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.

Hura Tahiti results

The 2010 Hura Tahiti just completed activities at the Hope International University campus this past weekend and the dance group Ote'a Api was crowned Overall Group. This is the 6th annual event produced by Alex Tekurio, ra'atira of the award-winning group Hitia O Te Ra.

California groups from Alisa Viejo (Le Polynesia), Castiac (Kalakele), Concord (Da Island Way), Costa Mesa (Tupua), Fremont (Ote'a Api), Huntington Beach (Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands, Te Varua Ori), San Diego (Heali'is Polynesian Revue, Lei Isa), and Walnut Creek (Te Mana O Te Ra), competed this year.

Soloists competed in age categories and split into vahine and tane. In addition to the competition, workshops were also conducted for dance taught by Faimano Tupea of Heikura Nui and drumming taught by Heimanu Tehahe also of Heikura Nui.

Full results of the competition may be found at the Hura Tahiti event website or by visiting our Tahitian Dance database which includes results from many of the past Tahitian dance events that have occurred throughout the country.

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

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.

Hura Tahiti results

The 2009 Hura Tahiti Tahitian dance competition just took place this past weekend. Dance groups and soloists came from the greater California area and competed at the Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. The Southern California event is produced by Alex Tekurio.

Evelyn Bustamante of Da Island Way and Glenn Salonga of Manuia Polynesia were awarded overall vahine and tane soloists, respectively. And the dance group Manuia Polynesia, led by Tommy Tualaulelei, of San Francisco was named the overall group.

Competing groups included Da Island Way, Heali'is Polynesian Revue, Hui Tama Nui, Kaleo O'Nalani, Kawailehua Hula Ohana, Le Polynesia, Lei Isa, Manea Dancers, Manuia Polynesia, Mata'i Rea, Nemenzo, Nonosina, Puahi's Polynesian Dancers, Te Mana O Te Ra, Te Pura O Te Rahura'a, Varua Hae, and several independent dancers.

In addition to being the event producer and leading ra'atira of his own dance group, Hitia O Te Ra, Alex Tekurio is also taking a group to this years Heiva i Tahiti next month. The event is the original Tahitian dance competition that takes place annually in Papeete, Tahiti at Place To'ata.

Here are the results for the 2009 Hura Tahiti:

Soloist Awards

Age 5-7 Tamahine
1. Hope Fiaseu of Nonosina
2. Melia Timo of Nonosina
3. Kealani Rivera of Nonosina

Age 5-7 Tamaroa
1. Kobe Keoni Johnson-Dulay of Nemenzo
2. David Cordy - Independent
3. Dean Serrano of Lei Isa

Age 8-10 Tamahine
1. Lorie Pamatmat of Da Island Way
2. Fiona O'Neil of Te Pura O Te Rahura'a
3. Leilani Sabit of Te Pura O Te Rahura'a

Age 8-10 Tamaroa
1. Arik Gaoay of Nonosina
2. Yuaki Goto of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Joshua Bennett of Nonosina

Age 11-13 Vahine
1. Juliet Basnett - Independent
2. Melanie-Marie Amen of Mata'i Rea
3. Sammy McClymonds - Independent

Age 14-17 Vahine
1. Tabitha Tabbert of Lei Isa
2. Stephanie Efnor of Nonosina
3. Tessalonia Ambrose of Hui Tama Nui

Age 14-17 Tane
1. JB Almogela of Kawailehua Hula Ohana
2. Anthony Petersen of Nemenzo
3. Jerrod Meneses of Manuia Polynesia

Age 18-21 Vahine
1. Jena Doiron of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
2. Fa'anofo Laupepa of Nonosina
3. Christina Wood of Nemenzo

Age 18-21 Tane
1. Jordan Lilii of Nonosina
2. Ryan Samn of Nemenzo
3. Scott Arpen of Varua Hae

Age 22-25 Vahine
1. Heali'i O Nalani Stanley of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
2. Shanna Pineda of Te Pura O Te Rahura'a
3. Lizzy Gutierrez of Manea Dancers

Age 22-25 Tane
1. Glenn Salonga of Manuia Polynesia
2. Sonny Shwe of Nemenzo
3. John Depala of Varua Hae

Age 26-30 Vahine
1. Evlyn Bustamante of Da Island Way
2. Colie Amen of Mata'i Rea
3. Desiree Woodward-Lee of Nemenzo

Age 31-35 Vahine
1. Saua Case of Lei Isa
2. Maok Sako of Le Polynesia
3. Tania Riss of Manuia Polynesia

Age 31-35 Tane
1. Dean Silvestre of Lei Isa

Age 36+ Vahine
1. Sheila Keikilani of Le Polynesia
2. Leandra Thompson of Nemenzo
3. Michelle Swanson of Puahi's Polynesian Dancers

Overall Vahine
Evlyn Bustamante of Da Island Way

Overall Tane
Glenn Salonga of Manuia Polynesia


Group Awards

Ote'a
1. Nemenzo
2. Manuia Polynesia
3. Le Polynesia

Aparima
1. Manuia Polynesia
2. Nemenzo
3. Le Polynesia

Orero
Le Polynesia

Best Ra'atira
Le Polynesia

Best Costume
Manuia Polynesia

Overall Group
Manuia Polynesia

Music
1. Te Mana O Te Ra
2. Manuia Polynesia
3. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a

Drumming
1. Nemenzo
2. Le Polynesia
3. Manuia Polynesia

Ahupurotu
1. Te Mana O Te Ra
2. Manuia Polynesia
3. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a

Tamari'i Ote'a
1. Le Polynesia
2. Manuia Polynesia

Tamari'i Aparima
1. Le Polynesia

Tamari'i Ahupurotu
1. Le Polynesia
2. Kaleo O'Nalani

Second sponsor hotel for Hura Tahiti announced

Just when you thought there was going to be a great deal for a Hura Tahiti 2009 hotel stay, it just got better. Hura Tahiti producer Alex Tekurio announced that a second sponsor hotel is now available to book for groups and individual parties. A special Hura Tahiti $89 rate is now available at the Fullerton Marriott at California State University. The rate is good when you call in to make the reservation at 714 738-7800. Be sure to mention "Hura Tahiti" when calling. Even better is that the hotel is within walking distance of the event, just a 3 minute walk.

Hura Tahiti 2009, a Tahitian dance soloist and group competition, will take place June 19-20, 2009 at the Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. For more information, visit their website.

Special hotel rate for Hura Tahiti

As the sponsoring hotel, the Residence Inn Anaheim Placentia/Fullerton is offering a special Hura Tahiti rate of $109 per day. Mention HURA TAHITI when you make your reservation.

"Disneyland is only six miles away, and Knotts Berry Farm just beyond. Also within easy access to this Anaheim, CA hotel are the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, California State University in Fullerton and the antiquing capitol of Southern California, the City of Orange."

The fifth annual Hura Tahiti is a Tahitian dance competition being held June 19-20, 2009 at the Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. Both group and soloists will compete for awards. Tickets for the event are $15 (11 yrs and up) and $10 for children (5-10 yrs). For more information, contact event producer Alex Tekurio at (714) 537-7478 or email him at hitiaotera@aol.com

Hura Tahiti 2009 date change

The 2009 Tahitian dance calendar is full of events. Hura Tahiti, a major event this summer, is making an expected date adjustment. Instead of the July 4th weekend, the event is bumping up to June 19-20, 2009. Activities will take place at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

Producer Alex Tekurio recently made the change after consulting with his staff and reviewing other scheduling activities of the organization. With a long awaited trip to Tahiti planned later for his own acclaimed dance group, Hitia O Te Ra, the summer is shaping up to be very busy.

More details about the event are due to be posted on the official Hura Tahiti website shortly. Applications are available for download and are due by March 17th. Contact them directly at (714) 537-7478 or email them at hitiaotera@aol.com for any questions.

Hura Tahiti 2009 update

The fourth of July will be filled with more than fireworks in Southern California. Get ready for the 5th Annual Hura Tahiti. Activities will be taking place July 3-4, 2009 in Cerritos, California.

If you have a chance, check out the new look of the website with downloadable information, applications, and upcoming details. Alex Tekurio, Ra'atira of the acclaimed dance group Hitia O Te Ra, organizes the event each year along with the support and assistance of many in the Tahitian dance community.

Check back as more details become available. Deadline for turning in the "intent to enter" application is March, 17, 2009. Don't wait. Reserve your group today.

5th Annual Hura Tahiti dates announced

Organizer, Alex Tekurio just announced the dates for next years event. The 5th annual Hura Tahiti event will take place over the July 4th weekend, July 3-4, 2009 at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

Tahitian dance, music, arts and crafts will again be featured to share, preserve and promote the culture. Details are being worked out as we write. Group and solo applications are available online on their website. Tentative due date for all applications is March 17, 2009.

Visit the official site for the latest information and news.

Varua Tahiti E claims Hura Tahiti Title

The competition just keeps getting better and better. That can be said of every group that attended this years' Hura Tahiti event. The heiva, hosted by the Tahitian dance group Hitia O Te Ra and Ra'atira Alex Tekurio is now in its 4th year. Event activities took place at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

This year saw Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, Utah claiming the top award in the junior division (Hura Ava Tau) by placing first in both Aparima and Otea. They also received a special recognition for having the best Ra'atira as well.

Overall Hura Tau (Senior Division) honors went to Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, California led by Torea King. The group also was awarded the best costume award.

Final results for the group competition are below:

Hura Ava Tau (Junior Division)

Group Aparima
1. Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
2. Varua Hae of Huntington Beach, CA
3. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA

Group Otea
1. Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
2. Varua Hae of Huntington Beach, CA
3. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA

Group Overall
1. Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
2. Varua Hae of Huntington Beach, CA
3. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA


Hura Tau (Senior Division)

Group Aparima
1. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA
2. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA

Group Otea
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA

Group Ahupurotu
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA
3. Kanamu Dance Company of South Jordan, UT

Group Music
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA
3. Healii's Polynesian Revue of San Diego, CA

Group Drumming
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA
3. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA

Best Ra'atira
Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT

Best Costume
Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA

Hura Ava Tau Overall
Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT

Hura Tau Overall
Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA

Hura Tahiti 2008 solo results

Hosted by the premier Tahitian dance group, Hitia O Te Ra, the Tahitian dance competition Hura Tahiti took place the last weekend of July at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

Soloists and groups from California and Utah competed. In the end the overall soloist awards went to Justin "Froggie" Atthgan of Nemenzo who is no stranger to winning titles after winning the overall award at the Heiva i Honolulu earlier this year among others. Jeannie Case of Nonosina impressed the judges and audience alike by taking the overall vahine award. Video highlights of her performance may be found at YouTube.

Here are the results of the Hura Tahiti 2008 solo competition.

Tamahine 8-10
1. Sammy McClymonds - Independent
2. Dulce Gutierrez of APPA
3. Julie Basnett - Independent

Tamaroa 8-10
1. Arik Gaoay of Nonosina
2. Yuaki Goto of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Joshua Bennett of Nonosina

Taure'area'a Vahine 11-13
1. Jonel Perez of Nemenzo
2. Kanani Salonius of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Lily Nethington of Nonosina

Taure'area'a Tane 11-13
1. Garrison Kealoha Sudario of Nonosina
2. Ka'uka'uwaole Stanley of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Keoni Kanoa of Heali'is Polynesian Revue

Taure'area'a Vahine 14-17
1. Stefanie Efnor of Tausala
2. Tabitha Tabbert of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Victoria Goodrich of Varua Tahiti E

Taure'area'a Tane 14-17
1. Jordan Seanoa of Tupua
2. Nekoa Utai of Tupua
3. Noke Rimal of Kanamu Dance Company

Vahine 18-21
1. Lauren Macaraeg of Nonosina
2. Caroline Oh of Varua Tahiti E
3. Leolani Gallardo of Nonosina

Tane 18-21
1. Justin "Froggie" Atthgan of Nemenzo
2. Cameron Garcitos of Nonosina
3. Ryan Samn of Nemenzo

Vahine 22-26
1. Jeannie Case of Nonosina
2. Lizzy Gutierrez of Manea
3. Michelle Baker of Nemenzo

Tane 22-26
1. Sonny Shwe of Nemenzo
2. Otis of Tago Le Pasefika
3. Alvin Tapa of Tausala

Vahine 27-35
1. Desiree Woodward-Lee of Nemenzo
2. Julia Gore of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Melody Seanoa of Tupua

Tane 27-35
1. Sonny Ganaden of Te Hura

Vahine 36+
1. Arleen Marcelo of Otea Api
2. Angela Villanueva of Te Hura
3. Leanne Johnston of Lokelani's Rhythm of the Island

Tane 36+
1. Tupua Seanoa of Tupua
2. Rey Manalac of Nemenzo
3. Jamel Dulolulao of Tupua

Overall Tane
Justin "Froggie" Atthgan of Nemenzo

Overall Vahine
Jeannie Case of Nonosina

Group results will be posted shortly.

Hura Tahiti 2008 revving up

In Garden Grove and Fullerton, California, organizers of Hura Tahiti 2008 are readying for the workshops and competition. The 4th annual Hura Tahiti competition will held July 24th, 25th and 26th at the Hope International University in Fullerton. General admission to the event is $15 per day.

This year, 4 premier Tahitian dance instructors are conducting workshops. Coco Hotahota, Roiti Sylva, Erena Mapuhi and Malia Tafua will be sharing their expertise and experience. Tahitian Otea workshop will be conducted by Coco Hotahota. Aparima and Kapa workshop will be conducted by Roiti Sylva. Both workshops will be held at sponsoring Marriott Fullerton on July 24th starting at 7pm.

Erena Mapuhi and Malia Tafua will be conducting the Basic Tahitian Dance Steps workshop a day before on July 23rd at the Hitia O Te Ra Studio in Garden Grove. Workshops will begin at 7pm.

Hosting group, Hitia O Te Ra will be conducting a Tahitian drumming workshop on July 24th, 7pm at their studio. Group leader Alex Tekurio will be instructing.

For more information, tickets and downloadable forms, visit their websites at www.huratahiti.com and www.hitiaotera.com

2008 Hura Tahiti

Cerritos, California will once again transform into a Tahitian cultural paradise July 25-26, 2008 for the 4th Annual Hura Tahiti competition. Dance groups througout California, Hawaii, and the mainland will participate in group, solo and drumming competitions. Event organizer, Alex Tekurio announced "there will be 2 groups from Tahiti that will participate in our Hura Tahiti and we will have 2 categories for groups – professional and amateur."

More details, applications, and ticket information will be posted as it becomes available.

For a complete list of up-to-date information on Heiva & Tahiti Fete and Tahitian dance groups throughout the nation, visit our website.

Heiva - Tahiti Fete Updates

Heiva for later this year and 2008 are shaping up. The Fete in Orlando, Florida - Tamarii Tahiti Fete has updated their website and announced the 2008 event date. Reserve April 2, 2008. The event is expanding to include all ages. What better excuse to hit Walt Disney World than to take your group to the event. Contact Evelyn or Isitolo Oloa for more information. They have also updated their gallery and added 2008 entry forms.

Back over in Hawaii, the Manutahi Tahiti event has moved location to Maui. More details to be announced shortly.

The next Heiva this year will be at Cerritos, California – The Hura Tahiti Tahitian Dance Competition. The event will take place July 13-14. The Tahitian dance workshop features Roiti Tahauri Sylva and Coco Hotahota, grand master of Tahitian dance. Drumming workshops feature Alex Tekurio. See their website for more details.

2007 Tahiti Fete and Heiva

With more and more Tahitian culture, dance and music events making their way to locations throughout the US, comes more need to let the community know of the events. We're looking to provide a service that will prove to be informative and useful. The US will see 15 events spread throughout the country this year. Many events will occur in French Polynesia and at least 2 in Japan. Many of the events are advising us of news regarding their events and we have links to their websites if available.

The Hura Tahiti event occuring in July, for instance, has advised us of new information for vendors and participants. Check out their website for more details. Links to all fete and heiva are listed on our website.