4 Generations of Dancers. 2 Dance Schools. 1 Amazing Woman. Moeata Dance School & Tamarii Poerava!

Our Team spent numerous days watching, learning and growing love for this family that had opened their arms to us. Welcomed us and allowed us to follow their journey. The Laughlin family. Their wonderful Mother, Moeata, was the most kind, embracing and knowledgable Tahitian Lady we met on this trip. We sat multiple times and enjoyed their company while learning about 'Ori Tahiti through her eyes and her journey. The story is incredible. 

Moeata was brought up by her very religious Mama Faamu, yet she was very deeply rooted in the Tahitian Culture and definitely instilled in Moeata the grace and the beauty OF the Tahitian Culture. Moeata was taught the love of God. The beauty of the Culture and how important each role is in their lives. 

When Moeata was 16, she was asked to participate in the Heiva I Tahiti. At that time age wasn't important, but they did suggest the dancers to be at least 18 and older. But, she felt prompted to do it and competed in her first Heiva I Tahiti. She won. She took the award of the BEST DANCER for the Heiva I Tahiti that year. It was a celebrated year! Moeata had created a name for her. 

Fun fact, Moeata also met, and married, the love of her life, John Gabilou. The famed French Singer in French Polynesia and around the world. They have 4 wonderful children. We will get into that more below. 

4 Generations of dancers! The mother of Moeata. Moeata. Hianau and the daughter of Hianau. Moeata has 3 other wonderful children. Homai, with her wonderful son, also a dancer, Manarii and Noho! All such an amazing family! We were lucky to get to know them all individually, and they are fun, hilarious and full of love. 

The 4 women who dance, share the culture and continue to teach the Tahitian Culture, Perform the Tahitian Culture and most importantly, live the Tahitian Culture. Extremely a wonderful legacy to leave behind and a legacy to be proud of that you started. 

Moeata Dance School has 2 locations on the islands of Tahiti. One in Faaa, which is the main studio hub for the Moeata Dance School. Then Taravao is the other location for their second studio. Faaa celebrated 30 years this year and we got to see it all in action. Their Taravao studio celebrated 10 years this year. We were definitely lucky to see all of the festivities and fun to celebrate their families successes. 

With all of this excitement, get this, there was more. They were honoring Moeata at the 2019 Heiva I Tahiti. We got to see it all. Film it all, with our Film Production Team, and enjoyed the night for Moeata and her successes, PLUS the announcing of the winners. 

We learned a lot from this gracious lady and grew to love her even more at the end of our stay in Tahiti. Hianau has become a great friend to our Team and to our Film Production Team we work with. We love their family. Our family! If you are looking for a school to go to, definitely look up Moeata Dance School. So worth it. ​