ORI I TAHITI SHOW THEIR ROOTS
On October 5th, Tahitian dance group ‘Ori i Tahiti presented their new show entitled ‘A’a Fa’atoro’ which translates to ‘The roots that branch out’ written by Tahitian cultural expert Jacky Bryant. Tahiti Dance Online takes a closer look.
©La Maison de la Culture
Teraurii Piritua, choreographer and founder of Tahitian dance group ‘Ori i Tahiti describes the theme of his new show by saying “I’ll take the example of a sweet potato. Before you find one, you are forced to dig into the earth. This is exactly the message I would like to leave to the youth because this theme speaks of roots”. A theme written by author Jacky Bryant that is all about finding your way in life by establishing your cultural base, as the roots embody a deep connection to the earth and culture you belong to. The show was split up into two sections, the first was a showcase by Terauri”i’s dance school A ‘Ori Mai where they presented a choreographed item they had been practicing since August. After a short intermission, the main dance group ‘Ori i Tahiti took to the stage with 14 female dancers, 11 musicians and 12 male dancers to present 5 different portraits that best represent the theme choreographed by Teraurii Piritua with the help of Kelly Terorotua. Musical compositions and ote’a were created by Tamatea Tera’a, the band conductor.
©La Maison de la Culture
The ‘A ‘Ori Mai’ dance school was founded in 2004 by Terauri’i Piritua who learned the foundation of Tahitian dance with Mamie Louise and Vanina Kimitete Ehu, famous figures from the Artistic Conservatory of French Polynesia, and with Makau Foster-Delculvellerie, Director of Tamariki Poerani. Every year since the schools opening they have participated in the dance school Heiva. In 2010, Terauri’i entered his first group in the Hura Tapairu and won 1st prize and in 2011 the major dance group ‘Ori i Tahiti was born and in 2012 they took up the challenge of competing in the Hura Ava Tau category coming in 2nd for their first participation which was an awesome achievement. The following year, ‘Ori i Tahiti participated once more with a spectacular show confirming the talent of its leader since the group won 1st prize Hura Ava Tau allowing them to access the Hura Tau category. After presenting their new show here in Tahiti they have plans to export the show abroad with a tour to the U.S at the end of October.
©La Maison de la Culture
For two months now ‘Ori Tahiti has been tirelessly practicing to bring across their message described by Terauri’i as ‘going from the origin, that is to say of the tree itself, then we will go to the roots. Thereafter, we find when we start out, through a strong image that Jacky wanted to convey to us: the man who ruined nature, which is also a way to loose ones culture, by rampaging mother nature, you lose your identity. I think that’s what Jacky wanted to express, in the end, it was a message of hope that will call the youth to reclaim their culture and at the same time the strong message that was left by Jacky is to dig in the ground, dig in to weave your identity in today’s world. Establish yourself by setting your roots to know who you are, to better build your future . “
For Teraurii, collaboration with Jacky Bryant was extremely positive in his artistic career. “I would like to work again with Jacky Bryant, but it will do so only if Hitireva do not go to the Heiva, since Jacky is their premiere author. But I also like the fact of presenting shows in Tahiti at Te Fare Tauhiti Nui. Working with Jacky to mount other shows outside the Heiva scope and Hura Tapairu, because we will have less stress and it’s easier. “
©La Maison de la Culture
“A’a fa’atoro, a’a fa’atoto” will also be presented in the United States as the group plans to be there from the 20th to the 30th October. Terauri”i mentioned that ‘this is a project that lay dormant for three years, since we have not done the Heiva this year, so we could do fundraising to realize the project, “. During their time in the U.S they will collaborate with the ‘Aloha Hula’ band and have scheduled two performances. They will also meet with different Tahitian dance schools based in the U.S. In terms of finances, the group organized several fundraisers: “We have collected more than 4 million francs, which helped fund the whole trip (airfare, hotel, transport …) the evening of our show will be a bonus, because we also had people who helped us financially, and through this show, we will thank them. “
We wish Terauri’i and his group ‘Ori i Tahiti the best of luck with their tour in the U.S!
More information on the tour here: Ori i Tahiti US Tour
