East Side hosts Tahitian dance

Cultivating the next generation of Tahitian dancers and drummers lies at the foundation of Heiva I Kaua‘i Iaorana, a competitive Tahitian dance festival opening at 10 a.m. Saturday at Kapa‘a Beach Park.

“Ours is a showcase of young performers showing their stuff to a supportive audience,” said one of the event organizers, Sally Jo Manea.

This 8th annual competition will feature solo and group performances and both traditional and contemporary Tahitian drumming. The event will also feature multi-cultural exhibition dancing, singing and crafts. An array of items from south and western Pacific islands will be for sale.

 Come for multi-cultural workshops Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning that include Tahitian dance, choreography and drumming. The festival begins officially with a traditional welcome at 10:40 a.m. with the solo competition beginning at 11 a.m. Gates open at 10 a.m.

“This isn’t just dance — Tahitian dancing is a sport,” Manea said. “It’s exciting to see dancing that requires this much athletic ability and endurance.”

Solo categories are ‘Ote‘a vahine and tane for junior, senior and master (age 26+) divisions. Group categories include ‘Ote‘a, Aparima, Ahuroa and traditional and contemporary Tahitian drumming. Group competition schedules will depend on the number of entries. Sunday gates open at 10 a.m. and exhibition dancing begins at 11 a.m. with group competition continuing. Sunday will end with solo, group and drumming award presentations.

As a forum for cultural expression, not only are dancers and musicians provided with a learning platform, but for the first time two apprentice judges will learn how to score dancers during the competitions.

Admission is $5 a day at the door. Children ages 6 and under are free. For more information call, 822-9447.