Nonahere repeats as top group at Heiva i Tahiti

The traditional Tahitian dance group Nonahere won first prize in the Claire Leverd Creation competition and the group Tamarii Tipaerui won first prize in the Madeleine Moua Heritage competition in the 126th Heiva i Tahiti.

Founded in 2003 by Matani Kainuku, Nonahere (blog in English) is based in Mahina. This is the second straight year that they have claimed the top honors.

Great photos of the event at Life is Love.

More information at Tahiti Presse

Watch a clip of Nonahere soloist Ravanui Longomazino's performance here.

Tahitian tamarii dance competition in Laie

The Polynesian Cultural Center had it's annual tamari'i Tahitian dance competition - Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti over the July 4th weekend. Chelsea Clement of Te'e'a o te Turama repeated as overall winner for the girls and L.J. Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii won the boys overall title.

There were approximately 100 participants at the competition. No groups performed this year.

Results of the 2008 competition:

Overall winner — Taure’are’a (12-18)
Girls: Chelsea Clement (14-15) of Te'e'a o te Turama
Boys: L.J. Mariteragi (14-15) of Nonosina Hawaii

Overall winner — Tamari’i (3-11)
Girls: Shandy Hopeau (9-11) of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
Boys: Jordan Mariteragi (9-11) of Nonosina Hawaii

Taure’are’a Division
Girls (16-18)
1. Kei Akoi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Dayna Higa of Manutahi
3. Monique Orton of Nonosina Hawaii

Boys (16-18)
1. L.J. Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Cameron Howser of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Girls (14-15)
1. Chelsea Clement of Te'e'a o te Turama
2. Angela-Jeanell Cezar of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Shayna Lei Soma of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

Boys (14-15)
1. Joshua Sorensen of Nonosina Hawaii

Girls (12-13)
1. Jazmine Emerson of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Ashlen Kinilau of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3. Shanelle Ramelb of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Boys (12-13)
1. Kameron Ho Ching of Nonosina Hawaii

Tamari’i Division
Girls (9-11)
1. Shandy Hopeau of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2. Macy S. Panajon of Pupu o te Iti Ra
3. Sabrina Parrish of Marania Haoragi

Boys (9-11)
1. Jordan Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Teancum Kaitoku of Nonosina Hawaii
3. Kaleb Ho Ching of Nonosina Hawaii

Girls (7-8)
1. Chaylyn Navares of Manutahi
2. Amaya Joy Panajon of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3. Poliahu Aina of Te’e’a o te Turama

Boys (7-8)
1. Micah Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Troy Spacek
3. Tiloi Lolotai of Nonosina Hawaii

Girls (5-6)
1. Kanoe Navares of Manutahi
2. Kaylee Tabangay of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Destiny Ramilo of Matarii Tahiti

Boys (5-6)
1. Teahu Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Teagan Kaitoku of Nonosina Hawaii
3. Kwinton Ho Ching of Nonosina Hawaii

Girls (3-4)
1. Keawaiki Jones of Marania Haoragi
2. Isabella Tran of Marania Haoragi
3. Nauya-Lei Furtado of Marania Haoragi

Boys (3-4)
1. Taliuli Vimahi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Qamdon Josue of Te’e’a o te Turama

Heiva i Reno 2008

On Friday, August 1st, Heiva i Reno will celebrate it's 10th year of Tahitian dance. Soloist and groups will compete to the theme of "Mehara" or memory. Organizers are looking to theme the event to a time when Tahitian dance was more "simple, innocent and beautiful."

Activities will be held at the Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino in Reno, Nevada. Doors open at 9:00am and tickets are $15 general seating and $20 for reserved seating.

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.

Hura Tahiti 2008 revving up

In Garden Grove and Fullerton, California, organizers of Hura Tahiti 2008 are readying for the workshops and competition. The 4th annual Hura Tahiti competition will held July 24th, 25th and 26th at the Hope International University in Fullerton. General admission to the event is $15 per day.

This year, 4 premier Tahitian dance instructors are conducting workshops. Coco Hotahota, Roiti Sylva, Erena Mapuhi and Malia Tafua will be sharing their expertise and experience. Tahitian Otea workshop will be conducted by Coco Hotahota. Aparima and Kapa workshop will be conducted by Roiti Sylva. Both workshops will be held at sponsoring Marriott Fullerton on July 24th starting at 7pm.

Erena Mapuhi and Malia Tafua will be conducting the Basic Tahitian Dance Steps workshop a day before on July 23rd at the Hitia O Te Ra Studio in Garden Grove. Workshops will begin at 7pm.

Hosting group, Hitia O Te Ra will be conducting a Tahitian drumming workshop on July 24th, 7pm at their studio. Group leader Alex Tekurio will be instructing.

For more information, tickets and downloadable forms, visit their websites at www.huratahiti.com and www.hitiaotera.com

Heiva i Tahiti features Marquesan Arts

From the opening kava ceremony, Marquesan pahu drums welcomed audiences to this years Heiva i Tahiti. Opening ceremonies definitely had a Marquesan presence beginning with Cultural Minister Joseph Kaiha, who is from the northernmost Marquesas Islands. The Place To'ata in downtown Papeete is the location of the 126th Heiva i Tahiti taking place from July 8-18, 2008.

Solo competition began on Tuesday and group competition began Wednesday. As well as dancing, singing groups also competed on Wednesday. Activities will continue throughout the week and close on the 18th with exhibitions from event winners.

Other events including crafting competitions, javelin throwing, stone lifting, coconut tree climbing and canoe racing.

Visit Tahiti Presse for more information.

A whole lotta shakin' at Heiva i Kauai

Book your tickets now. In less than a month Kapa'a will host Kauai's own Heiva i Kauai Ia Orana. Taking place August 2-3, 2008 the event is now in its 7th year. Dancers are competing in solo and group categories. Drummers are also competing in traditional and contemporary categories. Last years best group, Tamarii A Hiva, from Oahu, will be hard pressed to repeat their overwhelming performance from last year.

This year will also feature a large contingency from Tahiti. Master drummer, Heimanu Tehahe and his group Tamarii No Faaa will be performing both days as a feature exhibition during the competition. In addition, the cultural artisans will be conducting Tahitian dance and drumming workshops and have a group of crafters from Tahiti accompanying them as well.

Both days will feature Island and Tahitian crafters and vendors, island food and cultural demonstrations. It's a recipe for spending the day having a great time.

Daily admission is $5, children 6 and under free. Competition application deadline is July 28, 2008. If you wish to participate in the Heiva, please download the application on their website and send it in before the deadline. Craft vendor forms are also available online as well. Tahitian guest artists are available to pre-schedule private drumming workshops: call 808.822.9447

Event organizers - Sally Jo & Tepairu M. Manea

For more information and to download forms, visit the official event website.

Heiva Nui 2009 announced

Provo, Utah will once again host Heiva Nui, Tradewindz Voyage Inc.'s Tahitian dance competition next year. Dates were announced via their website - March 24-28, 2009. Registration will begin August 15, 2008. The dance group "Hei Tahiti" from Tahiti will be a special guest who will undoubtably be conducting workshops and performing. For more information, email them at info@officialtvi.com

Of note also is a design contest for all those interested in Tahitian culture. Try your hand at creating the official design for the 2009 event tshirt. A $100 reward will be the prize.

Heiva i Tahiti 2008

Heiva i Tahiti - the original, the one that started it all. Sometimes called "Tahiti Fete" and sometimes called "Tiurai Festival", the Heiva i Tahiti takes place each year during the month of July. Activities take place on all islands and include not only the largest Tahitian dance competition in the world, but also traditional sporting events including javelin throwing, stone lifting, coconut tree climbing and canoe racing.

The main dance competition takes place at Place To'ata in the middle of Papeete, Tahiti. The competition is spread out over several days and brings together the best dance groups throughout French Polynesia. On Tuesday, July 8, 2008, opening ceremonies commence and the competition runs through Saturday, July 12, 2008. Results will be announced the following Thursday, July 17, 2008 and Final performances from winning soloists and dancers will conclude the competition on Friday, July 18, 2008.

As always, the schedule is subject to change.


Tuesday, July 8, 2008
7:30 pm - Opening Ceremony

8:15-10:00 pm - Solo Competition

Scheduled soloists from dance groups
Group 1: Nohoarii, Nonahere, Teata Maohi, and Ahutoru Nui

Group 2: Tamarii Teahupoo, Tamarii Tipaerui, Te Ui No Pare Nui, and Toerau Tarehu


Wednesday, July 9, 2008
7:00 pm - Group Category - Creation
NOHOARII

8:00 pm - Song Category
Tarava Raromatai
TAMARII TIPAERUI

Tarava Tuhaa Pae
TOERAU TAREHU

9:00 pm - Group Category - Creation
NONAHERE


Thursday, July 10, 2008
7:00 pm - Song Category
tarava raromatai
TE IU NO PARE NUI

7:30 pm - Group Category - Heritage
TEATA MAOHI

8:30 pm - Song Category
Tarava Tahiti
VAIARI NUI

Tarava Tahiti
TAMARII MATAIEA

9:20 pm - Group Category - Creation
AHUTORU NUI


Friday, July 11, 2008
7:00 pm - Song Category
Tarava Raromatai
TEHAU NUI NO PIRAE UTA

7:30 pm - Dance Category - Creation
TAMARII TEAHUPOO

8:30 pm - Song Category
Tarava Tahiti
TAMARII PAPARA

Tarava Tuhaa Pae
HAUTIMATEA

9:20 pm - Dance Category - Heritage
TAMARII TIPAERUI


Saturday, July 12, 2008
7:00 pm - Song Category
Tarava Tahiti
UI API NO ARUE

7:30 pm - Dance Category - Heritage
TE IU NO PARE NUI

8:30 pm - Song Category
Tarava Raromatai
TEMARAMA

Tarava Raromatai
TAMARII FANATEA

9:20 pm - Dance Category - Heritage
TOERAU TAREHU


Thursday, July 17, 2008
7:00 pm - Welcome

7:15 pm - Song Category
Awards Ceremony

8:45 pm - Dance Awards Ceremony


Friday, July 18, 2008
7:00-10:45 pm - Welcome

Song Category Award Winners Exhibition
Group and Soloist Category Award Winners Exhibition

Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas 2009

Mark your calendar. Las Vegas will once again host a premiere Tahitian dance event next year. Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas, organized by KP and Tetua Ioane, have announced that May 30-31, 2009 will be the dates for next years event. Activities will once again take place at the Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus. This will mark the 7th year of the heiva.

This years event had Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands, Tepanie O Patitifa and Na Pua Ilima O Kehaulani take top group honors. Soloists came from a number of different dance groups throughout the Western US.

Not only do KP and Tetua Ioane run the Tahiti Tuarua Nui I Las Vegas, they also organize a Lei Day festival in May every year as well. In addition, they also run their own dance group Tamaeva Arii. The noncompeting group holds dance classes on Saturdays and Sundays for ages 5 and older.

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

Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas solo and group results

Here's the results of the recent Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas which took place at the UNLV campus Cox Pavilion. Visit the official website for more information.

Tamarii Tamahine 5-8yrs
1. KENNEDY DRAGON of Le Polynesia
2. ALII ZAMORA of Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. KIRSTEN WONG of Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Tamarii Tamaroa 5-8 yrs
1. PALANI WILLINGHAM of Tevakanui

Tamarii Tamahine 9-12 yrs
1. ABIGAIL CAMACHO of Tevakanui
2. MELIA BERNAL of Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. NANI KITASHIMA of Tevakanui

Tamarii Tamaroa 9-12 yrs
1. CHAZ WALTER of Tevakanui

Tamahine 13-17 yrs
1. LYDIA DAVILA of Te Pura O Te Rahura'a
2. HEU TAUMOEFOLAU of Tevakanui
3. ALEX JOHNSON of Hitia O Te Ra

Tamaroa 13-17 yrs
1. THOMAS TAPUSOA of Tevakanui

Vahine Taurearea 18-24 yrs
1. VICTORIA ABATAY of Tupua
2. KRYSTLE COCADIZ of Hitia O Te Ra
3. MAHALENE DULAY of Hitia O Te Ra

Tane Taurearea 18-24 yrs
1. CHRIS CASELLA of Hitia O Te Ra

Vahine Ui Api 25-34 yrs
1. COLIE BERBANO of Tevakanui
2. MAKO SAKO of Le Polynesia
3. ANNA MALLARI of Tupua

Vahine Paari 34+ yrs
1. SHEILA KEIKILANI WALSTEAD of Le Polynesia
2. PINKY WRIGHT of Halau 'O Na Ali'i
3. MICHELLE SWANSON of Puahi's Polynesian Dancers

Vahine Paari Ora Toa Tahi
1. NORMA CHEEK of Puahi's Polynesian Dancers

Pupu Otea Amui
1. TEPANIE O PATITIFA

Pupu Otea Tamarii Api
1. LOKELANI'S RHYTHM OF THE ISLANDS of Huntington Beach, CA

Pupu Taurearea Otea
1. NA PUA ILIMA O KEHAULANI of Chula Vista, CA

Pupu Aparima Tamarii Api
1. LOKELANI'S RHYTHM OF THE ISLANDS of Huntington Beach, CA

Kauai Polynesian Festival honors

The 8th Annual Kauai Polynesian Festival took place in Lihue, Hawaii recently. Dance groups participated in not only Tahitian, but also Maori, Hawaiian and Samoan. Results for the Tahitian dance competition are listed below. Other results and information about the event are available on the Kauai Polynesian Festival official website. Event organizers also announced the dates for next years' event - May 21-24, 2009.

TAHITIAN GROUP OTEA
Junior Division
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
2. Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Kahuku, HI
3. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

Senior Division
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
2. Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Kahuku, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP OTEA BEST COSTUME:
Te Hamata of Laie, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP APARIMA
Junior Division
1. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

Senior Division
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP APARIMA BEST COSTUME
Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP AHUPUROTU
Senior Division
1. Ka pa Hula O Pualani Puamelia
2. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
3. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

TAHITIAN DRUMMING COMPETITION:
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
2. Manutahi of Wahiawa, HI
3. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

2008 OVERALL TAHITIAN GROUP
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI

ORI TAHITI SOLOISTS
Junior Division
Tane Ages 4-6
1. Qamdon Josue

Vahine Ages 4-6
1. Jeida Angelina Toilolo
2. Kaylee Tabangay
3. Leleaka Anakalea

Tane Ages 7-9
1. Troy Spacek

Vahine Ages 7-9
1. Tiare Naone Judd
2. Tehani Perkins
3. Dizhae Josue

Tane Ages 10-12
1. Jay Spacek
2. Zacchaus Uta
3. Tamatoa Uta

Vahine Ages 10-12
1. Maeleen Hopeau
2. Cami Keliinui
3. Sandy Hopeau

Senior Division
Tane Ages13-17
1. Moni Tiata
2. Emmsley James K. Drake
3. Rhansyn Leehong

Vahine Ages13-17
1. Chelsea Clement
2. Shayna Lei Soma
3. Lia Kaupoe

Tane Ages 18-21
1. James Taulog
2. Shane Galicia
3. Aaron Dung

Vahine Ages 18-21
1. Kauluwehiokekai Oliver
2. Cavalei Wilson
3. Kelcie Yoman

Tane Ages 22-25
1. Julian Maeva

Vahine Ages 22-25
1. Shaeja Lee
2. Leah Sausen

Tane Ages 26-30
1. Ambrose Aukustino

Vahine Ages 26-30
1. Pualani Avaeoru
2. Shannon Pauoli-Paraan
3. Alma Damo

Tane Ages 31-39
1. William Maycong

Vahine Ages 31-39
1. Belinda Miranda
2. Kehau Aina
3. Tasha Josue

Tane Ages 40 & Over
1. Gene Gabriel

Vahine Ages 40 & Over
1. Louse Sausen

TAHITIAN COUPLES COMPETITION
Junior Division
1. Tehani Perkins & Tamatoa Uta
2. Poerava Lee & Zacchaus Uta

Senior Division
1. Kirsten McCraken & Emmsley James Drake
2. Chelsea Clement & Kai Lee

OVERALL TANE & VAHINE POLYNESIA
2008 Tane Polynesia - Julian Maeva
2008 Vahine Polynesia - Kauluwehiokekai Oliver

Additional information can be found at the Kauai Polynesian Festival official website. Additional reporting at Kauai Garden Island News.

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.

Heiva i Kauai schedule set

On August 2-3, 2008 the Kapaa Beach Park on Kauai will once again become the site of Heiva i Kauai. Now in its seventh year, the event features Tahitian dance solo, group and drumming competitions. The event will also feature multi-cultural exhibition dancing, singing and crafts. Vendors will have an array of items from South Pacific islands for sale.

Applications, contact information and more details are available online at the official website. Deadline for applicants is July 28, 2008. Admission is $5 per day and children 6 and under are free. Gates open on both days at 10am with competition and activities starting at 11am.

On Saturday afternoon, August 2nd and Sunday morning, August 3rd, multi-cultural workshops, including Tahitian dance, choreography, and drumming will be held. Solo competition will start on Saturday. Group competition will follow and continue through Sunday. Awards will be announced at the completion of competition on Sunday.

Te Mana O Te Ra presents Ha'amana'o

Color, dance, pageantry and music of Tahiti are but a few of the highlights you'll experience at Te Mana O Te Ra's Ha'amana'o... a time to remember. The event takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California. Admission is $25, children (under 12) and seniors are $23. Tickets may be purchased by calling (925) 943-SHOW or by visiting www.lesherartscenter.org

If you would like more information, please contact Te Mana O Te Ra by calling (925) 943-5327 or emailing temanaotera@aol.com
It's an event for the whole family.

Heiva i Maui 2008 flyer

The 11th Annual Heiva i Maui is set to take place Friday-Sunday, August 8-10, 2008. Activities take place at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. On Friday the solo competition as well as Mr. & Miss Heiva i Maui crowning will take place from 6-10 pm. Saturday will continue with the solo competition and move to the group competition. Group competition will complete and awards will be given on Sunday. Both Saturday and Sunday's activities will run from 10 am - 6 pm.

For more information, inquiries or contacting organizers, please visit their website.

Tahitian dance shines at Waimea Valley - Manutahi Tahiti

Amid the lush tropical rainforest venue, Tahitian dance was alive and well at the recent Manutahi Tahiti Solo Competition. With approximately 300 dancers, vendors, family and guests, the event was a fun and entertaining way to spend the day with family and friends. Auntie Pola Teriipaia and her dedicated staff worked hard to create a family friendly atmosphere and the audience couldn't have been more happy.

Tiare Ura O Tahiti's Cami Keliinui of Hau'ula, was crowned the Overall Soloist as well as the Junior Overall Soloist. The Senior Overall Soloist award went to Jacinda Tavares from Matari'i Tahiti, based in Kalihi. Soloists from several other groups on Oahu also competed including Otea Kia Mana, Here Tama Nui, Te E'a o te Turama, Oriata, Marania Haoragi, Tamarii a Hiva, and Tiare Apetahi.

Judging the competition were veteran and familiar dance instructors including Camelia Temanaha, Ketsia Estall, Roiti Sylva, Regina Pasi, Charlie Temanaha and Pola Teriipaia.

Complementing all the beautiful dancers was a great selection of vendors who showcased many stunning and unique pieces of Tahitian arts and crafts. Among the vendors were B & B Tahitian Black Pearls, Tahitian Arts & Crafts by Elisa, Fatu's Carvings In Art, Mehetia Productions, Roiti Sylva, Brenda Perkins, Lucy Fonoimoana, Elaine Ortas and Te Vai Ura Nui.

Alma Damo, head of Promotions/Marketing for Manutahi Tahiti, revealed that many of the Tahitian black pearls given as prizes were courtesy of Auntie Pola's new line Polanesia. Many of the trophies were crafted by Manutahi's board members and parents. "We really wanted to reward the participants for their desire and love of Tahitian dance and nowadays when awards and trophies rarely represent the essence of Tahiti, we wanted to reinforce that."

Awards for Manutahi Tahiti 2008
Age 5-6 Tamahine
1. Randee Maiava of Oriata
2. Kaylee Tabangay of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Randi Love of Here Tama Nui

Age 5-6 Tamaroa
1. Myka Gualdarama of Otea Kia Mana
2. Skyler Ramos of Here Tama Nui

Age 7-8 Tamahine
1. Vaekehu parker of Marania Haoragi
2. Chloe Domingo of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Kaila Scanlan-Kaai of Marania Haoragi

Age 9-11 Tamahine
1. Cami Keliinui of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2. Poerava Lee of Te'e'aoteturama
3. Shandy Hopeau of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

Junior Overall Soloist
Cami Keliinui of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

Age 12-14 Vahine
1. Shayna Lei Soma of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2. Aulani Pung of Tiare Apetahi
3. Shannalein Replogle of Here Tama Nui

Age 15-17 Vahine
1. Jacinda Tavares of Matari'i Tahiti
2. Alexa-Ashley Cezar of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Candace Maria of Otea Kia Mana

Age 18-21 Vahine
1. Tanya Cadiente of Otea Kia Mana
2. Kawena Otineru of Otea Kia Mana

Senior Overall Soloist
Jacinda Tavares of Matari'i Tahiti

Overall Soloist
Cami Keliinui of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

Overall Pupu Ori/Most Points
Tiare Ura O Tahiti - Jerrold Martinez, Ra'atira

Most Winning Soloists
Tiare Ura O Tahiti - Jerrold Martinez, Ra'atira

Dancers who would like to order photos can contact Andrew Bryant Simms via his website at simmsstudio.com, call him at 808-383-0548, or visiting www.manutahi.com.

The event was sponsored by Waimea Valley, Hinano, Polanesia, Tehani Trading Co., Cookie Corner, Germaine's Luau and Pearlridge Shopping Center.

Waimea Valley has also confirmed that they will be hosting next years event and again be sharing the Tahitian culture with more of the North Shore. Mark your calendar and visit the Manutahi Tahiti website for more information.

Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas 2008

Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas is coming May 24-25. Now in its sixth year, the event, produced by Tetua Ioane features both solo and group competitions. At least 24 groups or soloists representing Tahitian dance groups throughout the nation are scheduled to perform.

Tickets are $17 per day ($12 for children ages 2-12) and can be purchased by calling UNLV Ticket Call Center at (702) 739-FANS (3267) or (866) 388-FANS (3267). You can also order online at www.UNLVtickets.com

Event information, group applications and questions can be referred to
Tetua Ioane
Tamaeva Arii, Inc.
P.O. Box 70988
Las Vegas, NV 89170 U.S.A.

Tele: (702) 251-5793
Fax: (702) 220-9308

Visit the event website for more details.

Te Aranui O Tahiti 2008

Have you ever wondered what exactly the judges are looking for when they watch soloists and groups? Te Aranui O Tahiti 2008 took that very question and conducted a series of workshops for soloists and groups. Dancers from Merahi O Tehani, Tamali'i, Ka Ua Tuahine, Na Hoku of Canada and Nemenzo participated in the workshops. Guests Coco Hotahota and Roiti Sylva conducted the class, breaking down basic steps necessary in a solo dance competition routine. Correct execution, spelling and terminology of each of the steps was emphasized. As the drummers were creating the atmosphere, each student presented a freestyle solo. An evaluation score sheet covering all the workshop dance steps and critiques was given to each student. An open discussion session with the guests concluded the class workshop.

It's rare that dancers are given the opportunity to work one-on-one on the details with the very judges that they perform in front of at other competitions throughout the year.

Always a crowd pleaser, the event also featured group presentations. Te Orama, 'Ote'a 'Api, Tiare O Te Ao and Nemenzo impressed with 'Ote'a and Aparima. Coco commented regarded the weekend activities as "tres beau". Te Aranui O Te Ao (TAOT) 2009 will take place April 25 and 26, 2009 at the San Francisco State University Gym. Mark your calendars and check our site for updates. For more information, visit the official site.