Iaorana…

The Polynesian Cultural Center's eighth annual Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti children's dance competition was held July 5, 2008, and featured over 100 entrants.

Read more about the 2008 competition...

Raymond Mariteragi, PCC's Tahitian cultural expert and coordinator of the annual dance competition, pointed out that "this is the only major Tahitian dance competition that focuses exclusively on such young dancers, and we've had outstanding response from dance schools all over Oahu and even California. Many of these kids wouldn't otherwise have a chance to compete, as most other heiva or performance competitions focus on adults."

Jeanne Mou'a Larsen, who has judged the PCC's competition for the past six years, said every year the dancers are "getting better and better," and added she's "amazed at the love for Tahitian culture here."

View 2008 and previous years results...

The Cultural Center's Tahitian celebration is held each year about the same time as the Heiva, which traditionally was the French Polynesian observance of France's Bastille Day. Since French Polynesia obtained autonomie from France on June 29, 1974, the Heiva festival has become much more a grand celebration of Tahitian culture . . . much like the one you can enjoy at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Please plan to join us for one of our most colorful special events. Maururu (thanks).