Tahitian dance heads to the Big Apple for parade

by Alma Damo

Our non-profit Tahitian Dance Group, MANUTAHI, is elated to announce that over 30 members of our ohana consisting of our tamarii, their mothers or aunties, our teenagers and our vahine, is headed to the BIg Apple to represent Hawaii in the 2008 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Throughout the year, our dancers have been working diligently and spent countless hours making their own costumes and learning the choreography to the Tahitian Dance portion of the routine. Training for the dance has been extra excruciating, as the dancers practiced with their heavy more' skirts to ensure that they would be able to handle the 3 mile walk in full costume, and in freezing temperatures.

Jon Riggle, Director of the Polynesian Dance Ensemble of Hawaii, brought together both Hula and Tahitian dancers from all over the state of Hawaii, to spread the Aloha and Polynesian culture to the rest of the nation through the televised syndication of the timeless and traditiona l Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Open Call - Calling all Tahitian dancers

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cultural icon in America and also the unofficial kickoff of the Christmas/Holiday season. Millions of people watch this time honored tradition each year and each year groups from around the country are able to showcase their hometowns, ethnicities and groups.

This year, Manutahi Tahiti, one of Hawaii's leading Tahitian dance groups, led by Ra'atira - Pola Teriipaia, has been invited to perform in the 2009 parade. As much as they'd like to send enough of their dancers, they are looking for more dancers to participate. Dancers from all over Hawaii and as far as Orlando, Florida are participating, so distance isn't necessarily an issue. Fundraising efforts are in full swing, including selling their new 2009 Tahitian dance calendar. Dancers, drummers and musicians interested in participating should contact Pola Teriipaia at (808) 222-4346 or email her for details.

The trip to New York also will involve several performances in and around the Eastern seaboard during the holiday weekend including a performance on the grounds of the White House in Washington DC. It's a great opportunity to showcase the Tahitian dance and culture to a national audience and represent the Tahitian dance community.

Manutahi in 2008 Macy's Parade

Things are going to heat up New York come Thanksgiving day. Manutahi Tahiti, whose reach includes groups on Oahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Texas and Florida, has been invited to participate in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, as a national tradition, has long been considered the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas holiday shopping season and is seen by millions throughout the country.

Fundraising is being done by all branches of their group to cover the costs. Alma Damo, head of Promotions/Marketing announced that "Over 100 of our members, from our group and sister groups combined, will be traveling to the BIG APPLE to nationally televise the beauty and art of Tahitian Dancing."

One of the groups most visible fundraising activities is their recent Tahitian dance calendar. Available at Hawaiiana stores and through the group itself, the calendar features Manutahi Tahiti dancers in action in tropical locales. Call 808 222-4346 or email to get your copy.

Manutahi Tahiti is headed by Pola Teriipaia and headquartered in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She is an accomplished Ori Tahiti dancer, frequent judge at Tahitian dance competitions and comes from a long tradition of Tahitian cultural leaders. Her group consistently places high in Tahitian dance competitions.

Manutahi Tahiti also just announced that their 2nd Tahitian Solo Dance Competition will take place Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Waimea Falls Park. For more details and information, please see their website.