HEIVA I HONOLULU, produced by Tahiti Nui International, is Hawaii’s biggest and best Tahitian dance competition. On March 12, 2016 the Neil Blaisdell Center – Honolulu will be full of hundreds of soloists and premier Tahitian performance groups representing Hawaii, North America and Asia. A full two days 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 14th 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 local Polynesian groups performing traditional dances. 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.
This year’s Heiva will include a Solo Competition, an Overall Solo Competition, and the Group Competition. Groups have found it difficult to thrive over the last year with much member attrition and the many changes in group leadership in the tahitian dance community. This year we are doing our utmost to encourage groups and individuals to participate with higher monetary awards and prize values and we are giving away a free trip to Tahiti for the highest scoring soloist, have raised the first place solo monetary awards in every category, as well as group monetary awards.
A special recognition will be held in honor of Uncle Raymond this year. His influence on Heiva i Honolulu and the Tahitian dance community is ever more apparent as his strength and guidance is felt more so during our Heiva events.
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.
Tickets for the this years event can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and at the Blaisdell Center Box Office the day of the event. Tickets are $15 (11- adult), and $10 (4-10 child). *Service fees apply. The event is open to the public. Gates open at 9 am.
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HEIVA I HONOLULU 2016 coming soon
