Manutahi Tahitian dance calendar

I've been meaning to post this to the blog but keep forgetting. I remember later but am nowhere near a computer or my note pad. I've been following the Manutahi Tahiti group website and emailing occasionally about their planned Heiva on Maui (by the way, no news on that).

However, they have offered a new 2008 Tahitian dance calendar. It's a fundraiser for their group that will fund a non-profit student scholarship. Photographs are by local photographer Andrew Bryant Simms. The price is $15. To purchase the calendars, call them at (808) 561-4342. Please let them know where you heard about it.

The calendar features vahine dancers from the group on location throughout the islands and fittingly has month names in both English and Tahitian.

New updates for 2008 Tahitian dance events

Mele Kalikimaka. As you take in the hustle & bustle, excitement, music and thoughts this holiday season, you might have noticed that we didn't update as often. It's been a busy season for our online store and it's kept us away for a bit. But now that Christmas has passed and our load is a little lighter, we're back to updating and bringing the latest info about the upcoming events. Tahitian events are gearing up for 2008.

New event updates include the Fano Maohi, Heiva i Reno, Heiva i Maui and the Tahiti Fete of Utah. With most events now updated with confirmed dates, 2008 is shaping up to be a banner year with more events and more opportunity for groups around the nation. With the amount of groups who are increasingly finding our directory/calendar, comes more convenience for groups to schedule their events and attract dancers to participate.

Fano Maohi marketing manager, Danny Tupua has recently advised us of the new 2008 date. Moving from July to April, this year's event is one of the first of the year. The Fano Maohi Heiva will run from April 25-26, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Granite Park High.

Utah's other Tahitian dance competition, Tahiti Fete of Utah, has also announced their 2008 date. The 4th annual event will take place October 16-18, 2008 in West Valley City. Details about the activities will be forthcoming. This past year, the event was free to the public.

Heiva i Reno will take place on August 1, 2008. The event will be 1 day. A second day (August 2) will feature Hawaiian Hula.

Tahitian Dance calendar update

The year 2007 has showed tremendous growth in the Tahitian dance. Competition events are growing not only in numbers but also in strength and competitors. Coordination is continually improving and eventually we hope to see a world competition. Dancer quality and creativity is also always improving.

This year saw 12 major competition events and 2008 will see at least that many. More than half have confirmed dates and/or locations. Confirmed events will take place in Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, Florida, Tahiti and Japan. Many young dance groups who have not competed in the major events are maturing and planning to participate in the near future.

As all this activity is continually growing we are working to make as much of that information available. Here is an updated calendar of Tahitian dance events. Check our website or blog for updates and as always, check the official event websites for more details if available.

March 13-15, 2008
Heiva i Honolulu Honolulu, HI

March 14-16, 2008
Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete Merced, CA

March 29, 2008
Tamari'i Tahiti Fete Orlando, FL

May 22-25, 2008
Kauai Polynesian Festival Lihue, HI

May 24-25, 2008
Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

July 4-7, 2008
Tahiti Fete of San Jose San Jose, CA

July 25-26, 2008
Hura Tahiti Cerritos, CA

July 2008
Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti Laie, HI

July 2008
Fano Maohi Salt Lake City, UT

July 2008
Heiva i Tahiti Papeete, Tahiti

July 2008
Heiva International i Tahiti Papeete, Tahiti

August 2-3, 2008
Heiva i Kauai Kapaa, HI

August 30-31, 2008
Tahiti Heiva - Japan Tokyo, Japan

August 31, 2008
Heiva i Japan Tokyo, Japan

August 2008
Heiva i Reno Reno, NV

August 2008
Heiva i Maui Wailuku, HI

September 2008
Tarena Tahiti Daly City, CA

September 2008
Pacific Islander Festival San Diego, CA

October 2008
Tahiti Fete of Hilo Hilo, HI

October 2008
Tahiti Fete of Utah West Valley City, UT

2008
Manutahi Tahiti Honolulu, HI

All dates and locations are subject to change according to each individual event director.

2008 Tahiti Nui Heiva I Japan

One of the most exciting and rapidly expanding Tahitian dance event is the Heiva I Japan. With local dance groups eagerly joining up to compete, organizers Kenzo Tanaka and Ayumi Sugiyama recently announced the dates for the 3rd Annual Heiva I Japan. Activities will take place August 31, 2008 in Tokyo at the Meilpark Hall Hotel.

As a sister event to Heiva I Honolulu, it builds upon a growing interest in Japan for Tahitian dance. Now in its third year, the event has become an exciting addition to the Tahitian dance competition family.

Ticket information, applications and deadline information are available on the official website. Competition categories include solo and group Ori Tahiti, Ahupurotu, Aparima, Otea and Tamarii (children) and Tupuna (senior). Ori Tahiti soloist Meimi Horiuchi (pictured top left) of the dance group Tiare Heipua and overall soloist Momoko Hoshihara (pictured below left) of Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara will be among other competitors ready to defend their titles. The activities include exhibition performances. Check back often for updates. We're also providing a computer translated version of the Japanese website for those who cannot read Japanese.

For a complete look at all major Tahitian dance events, visit our website, Black Pearl Designs, for the complete list of Heiva and Tahiti Fete.

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.

2008 Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas

Tamaeva Arii, Inc. recently announced that the 2008 Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas will be offering a thrilling weekend of dance competition in the Entertainment Capital of the World - Las Vegas! Participating dance groups will be competing in group, solo, drumming, couples, and himene (singing) categories.

The fifth annual Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 24th & 25th, 2008 (Memorial Day weekend) at the COX Pavilion at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

2008 Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete

Event organizer Becky Manandic has announced that the 2008 Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete will take place March 14-16, 2008. The Merced County Fairgrounds will again serve as the location for the competition and activities.

This event is distinguished as the longest existing Tahitian Dance and Cultural Festival held outside of French Polynesia. As such it also serves as one of the first major competitions of the year.

Organizers are working on finalizing applications and event program. Visit the official site for updates and information needed to participate and purchase tickets.

For more information and a schedule of all Tahitian Dance events throughout the country, visit our website - Black Pearl Designs.

2007 Heiva I Reno group results

The group competition results for the 2007 Heiva I Reno have been hard to find but we finally were able to locate a source who had most of the information.

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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Drumming
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Traditional Drumming
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Language
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Costume
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Music
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Theme
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Leadership
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Participating Groups
E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA
Hiva Nui of Stockton, CA
Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
Makamae Melia O Polynesia of Elk Grove, CA
Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
Motu'aina of Danville, CA
Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
Na Hoku Mai Kanoelani of Stockton, CA
Ote'a Api of Reno, NV
Te Mau Ta'ata Anuanua of Merced, CA

Heiva I Honolulu 2008 date update

Tahiti Nui International has adjusted the dates for the 2008 event in Waikiki. The Heiva I Honolulu was previously scheduled for March 19-21, 2008 but because of conflicting schedules, it was decided to move it to March 13-15, 2008. The Waikiki Shell will still be the hosting location. Event officials are working on cooperative movements with travel industry representatives to accommodate participating groups and guests. More information to come as it becomes available.

Heiva I Honolulu will be the first major dance competition of the 2008 season. Watch for new information and new look to their website coming soon.

2007 Tahiti Fete of Utah results

The last major heiva for 2007 took place last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Tahiti Fete of Utah marked a close to the 2007 event schedule. 10 dance groups from Hawaii, California, Colorado and Utah participated. In the end, Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA came away with the overall group trophy.

Group Competition:

Overall Group
Tina's Ports of Paradise – Oxnard, CA

Advanced
1. Tina's Ports of Paradise – Oxnard, CA
2. Tehamata – Laie, HI

Intermediate
1. Peu Porinetia – Salt Lake City, UT
2. Malialole – Salt Lake City, UT

CD (recorded music/drumming)
1. Kanamu Productions – South Jordan, UT


Drumming Competition:
1. The Voice of Polynesia – Orem, UT
2. Tina's Ports of Paradise – Oxnard, CA


Solo Competition:

Exhibition (Ages 1-4)
Malialole Hafoka
Tiamauri Haiola
Tialofa Alofipo
Socrates Alofipo
Sampson Alofipo
Malcaylah Tupua
Fetulagi Leiataua

VAHINE 5-7
1. Teuila Alofipo
2. Alize Amosa
3. Ciara Schumaker

TANE 5-7
1. Fagupo Hafoka
2. Kalux Manuo
3. Sione Angilau

VAHINE 8-10
1. Pepa Malieitulua
2. Alexis Tamamasui
3. Noa Sofele

TANE 8-10
1. Daniel Tuitama – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA

VAHINE 11-13
1. Pumbaa Levu
2. Lynette Kichiro
3. Leilua Malieitulua

TANE 11-13
1. Thomas Tuitama – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
2. Inoke Rimal

VAHINE 14-15
1. Mariah Malieitulua
2. Kilisitina Vainuku – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
3. Kulia Wilson

TANE 14-15
1. Chase Schumaker
2. Richee Vakapuna

VAHINE 16-18
1. Cherise Fano
2. Tiana Schumaker
3. Kahi Uperesa

TANE 16-18
1. Julius Aiono

VAHINE 19-25
1. Lorraine Koo
2. Lessa Fonua
3. Ana Andal

TANE 19-25
1. Edgar Limon – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
2. Andrew Tuitama – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA

VAHINE 26 and up
1. Tofu Alofipo
2. Liana AhQuin
3. Salamasina Vainuku – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA

TANE 26 and up
1. Tony Vainuku – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA


Participating Groups
Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
Kanamu Productions of South Jordan, UT
Peu Porinetia of Salt Lake City, UT
Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
Kei Alaha of Diamond Bar, CA
Tamali'i of Hayward, CA
Hitia O Te Ra of Garden Grove, CA
Paific Pride & Island Hearts of Colorado Springs, CO
Tehamata of Laie, HI
The Voice of Polynesia of Orem, UT


Judging Panel
Papi Teri'ipaia – Master Judge
Lucy Fonoimoana
Merehau Kamai
Danny Tupua
Jay Medeiros
Remy Tekurio
Luana Philipon
Roiti Sylva
Patricia Wilson
Claudine Peters

For more information and photos of the event, check the official
Tahiti Fete of Utah website.

Heiva I Honolulu 2008 date announcement

Black Pearl Designs is privileged to announce the event dates for Tahiti Nui International's Heiva I Honolulu 2008. The event will take place March 19-21, 2008 (Event organizers moved event dates to March 13-15, 2008, consult official site or view our updated calendar for the latest information. Dates and details are subject to change according to individual event organizations) at the Waikiki Shell. Event co-director, Rose Perreira, announced the dates after returning from Japan from Heiva I Honolulu's sister event - Heiva I Japan. TNI also produces the Heiva I Tahiti International in Papeete, Tahiti.

Details and information will be forthcoming. Check the official site for upcoming updates, applications, travel & accommodation packages and vendor information.

2007 Tahiti Fete of Hilo solo results

Results for the 2007 Tahiti Fete of Hilo solo competition are now available. This marks the seventh year that this event has taken place. 1000 tickets were sold for Saturdays event at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Approximately 150 solo dancers and several groups from throughout the islands competed. Group competition started on Saturday and concluded on Sunday. When official group results are announced we will post. We want to congratulate all dancers and groups that participated.

Of the group results, we know that Te Hamata of Laie, HI placed 2nd for both Otea and Aparima and 3rd for Ahuroa and Music. Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI placed 1st for Overall Group and Otea. Mauruuru to Poehere for the onsite info.

Here's also a flickr photo gallery of the 2007 event:


VAHINE 5-8

1. Ku'uleinani de Guzman – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Ku'uleihi'ilani Mederios – Te 'E'a o Te Turama of Honolulu, HI
3. Chloe Cezar – Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Hau'ula, HI

TANE 9-12

1. J.D. Melchor – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Ian Almeida – Independent

VAHINE 9-12

1. Chelsey Madrona – Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Maeleen Hopean – Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Hau'ula, HI
3. Mariah Tanaka – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI

TANE 13-15

1. Mosiah Manuma – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 13-15

1. Chelsea Clement – Te 'E'a o Te Turama of Honolulu, HI
2. Charzelle McAngus – Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
3. Cory-Ann Kahalewai Pedro – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 16-18

1. Dayna Higa – Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
2. Jaime Bush – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Jazmin Segui – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI

TANE 19-24

1. Brandon Keawe McArthur – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 19-24

1. Agnes Matila – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Meghan Bridges-Steffan – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Ashley Holck – Mehetia Productions of Kaneohe, HI

TANE 25-34

1. Mervyn Lilo – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Edward Pula – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Jonathan Ulibas – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 25-34

1. Tiffany DelaCruz – To'a Here
2. Lauli'a Ah Wong – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Keaukaha Carveiro – Polynesian Paradise of Santa Fe Springs, CA

TANE 35-49

1. Guiller Evangelista – Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, HI

VAHINE 35-49

1. Maikekula Keawekane – Polynesian Paradise of Santa Fe Springs, CA
2. Arleen Marcelo – Otea Api of Fremont, CA
3. Brenda Malick – Puahi's Polynesian Dancers of Temecula, CA

TANE 50+

1. Keoki Kaikana – Keola Pono No Na Kupuna of Hilo, HI

VAHINE 50+

1. Rita Santana – Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
2. Pi'ilani Rodrigues – Keola Pono No Na Kupuna of Hilo, HI
3. Hilda Rodriguez – Independent

Participating Groups:

Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, HI
Keola Pono No Na Kupuna of Hilo, HIManutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
Mehetia Productions of Kaneohe, HI
Otea Api of Fremont, CA
Puahi's Polynesian Dancers of Temecula, CA
Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI
Te 'E'a o Te Turama of Honolulu, HI
Te Hamata of Laie, HI
Te Tiare Patitifa of Wailuku, HI
Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, HI
Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Hau'ula, HI
To'a Here

Tahiti Fete of Hilo information

The Tahiti Fete of Hilo will be taking place this weekend, October 6-7, 2007. Activities will take place at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm both days. Tickets are $12 per day (adults), $9 for seniors and children 2-12. Two day passes are available for $20 (adults) and $16 for seniors and children.

2006 photos on flickr

Results for the 2007 Heiva I Japan

The 2nd Annual Heiva I Japan took place this past weekend featuring groups from throughout Japan. Event organizers Kenzo Tanaka and Ayumi Sugiyama of Treasure Island Corporation along with Rose Perreira of Tahiti Nui International brought together an event that is quickly becoming a premier Tahitian heiva. Word of mouth and a growing interest of Tahitian dance in Japan have contributed to the success of the event. The success has prompted more plans for next years event.

Treasure Island Corporation also produces a number of other high profile events promoting the hula including the King Kamehameha Hula Competition (Japan), the Makana Aloha Festival, the Maui Festival and the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition (Japan).

Results of the 2007 competition:

Ori Tahiti (Solo)
Junior Ori (4-12 yrs)
1. Meimi Horiuchi (Tiare Heipua)
2. Tomomi Iguchi (Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio)
3. Miyu Mitsuhashi (Tiare Heipua)
4. Shouko Tokuda (Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio)

Junior Ori (13-17 yrs)
1. Hanae Ogura (Studio Malama)

Senior Ori (18-28 yrs)
1. Ayumi Asano (Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio)
2. Kanako Furuya (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
3. Maki Yoshimoto (Studio Malama)
4. Atsuko Usui (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)

Senior Ori (29-39 yrs)
1. Momoko Hoshihara (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
2. Miki Yamada (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
3. Asami Miura (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
4. Ako Kubora (Studio Malama)

Senior Ori Tane (29-39 yrs)
1. Takeshi Miyajima (Studio Malama)

Senior Ori (40 yrs over)
1. (tie) Ku'uleinani Hashimoto (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
1. (tie) Hideko Fukushima (Studio Malama)

Ori Tahiti Overall
Momoko Hoshihara (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)

Group
Tupuna Ahupurotu
1. Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara

Ahupurotu
1. Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara
2. Tiare Heipua

Ote'a
1. Tokariga/Kelokemelemele Hula Studio

Keiki Aparima
1. Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio
2. Hula Halau Kahula o Hawaii

Aparima
1. Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara
2. Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio

Participating dance groups:
Hula Halau Kahula o Hawaii
Studio Malama
Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara
Tiare Heipua
Tokariga /Kalokemelemele Hula Studio

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.