The biggest news of Heiva I Tahiti 2009, is that of Hei Tahiti! In grand form, their presentation is based on the sharing of the land of Raivaevae. Two brothers who confront each other, with some challenge, over the land of Raivaevae.

With Heiva I Tahiti Group Presentations near closing, July 18, 2009, and my own return to the states from Tokyo has me settled, I want to be sure to update you regarding Heiva I Tahiti!

In the category of Heiva Nui, some of the biggest names in Heiva I Tahiti 2009 opened the first night of song and dance. O Tahiti E, A hutoru Nui, Heikura Nui, and Hitireva!

Spectacle, tradition, and people filled Toata Saturday night for the big event. The four groups brought forth their traditional presentations. Although, DVDs are not yet available and may not be for months to come, youtube normally features some highlights, AND most importantly RFO Polynesie, a local media group will be airing some of Heiva I Tahiti in July.

Visit their website for more:

http://polynesie.rfo.fr/

The 127th edition of Heiva I Tahiti opened up with the traditional kava ceremony at Place Toata Friday night! La Depeche Tahiti, a news source for French Polynesia, announced 14 dance groups and 11 song groups are set to take stage at Toata over the next two weeks.

With the many challenges pronounced prior to the Heiva by the voices of the community, the Minister acknowledged hearing the out cry for assistance and promised that with help from others, solutions will be found. Some of the problems existing today at the local level are rehearsal space, parking, group financing, and most importantly just the lack of consideration for the efforts to bring about the Heiva I Tahiti.

This evening was highlighted by a traditional orero, much song and rhythms, and a special aparima by Janine Maru.

Stay tuned here for more highlights!

Polynesian Cultural Center's "Te Mahana Hiro'a O Tahiti" - Tahitian Dance Competition was held this past weekend, July 10-11, 2009.

The event opened up Friday evening at Hale Aloha with the Tamarai'i (Junior and Senior Divisions) Solo Competition. The youngest under 5 were adorable with parents just off stage anxious for their children to dance and hop around as they do at home. The rest of the night was filled with color and showmanship. Jordan Mariteragi won the Tamari'i Tane Jr. Overall Soloist! Jasmine, also of Nonosina Hawaii took the Tamari'i Vahine Overall Soloist title in the Sr. Division. I don't have all the winners listed, but you can find them at PCC's website Tahiti Festival webpage.

http://www.polynesia.com/tahiti_festival/index.htm

The group events, Saturday, presented infants to teens in group performance. Marania Haoragi directed by Tahia Parker, Te Hamata directed by Penny Tuilolo, and Nonosina Hawaii directed by Jon and Tiani Mariteragi took the PCC Main stage in song and dance! From the well known popular tunes and beats of French Polynesia to the new, Nonosina Hawaii came home with Sr. Division first place honors. For all awards see PCC's website for details and photos.

Hitia O Te Ra hosted Hura Tahiti 2009 in Southern California, June 19-20, 2009, hosting over 300 solo competition participants and approximately 6 groups in the group categories.

For more information regarding results, photos, and videos, check out their website:

www.huratahiti.com

Looking at their results, there were a few names that crossed the Heiva I Honolulu award winners, to name a few:

Nemenzo, taking first place in the Otea Category
Te Mana O Te Ra, taking first place in the Ahupurotu Category
Evelyn Bustamente of Island Way, taking Overall Vahine Soloist!

There were many groups and independent soloist participants, far too many to mention, but all whom we hope to see attending Heiva I Honolulu 2010!

La Depeche Tahiti wrote this morning about the challenges dance group participants are having shipping in the costumes, particularly mores.

Locally, the more manufacturers are only able to produce a very small number of mores. Each Heiva I Tahiti participating group averages 80 dance members, not including musicians and chorus group. The local more producers are able to costume 20 of 80 dancers per group which leaves group leaders purchasing abroad. It is the import tax that sends participants' costs sky rocketing. Even Marguerite Lai of O Tahiti E, voiced her concern claiming that participating in Heiva I Tahiti leaves groups without enough funds, even after numerous fundraising events throughout the year.

Although this news is GOOD news for the more suppliers here locally in Hawaii, it still leaves Tahiti with a major issue to resolve.