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FESTIVAL DANCERS

KAUATUAHINE POLYNESIAN DANCE COMPANY

NATIONAL/ETHNIC IDENTITY: Tahitian
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Māhealani Uchiyama
First Appearance in SF EDF: 2004
Website: www.mahea.com/kut

Surrounded by the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, Tahitian dance, with its intricate hip circling and precise arm and foot movements was originally performed by a society of professional entertainers dedicated to the god Oro. It was an integral part of daily culture as it was used in religious rituals and social events to signal peace or to celebrate life. In pre-colonial Tahiti the dance was also used to disseminate history and genealogies.

Like many Polynesian forms, dancing was prohibited in Tahiti when the missionaries arrived and it did not resurface until the late 19th century. By then its function in society changed leading to a change in form as well. The importance of poetry declined and more emphasis on swift hip movements done to powerful, polyrhythmic drumming became the norm.

Founding Artistic Director of the KaUaTuahine Polynesian Dance Company, Mahea Uchiyama has been a student of dance since her early childhood, raised within the discipline of the classical hula tradition. KaUaTuahine has highlighted many performances, festivals, and events in the Bay Area, and in 2002 they traveled to Tahiti to study and perform.

2004 PERFORMANCE

KaUaTuahine group TITLE OF PIECE: Nā Hiti Nā Manu Erua
CHOREOGRAPHY: Hirohiti Tamatahotoa
DANCERS: Tamisi 'A'awapuhi, Leah Kekailoa Aguilera, Kehindeuwimani Apara, Rachel Kōnane Brown-Tornillo, Alma Kaipo Buenavista, Brazil Buenavista, Lani Cantu, Melanie Wai'oli Kōlea Chan, Ku'uwehilani Cid, Christina Deang, Lora Kehaulani Dinga, Michelle Lanakila Hollis, Juvie Ha'alia Luna, Shannon Olario, Jolyn Puamana Overton, Rosalie Kala'i Ragasa, Meridith Kawēkiu Roberts, Amy 'Ilikea Wehiwa Santana, Hazel Sarmiento, Sophie Kapono Schulman, Loughlin Hemolele Stohlman, Mark Tangi, and Hoku Uchiyama
MUSICIANS: Alan Kekoa Aki, Sam Almira, Stephen Chipp, Hugh Humphrey, Pili Moreno, Aaron Sencil, Māhealani Uchiyama, and Cyrus Yamat

KaUaTuahine offers a suite of dances accompanied by a drum orchestra. Nā Hiti Nā Manu Erua means "the dual bird spirit of Na Hiti" and is based on a legend of the sacrifice of a young child who later returns to his family in the form of a beautiful white bird. The child brings a message of peace back to his people who live near the river Na Hiti.

In this style of Tahitian dance, the color red symbolizes royalty and celebration. The bold red of the costumes reflects the exuberance of the people upon hearing the bird's message of peace. Red and black feathers along with mother of pearl are worn as adornment, but the use of western style jewelry and makeup is restricted.