughout the month starting Friday July 1 with an exhibition Fireknife spectacular. The song competition will start off with two groups competing in the evening - Tamarii Hautimatea and Vaihoataua. And in the Hura Tau dance category NONAHERE, who last competed in 2008, will again compete and looks to repeat for a 3rd crown in the last 5 years.  The group is led by Matani Kainuku and is based in Mahina.

Returning title holder, FARE IHI NO HUAHINE, under the direction of Paul Tehare, will be the final performing dance group of the festivities. The awards will be given out the following week on Thursday, July 21 and a special encore performance by the new title holder and other award winners will take place the following evening.

Here's the schedule for the dance groups:

Friday, July 1
NONAHERE (Hura Tau)

Saturday, July 2
ORA PAPEETE TO'U PARE (Hura Ava Tau)
MANAHAU (Hura Tau)

Thursday, July 7
HITITAU (Hura Ava Tau)
AHUTORU NUI  (Hura Tau)

Friday, July 8
HANATIKA (Hura Ava Tau)
TAMARII PAPARA (Hura Tau)  

Saturday, July 9
TE UI NO PARE NUI (Hura Ava Tau)
TOAKURA (Hura Tau)

Friday, July 15
PUPU TUHAA PAE (Hura Ava Tau)
TAHITI ORA (Hura Tau)


Saturday, July 16
TAMARII PUNAAUIA (Hura Ava Tau)
FARE IHI NO HUAHINE (Hura Tau)

Thursday, July 21
Awards Presentation

Friday, July 22
NIGHT OF THE WINNERS OF HEIVA I TAHITI 2011 

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.

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

Ori Tahiti Dance workshops with Hirohiti Tematahotoa - direct from Tahiti

Announcement letter from Fenty Kaliman,
director of marketing, Mahea Productions and Ka Ua Tuahine

Ia orana,

Direct from Tahiti! THREE Tahitian dance workshops with Hirohiti Tematahotoa. Learn the vibrant and exciting dance of Tahiti with Master Choreographer and Dancer Hirohiti Tematahotoa.

Former director of choreography for the acclaimed Tahitian dance company Orihere Maohi, Hiro was named King of Heiva in 2002 and was featured in the award-winning documentary Black Pearl, by Hoku Uchiyama. He has also choreographed and composed material for KaUaTuahine Polynesian Dance Company. KaUaTuahine has performed Hiro's work in California, Tahiti, and Aotearoa (New Zealand). Hiro has also served as a judge for the 2005 San Jose Tahiti Fete.

Beginning Level - Thursday, July 2, 2009, 7:00 - 10:00PM.
Learn the basics of Tahitian dance and an 'aparima and 'ote'a.

Intermediate and Advanced Level - Thursday, July 9, 2009, 7:00 - 10:00PM.
Instruction in ahuroa and 'ote'a.

Workshop Fee $75. To register for these events, please go to www.brownpapertickets.com

There is limited space available. Register early to reserve your place.

All workshops are held at 729 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710

Notes

Please bring a pareu or sarong. All levels of experience welcomed. Drinks and refreshments will be made available for sale.

PLEASE NO RECORDING DEVICES OF ANY KIND. CD of the music will be made availabel for sale.

:) Fenty Kaliman

for The Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance

www.mahea.com

Phone: 1.510.845.2605

News of the upcoming Tarena Tahiti competition

Letter from Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen, Producer of the Tarena Tahiti and Te Aranui O Tahiti events:

IaOrana Tatou,

We invite you to come and enjoy this year’s Tarena Tahiti for the 2010 Tahitian Calendar. The event is a Costume & Solo Ori Tahiti Competition awarding 12 winners representing the months of the year leading to the coveted 1st Place & Cover. Selection for the Overall Tane & Vahine is from the pool of 1st place winners with the highest combined scores from the Parade of Costume and Ori Tahiti. This unique competition is not limited to just top 3 dancers but 12 winners representing the months of the year for the 3 separate categories (calendar editions) Tamari’i (ages 5‐12 yrs), Junior (13‐17 yrs) and Adult (18yrs + up). Entry fee is $35.

Many talented dancers that may otherwise not be acknowledged have the opportunity to be recognized. By the end of the event, there will be a maximum of 12 Tane & 12 Vahine winners for each of the categories: Tamari’i, Junior and Adult. In addition, a special award will be given for Best Tane & Vahine Costume and a final award for the Overall Tane & Vahine Dancer.

The two‐part series of the event determines the ideal Tahitian Soloist. Opening with the Parade of Costumes, dancers set the tone with innovative Tahitian creations from unique , simple designs to bold originals. It is then followed by the Ori Tahiti (dance) portion completing the qualities of a Tahitian soloist.

Tarena Tahiti will be held, Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the San Francisco State University Gym located at 1600 Holloway Street, San Francisco, Ca. General admission is $15. For your convenience, the campus has a multi level structure with ample parking. SFSU is conveniently located within minutes of all the San Francisco attractions and a short distance from the San Francisco Airport. The festivities continue the following day on Sunday, April 19, 2009 with Te Aranui O Tahiti (Tahitian Festival) featuring hourly group exhibitions at the same SFSU location. Interested groups and information on participating groups and their showtimes visit www.myspace.com/tearanuiotahiti or contact tearanuiotahiti@yahoo.com. Support and watch the group of your choice with a general admission price of $10.

Tarena Tahiti personifies the ideal Tahitian Dancer, their passion, skill and artistry for the culture. It is a festive event with Polynesian artisans showcasing their crafts on the beautiful grounds of the campus. Dancers from all over will enjoy not only the challenges of the competition but also the other attributes of the event, the artisans, vendors and the people who come to share in the excitement and allure of the Tahitian culture.

Mauruuru roa,
Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen, Producer

Ori Tahiti Master Course

The 1st Tahitian Dance Academy "Ori Tahiti Master Course" will be held throughout the month of March 2009 by the "Conservatoire artistique de la Polynésie-Française", presented by the Ministry of Culture of French Polynesia.

The Tahitian dancing "Master Course" allows dancers to go through different stages from beginner to advanced. Dancers will not only be immersed in the "Ori Tahiti" experience, but will also learn the meaning of the Polynesian songs and the different rhythms created with Polynesian instruments.

From March 30-April 3, 2009 dancers will participate in dance practices and lessons, and ukulele, drumming and singing practices. The intensive course will introduce and hone the finer points of the art of Tahitian dance.

Class size is limited to 60 so the sooner you sign up the better. Dancers need to be 16 years old or above. Applications are available online and need to be submitted by the end of February. Course fee is 40,000 cfp (approx. $450 USD) per person. Application fee is 3,000 cfp (approx. $33 USD). Payments are required through bank transfers and account information may be found on the website.

Travel packages including airfare, hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the airport are available. Departure cities include Los Angeles and Honolulu in the US, Paris (France) and Auckland (New Zealand). Air transportation is being provided by Air Tahiti Nui. Accommodations are being provided by the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti. For all other departure cities, refer to your preferred Tahiti destination specialist.

Air Tahiti Nui and the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti are official sponsors along with Tahiti Tourisme and the government of French Polynesia.

And if you are not able to attend the first event, preparations are well under way for the 2nd "Ori Tahiti Master Course" set to take place October 26-30, 2009. Visit the official website for updates and more information.

2008 Tahiti Nui Heiva I Japan

One of the most exciting and rapidly expanding Tahitian dance event is the Heiva I Japan. With local dance groups eagerly joining up to compete, organizers Kenzo Tanaka and Ayumi Sugiyama recently announced the dates for the 3rd Annual Heiva I Japan. Activities will take place August 31, 2008 in Tokyo at the Meilpark Hall Hotel.

As a sister event to Heiva I Honolulu, it builds upon a growing interest in Japan for Tahitian dance. Now in its third year, the event has become an exciting addition to the Tahitian dance competition family.

Ticket information, applications and deadline information are available on the official website. Competition categories include solo and group Ori Tahiti, Ahupurotu, Aparima, Otea and Tamarii (children) and Tupuna (senior). Ori Tahiti soloist Meimi Horiuchi (pictured top left) of the dance group Tiare Heipua and overall soloist Momoko Hoshihara (pictured below left) of Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara will be among other competitors ready to defend their titles. The activities include exhibition performances. Check back often for updates. We're also providing a computer translated version of the Japanese website for those who cannot read Japanese.

For a complete look at all major Tahitian dance events, visit our website, Black Pearl Designs, for the complete list of Heiva and Tahiti Fete.

Tarena Tahiti 2008 results

By guest writer Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen

Just as an overview, the Tarena Tahiti competition is in 2 parts, Part One (Parade of Costumes) and Part Two (Ori Tahiti). For the Costume portion, contestants may choose any costume from formal to informal keeping it in line with the Tahitian theme. The second part is the dance portion and the dancers are evaluated for their total package, costume, creativity, stage presence and skill.

The Best Costume is chosen from the Parade of Costumes and the Ori Tahiti is based on Both the Parade of Costumes and their dance solo.

There is no eliminination process in this competition, rather everyone has their time on stage to present their program. There are (3) calendar editions (1) Tamarii ages 5-12 yrs, (2) Junior ages 13-17 yrs and (3) Adult ages 18 yrs and up).

There are 12 winners for each calendar with the highest score as 1st Place and cover for their age division.

The next award is for Best Costume for Tane & Vahine.

The Overall Tane & Vahine winner is chosen based on the highest combined score amongst all the contestants.

There are many opportunities for dancers to win and be recognized. Tarena Tahiti has been an annual event since 2002. Each year the contestants get more skillful and creative and this year was no exception. Our website will be updated with the winners and beautiful display of costumes. The calendars serve as a memorable piece for all to enjoy throughout the year and the years to come.

Overall Winner
TANE
Sonny Shwe – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA

VAHINE
Kaleialahoaonialani Tanaka – Teoraroa 'Ote'a of Hayward, CA

Best Costume
TANE
Trevor Barata – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA

VAHINE
Kristine Brown – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA

Tamarii Division
VAHINE
1. Devanna Ma'ae – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA (Cover)
2. Katelyn Salvador – Teoraroa 'Ote'a of Hayward, CA
3. Alyssa Petersen – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
4. Ciara Thompson – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
5. Lia Thompson – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
6. Myka Palentinos – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
7. Sydney Huddleston – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
8. Jalailah Lelani Ray – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
9. Jaelen Torres – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
10. Kei'lani Timo – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
11. Melia Timo – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
12. Tia Samn – Independent

TANE
1. Anthony Petersen – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
2. Joshua Garcia – Te Poe O Patitifa of Stockton, CA
3. Joshua Torres – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
4. Gabriel Garner – Tiare O Te Ao of Hercules, CA

Junior Division
VAHINE
1. Kaleialalohaonalani Tanaka – Teoraroa 'Ote'a of Hayward, CA (Cover)
2. Angelique Bannag – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
3. Kalene Tanaka – Teoraroa 'Ote'a of Hayward, CA
4. Keiti Schofield – Teoraroa 'Ote'a of Hayward, CA
5. Serena Tumakay-Dailey – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
6. Jacqueleen Martinez – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
7. Justine Morvice – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
8. Perri Sumbang – Te Orama of Daly City, CA
9. Maya Gutierrez – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
10. Jade Gutierrez – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
11. Melanee Tano – Makamae Melia O'Polynesia of Elk Grove, CA
12. Diamond Pedersen – Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco, CA

TANE
1. Trevor Barata – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
2. Shaun Camarao – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
3. Zak Rayos del Sol – Makamae Melia O'Polynesia of Elk Grove, CA

Adult Division
VAHINE
1. Michelle Baker – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA (Cover)
2. Kristine Brown – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
3. Kirsten Roxas – Te Poe O Patitifa of Stockton, CA
4. Amy Jeanne Kim – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
5. Dora Kim – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
6. Desiree Woodward-Lee – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
7. Natalie Flores – Teoraroa 'Ote'a of Hayward, CA
8. Brittany Bielma – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
9. Julianne Manansala – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
10. Crystal Zapata – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
11. Leolano Gallardo – Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
12. Ruby Riego – Makamae Melia O'Polynesia of Elk Grove, CA

TANE
1. Sonny Shwe – Nemenzo of Daly City, CA

Participating Groups
Hui Tama Nui
Makamae Melia O'Polynesia
Nemenzo
Nonosina
Te Orama
Te Poe O Patitifa
Teoraroa 'Ote'a
Tiare O Te Ao

Judging Panel
Roiti Sylva
Remy Tekurio
Catherine Blankenship
Cindy Cowell

For more information and photos of the event, check the official Tarena Tahiti website.

Heiva I Maui 2007 opening this week

The 10th Annual Tahitian Festival Heiva I Maui will be taking place this weekend from Friday August 10th to Sunday August 12, 2007. Director Lolita Eugenio, along with countless volunteers and ohana, has organized the non-profit event each year. This year will feature a tribute to Tavana.

Friday's activities begin at 6:00 pm with an opening ceremony, the tribute to Tavana, exhibitions and the Mr. & Ms. Heiva I Maui competition. Saturday the doors open at 10:00 am. Solo competition begins and runs through midday. Group competition will begin after the solo competition concludes. Results of both the solo and group competition will be announced at the end of activities. The group competition will include several styles of Tahitian dance or Ori Tahiti. Otea, aparima, ahupurotu and drumming categories will all be judged by a panel of Tahitian dance veterans.

Doors will also open Sunday at 10:00 am. with group competition continuing througout the day. The awards ceremony on Sunday will conclude the event.

Activities will be taking place at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday & Sunday. General admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Senior and children 6-11 yrs $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available at: Das Nutz (Maui Mall), Lahaina Music (West Maui Center), Maui Quilts (Azeka Shopping Center Makai), and Sew Special (Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center).

The event is sponsored by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete, County of Maui and the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

Tamari'i Tahiti Fete

Guest writers Isitolo and Evelyn Oloa,
organizers of the The Tamari'i Tahiti.

Ia Orana!

Thanks for all of the help that you have given us! The Tamari'i Tahiti Fete was very successful bringing in more competitors and spectators than the previous year. We had groups come in from North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania and all across the state of Florida. The competition was tough as all of the soloists raised their standards leaving a tie for first place in the 9-12 age division and only a difference of a few points for the title of 'Overall Perpetual Soloist'. Cheyenne Sky Romanillos took home most trophies including 'Best Costume', but it was Laarni Fronda who claimed her title for the second year in a row as 'Overall Perpetual Soloist' winning with the highest amount of points. This means she can keep the O.P.S. trophy. (If you win this title you are allowed to keep it for a small period of time but it must be returned. You may only keep the trophy if you win the title two years in a row.)

Special appearances were made by the winners of all divisions of the PCC World Fire Knife Dance Championships: Rex Tiumalu (winner of the Pee Wee Division), V.J. Tiumalu (winner of the Intermediate Division), and Mikaele Oloa (2 time champion of the Senior Division and youngest competitor to ever win the title). They were also part of the house drummers.

If you need anymore information, please just let us know. We are having our web designer update the entire website. So, it will have a brand new look and updated information and photos. Thank you again for all of your help!

Maruruuru,
Isitolo and Evelyn Oloa