FESTIVAL DANCERS
Mahea Uchiyama
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. She has performed both solo Middle Eastern Dance, and Tahitian dance with her company several times in the Festival, and in People Like Me in 2002.
2005 PERFORMANCE
In weekend three of the 2005 Festival,
Mahea provided narrative interludes with grace and poetic style. Her
silken voice and staturesque presence was captivating, and the segments
helped to illuminate the theme of Transformations.
2004 PERFORMANCE
 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.
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