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.
Dedicated to presenting news, information, photos and resources for events hosting Tahitian Dance & Culture throughout the world.
Showing posts with label tahiti fete of san jose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tahiti fete of san jose. Show all posts
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Tahitian Drums hit the iPhone, iPod and iPad
Two brothers, Aaron and Andrew Llavore, who have partnered to create a new company named Love4Apps, have come up with the first app to tackle the needs of the Tahitian drumming crowd. Tahitian Drums
We're always on the lookout for Polynesian activity on the internet and in the world around us, and more specifically Tahitian activity. A few weeks ago we got an alert via our Facebook page of a new iPhone app that featured Tahitian drumming. We bought it, started playing with it and found that we were in dire need of brushing up on our Tahitian drumming thumb skills. Nevertheless we found it so intriguing that we knew we had to share it with our readers. If you find yourself in the doctors office waiting and waiting... and waiting, or between breaks at work or school, and you are find yourself without your to'ere, this is the app for you.
The Tahitian Drums app (available now on the iTunes store, among the other Apple branded online store outlets) is only $.99 and is a bargain at that. It features 5 distinct to'ere (hollowed out hardwood drum) sample beats and 1 pahu (traditional low key bass) beat. Just pick a comfortable spot to sit down and select the app and you're set. Using both thumbs is recommended. One for the bass and 1 for the toere. The different tones are determined by where you hit the to'ere just as a real toere would typically sound if it was hit in the same area. You can visually see when and where you tap and you can tap both to'ere and pahu at the same time so it realistically portrays what a drummer would do when using both instruments in concert.
Aaron handles the artistic side of the application. He created the layouts, illustrations and handled the audio recording of the instruments as well. His brother Andrew has handled all the technical aspects of designing the app to work on the various platforms, programming and encoding.
We caught up with Aaron recently and had a nice Q&A session with him about his exciting new foray into bringing Tahitian drumming to a whole new world.
First of all, great app and initiative bringing Tahitian drumming to a tech savvy crowd. We're equally excited to just learn that the next update 1.1 is just days away as well.
BPD: Are either of you drummers or dancers yourselves? If so, what group?
Aaron: Yes, I've been a musician/drummer for Kawailehua, based out of San Jose, California for roughly 10 years now. Our group is an active participant in the annual Tahiti Fete of San Jose, as well as Heiva i Maui, and the Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete in Merced.
BPD: What made you decide to make the app?
Aaron: As a fellow Tahitian drummer myself, I'm often itching to play the Tahitian drums and often times, I'm not around a to'ere and pahu (or it's too late in the evening to make a lot of noise). So, I thought the idea of being able to mimic playing the Tahitian drums on your phone would be fun! From my experience, being around other fellow drummers - Tahitian drummers eat, breath, and sleep playing the drums - as it is highly addicting! With this app we hope to offer something to the Polynesian dance community, whether you have any drumming/dancing experience or not. And for the general public, we hope its a new avenue to spread the love of Polynesian dance and music.
BPD: What are the main benefits that you see users getting out of the app?
Aaron: It's just plain fun to play around with!
BPD: Is there plans to have a fa'atete added?
Aaron: Not yet, but I think our next step in a future update would be to add a to'ere piti as well. Then you can get really creative with playing Tahitian beats.
BPD: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and creating this fun and great new tool/instrument.
Aaron: Maru'uru. Glad to be able to share the culture with the iPhone audience.
If you find yourself a little timid or find you need a little inspiration, there will also be a convenient in-app link to the Tahitian Drums YouTube Channel that has a growing selection of demo videos and examples of basic beats that will be available soon. In addition, other new features in the 1.1 update will be including an iPad version, an updated look, and larger playing surfaces to make it easier to play.
And for those of you who haven't taken the leap to the iPhone, not to worry, work is already underway to port the app to Android phones as well. Looking forward to future updates. Sign up for updates on the site or Twitter. For more information about the app and to see some videos about it, visit the Love4Apps website.
We're always on the lookout for Polynesian activity on the internet and in the world around us, and more specifically Tahitian activity. A few weeks ago we got an alert via our Facebook page of a new iPhone app that featured Tahitian drumming. We bought it, started playing with it and found that we were in dire need of brushing up on our Tahitian drumming thumb skills. Nevertheless we found it so intriguing that we knew we had to share it with our readers. If you find yourself in the doctors office waiting and waiting... and waiting, or between breaks at work or school, and you are find yourself without your to'ere, this is the app for you.
Aaron handles the artistic side of the application. He created the layouts, illustrations and handled the audio recording of the instruments as well. His brother Andrew has handled all the technical aspects of designing the app to work on the various platforms, programming and encoding.
We caught up with Aaron recently and had a nice Q&A session with him about his exciting new foray into bringing Tahitian drumming to a whole new world.
First of all, great app and initiative bringing Tahitian drumming to a tech savvy crowd. We're equally excited to just learn that the next update 1.1 is just days away as well.
BPD: Are either of you drummers or dancers yourselves? If so, what group?
Aaron: Yes, I've been a musician/drummer for Kawailehua, based out of San Jose, California for roughly 10 years now. Our group is an active participant in the annual Tahiti Fete of San Jose, as well as Heiva i Maui, and the Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete in Merced.
Aaron: As a fellow Tahitian drummer myself, I'm often itching to play the Tahitian drums and often times, I'm not around a to'ere and pahu (or it's too late in the evening to make a lot of noise). So, I thought the idea of being able to mimic playing the Tahitian drums on your phone would be fun! From my experience, being around other fellow drummers - Tahitian drummers eat, breath, and sleep playing the drums - as it is highly addicting! With this app we hope to offer something to the Polynesian dance community, whether you have any drumming/dancing experience or not. And for the general public, we hope its a new avenue to spread the love of Polynesian dance and music.
BPD: What are the main benefits that you see users getting out of the app?
Aaron: It's just plain fun to play around with!
BPD: Is there plans to have a fa'atete added?
Aaron: Not yet, but I think our next step in a future update would be to add a to'ere piti as well. Then you can get really creative with playing Tahitian beats.
BPD: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and creating this fun and great new tool/instrument.
Aaron: Maru'uru. Glad to be able to share the culture with the iPhone audience.
If you find yourself a little timid or find you need a little inspiration, there will also be a convenient in-app link to the Tahitian Drums YouTube Channel that has a growing selection of demo videos and examples of basic beats that will be available soon. In addition, other new features in the 1.1 update will be including an iPad version, an updated look, and larger playing surfaces to make it easier to play.
And for those of you who haven't taken the leap to the iPhone, not to worry, work is already underway to port the app to Android phones as well. Looking forward to future updates. Sign up for updates on the site or Twitter. For more information about the app and to see some videos about it, visit the Love4Apps website.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Group Results for Tahiti Fete of San Jose
The 2010 Tahiti Fete of San Jose took place over the July 4th weekend at the San Jose State University Campus. The sold out event featured Tahitian dance groups from the greater California area and included dance workshops, drumming workshops, and cultural workshops.Competition occurs in two group categories. Generally Hura Ava Tau groups are any small, new, or amateur group with a minimum of five (5) dancers; has never placed First in any major Heiva competition as a professional group. A Hura Tau group is any established professional or long-time Tahitian dance group with a minimum of five (5) dancers.
Photos of the event courtesy of Chad Makaio. Visit his Facebook page for more photos including the above photo and the current front page feature.
In each group category, are the different competition areas - aparima, ahuroa, ote'a, drumming, music, costume, and ra'atira.
This year, defending title holder, Nonosina placed in many categories including the Ori Rau (modern interpretation) award, but it was Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of South San Francisco and led by ra'atira Marilou Ubaldo that came away with the Overall Hura Tau Group award. The group was the 2008 Hura Ava Tau Overall group and moved up to the Hura Tau level this year. Lake Forest group Le Polynesia, led by Guy Keala and Lori Lei Montgomery was awarded the 2010 Hura Ava Tau group award.
Group Results for the 2010 Tahiti Fete of San Jose
Hura Tau Otea
1 Manuia of Daly City CA
2 Te Pura O Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno CA
Hura Tau Aparima
1 Manuia - Daly City, CA
2 No Te Here o Te Hiroa – Fresno, CA
3 Da Island Way of Concord CA
Hura Tau Ahuroa
1 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
2 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 Manuia of Daly City CA
Tupuna Ahuroa
1 Manuia of Daly City CA
2 Ka Ua Tuahine of Oakland CA
3 Ehulani's Otea of Hayward CA
Hura Ava Tau Otea
1 Tamari’i Mata’irea of Stockton CA
2 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA
3 Makamae Melia o Polynesia of Elk Gove CA
Hura Ava Tau Aparima
1 Tamari’i Mata’irea of Stockton CA
2 Kaleo’Onalani of San Diego CA
3 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA
Hura Ava Tau Ahuroa
1 Tamari’i Maita’irea of Stockton CA
2 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 Here Hau of Hercules CA
Ori Rau Otea
1 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
2 Kaleo’Onalani of San Diego CA
Tamarii Otea
1 Manuia – Daly City CA
2 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno CA
Tamarii Aparima
1 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
2 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
3 Tamari’i Mata’irea of Stockton CA
Hura Tau Drumming
1 Ia Ora o Tahiti Nui of Honolulu HI
2 Nemenzo of Daly City CA
3 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
Hura Tau Music
1 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
2 No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno CA
3 Da Island Way of Concord CA
Hura Ava Tau Drumming
1 LeiIsa of San Diego CA
2 Tamali’i O Lumana’i of Hayward CA
3 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA
Hura Tau Music
1 Tamari’i Maita’irea of Stockton CA
2 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA
3 Makamae Melia o Polynesia of Elk Gove CA
Overall
Hura Tau – Te Pura o Te Rahura’a
Hura Ava Tau – Le Polynesia
Ori Rau - Nonosina
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tahiti Fete of San Jose canceled!
According to the Tahiti Fete of San Jose website, the 2009 event, which was recently scheduled will now not be occurring due to personal health reasons.
We have confirmed this development with Pua Tokumoto, producer of the event. We wish the best in a quick recovery.
We have confirmed this development with Pua Tokumoto, producer of the event. We wish the best in a quick recovery.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tahiti Fete of San Jose 2009 - Hilo on hold
For those of you not expecting an event in San Jose, California in 2009, you'll be pleasantly surprised on new developments just announced by Pua Tokumoto, producer of the Tahiti Fete of San Jose and Tahiti Fete of Hilo. At the recent Hilo event, she quietly announced that a 2009 San Jose event would indeed happen. This is a change from the biannual schedule of the past few years.
The Tahiti Fete of San Jose will indeed take place over the July 4th weekend again - July 3-5, 2009. Events will again take place at the San Jose State University campus. Ticket information, group accommodations, travel packages and more details will be announced when plans are more finalized.
Pua Tokumoto also just announced that the Tahiti Fete of Hilo will be on hold for the time being. Citing the economic down turn and the inability of groups from the mainland to be able to afford the high cost trip, she regretfully decided to suspend having the event. However, she did have hopes for the event to continue as early as 2010.
The Tahiti Fete of San Jose will indeed take place over the July 4th weekend again - July 3-5, 2009. Events will again take place at the San Jose State University campus. Ticket information, group accommodations, travel packages and more details will be announced when plans are more finalized.
Pua Tokumoto also just announced that the Tahiti Fete of Hilo will be on hold for the time being. Citing the economic down turn and the inability of groups from the mainland to be able to afford the high cost trip, she regretfully decided to suspend having the event. However, she did have hopes for the event to continue as early as 2010.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Groups shine at Tahiti Fete of San Jose 2008
As one of the largest Tahitian dance competitions, the Tahiti Fete of San Jose has garnered great interest from dancers and dancers at heart. Producer Pua Tokumoto saw a sold out San Jose State University event center last weekend and full capacity at the nearby 4 hotels. Competition was intense and brought out the best in the participating groups. The event took place July 4-7, 2008. For the first time in the competitions' history, the top award ended in a tie. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco and Vallejo, CA and Nonosina of Anaheim, CA both claimed the top spot.
Without further ado, here are the group results to this years' event:
TAMARI'I DIVISION
Tamari'i 'Ote'a
1. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
2. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
3. Le Polynesia of Lake Forest, CA
Tamari'i Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
2. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
3. Te Pura o Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
Tamari'i Drumming
1. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
HURA AVA TAU (Amateur)
'Otea:
1. Tekurio Nui of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
3. Na Hoku Mai Kanoelani of Stockton, CA
Aparima
1. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
2. Tekurio Nui of Costa Mesa, CA
3. Kaleo'Onalani of San Diego, CA
Ahuroa
1. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
2. Makamae Melia o Polynesia of Elk Grove, CA
3. Tekurio Nui of Costa Mesa, CA
Drumming
1. Tekurio Nui of Costa Mesa, CA
2. E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA
3. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
Music
1. Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
2. E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA
3. Tekurio Nui of Costa Mesa, CA
OVERALL HURA AVA TAU GROUP
Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of Pacifica, CA
HURA TAU (Professional)
'Otea:
1. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
2. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
3. Kawailehua of Fremont, CA
Aparima
1. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
2. Da Island Way of Concord, CA
3. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
Ahuroa
1. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
2. No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno, CA
3. Manuia of Daly City, CA
Drumming
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
3. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
Music
1. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
2. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
3. Da Island Way of Concord, CA
'Ote'a Ori Rau - Contemporary 'Ote'a
1. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
2. Kaleo'Onalani of San Diego, CA
3. Motu'Aina of Danville, CA
Tupuna Ahuroa - Mama Ru'au
1. Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
2. Tamali'i of Hayward, CA
3. Manuia of Daly City, CA
Traditional Costume: Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA
Contemporary Costume: Kaleo'Onalani of San Diego, CA
Ra'atira: Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
OVERALL HURA TAU GROUP: Tie (first time ever!)
Hui Tama Nui of San Francisco & Vallejo, CA & Nonosina of Anaheim, CA
Solo results will be posted once we receive the final list from the event organizers. In the meantime, we'd love to hear the personal stories and insights. Feel free to comment. We've also seen that there are quite a few videos popping up highlighting groups and soloists. Visit YouTube.
For more information, visit the event website.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Calling all Tahitian dance enthusiastic writers
We'd love to keep all our readers up to date all the time. We're looking for roaming reporters to help with keeping up with results and the "story" at the many Tahitian dance events. We receive requests all the time asking about results and we post as many as we can get from event organizers, but sometimes we just can't get the results that we want.
If you are interested in becoming a "roaming reporter" or correspondent, please let us know. Send us a sample of your original written work about Tahitian dance. Approved contributors can receive store credit at our online store - Black Pearl Designs. If your contribution is published, you will receive a writers credit and credit at our online store (to be determined depending on extent of content). Upon approval, submitting writer gives permission for Black Pearl Designs to publish above content on their website and publications.
Email us for details and event reporting needs.
Current reporting needs:
Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete - Merced, CA
Tahiti Fete of San Jose - San Jose, CA
Heiva i Tahiti - Papeete, French Polynesia
Heiva i Reno - Reno, NV
If you are interested in becoming a "roaming reporter" or correspondent, please let us know. Send us a sample of your original written work about Tahitian dance. Approved contributors can receive store credit at our online store - Black Pearl Designs. If your contribution is published, you will receive a writers credit and credit at our online store (to be determined depending on extent of content). Upon approval, submitting writer gives permission for Black Pearl Designs to publish above content on their website and publications.
Email us for details and event reporting needs.
Current reporting needs:
Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete - Merced, CA
Tahiti Fete of San Jose - San Jose, CA
Heiva i Tahiti - Papeete, French Polynesia
Heiva i Reno - Reno, NV
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Schedule for the Tahiti Fete of San Jose
The Tahiti Fete of San Jose is getting ready. Tickets are now available on their website. According to the site, tickets are running $20 per day. Group tickets are available until May 31, 2008.
Activities:
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Solo Eliminations Gateway Ballroom
Double Tree Hotel San Jose 9:00am - 2:00pm
Friday, July 4, 2008
Solo Dance Finals
Ahuroa Group Dances
Tamarii (Children) Group performances
Polynesian Guest Performers
San Jose State University Event Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 5, 2008
"Hura Ava Tau" - Amateur Groups
Drumming & Music Competition
Polynesian Guest Performers
San Jose State University Event Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 6, 2008
"Hura Tau" - Professional Group Dances
Polynesian Guest Performers
Symphony of Drums
Award Ceremonies
San Jose State University Event Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Video Passes are $25 a day or $55 for a Weekend Pass.
The DoubleTree Hotel San Jose is sold-out. The Holiday Inn San Jose (408) 993-1234 is offering a rate of $89 for up to 2 in a room and $99 for up to 4 in a room, two queen beds.
Activities:
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Solo Eliminations Gateway Ballroom
Double Tree Hotel San Jose 9:00am - 2:00pm
Friday, July 4, 2008
Solo Dance Finals
Ahuroa Group Dances
Tamarii (Children) Group performances
Polynesian Guest Performers
San Jose State University Event Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 5, 2008
"Hura Ava Tau" - Amateur Groups
Drumming & Music Competition
Polynesian Guest Performers
San Jose State University Event Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 6, 2008
"Hura Tau" - Professional Group Dances
Polynesian Guest Performers
Symphony of Drums
Award Ceremonies
San Jose State University Event Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Video Passes are $25 a day or $55 for a Weekend Pass.
The DoubleTree Hotel San Jose is sold-out. The Holiday Inn San Jose (408) 993-1234 is offering a rate of $89 for up to 2 in a room and $99 for up to 4 in a room, two queen beds.
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