PRESS RELEASE –
Honolulu, Hawaii – March 20, 2013 - HEIVA I
HONOLULU, produced by Tahiti Nui International, is
Hawaii’s biggest and best Tahitian dance competition. Tomorrow, Friday and
Saturday, March 21-23, 2013 the Waikiki Shell stage will be full of hundreds of
soloists and premier Tahitian performance groups representing Hawaii, North
America and Asia. A full three-day of activities for visitors and locals, this
Heiva is a gathering of the best in Tahitian culture.
What is a heiva you ask? In Tahitian, the word Heiva (hei meaning to assemble, and va
meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise,
and festivals. Music, dancing, singing and sporting events have always held an
important place in the Polynesian community. Heiva i Honolulu, now in its 11th
year, is modeled after Heiva i Tahiti, which occurs annually during the month
of July and is the largest cultural event in Tahiti and French Polynesia.
From the fast hip shaking Otea movements to the powerful beating
drums to the seductive rhythms of song and legends, this competition is sure to
entertain. This year we also feature Polynesian fashion shows and an exhibition
by a local Marquesan group performing traditional haka’s rarely seen outside of
French Polynesia. An array of Polynesian arts and crafts unique solely to this
event, complete the festivities.
Months of
rehearsal culminate for all participating groups with dramatic energized
performances of the Otea, Ahupurotu,
Drumming, and Aparima. Soloists
alike prepare for a complete day of competition amongst those similar in age
for the coveted award of top dancer in their age
group as well as
advancing to the solo champion award, the Overall Tane and Overall Vahine
titles.
Tickets are on sale at the
Blaisdell Ticket Box Office, or each day two hours prior to the event start
time at the Waikiki Shell Box Office. General Admission: Adult (11yrs+) $15
Child $10 (4-10yrs). Ticket prices noted are per day. The celebration is open
to visitors and locals alike.
Heiva i Honolulu 2013 is sponsored
by Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Cultural Center, Aloha Hula Supply, Black
Pearl Designs, Germaine’s Luau, Hokapi Creations, Tahiti Imports, Tahitian
Drums by Chief Miko, Tihati Productions, and Vanille de Tahiti.
TAHITI NUI INTERNATIONAL is a
cultural organization founded for the purposes of preserving, promoting and
sharing the cultures, arts and crafts of the five groups of islands that make
up French Polynesia, commonly known as Tahiti.
For more information, if you would like to schedule in studio or have press passes provided, contact: Mana
Mo’o (manamoo@mac.com), Tahiti Nui International, 3246 Hinano Street, Honolulu,
HI 96816 (808)732-7342 www.tahitinuiinternational.com.
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