2007 Maori Whakataetae Festival

Though not a Tahitian festival, the Maori Whakataetae Festival is of notable interest. Many of the dancers preparing for the competition are also members of Tahitian dance groups around the North Shore of Oahu. The annual festival is hosted by the Polynesian Cultural Center and will occur October 13. This will mark the 8th year that the event has taken place.

For more information, watch for updates on the event website.

2007 PIFA San Diego photo gallery

The 13th Annual Pacific Islander Festival featured a crowning of a new Miss PIFA 2007, new scholarships and traditional dance performances by many groups from throughout the area. San Diego's Ski Beach in Mission Bay was the venue for activities. Participating groups included Heali'is Polynesian Revue, Kaleo Onalani, Na Pua Ilima O Kehaulani, Samoan Community Council Dancers, Motu Nehenehe, LeiIsa, Kutturan Chamoru Performers, Imahen Taotao Tano and the Tongan Methodist Church.

The nonprofit event is organized annually by the Pacific Islander Festival Association. It is a volunteer based organization made up of members of the San Diego community. They work to help perpetuate the cultures of Polynesia and South Pacific areas including Melanesia and Micronesia.

The new reigning Miss PIFA 2007 is Kristen Paruginog. Kristen is currently attending San Diego State University. She is a young woman who is very personable, goal-oriented and knows what she wants to do in life. With the title also comes a scholarship totalling $3000. The title of Miss PIFA Princess 2007 went to Ricarda LaQuesha Maria “Kekoa” Hawkins, a vibrant member of the local Chamorro community. Kekoa has a passion for design, her family and culture and shows such grace with her presence. Her scholarships award totaled $1850.

The PIFA Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego Scholarship Pageant provides a forum that allows young women to find and embrace who they are, participate in the community and become role models for other young women.

Photos of the event are forthcoming on the PIFA official site gallery. Check back for updates.

International Heiva photos

Here's a new gallery of photos from the International Heiva held this past July. The event was organized by Tahiti Nui International who also puts on the annual Heiva I Honolulu. Event organizers Raymond Mariteragi and Rose Perreira created this new event to take place in Tahiti to showcase and expose groups and dancers from the USA and other areas, to the cultural origins of Ori Tahiti. This event took place in the same venues as the original Heiva I Tahiti.

Plans are already being considered for an event for next year.

New Flickr Gallery

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.

Tamari'i Tahiti Fete 2008 - Orlando, Florida

Event organizers Isitolo Oloa and Evelyn Oloa have advised us of some details about the 3rd Annual Tamarii Tahiti Fete. The competition is to be held at Oak Ridge High School Gymnasium on March 29, 2008. This year, competition will be open to all ages. 2007 overall soloist Laarni Fronda (left) will be defending her title among a wider range of ages and competitors.

Visit the official Tamarii Tahiti Fete of Orlando website for details and information about participating and becoming vendors and sponsors.

Otea 'Api Tahitian dance workshops

If you live in the Fremont, California area, you're in luck. There is an upcoming series of Tahitian dance and drumming workshops being put on by the group Otea 'Api. First up is a basic women's Tahitian dance workshop this Sunday, August 26, 2007 from 10 am to noon. Registration is closed online but you might want to give them a call (510) 657-HULA or email them to see if they can fit you in. Workshop fee is $50.

An advanced co-ed Tahitian dance workshop (at least 6 months minimum experience/knowledge of Tahitian dance recommended) and basic Tahitian drumming workshop are also being offered as well. Classes are open to 13 years and up. For more information and registering, visit their 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.

Videos of Heiva I Maui

Here's a few videos of the 2007 Heiva I Maui competition

Heiva I Maui 2007 group results

Honolulu based Tahitian dance group Here Tama Nui led the way at the 10th annual Heiva I Maui. As the best overall group they took first place in several categories including Ahupurotu, Aparima, Otea and Drumming. Here Tama Nui has performed at the Aloha Tower Marketplace in the past. They've entertained thousands of guests arriving by cruise ship and locals stopping in for dining or shopping.

The event took place last weekend at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium. Led by director Lolita Eugenio, the nonprofit event is sponsored by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete, County of Maui and the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

Event results are being provided by the event organizers. Group results are below. Solo results are being finalized and certified and will be available shortly.

Gracious Ladies
Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, Maui

Sr. Ahupurotu
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, Maui
3. 'Ote'a Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Jr Aparima

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. 'Ote'a Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Sr. Aparima

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Te Mau Merahi of Kihei, Maui

Drumming

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
3. 'Ote'a Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Jr. 'Ote'a
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Sr. 'Ote'a
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, Maui

Combined 'Ote'a

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Te Mau Merahi of Kihei, Maui
3. Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Overall Group Winner
Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu

Results for the 2007 Heiva I Reno

Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA showed why it is a leader in the Tahitian dance community. With strong performances in all categories, the group took 1st place in the overall group competition. All groups participating were able to shine including Nemenzo, Motu'aina, Manava Polynesia and E Honu Iti E.

The Heiva are in full swing with 6 more (not including this weekend's Heiva I Maui) scheduled for 2007. Heiva I Reno, hosted by the Reno Grand Sierra Resort, featured solo and group competition in the resorts' Silver Pavillion. The competition ran from August 3-4, 2007 and featured $2,500 for the dance group grand prize. Entrants competed in otea, aparima, drumming and featured a couples competition. Results for the group and couples categories are posted below. A new photo gallery is now available as well at Gyme Images. Solo results will be posted when they become available.

Couples Competition
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
3. E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA

Group Competition
Ta'ata Pa'ari Overall
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Tamari'i/Jr. Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA



Ta'ata Pa'ari Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. (tie) Motu'aina of Danville, CA
2. (tie) Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Tamari'i/Jr. Otea
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
2. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA

Ta'ata Pa'ari Otea
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Traditional Drumming
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Contemporary Drumming
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Hui Tama Nui also received honors for outstanding costuming, leadership, theme, music and use of the Tahitian language.

Heiva I Kauai competition results and 2008 announcement

Competition results for the Heiva I Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti 2007 have been finalized. The event was held this past weekend August 4-5. Crowds and vendors were treated to premier performances by visiting Oahu group Tamarii A Hiva. Solo standouts included Kauluwehiokekai Oliver (left) from Urahutia (Kauai), Kamuela Nobriga-Ferris of Ilima's Hula Studio (Kauai), Jay Spacek of Manutahi (Oahu), Niccolas Kaneakua of Ori Uuria (Kauai), and Sadie Ka’iulani Schilling of Tamatea Nui (Lanai).

Several groups from Oahu and the outer islands were not able to attend this year due to sold out flights to Kauai during the event. Event organizers are working with transportation issues with the airlines and the upcoming Hawaii Superferry for next years event.

And speaking of next year, Organizers Sally Jo and Tepairu Manea have announced that next years Heiva I Kauai Ia Orana will take place on ...August 2-3, 2008 at the Kapaa Beach Park. Check their official website for upcoming ticket information.

Even with all the other activities going on throughout the island, the event t-shirt sold out. Designed by event organizer Tepairu Manea, the shirt depicts the honu and pays homage to Tahitian and Hawaiian tapa motifs. Vendors at the event were also busy and sales were brisk.

Solo Competition

Vahine Age 4-6
1. Mahealani Farrell of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
2. Kiana Asuncion of Halau Hula o Leilani, Kauai

Tane Age 7-9
1. Jay Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu
2. Troy Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu
3. Kainoa Nobriga-Ferris of Ilima’s Hula Studio, Kauai

Vahine Age 7-9
1. Sadie Ka’iulani Schilling of Tamatea Nui, Lanai
2. Catherine Lessary of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
3. Sophia Rivera of Ilima’s Hula Studio, Kauai

Tane Age 10-12
1. Kamuela Nobriga-Ferris of Ilima’s Hula Studio, Kauai

Vahine Age 10-12
1. Malia Murphy of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
2. (tie) Esther Pasi of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
2. (tie) Tahra-Lee Kaui of Halau Hula o Leilani, Kauai
3. Teresa Huff of Halau Hula o Leilani, Kauai

Vahine Age 13-15
1. Chelsea Clement of Te Ea o te Turama, Oahu
2. Raychelle Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu
3. Alyssa Jeffries of Kaliko Boy Entertainment, Kauai

Vahine Age 16-18
1. Lani Figaroa of Ori Uuria, Kauai
2. Kawahinehaaheo Oliver of Urahutia, Kauai
3. Shayna Obrero – Zablan of Tamatea Nui, Lanai

Tane Age 19-25
1. Niccolas Kaneakua of Ori Uuria, Kauai
2. Dan Kala Oshiro of Kaliko Boy Entertainment, Kauai

Vahine Age 19-25
1 Kauluwehiokekeai Oiver of Urahutia, Kauai

Vahine Age 26-39
1 Iris Farrell of Tamarii a Hiva, Oahu


Overall Junior Tane - Jay Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu

Overall Junior Vahine - Malia Murphy of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu

Overall Senior Tane - Niccolas Kaneakua of Ori Uuria, Kauai

Overall Senior Vahine - Lani Figaroa of Ori Uuria, Kauai

Group Competition

Ahuroa - Tamarii A Hiva

Aparima - Tamarii A Hiva

Otea - Tamarii A Hiva

Drumming - Tamarii A Hiva

Overall - Tamarii A Hiva

Heiva I Kauai competes with Na Pali Challenge

It was a busy weekend for Kauai. Two high profile events sold out flights to the Garden Island. The three major carriers, Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines and Island Air all reported full capacity on flights to and from Kauai during the events. It's too bad that the Hawaii Superferry isn't operating yet. A great opportunity was missed to showcase Hawaii's newest interisland transport.

The Garden Island reports that many of the dancers participating in the Heiva I Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti were also participating in the paddling event as well. The paddling event is larger and possibly siphoned off attendance to Saturdays Heiva activites. “From what we heard, there were several groups who just couldn’t get flights here,” a vendor said. “On Saturday, one girl came running in just as they were announcing her competition because she had just come off a flight here.”

Several of the entertainers and groups that were planning to participate were not able to get to Kauai because of the sold out flights. One person who was able to book a flight was Carol Casil. Casil, visiting from the Big Island, had two of her daughters with her, and was planning to visit the Heiva following the paddling championships. Casil was the founder of the Kauai Tahiti Fete and has been a longtime advocate of Tahitian dance and music competitions before moving to the Big Island.

This year’s Heiva was dedicated to the memory of David Kaneholani, a longtime supporter of the Heiva.

Tepairu Manea, director of Heiva I Kauai, was pleased with the participation and expressed his appreciation to staff, vendors, participants and audience.

More reporting at The Garden Island

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.

Free Admission to Tahiti Fete of Utah 2007

3rd Annual Tahiti Fete of Utah 2007 will be held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (1355 West 3100 South) in West Valley City, Utah ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

The event organizers also announced that the dates of the competition will be Friday and Saturday, October 19th and 20th 2007.

Prominent Tahitian cultural specialist Iona "Papi" Teri'ipaia will be serving as head judge and groups from Utah, California and Hawaii are scheduled to participate.

The event is being sponsored by the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, Utah Community Association for Pacific Islanders(UCAP) and Moki's Hawaiian Grill.

For more information, group and vendor applications, contact event organizers - Utah Community Association for Pacific Islanders. (801) 918-1052 or (801) 953-9877 or email:mtuitama@yahoo.com.

Heiva I Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti announcements

Announcing the 6th annual Heiva I Kauai Iaorana Tahiti, August 4-5, 2007 at Kapaa Beach Park, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. This event is a Tahitian dance competition with solo and group performances and traditional and contemporary Tahitian drumming. The event will also feature multi-cultural exhibition dancing, singing and crafts. Vendors will have an array of items from south and western Pacific islands for sale.

On Friday afternoon, August 3rd, solo dance competitors are to register and pick up their competition numbers between 4 and 6 pm.

Saturday morning, a special tribute to David Kaneholani Sr. will be presented by his family. Gates open at 9 am and solo competition begins at 10:30 am. Solo categories are Ote'a vahine and tane, for junior, senior and master (age 40+) divisions. Group categories include ‘Ote'a, Aparima, Ahuroa, and traditional Tahitian drumming. Group dancing will be on Sunday, August 5th. Sunday will end with solo, group and drumming award presentations.

Festival participants can enjoy a weekend of great Tahitian entertainment, browse through an array of Polynesian arts and crafts, observe and participate in creating Polynesian crafts, savor delicious local foods and win super prizes in the ticket raffle!

Admission is $5 a day at the door. Children age 6 and under are free.

To avoid traffic through Kapaa town, attendees are advised to park at the Kapaa Ball Park near the Armory and walk a short way to the Beach Park.

For more information call 808.822.9447.

Heiva I Kauai set to feature Hawaii Tahitian groups

Heiva I Kauai will take place this Saturday and Sunday at the Kapa'a Beach Park. Gates to the heiva open at 9 am and competition for the Tahitian dance will start at 10 am on both Saturday and Sunday. Events will be interspersed with performances from guest artists including Teva Nui of Huahine, Poa Here of Hilo, Tamarii A Hiwa of Laie, O‘ahu, and Tamatea Nui of Lanai.

Competition events include solo for Ote‘a vahine and tane for junior, senior and master divisions. Group competition categories include Ote‘a, Aparima, Ahuroa and drumming in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Admission to the heiva is $5 and patrons are able to enjoy the competition, exhibitions as well as shop in the craft area that will feature Kaua‘i crafts and vendors as well as a variety of items from south and western Pacific Islands.

In addition to the dance competition and exhibitions, special workshops on Tahitian drumming and dance will be available from 5 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 11 am on Sunday.

The Kauai Garden Island News has more information about what makes this year so special. A touching dedication to a man who supported and nurtured the six year old event. Find out who this special person was.

Heiva I Tahiti 2007 results

This years competition came to a close this past Thursday at Place To'ata in Papeete. Among the spectators were French Polynesia President Gaston Tong and many government officials. A special tribute to past artisans of Tahitian dance and music and founders of the annual event was orchestrated by some of today's prominent dance instructors.

The Complete results of the songs and dances of Heiva I Tahiti 2007:

Song Categories

Himene ruau:
1st place - Tamarii Tipaerui
2nd place - Tomite Tiona No Pueu
3rd place - Tamariki Oparo

Ute paripari:
1st place - Te Ui no Pare Nui

Tarava Tuhaa Pae:
1st place - Tamariki Oparo
2nd place - Autimatea
3rd place - Tamarii Tumuhau Avera-Rurutu

Tarava Raromatai:
1st place - Te Ui no Pare Nui
2nd place - Tamarii Tipaerui
3rd place - O Faa' a

Tarava Tahiti:
1st place - Tamarii Mataiea
2nd place - Tamarii Papara
3rd place - You Ui Api No Arue









Dance categories

Ute arearea:
1st place - Te Ui no Pare Nui

Best Raatira Tiatia:
Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu of the group Toa Reva

Best author and composer :
Valerie Gobrait (author of the topic of the groups Hitireva and Nohoarii)

Best dancer:
Tavaitoa Kinnander-Tehaatai of Hitireva

Best dancer:
Tuahiti Vernaudon of Hitireva

Best orchestra inheritance and creation:
Heikura Nui

Best vegetable costume:
Te Ui no Pare Nui

Best traditional costume:
Heikura Nui

Special award:
The Temarama association, whose goal is to initiate the young people of the districts to the culture, and who entered at Heiva I Tahiti for the 16th consecutive time

Category "Creation" dances:
1st place - Nonahere
2nd place - Toa Reva

Category "Inheritance" dances:
1st place - Heikura Nui
2nd place - Tamarii Tumuhau Avera-Rurutu
3rd place - Tamarii Tipaerui
4th place - Teva I Tai
5th place - Hitireva

More photos at Tahiti Presse

Heiva International

The Minister for the Culture and the Craft industry, Natacha Taurua, announced the opening of Heiva International this past week. She was accompanied by the Health minister, Jules Ienfa, and the president of the CESC, Patrick Galenon. The gathering at Sygogne Beach included 12 groups from the US mainland, Hawaii and Japan. Monday's opening ceremonies included a traditional kava ceremony and performances of song and dance by local groups. Minister Taurua thanked event organizers for the opportunity to share the Tahitian culture with so many outside of Tahiti. The event comes at the closing of Heiva I Tahiti 2007, which celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Tuesday saw participants taking part in a traditional ceremony at the Nuutere marae in Vairao. It was an opportunity to take in the rich cultural history and origin of Tahitian dance. Exhibition performances by visiting dance groups took place later that evening in a vibrant revue.

The event was organized by the Tahiti Nui International organization based in Hawaii. Tahiti Nui International has produced the Heiva I Honolulu competitions for the past 7 years. This years event was postponed due to organizers putting all their efforts into this event.

Participating groups include:
Nonosina (Los Angeles - California); Nemenzo (San Francisco - California); Tamalii (San Francisco - California); Te Poe O Patitifa (Stockton - California); Kananu (Salt Lake City - Utah); Here Tama Nui (Honolulu - Hawaii).
Japan: Tiare Heipua (Ishikawa); Mehana O Kala (Tokyo); Kalokemelemele (Tokyo).

Exhibition groups:
Hitia'a o te ra (Los Angeles) ; Tahiti Toa (Honolulu) ; Te Vai Ura Nui (Honolulu)

The solo competition took place Thursday at "Te Fare Tauhiti Nui" (House of culture, in PAPEETE). Finalists will perform Friday at To'ata Place PAPEETE. "The dancers of this event are carrying out a dream coming to Tahiti", expressed Raymond Mariteragi, of Tahiti Nui International.

2007 Fano Maohi - Journey of Courage

Contributed by guest writer Leonard Lords

Fano Maohi 2007 is over and the groups were very competitive. Some of the groups who won are Hitia O Te Ra, Malialole, Da Island Way, Tehamata, and Tamariki Ariki. However one group out did themselves and since I'm friends with them I was very proud! A group from Las Vegas known as Ninth Island Productions stole the show. I've seen them practicing and thought they were fun but I was thinking they might be in trouble because of the strong field of competitors. However, when they came in to perform their aparima they were simply outstanding!!! The professional groups as well as the group from Tahiti were speechless. The crowd cheered and you could see tears in the eyes of the audience. Needless to say they took first place in the aparima category.

After the aparima they performed the Ute (song being sung with a small band). They left the audience singing along and tapping their feet. As they performed, the whole traveling group from Tahiti began singing along and clapping to the beat. When the song ended the crowd again exploded in cheer many gave them a standing ovation.

Ninth Island Productions was the overall champion of the event. At the hotel they became quick friends with the group from Tahiti. It was a magical moment as personality took over even though they could not speak the same language. They hung out together joking and having a great time. They discovered the people of Tahiti are as beautiful as the Islands and music. At the Fano Maohi pizza party the two groups sang together, took group shots with each group arm and arm, learned each others songs and exchanged Myspace addresses. It was a great time for all. I am sure when the troupe from Tahiti goes home to the Islands of Tahiti they will be talking about their fun new friends from Ninth Island Productions.

As for next year we already have troupes asking to be part of the event. Groups from Tahiti, Saipan, Micronesia, Yokohama Japan and other groups from California have expressed interest. Even more interest has been expressed by city officials for the 2008 event planning. Check back for more information as it becomes available.

Leonard Lords is a public relations spokesman for the event. He is not involved with judging the event.

Bora Bora Heiva photos and more...

The Heiva are in full swing (forgive the pun) in French Polynesia. Although we weren't able to make it down there, there are a few US groups who have made the trip. Nonosina, out of Anaheim, California is participating in the Heiva I Tahiti International in Papeete. Nonosina is one of the larger Tahitian dance groups based in the US.

Galleries are starting to show up on the web, most notably, flickr. Check out some of the photos from the Bora Bora Heiva, the International Heiva and a few of the others that are occurring throughout French Polynesia.

Galleries
» Nonosina
» Bora Bora Heiva
» Heiva I Tahiti » Papeete - Papeete II