Introducing our new Tahitian Dance database site - iPolynesia.com

After having to move to a new system, we've finally got our dance group directory back online. It's been a few months, but we hope you'll find it was worth the wait. Let's be clear on one thing straight off. This is our Tahitian dance directory. It's not a Hawaiian hula directory (although we do list many groups that do dance hula and other Polynesian dances but we require that they teach or perform Tahitian dance to be included on this directory), nor is it in any way endorsing or meaning to provide any false, out-of-date, or inaccurate information about any group.

This is a tool for dance groups, those that are searching for a dance group, and organizations or events that are helping to educate and promote the dance of Tahiti.

Now that that is out of the way, let's get to the benefits. Our new database is in constant motion. Currently it lists the dance groups that we are aware of. We put them in the directory, but one of the great things about this new directory is that dance group leaders are now able to personally edit their own dance group page. Leaders can now update group information (phone, address, contact info, etc), add photos, add videos (via YouTube or Vimeo) that help promote the group, include information (rates, synopsis of services, or latest news), add social media links to group pages (Facebook, Twitter, Google+), and awards (coming soon). In addition, it's another avenue to get potential bookings. It's an opportunity to showcase your dance group on a website that has more traffic and searches than your typical dance group website. And it's FREE!

Another area of the site is the events and calendar. This is where you'll be able to see upcoming Heiva & Tahiti Fete. Events will include award results of soloists and groups as provided by individual events and will be searchable.

As this is a fresh start to our directory, there will be updates in design, information and services. We're excited to open this up for the Tahitian dance community. We'll be sending out invitations to dance group leaders soon via email to create an account, but if you can't wait and are wanting to get started, you can go ahead and apply for an account.

Heiva calendar updates for 2012

It's been a few months since we've posted any updates on the blog but we were a little busy trying to get our new Tahitian dance database up and running. It's almost there for Phase I and it has updated group information as much as we have been able to gather. We are specifically looking for dance groups that dance Tahitian. In the future we may expand, but for now, we are staying focused on Tahiti.

Along with the dance group directory, we have the Tahitian Heiva events calendar. As with everything on the new site, things are in a work in progress. We are working to make it more accessible for dance group leaders and event producers. In addition, we are working on a new awards area. It will be searchable and clickable to allow for multiple ways of accessing the information.

So if you are looking for a calendar of events for next year, look no further, we are continually working with event producers and have the most up-to-date information available. Check back often for updates or sign up for updates via Twitter, Facebook or RSS feed.

Events that have updated 2012 dates include Heiva i Honolulu, Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete , Hura Tahiti, Tahiti Fete of San Jose, Heiva i Kauai, Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas and Ori Tahiti Las Vegas, to name a few.

More to come on our new website for Tahitian dance.

Oh, by the way... it's

www.ipolynesia.com

Check it out and look for more information about its official debut coming soon.

Heiva i Tahiti 2011

Heiva i Tahiti 2011 activities have already started in Tahiti this year. Amateur dance groups have held exhibition performances as the heralded Toata Place in Papeete starting last week. The annual event brings together some of the best from all parts of French Polynesia. Activities not only include traditional Tahitian dance, or ori Tahiti, but also drumming, sport including canoe, or va'a, racing and for the first time, the Miss Tahiti pageant.

The official grand opening will take place this evening at the Conservatoire Artistique de Polyésie Française. This will be followed by the Miss Tahiti pageant next Friday evening, June 24. The current reigning Miss Tahiti, Lucie Poehere Wilson, hails from Laie, Hawaii and has been a consistent award winning dancer at many of the heiva in the US. She will hand over the crown to the 51st Miss Heiva from a field of 16 young women competing this year.

From there, starting July 1st, the Heiva i Tahiti Va'a first round race will start from Papeete Harbor. Races will continue the following day and on the 7th, 8th, 9th and 14th. Traditional athletic events will take place starting the 14th and include javelin throwing, stone lifting, copra (coconut) husking, fruit carrying racing, boat racing, and coconut tree climbing.

Traditional dance, music and drumming competitions will occur throughout the month starting Friday July 1 with an exhibition Fireknife spectacular. The song competition will start off with two groups competing in the evening - Tamarii Hautimatea and Vaihoataua. And in the Hura Tau dance category NONAHERE, who last competed in 2008, will again compete and looks to repeat for a 3rd crown in the last 5 years.  The group is led by Matani Kainuku and is based in Mahina.

Returning title holder, FARE IHI NO HUAHINE, under the direction of Paul Tehare, will be the final performing dance group of the festivities. The awards will be given out the following week on Thursday, July 21 and a special encore performance by the new title holder and other award winners will take place the following evening.

Here's the schedule for the dance groups:

Friday, July 1
NONAHERE (Hura Tau)

Saturday, July 2
ORA PAPEETE TO'U PARE (Hura Ava Tau)
MANAHAU (Hura Tau)

Thursday, July 7
HITITAU (Hura Ava Tau)
AHUTORU NUI  (Hura Tau)

Friday, July 8
HANATIKA (Hura Ava Tau)
TAMARII PAPARA (Hura Tau)  

Saturday, July 9
TE UI NO PARE NUI (Hura Ava Tau)
TOAKURA (Hura Tau)

Friday, July 15
PUPU TUHAA PAE (Hura Ava Tau)
TAHITI ORA (Hura Tau)


Saturday, July 16
TAMARII PUNAAUIA (Hura Ava Tau)
FARE IHI NO HUAHINE (Hura Tau)

Thursday, July 21
Awards Presentation

Friday, July 22
NIGHT OF THE WINNERS OF HEIVA I TAHITI 2011 

Heiva i Waimea

Get ready Hawaii. The annual Heiva i Waimea, presented and produced by the award-winning Tahitian dance group, Manutahi Tahiti, will once again be hosted by Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu. With the registration packet just being released, dancers can now start registering for the competition.

This is the 5th year of the solo competition event. The event starts with a Tamarii Exhibition, and is followed by the Tamarii/Tamaroa solo competition and finally the Vahine/Tane solo competition. Activities begin at 9:30am and run through the day concluding with an awards ceremony. Soloists will be competing in various age groups and will dance 1-2 1/2 minutes in front of judges and audience.

Sarah Liva
2010 Overall Senior Soloist
Photo by David Shimabukuro

Dancers will need to show their abilities in basic steps, creativity and adaptability to various Tahitian drum beats. The vahine (women) may use various steps and styles including but not limited to: fa’arapu, tairi tamau, afata, varu, nu’u, fa’arapu eraro, and te’i. The tane (men) may use various steps and styles including but not limited to: Paoti, paoti eraro, ruru, faarapu, and afata.

One change that you will see this year is the expansion for the 22-27 age group so an even wider range of soloists can compete. In the past, the cutoff was age 21.

Being in such an inviting tropical botanical garden, it's expected that we'll see some amazing leis and headdresses that compliment the traditional soloist pareu.

Admission to the event is $10. Children 12 & under are $5 each. For more information, contact the event organizer, Pola Teriipaia at (808) 222-4346 / manutahidance@hotmail.com

For those of you who were there last year, here are the results:

Age 5-6 Tamahine
1 Jazzylyn Samuseva of Marania Haoragi
2 Kiana Aniya of HereTama Nui
3 Tiffany Alcos of HereTama Nui

Age 7-8 Tamahine
1 Nicole Graham of Tamatoa
2 Breeze-Makana Agpaoa of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3 Malia Hokulani Pedro of HereTama Nui

Age 7-8 Tamaroa
1 Kaleb Poniatowski

Age 9-11 Tamahine
1 Vaekehu Parker of Marania Haoragi
2 Kasidy Taylor Vergara of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3 Kavanoe Keahi of Na Kamalii O Ke Akua


Age 9-11 Tamaroa
1 Reecie Brown of Manutahi Orlando
2 Keoki McGowan of Manutahi Orlando

Age 12-14 Tamahine
1 Sarah Liva of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
2 Cailin-Tiana Sabado of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3 Breyhanna Agpaoa of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Age 12-14 Tamaroa
1 Kaiko Gouveia of HereTama Nui
2 Taleon Lele of Kalena's Polynesian Ohana

Age 15-17 Vahine
1 Joesalyn Aguindaldo of Te Vai Ura Nui
2 Naomi Baldomero of Te Vai Ura Nui
3 Angela Jeanell Cezar of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

Age 18-21 Vahine
1 Alexa Ashley Cezar of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2 Burgundy Keriseano of Fiere De Tahiti
3 Kayleen Kamali'I Wahine Bradshaw of Fiere De Tahiti


Miss Heiva I Waimea 2010
Tiane Kong of Manutahi Orlando

Overall Junior Soloist
Reecie Brown of Manutahi Orlando

Overall Senior Soloist
Sarah Liva of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Photos from last years' event are available on David Shimabukuro's website, 1 Moment in Time.

Tahitian Drums hit the iPhone, iPod and iPad

Two brothers, Aaron and Andrew Llavore, who have partnered to create a new company named Love4Apps, have  come up with the first app to tackle the needs of the Tahitian drumming crowd.  Tahitian Drums

We're always on the lookout for Polynesian activity on the internet and in the world around us, and more specifically Tahitian activity. A few weeks ago we got an alert via our Facebook page of a new iPhone app that featured Tahitian drumming.  We bought it, started playing with it and found that we were in dire need of brushing up on our Tahitian drumming thumb skills. Nevertheless we found it so intriguing that we knew we had to share it with our readers. If you find yourself in the doctors office waiting and waiting... and waiting, or between breaks at work or school, and you are find yourself without your to'ere, this is the app for you.

The Tahitian Drums app (available now on the iTunes store, among the other Apple branded online store outlets) is only $.99 and is a bargain at that. It features 5 distinct to'ere (hollowed out hardwood drum) sample beats and 1 pahu (traditional low key bass) beat. Just pick a comfortable spot to sit down and select the app and you're set. Using both thumbs is recommended. One for the bass and 1 for the toere. The different tones are determined by where you hit the to'ere just as a real toere would typically sound if it was hit in the same area. You can visually see when and where you tap and you can tap both to'ere and pahu at the same time so it realistically portrays what a drummer would do when using both instruments in concert.

Aaron handles the artistic side of the application. He created the layouts, illustrations and handled the audio recording of the instruments as well.  His brother Andrew has handled all the technical aspects of designing the app to work on the various platforms, programming and encoding.

We caught up with Aaron recently and had a nice Q&A session with him about his exciting new foray into bringing Tahitian drumming to a whole new world.

First of all, great app and initiative bringing Tahitian drumming to a tech savvy crowd.  We're equally excited to just learn that the next update 1.1 is just days away as well.

BPD: Are either of you drummers or dancers yourselves? If so, what group?
Aaron: Yes, I've been a musician/drummer for Kawailehua, based out of San Jose, California for roughly 10 years now.  Our group is an active participant in the annual Tahiti Fete of San Jose, as well as Heiva i Maui, and the Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete in Merced.

BPD: What made you decide to make the app?
Aaron: As a fellow Tahitian drummer myself, I'm often itching to play the Tahitian drums and often times, I'm not around a to'ere and pahu (or it's too late in the evening to make a lot of noise). So, I thought the idea of being able to mimic playing the Tahitian drums on your phone would be fun!  From my experience, being around other fellow drummers - Tahitian drummers eat, breath, and sleep playing the drums - as it is highly addicting! With this app we hope to offer something to the Polynesian dance community, whether you have any drumming/dancing experience or not. And for the general public,  we hope its a new avenue to spread the love of Polynesian dance and music.

BPD: What are the main benefits that you see users getting out of the app?
Aaron: It's just plain fun to play around with!  

BPD: Is there plans to have a fa'atete added?
Aaron: Not yet,  but I think our next step in a future update would be to add a to'ere piti as well.  Then you can get really creative with playing Tahitian beats.

BPD: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and creating this fun and great new tool/instrument.
Aaron: Maru'uru. Glad to be able to share the culture with the iPhone audience.

If you find yourself a little timid or find you need a little inspiration, there will also be a convenient in-app link to the Tahitian Drums YouTube Channel that has a growing selection of demo videos and examples of basic beats that will be available soon. In addition, other new features in the 1.1 update will be including an iPad version, an updated look, and larger playing surfaces to make it easier to play.

And for those of you who haven't taken the leap to the iPhone, not to worry, work is already underway to port the app to Android phones as well. Looking forward to future updates. Sign up for updates on the site or Twitter. For more information about the app and to see some videos about it, visit the Love4Apps website.

Get Ready for the 32nd Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete

California's first Heiva of 2011 will hit Merced March 25-27. The event, produced by Rebecca Manandic and staff, is the longest running Heiva outside of Tahiti. Now in it's 32nd year, the event features solo, couple and group competition. The Merced County Fairgrounds once again serve as the centralized venue.

One of the key elements to the success of this event is the division of beginning and advanced dancers. "This enables advanced/professional performers to compete at a higher level and truly challenge their capabilities," states the history documents of the event. "At the same time this also allows the beginner/intermediate dancers to gain experience and be awarded for their progress." It remains the only event that has a beginner category.

Tickets are $15 each, Children (5-12) $11. Adult 3 Day Pass is $39 (Children $29).  For more information, call Pacifica (209) 726-1925 (10am-6pm, M-F) or visit the event website at www.kikiraina.com

In addition to being a venue to showcase the visual art of Tahitian dance, music and costume, the printed program for the event highlights artwork and written compositions of Polynesian design. Be sure to pick up your copy. Feel free to submit your work. We'll be watching.

If you'd like to read more about the event, here is a history written by Eric "Ka'ahele" Morales, of how it all started.

Heiva i O'ahu 2011

It's been about a decade since the award winning Tahitian dance group Te Vai Ura Nui produced a heiva, but that is all going to change now. Charles and Cathy Temanaha have announced that Heiva i O'ahu will return and will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 in Kaneohe, Hawaii at King Intermediate School. The event will feature soloists, groups and drummers competing for event titles.

The event has the standard forms and rules, all of which are available on their website. Tane and vahine soloists 5 and up may compete. Tamari'i dance groups are made up of children 12 and under. Groups will compete in Otea, Aparima and Ahupurotu. Being in the islands, an emphasis on natural fibers, flowers and leaves is expected. As always, live musicians and drumming are a must in this competitive field.

As this is the first Tahitian dance competition in the islands this year, this is a great opportunity to showcase new music, costumes and choreography. It's also a great opportunity to refine the basics and fine tune old and new groups.

In addition to the dancing and drumming; Tahitian and Polynesian arts and crafts vendors will be set up for you to visit.

Admission is $10. Children 12 and under $5. For more information, applications and details, visit the event website or contact the event producers directly at www.tevaiuranui.com

Keona Cross crowned as Miss Purotu 2011

Keona Cross, Miss Purotu 2011

The second annual Miss Purotu pageant was recently held at the Aloha Tower Marketplace and crowned Keona Cross of Maili as the new reigning Miss Purotu. She succeeds Miss Purotu 2010 - Lesly Poerava Goo. Tiare Alvarez claimed 1st Runner Up and Candice Panoke was named 2nd Runner Up. In addition, Miss Purotu Iti (Tamarii) Taylor Acosta was also crowned. The event is organized and produced by Purotu Designs' Nalini and Manari'i Gaulthier who also head up the award-winning Tahitian dance group Ia Ora Tahiti Nui.

Nine contestants from Oahu vied for the crown and competed in 5 categories that included:
• Costume Naturel - Contestants must create and model an outfit made from natural materials.
• Pareu – Contestants given fabric from Tahiti to create an outfit that reflects their personality.
• Talent - 1) Contestants must perform a solo Ote'a and 2) Choose between singing a Tahitian song or dancing a slow Aparima (Ahuroa).
• Island Formal - Contestants will model a Tahitian style dress - Purotu, custom fit and designed for them by designer Linda Mataoa from Tahiti.
• Interview - Contestants must answer questions proposed to them by the Master of Ceremony.

Miss Photogenic - Darla Carino

Keona received $1,500 in cash and additional prizes upon receiving the crown. The Miss Photogenic title went to Darla Carino who dances for Manutahi Tahiti, who also won the Best Talent category. Miss Congeniality went to Kathleen Valdez.

The evening event included not only the pageant, but also Tahitian entertainment, a Tahitian dinner and cocktails. Sponsors of the event included Purotu Designs, Fashion Quick, Arii Creations, Hawaii's Wedding Professionals, Rotui Tahiti, SNJ LLC, and American Income Life.

The Miss Purotu Pageant is a Tahitian style pageant that allows young women to develop and share their inner and outer beauty, talent, and love for the Tahitian culture.

Heiva-Tahitian Dance 2011 Calendar

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, we're set to release our first calendar offering featuring the Heiva-Tahitian Dance competitions that happen throughout the year.  With so many events happening we felt it necessary to try and keep everyone up to date as much as possible. This is another great tool that will help.

On the front features an image that creates a feeling of the vibrancy and energy that Tahitian dance is. A line by line listing of each event, date and city is a quick reference. An added touch of having the months in the Tahitian language is included.

On the back you'll find a more detailed look at the events including the venue, producer, contact information for the event and website.

We try to keep up with as much as we can for the events and update when they send information, photos, posters, etc. But with all that, we do get many requests to have something printed as well. Having it in hand now, is a first step in making a more comprehensive picture of how the Tahitian dance community runs events.

One drawback in making a printed version is the likelihood that there will be changes. Please note that there are bound to be changes as the year progresses. In fact, after we went to press, we received notice of 2 newly scheduled events that we were not expecting to happen. You'll see that we added them via a sticker.

Information that we provide is a service only. We do not endorse any event over another. We have attended to several events and even sponsored some. We'd like to see events continue to improve. If you'd like, we've even opened up a forum on our Facebook page that addresses just that. Check it out and leave your suggestions. We'd love to hear from you.

In the meantime, we'll be releasing the calendar soon. Staring January 1, when you purchase $50 or more from our site you'll get you your free copy until supplies last. You can also purchase for $3 (includes first class USPS shipping) starting in January.

Fall Workshop series by Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti

A new series of workshops with Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti is going to be hosted by Hui Tama Nui held in San Francisco (it is their first time having a workshop in San Francisco).  The workshops will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 29-30, 2010 for Basic Ori, Tamari'i, Ahuroa and Aparima, The History of Ori, Tahito to Ori Rau, Advanced Ori, and Ori Tane.

Some interesting things about the workshops is that they are offering for the first time a Tahito to Ori Rau (ancient to contemporary style of Tahitian dance class), and a lecture on the history of Ori and Tahiti. It will also be one of the first times Grands Ballets will be offering children's classes.

The series are to be held in the Presidio in San Francisco, with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and not too far from Pier 39 and Fishermen's Wharf.

General Information:
$90 for each class if purchased by 10pm 10/21/10. Pre-Registration includes: reserved spot, lyrics, music, autographed certificate, complimentary photo, and a special gift from Boutiki. $10 discount for each additional class. $100 each class at the door.

As always, space will be limited. Interested participants should email: huitamanui@gmail.com , or call (707) 552-7829 to register or have questions.

Fundraising Ideas for your Tahitian Dance group

With so many Heiva happening throughout the year, it can be a challenge funding trips, costumes and entry fees. So many times it comes out of the parents pocketbooks. Not to complain, but we think parents feel it would be nice to get some help.

So with that in mind, we thought it might be nice to make a list of some fundraising ideas that might have been overlooked.

Luau's are an excellent way of promoting your group and recruiting as well. But you can also use them in added future sales as well. Like the food that is being served? Well, have an area set up for purchasing the food to take home or be shipped.

Think about what your audience likes to do, eat or is involved with other than Tahitian dance. Are they religiously visiting Jamba Juice every day? Addicted to pizza, chicken or snacks? You've probably thought about these things, but it's always nice to refresh some ideas or add in. It never hurts to ask.

There are so many ways to add to your group function fundraisers. Maybe it's time to step back and try a few new things.

Of course, as we cannot do fundraising ourselves, we don't have the first hand experience. We encourage you to research for yourself what best fits your organization. This is a great time to look at your needs for next year. Contacting the event you wish to attend in advance may assist in travel plans including reduced airfare, hotel/living accommodations, food and activities.

With that in mind, here are a few organizations that offer fundraising opportunities that have ties to Hawaii. We do not endorse nor do we have any association nor vested interest in any of these entities. We provide this as information only.

KFC Hawaii
Hawaii Food Products
Chip and Cookie
Zippy's
Jamba Juice Hawaii
Papa Johns Hawaii
Hungry Hawaiian
May's Hawaii
Beard Papa's

Heiva i Maui

The 13th annual Heiva i Maui will be taking place this weekend, August 14-15, 2010 at the Wailuku War Memorial Gymnasium. The event is organized by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete whose purpose is to create and sponsor programs, festivals, workshops, and special functions for the community for all ages and ethnicities.

Groups, drummers and soloists will compete for titles and will be judged on entrances/exits, execution and precision, costumes, drumming, choreography, creativity, expressions and overall impression. In addition, a Mr and Miss Heiva i Maui pageant will also take place.

Groups will compete in the 'Aparima, 'Ote'a, and Ahupurotu. While soloists will compete using their best Tahitian dance skills, presence, and ability to adapt quickly to the changing drum beats.

Tickets are $10 in advance, are available at ticket outlets including Sew Special (275 West Kaahumanu Avenue; Telephone: 808-877-6128), The Maui Quilt Shop (1280 South Kihei Road; Telephone: 808-874-8050), and Lahaina Music (910 Honoapiilani Hwy, Suite 9; Telephone: 808-661-7625).

Tickets are also available at the door the days of the event for $15. Children 5 and under are free.

For additional information, visit the event website Heiva i Maui, email heivaimaui@yahoo.com or call 808 250-0737.

Heiva I Kauai readying for up and coming groups

Get ready for the 9th Annual Heiva I Kauai. Set in Kapa'a, Kauai, the Tahitian dance competition produced by Manea and Jo Tepairu, is returning to Kapa'a Beach Park over the July 31-August 1, 2010 weekend. The competition features both soloists and groups and also a competitive drumming category as well.

Soloists will compete in age groups for the vahine and tane titles. Groups will compete in several categories including Ote'a, Aparima, Ahupurotu, Drumming, and Music.

"We have two "up-and-coming" young local groups that are working very hard to enter group competition this year that we are very excited about. That is what our Heiva is all about...growing the next generation of Tahitian dancers and musicians and providing the venue for them to gain expertise and confidence." organizer Jo Tepairu explained in recent correspondence.

Another exciting aspect unique to this competition is the apprentice program. She goes on to explain "We also have an apprentice judge program that was started last year with two young people whom we hope to have return for more training this year."

Cathy Teriipaia will once again return as the Master of Ceremonies this year. Her father, Papi Teriipaia, a frequent advisor and judge, will once again supervise the coconut husking competition which was started last year.

On Saturday morning, a traditional welcoming ceremony will start the festivities. Gates open to the public at 9 AM and the solo competition begins at 10 AM. Group competition schedules will depend on the number of entries.

On Sunday, gates open at 9 AM and exhibition dancing begins at 10 AM with group competition continuing. Sunday will end with solo, group and drumming award presentations.

Festival participants will 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 participate in dance and coconut husking contests.

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

Group Results for Tahiti Fete of San Jose

The 2010 Tahiti Fete of San Jose took place over the July 4th weekend at the San Jose State University Campus. The sold out event featured Tahitian dance groups from the greater California area and included dance workshops, drumming workshops, and cultural workshops.

Competition occurs in two group categories. Generally Hura Ava Tau groups are any small, new, or amateur group with a minimum of five (5) dancers; has never placed First in any major Heiva competition as a professional group. A Hura Tau group is any established professional or long-time Tahitian dance group with a minimum of five (5) dancers.

Photos of the event courtesy of Chad Makaio. Visit his Facebook page for more photos including the above photo and the current front page feature.

In each group category, are the different competition areas - aparima, ahuroa, ote'a, drumming, music, costume, and ra'atira.

This year, defending title holder, Nonosina placed in many categories including the Ori Rau (modern interpretation) award, but it was Te Pura O Te Rahura'a of South San Francisco and led by ra'atira Marilou Ubaldo that came away with the Overall Hura Tau Group award. The group was the 2008 Hura Ava Tau Overall group and moved up to the Hura Tau level this year. Lake Forest group Le Polynesia, led by Guy Keala and Lori Lei Montgomery was awarded the 2010 Hura Ava Tau group award.

Group Results for the 2010 Tahiti Fete of San Jose

Hura Tau Otea

1 Manuia of Daly City CA
2 Te Pura O Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno CA

Hura Tau Aparima
1 Manuia - Daly City, CA
2 No Te Here o Te Hiroa – Fresno, CA
3 Da Island Way of Concord CA

Hura Tau Ahuroa
1 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
2 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 Manuia of Daly City CA

Tupuna Ahuroa
1 Manuia of Daly City CA
2 Ka Ua Tuahine of Oakland CA
3 Ehulani's Otea of Hayward CA


Hura Ava Tau Otea

1 Tamari’i Mata’irea of Stockton CA
2 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA
3 Makamae Melia o Polynesia of Elk Gove CA

Hura Ava Tau Aparima
1 Tamari’i Mata’irea of Stockton CA
2 Kaleo’Onalani of San Diego CA
3 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA

Hura Ava Tau Ahuroa
1 Tamari’i Maita’irea of Stockton CA
2 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 Here Hau of Hercules CA


Ori Rau Otea
1 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
2 Kaleo’Onalani of San Diego CA

Tamarii Otea
1 Manuia – Daly City CA
2 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
3 No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno CA


Tamarii Aparima
1 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA
2 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
3 Tamari’i Mata’irea of Stockton CA

Hura Tau Drumming
1 Ia Ora o Tahiti Nui of Honolulu HI
2 Nemenzo of Daly City CA
3 Te Pura o Te Rahura’a of South San Francisco CA

Hura Tau Music
1 Nonosina of Anaheim CA
2 No Te Here o Te Hiroa of Fresno CA
3 Da Island Way of Concord CA


Hura Ava Tau Drumming
1 LeiIsa of San Diego CA
2 Tamali’i O Lumana’i of Hayward CA
3 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA

Hura Tau Music
1 Tamari’i Maita’irea of Stockton CA
2 Le Polynesia of Aliso Viejo CA
3 Makamae Melia o Polynesia of Elk Gove CA


Overall
Hura Tau – Te Pura o Te Rahura’a
Hura Ava Tau – Le Polynesia
Ori Rau - Nonosina

128th Heiva I Tahiti - Te Anuanua

The theme of this years' Heiva I Tahiti is - Te Anuanua - The rainbow, the bridge between men and the gods, between heaven and earth. The 128th annual event encompasses both cultural and sporting events throughout French Polynesia. It serves to bring together the islands and its people through song, dance and sport.

Last week marked a cultural and symbolic beginning of the month long festival. Award-winning group O Tahiti E, led by raatira Marguerite Lai, presented a pageant entitled "Vaka Arioi" which reenacted the role that the arioi played in ancient Tahiti. In ancient times the arioi entertained the arii (royalty).

Tomorrow evening, the reigning Heiva Nui awarding-winning group Hei Tahiti, under the direction of Tiare Trompette, will be featured in a program honoring the late Henri Hiro, a noted poet, teacher, filmmaker, pastor, and activist and the founder of l'Office Territorial d'Action Culturelle.

In contrast to last years' dance competition, just one group, Hitireva (Kehaulani Chanquy) will be performing in the Heiva Nui division. The group was last years' Heiva division winner and as such was moved up into the Heiva Nui division. The main division to watch this year will be the Heiva division. Participating groups include: HURA TAHITI NUI, NOHOARII (Xavier Nonoh), TOAKURA (Mateata Legayic), MANAHAU (Jean-Marie BIRET), AVAI'URA NO HUAHINE (Leila Darles-Lai), TOROMIKI AUOROTINI NO RIKITEA (Dany Paheo), and FARE IHI NO HUAHINE (Paul Tehare).

Here is the tentative program for the dance and song competition taking place at Place Toata. Activities will be running from July 5-23 with awards being announced on July 22.

More information at the Heiva Nui event website may be available. The July 2010 edition of Hiroa also has more information and may be downloaded at the publication website as a pdf file. The document is in French.


HEIVA I TAHITI 2010
PROGRAM

Thursday, July 8, 2010
19:00 - NIGHT SPECIAL

Friday, July 9, 2010
19.00 - Dance: Category HEIVA: HURA TAHITI NUI

20:00 - Songs: tarava Tahiti tamarii Matai

20:30 - Songs: tarava Raromatai: NO FANATICS tamarii AABF

21.00 - Dance: Category HEIVA NUI: HITIREVA

Saturday, July 10, 2010
19.00 - Dance: Category HEIVA: NOHOARII

20.00 - Songs: tarava Tahiti Nui VAIARII

20.30 - Songs: tarava Raromatai: VAIHOATAUA

21h00-Dances: Category HEIVA: TOAKURA

Friday, July 16, 2010
19.00 - Dance: Category HEIVA FARE IHI NO HUAHINE

20:00 - Songs: tarava Tahiti tamarii TEAHUPOO

20.30 - Dance: 21:30 - songs: tarava Raromatai: Ateh

22.00 - Dance: Category HEIVA: MANAHAU

Saturday, July 17, 2010
19:00 - Songs: tarava Tahiti tamarii PAPARA

19:30 - Dance HEIVA Category: TAVAI'URA NO HUAHINE

20:30 - Songs: tarava Tahiti: Ass. Tamarii NO Papeari

21:00 - Songs: tarava Raromatai FARE IHI NO HUAHINE

21.30 - Dance: Category HEIVA: TOROMIKI AUOROTINI NO Rikitea

Thursday, July 22, 2010
EVENING OF AWARDS
Friday, July 23, 2010
NIGHT OF THE WINNERS OF HEIVA I TAHITI 2010

Miss Tahiti 2010 crowned - Lucie Poehere Hutihuti Wilson

Lucie Poehere Hutihuti Wilson, pictured here with Miss France 1991 Mareva Georges (left) and Miss France 1999 Mareva Galanter (right), became Miss Tahiti 2010 this past Friday. It was the 50th anniversary of the pageant and has gone through many changes since its inception. The latest being last year when the pageant was purchased by investor Narii Faugerat.

Born and raised in Laie on the North Shore of Hawaii, this young woman has had a long history of pageantry, winning countless competitions as a young girl and later claiming titles in Hawaii and Las Vegas. She has been performing at the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center for most of her life and recently was the nightly featured soloist at the evening show Ha, the Breathe of Life. In addition, she belongs to the Center's promotional team, representing the Center traveling throughout the country and trips to Asia and the South Pacific.

Lucie has excelled in academics and is majoring in International Business at Brigham Young University Hawaii. However, most have noticed how much she excels and stands out when she is performing. Her most recent Tahitian dance, or Ori Tahiti title was this past March at Heiva I Honolulu where she claimed the overall vahine title.

Lucie's parents Christian Wilson and Patricia Hutihuti have been ecstatic and extremely proud of her accomplishments. They have always encouraged her to build upon her abilities and strive to focus on enriching her own life, her family and those close to her.

Her younger sister, Kiana, an aspiring journalist at Kahuku High School, has been spearheading documenting activities and set up a special Facebook page dedicated to keeping friends, relatives, and the media abreast of happenings. She also is a member of the PCC's promotional team.

Pageant activities have been going on for several months, including preliminary pageants, interviews, photo shoots and rehearsals in Papeete, Tahiti and the surrounding areas. Twelve finalists competed at the culminating event that took place June 25, Friday evening at Place Toata, the same location where Heiva I Tahiti takes place each year.

Lucie succeeds Puahinano Bonno, Miss Tahiti 2009 and will next represent Tahiti and French Polynesia at the Miss France 2011 competition in December. Tehani Hautea Maono of Moorea, was awarded first runner up, and Mehetia Hsiao, also of Moorea, second runner. The Miss Heiva 2010 title went to Poerani Taiarui, of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas.

As a sponsor and extended family, Black Pearl Designs would like to congratulate Lucie (Poehere). As a featured model for us through the years, we've watched her grow into a beautiful, confident young women and wish her only the best.

Photos courtesy of Tahiti Presse.

RFO Tahiti TV interview

Hura Tahiti results

The 2010 Hura Tahiti just completed activities at the Hope International University campus this past weekend and the dance group Ote'a Api was crowned Overall Group. This is the 6th annual event produced by Alex Tekurio, ra'atira of the award-winning group Hitia O Te Ra.

California groups from Alisa Viejo (Le Polynesia), Castiac (Kalakele), Concord (Da Island Way), Costa Mesa (Tupua), Fremont (Ote'a Api), Huntington Beach (Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands, Te Varua Ori), San Diego (Heali'is Polynesian Revue, Lei Isa), and Walnut Creek (Te Mana O Te Ra), competed this year.

Soloists competed in age categories and split into vahine and tane. In addition to the competition, workshops were also conducted for dance taught by Faimano Tupea of Heikura Nui and drumming taught by Heimanu Tehahe also of Heikura Nui.

Full results of the competition may be found at the Hura Tahiti event website or by visiting our Tahitian Dance database which includes results from many of the past Tahitian dance events that have occurred throughout the country.

Heiva USA

A brand new event is scheduled to hit San Diego this August. Heiva USA, produced by Friends of Tahiti - Te Mau Hoa No Tahiti, will take place August 13-14, 2010 on Shelter Island in San Diego, California. The event will feature a pageant, a gala dinner to be held at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Friday and a Tahitian dance solo competition on Saturday.

The 2010 Miss Heiva USA pageant contestants will compete for the title and 2 round trip tickets to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui among other prizes. To be eligible, contestants need to be 18-25 years old. Contact Lindsay Reva McNichol for more information at liny.vandalsink@gmail.com

The Tahiti Gala Dinner will be held at the Bali Hai Restaurant. It will be a traditional Polynesian/Tahitian buffet under the stars. Cost is $50 per person and includes a floor show by Le Polynesia and Heali'i's Polynesian Review.

Soloists will compete in age divisions from 4 years and up at the Pacific Beach Middle School in San Diego. An exhibition round will also take place for 2-3 year olds. Application fees run from $20-30 depending on age division and are available online to download.

Friends of Tahiti is a cultural and charitable non-profit association dedicated to promote friendship, understanding and cultural awareness between the people of French Polynesia and the United States through education and the cultural arts.

Visit the Heiva USA event website for more information.

Tarena Tahiti & Te Aranui O Tahiti

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

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

The judges for Tarena Tahiti this year are:

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

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

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

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

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

Heiva Tahiti En Mexico

Going south of the border? The 3rd annual Heiva Tahiti En Mexico, billed as "100% traditional" will be happening later this year November 13-15, 2010 in Guadelajara.

Saturday activities begin with the group competition followed by workshops. Sunday features solo and couples competing in all age groups. And Monday will feature more workshops and awards.

Registration is open until October 31, 2010. For more information, visit the event website.