Best Dancer of Heiva i Tahiti - Matahi Vairaa - Ori Tahiti Workshop

One of Tahiti's premier dancers is coming to Hawaii to conduct in depth workshops from November 23 - December 12, 2009.

Named Best Dancer of the Heiva i Tahiti (2002) and the Beachcomber Mini Heiva (2001), Matahi Vairaa

Ori Tahiti workshop with Matahi Vairaa for men & boys wanting to learn traditional techniques, proper footwork, and otea choreography. Two levels of classes, beginners and advanced. Each class is 2 hours and each session is $70.

For more information and to sign up for a workshop, contact Christopher Ramento (808 853-7125) or email heretamanui001@yahoo.com

Hura Tahiti 2010

Looking to the 2010 Tahitian dance calendar, we have the Hura Tahiti 2010 dates hosted by Hope International University in Fullerton, California on June 18-19. This will be the sixth year that Alex Tekurio, ra'atira of the award-winning group Hitia O Te Ra will be producing the event.

This past June, intense competition in the 5th annual event led to Manuia Polynesia taking the overall group award. But Nemenzo, Le Polynesia, Te Mana O Te Ra, and Te Pura O Te Rahura'a were close behind. Overall Vahine - Evlyn Bustamante of Da Island Way and Overall Tane - Glenn Salonga of Manuia Polynesia will also be hard pressed to repeat next year.

Applications are now available on the website and additional information about special hotel rates and schedule will be forthcoming. Check back periodically for updates.

Ori Tahiti Solo Competition in Kona

If you want to take a break from all the Christmas shopping, hustle and bustle, and enjoy the last Tahitian dance event of the year, head over to Kona.

Mahealani Lee of Polynesian Paradise announced recently that a new Tahitian dance solo competition will be occurring in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island next month, Saturday, December 19, 2009. The Kona International Marketplace will host the event that will start at 10:00 am and run until sunset.

The event is in part a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the dance group. It will be Kona's first Tahitian dance competition. The entire event is free and open to the general public to attend. All day entertainment, food and fun.

Registration forms are now available online at the Polynesian Paradise website. Registration deadline is December 5, 2009.

Miss Pearls of Polynesia/Kori Kori Tahiti Fete

The Kori Kori Tahiti Fete is sold out! according to information provided by producer Ravahere Allred. Events are scheduled to start on Thursday and run through Sunday, November 12-15, 2009 and take place at the Horn Theater on the College of Southern Nevada-Cheyenne Campus (3200 East Cheyenne Ave).

On Thursday, Tumata Robinson will be holding a dance workshop. This will be followed on Friday by the 2nd Miss Pearls of Polynesia Pageant. Tickets for both activities are still available. Tickets for the pageant are $20, children 3-10 are $10.

Last year, Dina Here Auneau became the first Miss Pearls of Polynesia. This year, 10 young women are vying for the crown. They include:

1. Jasmin Jade Anes from Teoraroa Otea of San Francisco
2. Alyssa Acfalle from Siosi of San Diego
3. Ariel Dille from Tevakanui of Las Vegas
4. Angela Sencil from Hui Tama Nui
5. Ashley Inguito from Manuia Polynesia
6. Heali'i Stanley from Heali'i Polynesia Revue of San Diego
7. Sabrina Liufau from Nonosina of Anaheim
8. Lucie Wilson from Ranihere of Laie, Hawaii
9. Constance Anna Palelei from Tevakanui of Las Vegas
10. Michelle Baker from Nemenzo of Daly City

The girls will be competing in a number of categories including interview, talent, swimsuit, and gown. Total prizes total over $10,000 including a round trip ticket to Tahiti. In addition, the girls will have the opportunity to be in the planned upcoming Miss Pearls of Polynesia calendar.

The following day, Saturday, group and solo competition begin. Activities start at 11:00 am and run to 8:00 pm. On Sunday, the competition will conclude. After the awards ceremony, a special show by Nonosina will take place. Separate admission is required and tickets are still available ($20 in advance $25 at the door for Adults, Under 10 $10 and $15).

A special VIP After Party will take place in the evening.

For any questions and additional information, please contact Ravahere Allred (702) 336-8988 or visit the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete official website.

Kaneohe to host 1st Annual Mehetia Fete

It's been almost 10 years since a Tahitian dance competition has occurred on the Windward side of Oahu. This Saturday, October 17, King Intermediate will be the site of Kaneohe's 1st Annual Mehetia Fete. The event is produced by Mehetia Productions' Charelle Silva and will feature a soloist and group competition.

Tickets are $12, 3 and up. Doors open at 2:00 pm.

Event Schedule

1:00 pm Soloists Check-In back Entrance
2:00 pm Gym and Booths open to the Public
2:30 pm Greetings & Welcome, Introduce Judges
2:45 pm SOLO COMPETITION – FINAL ROUND
Tamari‘i Division:
ages 2 - 4 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa (Exhibition)
5 - 7 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
8 - 10 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

Taure‘are‘a Division:
ages 11 - 13 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
14 - 17 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

Vahine/Tane Division:
ages 18 – 21 yrs: Vahine & Tane
22 – 26 yrs: Vahine & Tane
27 – 35 yrs: Vahine & Tane

Ta‘ata Pa‘ari Division:
ages 36yrs+: Vahine & Tane

3:45 pm GROUP COMPETITION
3:55 pm TAMA TOA – Tamari‘i – ‘Ote‘a Division
Tino Moe (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI

4:10 pm MANUTAHI – Tamari‘i – ‘Ote‘a Division
Debra Pola Teriipaia (Ra’atira pupu) – Wahiawa, HI

4:25 pm MARANIA HAORAGI PUPU ORI – Tamari‘i – ‘Ote‘a Division
Tahia Parker (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

4:40 pm AWARDS CEREMONY

Program ends at approximately 6:00 pm

For the most up to date information, check the official site for details.

Counting down to Heiva i Honolulu 2010

In just a couple of weeks, the Heiva i Honolulu new 2010 website will be going live. Applications for vendors, dance groups and soloists will be available for the March 18-20, 2010 event at the Waikiki Shell.

Several major dance groups both in Hawaii and the mainland have indicated that they are preparing to come to next years event to compete.

Tahiti Nui International, the organizer behind the event is also looking to have a few additional exhibition performances for Polynesian groups not wanting to compete but wanting to participate in the event.

This years featured dancer is Te Mana O Te Ra's Charity Offril, who was the 2009 Overall Vahine Soloist. Details about the event will be forthcoming.

Gearing up for Kori Kori Tahiti Fete

Ravahere Allred, producer of the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete has recently released detailed information about this years event. Taking place over the November 13-15, 2009 weekend, activities include Tahitian dance workshops by Tumata Robinson, soloist and group competitions, and the Miss Pearls of Polynesia beauty pageant. Also announced is a featured show by the Anaheim, California group - Nonosina.

Activities actually begin on Thursday. Tumata Robinson, a former leader of the acclaimed group Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti and current director of her own group Tahiti Ora will be conducting the Tahitian dance workshops on Thursday and Friday. The workshops will be followed by the Miss Pearls of Polynesia beauty pageant. Last year Dina Auneau walked away with the crown at the first annual event.

Saturday will feature the soloist and group competition. The competition will conclude on Sunday. The awards ceremony will follow. In the afternoon, Nonosina will present their show and a dinner/dance will conclude the activities.

A special room rate for the event has been arranged at the Circus Circus hotel (1-800 634-3450). Just mention the group promo code B11MPP and mention Miss Pearls of Polynesia/Kori Kori Tahiti Fete for the special rate. Visit the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete website for more information, applications and contacting the producer.

The Kori Kori Tahiti Fete is the last major Tahitian dance competition of the year. It takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be the second annual event after last years premier. Additional information will be forthcoming.

TICKET INFORMATION

Kori Kori Tahiti Fete Entrance Fee: $10.00

Nonosina Show: $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. $10.00 in advance for kids under 10 and $15.00 at the door.

Miss Pearls of Polynesia: $20.00 for Adults, $10.00 kids under 10

Tahitian Dance classes by TUMATA ROBINSON: $50.00 for 2 Hours session

VIP PRIVATE PARTY
Sunday Evening 15th November, 2009 8.00 pm to 11.30 pm
ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI and ALL YOU CAN DRINK $40.00
Dance floor and DJ. ONLY 100 TICKETS FOR SALE. Buy your tickets today!

Heiva i Kauai 2010 announced

Heiva i Kauai has announced tentative dates for their event next year. Again being held at Kapa'a Beach Park, activities will take place over the July 31-August 1, 2010 weekend. It will again feature solo and group competition, drumming, craft and food vendors. For more information, visit their official website. Heiva i Kauai is produced by Tepairu and Sally Jo Manea.

Heiva i Hilo canceled

It had a promising start but event organizer Kahealani Kapana recently announced that the first Heiva i Hilo event planned for March next year will not occur. Citing several factors, she reluctantly decided that it wasn't going to work out. The logistics, group schedules, permits and timing all contributed to the decision.

Heiva i Maui set to take the Stage

With summer winding down it doesn't mean that Tahitian dance is as well. Quite the opposite. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 15-16, 2009, Heiva i Maui will take place at the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku.

Event director Lolita Eugenio has organized the 12th annual event to feature local Tahitian dance and drumming groups, Polynesian crafters and local food vendors. Advance tickets are available for $10 (children 6 and under are free). Call (808) 250-0737 for more information. At the door, tickets are $15.

Results for Heiva i Kauai 2009

Tahitian dance groups from Oahu and Kauai vied for top honors in this years Heiva i Kauai. Event activities took place at the Kapa'a Beach Park over the August 1-2, 2009 weekend. The 8th annual event is organized and produced by Tapairu & Jo Manea and Stella Miyoshi.

Overall soloist awards went to Manuel Trujillo (Overall Junior Tane), Poerava Lee (Overall Junior Vahine), Julian Maeva (Overall Senior Tane), and Lani Figaroa (Overall Senior Vahine). Awards for each age group were also awarded and are listed below.

Te 'E'a O Te Turama (Maile Lee) of Oahu, took several group awards including the Overall Group award. While Manutahi Tahiti (Pola Teriipaia) took top honors for their Ote'a presentation.

Complete results are below. For a look at past results for events, visit Tahitian Dance.

Overall Junior Tane Soloist
Manuel Trujillo of Ta'ere Tia'i

Overall Junior Vahine Soloist
Poerava Lee of Te 'E'a O Te Turama

Overall Senior Tane Soloist
Julian Maeva of Manutahi Tahiti

Overall Senior Vahine Soloist
Lani Figaroa of Ori Uviira

Age 4-6 Tamaroa
1. Qandon Josue of Te 'E'a O Te Turama

Age 4-6 Tamahine
1. Nicole Graham of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2. Taylor Acosta of Manutahi Tahiti
3. Jayda Candelaria - Independent

Age 7-9 Tamaroa
1. Oviri Avaeoru-Villatora of Ta'ere Tia'i

Age 7-9 Tamahine
1. Jade Anton of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2. Tia Takasaki of Halau Hula o Leilani
3. Sophia Rivera of Ilima Rivera's Hula Studio

Age 10-12 Tamaroa
1. Manuel Trujillo of Ta'ere Tia'i
2. Tamatoa Uta of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
3. Kainoah Ferris of Ilima Rivera's Hula Studio

Age 10-12 Tamahine
1. Poerava Lee of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2. Caramia Kricken of Te Ora Roa Otea
3. Tahra-Leo Kaui of Ilima Rivera's Hula Studio

Age 13-15 Tane
1. Emmsley Drake of Rohotu
2. Zacchaus Uta of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
3. Kamuela Ferris of Ilima Rivera's Hula Studio

Age 13-15 Vahine
1. Tara Teriipaia of Manutahi Tahiti
2. Kristie Pii Matias of Tamatea Nui
3. Victoria Rivera of Ilima Rivera's Hula Studio

Age 16-18 Tane
1. Kainalu Tolentino of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2. Ranson Lee of Manutahi Tahiti

Age 16-18 Vahine
1. Chelsea Clement of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2. Kalei Onzuka of Maohi Nui
3. Jessy Lasala of Nonosina

Age 19-25 Tane
1. Julian Maeva of Manutahi Tahiti
2. Mikaele Oloa of Manutahi Tahiti

Age 19-25 Vahine
1. Lani Figaroa of Ori Uviira
2. Candace Laamea of Rohotu
3. Keana Camense of Manutahi Tahiti

Age 26-39 Tane
1. Nicolas Kaneakua of Ori Uviira
2. William Maycong of Kaiko Boy Entertainment
3. Mahiai Kekumu of Te 'E'a O Te Turama

Age 26-39 Vahine
1. Shannon Daliva of Ori Uviira
2. Marie Kricken of Te Ora roa Otea

Age 40+ Tane
1. Lawakua Gabriel of Manutahi Tahiti

Age 40+ Vahine
1. Anuenue Mose of Lumana'i O Polenisia


Group Awards

Overall
Te 'E'a O Te Turama of Kaneohe, Oahu

Ahupurotu
1. Te 'E'a O Te Turama of Kaneohe, HI
2. Ori Uviira of Kapa'a, HI

Drumming
1. Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
2.Tamatea Nui O Kauai of Lihue, HI

Aparima
1. Te 'E'a O Te Turama of Kaneohe, HI

Otea
1. Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
2. Te 'E'a O Te Turama of Kaneohe HI
3. Tamatea Nui O Kauai of Lihue, HI

Las Vegas welcomes Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti

It's not everyday that one of Tahiti's most influentially progressive and visually entertaining Tahitian dance groups comes to the mainland, but this weekend Las Vegas will host Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti in two shows at the Clark County Library Theater (1401 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119). The two shows will be tomorrow, Saturday August 8, 2009 at 4:30 and 7:30 pm. General admission tickets are $40. A limited amount of deluxe ($60) and premium seating ($100) is also available for both shows. Call (702) 686-5448 for more information. Tickets may also be purchased online at the sponsoring dance group website - Te Ata Ura.

Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti is featuring their new show "Maimiti". The group is known for their vivid costumes, complex choreography, stunning visuals, technical expertise and dramatic music.



In addition to the performances, workshops are reported to be held on Sunday, August 9, 2009. For more information, purchasing tickets and details, contact Steven Silulu at (702) 686-5448 or email him at SNK@TEATAURA.COM

Bringing a taste of Tahiti to Kauai

By Joan Conrow

The members of Tamatea Nui O Kaua'i hear the beat of Tahitian drums in their sleep and find themselves tapping the rhythms wherever they go.

The Tahitian drumming and hula group has been studying under drum-making master Tepairu Manea, and after just four months, they're ready to perform at the 8th Annual Heiva I Kauai Iorana Tahiti, an international Tahitian dance competition.

More of the story at the Honolulu Advertiser

More to come on the events of the 8th Annual Heiva i Kauai coming soon.

Horizons sets for last time

This will be somewhat of a departure from the way I've reported in the past. A little more personal being that I danced at the Polynesian Cultural Center for 5 years, two evening shows - Mana! and Horizons, the Ali'i Luau and Ancient Legends of Polynesia canoe show.

It's kind of sad to think that the Polynesian Cultural Center's evening show Horizons is no more. The last show was Thursday, July 23, 2009. Countless students have taken part in the production over the past 14 years. It was the longest running evening show in the Center's history. As one of those who took part in the opening and production run of the new show, it is bitter sweet to say the least. Looking at the final shows and comparing them to the first few years, there are many, many differences.

Actually the last few years are completely different from the past. It's as if they were actually two different shows. Many numbers were cut or replaced and dance costumes changed. I think the Hawaii, Fiji and Maori probably saw the most changes. Remember the malo's for the men in Hawaii or the bow ties (did I just say bow ties)? How about the Kava ceremony in Fiji? And the Maori section just had a different feel all together. Not that either is better, just different.

Starting the Horizons show right after the last show of Mana! The Spirit of our People was a test and challenge for the Center. I can remember Newell Dayley (the original producer) working behind the scenes with the section dance instructors. He got the whole production rolling and mapped out what needed to be done to make the transition. Differences in opinion and a cool audience response led to a quick learning curve once the show finally opened, behind schedule (as Ha-The Breathe of Life has also proven and just about every other Center production) and including countless late night rehearsals. He was caught between management and culture. The original Horizons had a dramatic take similar to Polynesian Odyssey (the only IMAX production the Center has ever produced). Dramatic lighting, smoke and water effects enhanced the action on stage sometimes leading to overshadowing the culture. The unrealistic pressure to make a spectacularly better show than Mana! probably contributed to the problems that the show had in the beginning.

The $2 million dollar start up costs for the costumes, stage modifications, new lighting and rehearsal and development were looking to be a financial money pit. With a new producer came a whole new set of costumes, music and production numbers. A new opening sequence and the dropping of the approach to the theme also took place. It was an entirely new show. Enter Horizons - Where the Sea Meets the Sky 2.0

In any event, the heart and soul of any of the shows I was involved with was the section instructors, assistants and theater managers (Delsa Moe, Raymond Mariteragi, Eti Eves, Billy Tenney and David Tiave). I can't begin to let them know how much they made the show what it was and for teaching not only the dances, but the culture. Nikki Wallace (Maori), Keith Awai (Hawaii), Vai Fa'amaligi (Samoa), Regina Pasi (Tahiti), Fasi Tovo (Tonga), and Joe Tulele (Fiji). I have missed seeing these uncles and aunties and their influence, knowledge of the culture, encouragement and discipline. Auntie Nikki and Auntie Vai have sadly since passed away. Sometimes I have a chance to catch up with Regina and Keith but there are times I miss being backstage and being in that environment. It's an experience that if you have the opportunity, you should not miss.

Flash forward 6 months later. A new producer a new approach. Tommy Taurima, a New Zealand Maori dance group producer took the reigns. Known probably most for his song - Terina, Uncle Tommy was a larger than life character, both physically and figuratively. I do not know where he is, but I suspect he is back in New Zealand. He remade the show and let the instructors do what they do best - teach and choreograph. The Horizons 2.0 production even had his signature song - Terina in the Maori section.

Sadly, Horizons marked the change from relying on the instructors behind the scenes. After the changes, the instructors were moved back to the island villages. Even though we had the theater managers and section assistants, there was something definitely missing. I'll just leave it at that.

Flash forward to 2009 - Horizons 3.0+. Is it me or does it seem that there are less dancers? Budget cutbacks (probably because of the $3 million price tag for the new show), I assume. A new generation of dancers has taken the stage. Thinking that some of these dancers are my friends kids is kind of depressing. Am I that old? After countless performances, dancers, ushers, tech crews, seamstresses, and support staff, Horizons has finally set for the last time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. I can only hope that those involved in the new show will be able to enjoy their time there as much as I did.

EPILOGUE

I couldn't close without thinking and writing about some of the memorable moments I had.

• Opening night (Horizons 1.0) I hit my eyebrow while swinging my patu. At least I think it was my patu and not the guy next to me. Came backstage after the number and couldn't see because the blood was coming down over my eye.
• Eating fresh hot French bread and Samoan coco back stage on cold and rainy nights.
• Cast meetings
• Sitting on the top of the mountain waiting to light the torches and watching the stars and talking with the guys.
• Haka farewells
  
• Dancing in the rain
• Termite nights (try not to sing or open your mouth)
• Listening to Lamar (MC)
• Taking a break in the (air conditioned) instructors office
• Forgetting that the line up switched and I was supposed to be in the Hau'ula tunnel instead of the Kahuku tunnel.
• Getting haircuts backstage
• Getting fingers smashed with the kala'au sticks
• Getting hit by errant titi torea sticks (from 2 girls over!)
• The opening water curtain and the audience oooohing and aaaahing
• Double shows (I hear they haven't had them for quite awhile, but we had them often when I was there)

Heiva i Tahiti 2009 results

This years Heiva i Tahiti event was extremely competitive with both new groups and award winning veterans returning to compete. In the end, it was one of the more younger groups that prevailed. Hei Tahiti, an innovative and award winning dance group led by Tiare Trompette was crowned Heiva Nui Grand Prize. Established in 2005, the group has not competed in the event since 2006 when it was awarded the Junior Grand Prize. In addition, Hei Tahiti also was awarded Best Costume, Best Music (Heritage) and Best Solo Tane (Daniel Faatauira).

Tamariki Oparo, led by Pierrot Faraire came in second and O Tahiti E, led by Marguerite Lai rounded out the top three. Both groups have been consistent award winners and are world renown for their dramatic and creative Tahitian dance performances.

The prestigious title of Best Solo Vahine went to Manihiki Poroi of Kei Tawhiti.

In the Junior or amateur division, Hitireva claimed 1st place.

Preliminary results of the 2009 Heiva i Tahiti:

Heiva Nui - Madeleine Moua - Division
1. Hei Tahiti (Tiare Trompette)
2. Tamariki Oparo (Pierrot Faraire)
3. O Tahiti E (Marguerite Lai)

Heiva - Claire Leverd - Division
1. Hitireva (Kelaulani Chanquy)

Best Solo Tane
Daniel Faatauira of Hei Tahiti

Best Solo Vahine
Manihiki Poroi of Kei Tawhiti

Best Vegetal Costume
Tamariki Poerani (Makau Foster)

Best Costume
Hei Tahiti (Tiare Trompette)

Tarava Raromatai
Association Vaihoataua

Best Music - Heritage
Hei Tahiti (Tiare Trompette)

Best Music - Creation
Heikura Nui (Iriti Hoto)

Best Himene Ruau
Association Vaihoataua

Best Song Author
Tamarii Matai

Best Vahine Aparima
Tamariki Poerani (Makau Foster)

Best Tane Aparima
O Tahiti E (Marguerite Lai)

Best Vahine Otea
Tamariki Poerani (Makau Foster)

Best Tane Otea
Hitireva (Kelaulani Chanquy)

Best Paoa
Te Maeva (Coco Hotahota)

Best Hivinau
Kei Tawhiti (Maire Tuia)

Best Ute Arearea
Tamariki Poerani (Makau Foster)

More information and coverage at La Depeche de Tahiti

More photos of Heiva i Tahiti 2009

Here are a few galleries from La Depeche de Tahiti of Heiva i Tahiti 2009

Group Gallery
Soloist Gallery

New Matahi Gallery

Results of the event will be available shortly.

Farereiraa 2009

Farereiraa 2009 took place this past weekend. Soloists performed with their respective dance groups and competed for top solo honors. The event was organized by Coco Hotahota and was held after the 127th annual Heiva i Tahiti events concluded. The US and Japanese dance groups performed and participated in cultural workshops and exchanges during their stay in Tahiti.

Partial results of the soloist competition:

Junior Tane
Dane Dejes of Otea Api

Junior Vahine

Senior Tane
Justin (Froggie) Atangan of Nemenzo

Senior Vahine
Katrina Dejesis of Otea Api

More information and gallery at La Depeche de Tahiti

Photos of the International Faarereiraa in Papeete

Here is a small gallery of photos from the recent Faarereiraa in Papeete by Tahiti Presse. This event featured close to 600 dancers from The US and Japan. Soloists and groups competed in the event. The dance groups also are participating in other exhibitions throughout the islands. Groups involved included Here Tama Nui (Honolulu) and Manutahi (Wahiawa), Nemenzo (Daly City), Otea Api (Fremont), Hitia O Te Ra (Garden Grove) and Mahana O Te Ra (Japan).

The event took place over this past weekend, July 18-20, 2009. And was held in following the Heiva i Tahiti competition where French Polynesia groups competed. Results of the Heiva i Tahiti will be announced this evening.

More information at Tahiti Presse

Photo Gallery of 2009 Heiva i Tahiti

Here is a large photo gallery of the 2009 Heiva i Tahiti by Life is Love. Photos are divided into dates and groups. All photos are copyrighted by the photographer.

Also, here is a tentative schedule for the remaining dance group performances at Place To'ata. Chanting performances are placed in between major dance performances.

Thursday, July 16
7 pm - Pereaito
9 pm - Hei Tahiti (Tiare Trompette)

Friday, July 17
7 pm - Hura Apetahi
8:30 pm - Tamarii Teahupoo
9:30 pm - Temaeva (Fabien Dinard / Coco Hotahota)

Saturday, July 18
7 pm - Kei Tawhiti (Maire Tuia)
9:30 pm - Tamariki Oparo (Makau Foster)

Thursday, July 23
Awards Ceremonies

Friday, July 24
Closing Ceremonies

International Cultural Farereiraa

Five US Tahitian dance groups and 1 from Japan will compete in the International Cultural Farereiraa (gathering) in Papeete, Tahiti. The groups competing include Nemenzo (San Francisco), Ote'a Api (Freemont), Hitia O Te Ra (Los Angeles), Here Tama Nui and Manutahi (Hawaii). Mahana O Te Ra is coming from Japan. Events will take place July 18-20 at Place To'ata.

Te Fare Tauhiti Nui and Coco Hotahota organizated the event to share the passion of Tahitian dance with foreign groups. Both soloists and groups will compete. Approximately 600 dancers are reported to be participating.

More reporting at La Depeche de Tahiti