Ori Tahiti Nui two Polynesians crowned world champions 2016

written by Tiare January 9, 2017

Ori Tahiti Nui two Polynesians crowned world champion 2016

PUNAAUIA, November 28, 2016 – The Tahitian dance was honored with the Ori Tahiti Nui competition evenings organized at Le Méridien Tahiti. The best international artists played the titles in different categories for two days. The Polynesians Lehia Mama and Tommy Tihoni from the Tahiti Ora group have been crowned 2016 world champions.

“This edition was a great success with the participation of 22 dance schools and the biggest dancers in each country, with more than 350 artists in total, welcoming around 70 foreign competitors, representing 120 people on the move. ‘Is a heavy organization to manage, but satisfaction is always there. We thank all the schools and all the groups for their involvement!’, Reports Manouche Lehartel. On Saturday and Sunday morning, the Solo Tama, Duos & Mehura and Solo ‘Arioi competitions gathered tane and vahine of all ages, including’ Aiu less than six years old who offered an exhibition in the conditions of the contest. The titles of Ari’oi Vahine and Ari’oi Tane were respectively won by Matatini Mou de Aratoa and Pai Amo by Moorea Swing Boys. Pauline Sillinger and Tehere Tetuaiteroi are the duo 2016 winners.

©Stéphane Mailion

The second evening, Sunday, was devoted, meanwhile, to the world championship. Two Polynesians from the Tahiti Ora group took the first step of the podium: Lehia Mama (read her interview) won the prize for best dancer 2016 and Tommy Tihoni, best dancer 2016. “Lehia was 2nd best dancer at Heiva 2014 And started with us in 2011, and Tommy, the first prize of Heiva i Tahiti 2016 in the group Pupe Tuha’a Pae, arrived here this year, “said Tumata Robinson, head of the Tahiti Ora troupe. As a reminder, the 2015 edition, not open to men, was won by Californian Melanie Amen.

©Stéphane Mailion

Manouche Lehartel said: “Tumata and I were not part of the jury, which was composed solely of Hura Tau band leaders such as Coco Tirao (Ahutoru Nui), Hirohiti Tematahotoa (Hanatika), Tiare Trumpet (Hei Tahiti), Jean Mika Foster (Tamariki Poerani) and Mateata Le Gayic (Toakura), in addition to Tiana Liufau from the school and the dance company Nonosina, Is an international judge who gives credit and legitimacy to our competition, and she is also the originator of instrumental music in Walt Disney’s Vaiana. Lehia and Tommy are beautiful, young, they have worked hard and they have ensured! We are very glad that it is two Polynesians who win The Ori Tahiti Nui World Championship was followed in live streaming by 35,000 people and there were more than 2,000 shares of the event. Elaborate choreographies, splendid plant costumes and a festive atmosphere, the Ori Tahiti Nui has again offered a magnificent spectacle, definitely imposing itself as a cultural rendezvous impossible to circumvent.

©Stéphane Mailion

Lehia Mama: “I did not expect to win”

“I’m a little lost, I’m struggling to achieve my victory … I’m good, happy, and at the same time, I’m disappointed for my girlfriends, it’s a funny mix of feelings. Not to win, some girls danced better than me, especially the Hawaiian and American who have a very high level. I am also happy for Tommy Tihoni, who won the men’s title after the one obtained last July at Heiva As far as my projects are concerned, I will have to leave Japan soon, one or two times a year to ensure workshops, and I also attend Tumata Robinson at her dance school in Paea. Will be part of the two tours of Tahiti Ora in Paris and Europe, scheduled for 2017. “©Stéphane Mailion