Tarena Tahiti & Te Aranui O Tahiti

Skyline College of San Bruno, California is the new home for Tarena Tahiti and Te Aranui O Tahiti. Tarena Tahiti (Tahitian calendar) is a solo, drumming and costume competition produced by Elizabeth Bertumen and the award-winning group Nemenzo. Following Tarena Tahiti is Te Aranui O Tahiti, a group exhibition event featuring performances uninhibited by the pressures of the modern day competitions.

Both events will be taking place on Memorial Day weekend, May 29-30, 2010 at the Skyline College Main Theater. Tickets are available for $15 (Tarena Tahiti), and $10 per hourly show (Te Arenui O Tahiti).

The judges for Tarena Tahiti this year are:

Aaron Sencil - Director of the group Hui Tama Nui from Vallejo California in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hui Tama Nui has won numerous awards including Overall Group at Heiva I Reno and San Jose Tahiti Fete. Aaron has received merits for his beautiful costumes and unique and creative presentations. Currently he is also owner and artist selling Polynesian influenced clothing line and accessories, doing business as "Boutiki" and "Dodo Art".

Tiana Liufau - Director of Nonosina Polynesia of Anaheim, California. Nonosina is a world renowned award winning group known for their outstanding presentation in Tahitian Dance and Music Competitions. Predominantly winning 1st and Overall in their competition entries, Nonosina continues to set the trend with their unique and creative style. Their global influence expands from the US to Mexico, Japan and more. They continue to compete and conduct workshops in the US and abroad.

Remy Tekurio - Choreographer and Costumer for Tekurio Nui of Southern California hails from Utah and comes from a family with a long history of Polynesian Dance and Entertainment. He co-hosted Heiva I Orlando along side Roiti Sylva for 3 years. He has danced for PCC for 5 yrs and has judged for Tahitian Competitions in California, Utah and Florida. His next endeavor will be opening his own dance group in Utah.

Te Aranui O Tahiti will feature six groups, Manuia Polynesia (San Francisco), Merahi O Tehani (Union City), Tamali'i (Hayward), Te Orama (Daly City), Tamari'i Mata'irea (Stockton), and Nemenzo (Daly City).

For more information, email tarena_tahiti@yahoo.com, tearanuiotahiti@yahoo.com or call (415) 425-1662.

Kauai Polynesian Festival on track for Memorial Day weekend

It's going to be very busy for Tahitian dance events come this Memorial Day weekend. Four events are taking place. Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV), Tarena Tahiti and Te Arenui O Tahiti (San Bruno, CA), Heiva 'Ai 'Ai (Honolulu, HI), and the Kauai Polynesian Festival (Kapa'a, HI) are all taking place on that same weekend.

If you are heading to Kauai, the 4-day event will kick off with a Polynesian Grand Luau on May 27 at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, followed by the Festival on May 28-30 at the Vidinha Stadium soccer field featuring Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian entertainment, Polynesian arts and crafts, solo and group dance competitions, food booths, workshops, and much more.

Tickets may be purchased online at the event website or at the gate.

Established in 1994, the Kamanawa Foundation is a Kauai-based non-profit organization. Its mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture, including the language, social values, arts, crafts and music, primarily through the study of hula. The Kamanawa Foundation hosts three annual events that highlight hula and Polynesian performing arts including the Kauai Polynesian Festival, Holiday Hula Celebration, and Kauai Hula Exhibition. The Kamanawa Foundation is led by Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza, Kumu hula of Halau Na Hula o Kaohikukapulani.

More updates about this event and others coming shortly.

Tarena Tahiti 2010 results

Tarena Tahiti 2010 was highlighted with entries from 13 dance groups. Activities took place at the San Francisco State University Gym on Saturday, April 18, 2009. The event features a costume and solo dance competition. Costumes are required to be made of natural materials where creativity and authenticity are judged by 3 of the Tahitian dance community's most respected members - Roiti Sylva, dance master and Tahitian cultural advisor, Remy Tekurio director of Tekurio Nui and Tiana Liufau, director of Nonosina of Anaheim, California.

Unique to this event is the tie-in to a calendar production. Each of the placing soloists will be featured on a 2010 calendar. Three calendars will be produced, one for the Tamari'i division, Junior and Adult divisions as well, and will be available later this year to purchase. The covers will feature the top dancer in each division.

The Tane and Vahine Overall Winners, Anthony Santa-Iglesia of Manuia Polynesia and Colie Amen of Tamari’i Mata’irea won roundtrip tickets to Honolulu, Hawaii. Event producer Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen announced that the two dancers will be representing Tarena Tahiti, San Francisco at the first Tarena Tahiti 2011, Honolulu next year, earmarked in August 2010.

Here are the Tarena Tahiti 2010 results:

Overall Tane
Anthony Santa-Iglesia of Manuia Polynesia

Overall Vahine
Colie Amen of Tamari'i Mata'irea

Best Tane Costume
Anthony Santa-Iglesia of Manuia Polynesia

Best Vahine Costume
Angelica Ambrose of Hui Tama Nui

Tamarii Division - Vahine
1. Melanie-Marie Amen (Cover) of Tamari'i Mata'irea
2. Julia Chan of Nemenzo
3. Kiana Mabry of Hui O' Hawaii of Sacramento
4. Azaiah Edpao of Tiare O Te Ao
5. Ariel Zipagan of Nemenzo
6. Alyssa Petersen of Nemenzo
7. Abby Manalac of Nemenzo
8. Jorden Chaban of Manuia Polynesia
9. Cara Mia Kricken - Independent
10. Tia Samn of Nemenzo
11. Chelsea Sahami of Nemenzo
12. Shi-Lin Montes of Manuia Polynesia

Tamarii Division - Tane
1. Jonacy Montero of Nemenzo
2. Matthew Berrios of Hui Tama Nui
3. Kobe Johnson-Dulay of Nemenzo
4. Nikko Nunez of Makamae Melia O Polynesia

Junior Division - Vahine
1. Heiti Schofield (Cover) of Teoraroa Otea
2. Chelsea Tanaka of Teoraroa Otea
3. Tessa Satele-Ambrose of Hui Tama Nui
4. Melanee Tano of Makamae Melia O Polynesia
5. Serena Dailey-Tumakay of Nemenzo
6. Katelyn Salvador of Teoraroa Otea
7. Cayla Steen of Varua Hae
8. Kayla Fontanilla of Nemenzo
9. Amanda Kamai of Tamali'i
10. Stephanie Sperry of Varua Hae
11. Monique Somera of Tiare O Te Ao
12. Bernadette Tuazon of Nemenzo

Junior Division - Tane
1. Jerrod Meneses of Manuia Polynesia
2. Lorenzo Nunez of Makamae Melia O Polynesia
3. Shawn Ballard of Merahi O Tehani

Adult Division - Vahine
1. Colie Amen (Cover) of Tamari'i Mata'irea
2. Angelica Ambrose of Hui Tama Nui
3. Desiree Woodward-Lee of Nemenzo
4. Jansine Joy Green of Manuia Polynesia
5. Chanel Calipes of Nemenzo
6. Sarah Niualiku of Tiare O Te Ao
7. Leialoha Hutchinson of Varua Hae
8. Tanisha Reshke of Hui O' Hawaii of Sacramento
9. Marika D'bayan of Varua Hae
10. Louise Gomez of Varua Hae
11. Selina Vakalahi of Tamali'i
12. Crystal Zapata of Nemenzo

Adult Division - Tane
1. Anthony Santa-Iglesia of Manuia Polynesia
2. Ryan Samn of Nemenzo
3. Joshua Mercado of Varua Hae
4. John De Pala of Varua Hae
5. Charles Cuadro of Varua Hae
6. Dean Sormillion of Varua Hae

Tarena Tahiti summary

A letter from Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen,
producer of Tarena Tahiti

This year’s Tarena Tahiti 2010 Costume and Solo Competition held at San Francisco State University Gym had a buzz of excitement with entries from 13 groups. The pageantry of the Parade of Costumes varied from simple dramatic designs to elaborate intricate masterpieces, all made of natural materials. Entries were as young as 6 yrs to adult. The Ori Tahiti (Solo) portion energized the entire event.

The collaboration of Nemenzo and Tamari’i Mata’irea as Tarena house drummers provided the soloists a variety of beats to dance to. Judging was not an easy feat. This responsibility fell on our 3 judges; Roiti Sylva, dance master and Tahitian cultural advisor, Remy Tekurio director of Tekurio Nui and Tiana Liufau, director of Nonosina of Anaheim, California.

Complimenting the festivities were local artisans and vendors from Las Vegas and Hawaii. The Tane and Vahine Overall Winners, Anthony Santa-Iglesia of Manuia Polyneisa and Colie Amen of Tamari’i Mata’irea won roundtrip tickets to Honolulu, Hawaii to enter representing Tarena Tahiti, San Francisco at the first Tarena Tahiti 2011, Honolulu next year, earmarked in August 2010. It would not of been complete without the talents and participation from the following groups:

Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, California
Makamae Melia ‘O Polynesia of Sacramento, California
Hui O Hawaii of Sacramento, California
Merahi O Tehani of Union City, California
Varua Hae of Bellflower, California
Nemenzo of San Francisco/Daly City, California
Manuia Polynesia of Daly City, California
Anapa Nui of Lodi, California
Tamarii Mata’irea of Stockton, California
Te Oraroa Otea of Hayward, California
Tiare O Te Ao of Hercules, California
Tamalii of Hayward, California
Kawailehua Hula Ohana of Milpitas, California

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

Te Aranui O Tahiti (Tahitian Festival) & Tarena Tahiti at SFSU

Ia Orana and Greetings,

This year's Tahitian Festival, "Te Aranui O Tahiti" will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at the San Francisco State University Gym.

The weekend will also host the Tarena Tahiti 2010 (Tahitian Calendar) event on Saturday, April 18, 2009. It will be fun-filled weekend full of festivities, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Activities will take place indoors as well as outdoors, on the courtyard and lawn with Polynesian artisans showcasing their unique and beautiful crafts.

TE ARANUI O TAHITI (Route to Tahiti)- www.myspace.com/tearanuiotahiti
This is the 3rd year for Te Aranui and for those not familiar with the event it is a day full of group exhibitions (not a competition). Each blocked presention features a minimum of 2 groups each with a 30-minute program. It is also an incentive fundraiser for groups (directors of each group will receive the details). This unique event allows the audience to view and select the group of their choice rather than buying a ticket for the entire day. Specific entry/tickets will be alloted for the blocked presentations for a $10 general admission fee. Consider it as if you were watching a movie and you decide which one you want to view. After each presentation, the gym will be cleared and preparation will be in order for the next program. The only criteria is for the entire program to be Tahitian dance and music.

TARENA TAHITI (Tahitian Calendar)-www.tarenatahiti.com
Tarena Tahiti is the Tahitian Calendar. It is a costume and solo dance competition. This year it will take place on Saturday, April 18th at the San Francisco State University Gym. Details can be viewed at www.tarenatahiti.com and any inquiries can be directed to info@tarenatahiti.com. Updated forms will be posted soon for 2010 calendar along with rules and instructions.

Event schedule and program will be posted/sent for those interested in participating in group exhibition and solo dance/costume competition. We invite you/group to be a participant if not watch and enjoy the many talents who share the beauty and intrigue of the Tahitian culture.

Mauruuru roa,
Elizabeth Bertumen, Producer

Tarena Tahiti update

Elizabeth Bertumen, organizer of Tarena Tahiti, has announced that the Tarena Tahiti annual event is merging with the other Tahitian dance event that she produces each year - Te Aranui O Tahiti. Tarena Tahiti is a soloist competition that has taken place in Daly City, CA for the past several years.

In moving the event, it allows for a both a soloist and group format. Te Aranui O Tahiti is a group event taking place in San Francisco, CA at the San Francisco State University Gymnasium. Next year's combined event will take place April 25-26, 2009. The event also features workshops conducted by leading Tahitian dance, music and drumming instructors Roiti Sylva and Coco Hotahota.

Elizabeth explains:

"Te Aranui O Tahiti is a non-competitive Tahitian Festival for groups to exhibit their dance and music dedicated exclusively to the Tahitian culture. The structure of the festival is rather unique. Usually, in competitions groups performed continuously (except for lunch) the whole day (8 hours or more). Friends and family all come to enjoy the festivities but mainly to support and watch their favorite group(s). To do this, they have to sometimes sit all day just to watch their group. Te Aranui O Tahiti was designed similiar to watching your favorite movie. A designated hour is dedicated to 2 groups each performing a 30 minute program."

She goes on to explain that "...people can just buy tickets for the specific group they want to watch. It really is less stressful for everyone and of course people can choose to watch as many groups they want but at least does not have to sit through the whole day waiting. You have a more appreciative audience when they come to specifically to enjoy their group of choice."

It's this attention to detail that has allowed this event to grow and led to the decision to combine the events, now being able to complement both group and solo entries.

"Tarena Tahiti is a competition. It works 2-fold (Costume & Solo Competition). It is a costume competition (Parade of Costumes) where dancers display their choice of costume (no dancing), formal or informal a la Tahitienne. There is no limitation on creativity which makes for some fantastic results."

"The second part is solo dance (Ori) where not only is their costume evaluated but their dance skills as well. In essence, it is a complete package in that not only can you dance but also have a creative/personal style in dress. Tarena Tahiti (Tahitian Calendar) has 12 winners for representing the months of the year with the highest one scored in Costume and Solo Dance is the Cover and 1st place winner. Tarena is divided into 3 editions: Tamarii (Children 5-12 yrs), Junior (13-17 yrs), Adult (18 yrs +) each with 12 winners. This gives allowance to more dancers getting their rightful recognition rather than limiting it to just 1st, 2nd & 3rd."

"Te Aranui O Tahiti is an excellent venue for groups to exhibit performers of all levels from beginners to advance without being judged. It is one of the few venues where groups can congregate freely in a non-competitive environment."

Check back later for more updates as this event announces more information.

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.

Tarena Tahiti 2008 update

Get ready for more shaking. San Francisco State University is the site of Tarena Tahiti 2008. The event will be held on Sept. 15, 2007 and will feature a full day of festivities starting at 9:00 am. Tarena Tahiti is known for it's vibrant solo dance and costume competition.

Advance tickets are available for $20. At the door, tickets are $25. For more information or to purchase, go to the website, call 415-425-1662 or email Tarena_Tahiti@yahoo.com.

For more information on Tahitian dance events, go to our website for a directory featuring all the events and participating Tahitian dance groups throughout the nation.

Tarena Tahiti gearing up for competition

Tarena Tahiti, the Tahitian heiva based in Daly City has announced its confirmed date of September 15, 2007. The event will take place at San Francisco State University. Organizers are excited to see the interest it is gaining from the internet. More information to come as it becomes available.

This event is known for its colorful and sometimes exotic costumes. The event features a solo competition for both men and women. In the past many have been chosen to be featured in a calendar produced by the event. For tickets and participation inquiries, contact Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen.

And if you are looking for ideas for Tahitian costumes, take a look at the extensive gallery on the Tarena Tahiti website.