2024 Competition Jury

We are thrilled to welcome a very talented, experienced, and knowledgeable panel of judges for the Ori Tahiti competition. You can trust that their seasoned eyes will see you and score you fairly.

ARUHO’IA

NOARII

Poerani Germain

POERANI

Learn more about our judge panel below.

POERANI

GERMAIN

Passionate about ‘Ori Tahiti since she was a child, Poerani Germain is an experienced, professional dancer. She is a former choreographer of Tamariki Poerani and the current director of IA ORA TE HURA.
Her work with Tamariki Poerani in 2017 led the group to winning the 1st prize at the Heiva i Tahiti and the Hura Tapairu.
In 2022, with her own group, she won the 1st prize for Best Group - Hura Ava Tau, an Award for Best Music Composition and the Best Orchestra Award at the Heiva I Tahiti.
She considers ‘Ori Tahiti as both an art, rooted in her culture, and a way to stimulate creativity, express ourselves and feel the mana.

ARUHO’IA BIRET

Aruho’ia has been dancing since she could walk. Her primary role for nearly twenty years has been co-choreographer for the dance troupe MANAHAU TAHITI, with whom she has participated in Heiva I Tahiti (Hura Tau) in 2010, 2011, and 2014 and Hura Tapairu in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2018. They were awarded 2nd prize TAPAIRU, 1st prize (Aparima category) and 2nd prize (Ote'a category). The professional troupe has traveled to France, Taiwan several times, Samoa and Nouméa as well.

In 2010 Heiva I Tahiti, a festival showcasing local talent and cultural tradition for decades, Aruho’ia was crowned “Best Dancer”. This is an achievement awarded to only two very talented individuals each year.

Aruho’ia is passionate about her Tahitian culture and Ori Tahiti. As the director and lead instructor for her dance school MANAHAU, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and professional experience. Her focus in working with her students is to uplift and instill self-confidence in the younger generation of dancers.

Some of her other achievements include: Ambassador of Culture during Miss Polynesia 2009 and Miss National Tourism in Fiji during the Miss South Pacific election, and participation in the Marae Arahurahu Show with the group Ori I Tahiti (Terau Piritua). She was a member of the Jury at Hura Tapairu 2011, at Heiva de Nouméa in 2010, and at Heiva Internationale of Ori Tahiti (Matani Kainuku).

We are excited to have her here with us to celebrate with us in New York City and to share her love for her culture and people.

 

NOARI’I TEIVA

Noa is a rising star and a prominent voice in a new wave of Tahitian artistry. He has been dancing fort as long as he can remember and achieved many awards and accolades. Most recently he founded the dance group TOA MATA RAU. At their first appearance in the Hura Tapairu competition, they received third prize.

He is no stranger to Ori Tahiti competitions and has served on the jury at several competitions both locally in Tahiti and internationally.

As a solo dancer, Noa has won the coveted title of “Best Dancer” at Heiva I Tahiti in 2017. In that same year he also won first place in the Ori Tahiti World Championship, and then again in 2022.

We are happy to welcome Noa into the Heiva Pasifika family and look forward to learning from him and his expertise. Don’t miss out on his workshops and performances while he is here with us in NYC.