Hitireva: A Powerhouse Tahitian Dance Group

The power, the strength, the music, the drums and the beauty. All words to precisely describe Hitireva. Hitireva is run by the group leader, Kehaulani Changuy. Her voice echoes over hundreds f dancers during rehearsal, instructing all her dancers, drummers and singers to move this way, that way. To go down. Run and exit the stage area. All in sync. It was amazing. Hitireva definitely had organization, poise and talent. We knew this the first time we attended one of their rehearsal.

The beginning of their show began with chants, drums and beautiful movements from beautiful dancers. Kehau told us in a quick interview, "I don't choose the themes to my shows. I leave that up to the Authors. That is their job. My job is to bring it to life." And to life she did. Kehaulani had amazing choreography, movement and stage placements. The show was definitely worth seeing twice. Actually three, if we count the time we went to their private concert in Arue. 

Le spectacle était génial. Hitireva était précis, ensemble et unique. Très fort spectacle. Nous avons tous été extrêmement satisfaits du dur travail et de la présentation.

Hitireva may have come in second place, to the overall grand winners, O Tahiti E, but they were definitely close to that prize. We will share their show below, make sure you watch it. It is beautiful. Hitireva, having earned their second place, proved to be equals against the legacy of O Tahiti E. Both amazing groups in their own rights. Room for everyone in Tahiti to share their interpretation of Ori Tahiti. Hitireva will definitely be around more often. Hitireva is already in connection with Nonosina of America. One of America's biggest groups, helping to teach and preserve the teachings of Ori Tahiti. 

Hitireva has won numerous awards in the Heiva I Tahiti. First place in Hura Ava Tau. First place again in the Hura Tau division. All great achievements and nothing to hold your head down low for. Hitireva is definitely going to be a group to watch in the near future to see what else they come up with.

We had the chance to speak with a lot of dancers and how they felt about being a part of Hitireva. They all pretty much had the same answers! We talked to Naku and she said, "It is amazing to be a part of a group that is so innovative in their ways of teaching and interpreting our Culture. We are definitely a younger generation eager to learn, and Kehau makes it fun, new and makes us proud to be Tahitian!" We pulled aside their male soloist, Teva, and he was more than ecstatic to tell us, "I enjoy learning from very talented people from our community. Kehau has taught a lot of us so much about our own culture. Stuff we didn't even know! I love being a part of it."

Before leaving, we got to speak to the Best Female Soloist for the Heiva I Tahiti 2019, who also dances for Kehaulani. And helps her teach her classes, Matatini. Matatini Mou won first place for best female soloist. This award was definitely earned. Her solo was breathtaking, on point and overall the best Ori Tahiti we have seen. She stated, "I love my culture. She is alive, strong and evolving. I am proud to be Tahiti! Winning the Heiva I Tahiti Best Female Solo has made me want to teach even more, about my culture!" All dancers we have encountered have been so sweet, inviting and so great. 

Check out their performance below! Subscribe. Follow us! 

Photos: Stephane Mailion
Videos: TNTV Tahiti Nui Television