Tahiti Fête of San Jose
July 4. 5 & 6, 2003
San Jose State University Event Center
San Jose, CA
In its thirteeth year, the Tahiti Fête of San Jose is a
three-day event to be held July 4-6, 2003, at the San Jose State University
Events Center in San Jose , California . Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours
are from 9am to approximately 5pm.
Each year during the month of July, the people of French Polynesia celebrate
Bastille Day with a variety of cultural programs. The colorful and energetic
Tahitian dance competition is by far the most exciting event of this Tahitian "Heiva." Dance
companies from all over French Polynesia prepare year-round to compete for
the best group overall position. Local people enjoy the dazzling display of
colorful and energetic dance choreography.
The Tahiti Fête of San Jose is an event similar to the Tahitian Heiva.
On this July weekend, audiences will be able to see the finest in Tahitian
dancing from dance companies throughout Hawaii , California , Mexico , Japan
, Canada , Washington , Utah and Tahiti . With an expected audience of at least
3,000 - 3,500 people daily, of both locals and visitors, this San Jose event
has become the largest Tahitian cultural arts exposition outside of Tahiti
.
At least 35 Polynesian dance companies (halau) are expected to participate
in the group competition. In addition over 250 solo dancers from the various
dance companies will participate in the Ori
Tahiti Solo dance competition. Tahitian crafters and local artisans will
be present to show the latest in their unique offerings. A sampling of Tahitian
and local dishes will also be available for purchase.
This year's feature guests are from Tahiti . The award-winning, " Tamarii
Papara " and it's Mayor, Bruno Sandras will highlight this spectacular
weekend.
Workshops in
language, drumming, costume design, vivo (nose flute), himene tarava and dance
will take place early in the week from July 1-2. All workshops will take place
at the DoubleTree Hotel ballroom.
This year, the Solo Dance Eliminations will be at the Ballroom of the San
Jose DoubleTree Hotel on July 3rd from 2:00 pm until the evening. Finalists
chosen will proceed to the Tahiti Fête the next day at the San Jose State
University Event Center . Solo Awards will be given on Friday night, July 4.
For the first time, the Mr/Miss San Jose Tahiti competition will be in a formal
setting. The pageant's new name is " Tane
et Vahine San Jose-Tahiti Soirée ." A Polynesian dinner and
a show by "Tamarii Papara" of Tahiti will be one of the many highlights.
The San Jose DoubleTree Hotel will host the event on Wednesday July 2 in the
main ballroom. Contestants will be required to model a Tahitian outfit and
perform a short Ori Tahiti. A Tahitian fashion show will precede the event.
Tickets for this soirée are $65 each.
PuaTahiti Productions, under the direction of Pua Tokumoto, is the producer
of the event. The Tahiti Fête of San Jose is a sister event of the Tahiti
Fête of Hilo also under the direction of Pua. Both events are labors
of love. She started the San Jose event over 15 years ago and has made it into
the most prestigious and largest Tahitian event outside of Tahiti . In 1999,
Pua moved to the Big Island of Hawaii where she started the Hilo event within
a year of moving there. She invites all to share in her interest in the Tahitian
culture.
Tickets are
$18 a day or $45 for the Weekend Pass. Tickets may be purchased directly by
mail. Check or money order only. Send payment to:
PuaTahiti Productions
PO Box 10688
Hilo , Hawaii 96721
Tickets available starting in May at:
San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau - 1-888-SAN JOSE (726-5673)
SJSU Box Office (408) 924-6333
Ticketmaster (408) 998-8497
Tickets also available at the box office on days of the event
For more information or inquiries about participating, sponsoring, or volunteering,
please contact our executive producer, Pua
Tokumoto .
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