Tahitian Dance To Come Alive On Stage At PCC

Tahiti comes to Laie for a first-ever “cultural marathon” today (July 10) followed by dance competitions Friday and Saturday.

The annual Te Mahana Hiroa O Tahiti fete at Polynesian Cultural Center opens with a three-hour series of tamure (novice) workshops to teach beginners the finer points of the vibrant, spirited Tahitian dance. Located in the park’s Tahiti Village, the marathon’s expert instructors will conduct successive classes from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with all participants receiving a T-shirt. Fee is $10 for adults, $6 for keiki ages 5 to 11.

The Invitational Division is scheduled for 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at Tahiti Village where the nation’s top taurearea (adult) dancers in are expected to compete. The tamarii (children’s) solo and group performances will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in PCC’s Pacific Theater.

“Our festival is timed each year to coincide with the annual Heiva, or celebration of Tahitian culture held in Papeete, Tahiti,” explained PCC chief operating officer Logo Apelu. “We are proud to have hosted this festival for 14 years as it honors our mission of preserving the cultures of Polynesia.”

Public admission each day is $10 for adults and $6 for keiki (ages 5 to 11). For more information, call 293-3333.