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. ​

O Tahiti E was always known for making a grand entrance on the Heiva I Tahiti stage every year they competed! This time they felt inspired to come in with a soft, yet powerful, entrance. Almost like the breath of a strong wind coming in with a message. In this case, the message was strong and always on point. It started with the passing of a Grandmother, played by Margeurite Lai - Chef and creator of O Tahiti E in 1986. The theme was well thought out and definitely executed beyond all hopes of being amazing.

"Le Grand Souffle de la Vie" The Last Breathe of Life. Was the theme of O Tahiti E's show this year in the Heiva I Tahiti 2019. Within this last breathe was the knowledge and information of the culture that is dying, today. With this last breathe the culture can still live on today and prosper, if taught right by the inheriting ancestors. It was an extreme pleasure having a chance to see the performance live at the Toata Stage in Papeete Tahiti. Amazing!

Attending multiple rehearsals, while in Tahiti and following O Tahiti E, we were able to speak with multiple dancers and leads for O Tahiti E. They all shared and expressed their deep love for their culture. Taero Jamet, lead for the male dancers, expressed his gratitude to Marguerite Lai for allowing him to be a part of such history. "J'etait vraiment content de faire partir de ces groupe, O Tahiti E. C'est un groupe tres immerse dans la culture tahitienne. Et nous sommes fier d'etre parti de son legacy! Nous sommes tres content avec le theme qu'on a choisi cette annee. Vous allez beaucoup aime!" We were also able to speak to a foreign dancer from Hawaii that was participating in the Heiva I Tahiti with O Tahiti E. "I have always dreamt of being a part of the Heiva I Tahiti since I was a little girl. Now to actually be in the Heiva I Tahiti with one of the biggest groups in the world. I am more than excited to be a part of it. This has been so great and such a wonderful experience!" Kaileen is from Hawaii and has been learning from various dancing Teachers on Oahu. It was great to meet with her and her family. 

O Tahiti E has definitely earned this years overall awards. From costumes, theme, author, music and so much more. O Tahiti E has shown that they are still one of the most powerful, definitely most influential, groups in Tahiti. Their first night they competed, they were totally rained out, but as professionals as they are, they continued to dance through it all. Enjoy the video we shared from TNTV. 

Thank you to O Tahiti E for allowing us to follow your journey and to enjoy your victory as the overall grand winners for the Heiva I Tahiti in 2019. Can't wait to see what is left for the group in the future! We will miss you Marguerite Lai. In the hands of the younger generation now. 

​Photo Credit: Slyvie Wong. TNTV.