9th annual Heiva I Kaua‘i a ‘don’t-miss’ event

KAPA‘A — Designed to pay homage to the Polynesian origin of many locals, this year’s Ninth Annual Heiva I Kaua‘i Iorana Tahiti promises to deliver the art of Tahitian dance and drumming.

The dance competition is expected to bring about 200 participants, event coordinators said.

Dancer and choreographer Nicolas Kaneakua, who debuted his six students last year and is bringing a whopping group of 30 this year, said commitment is the “one thing” he asks of his dancers.

Kaneakua knows what it takes to do well in the competition, coming from a family well-versed in the tradition of Tahitian dance and music — his father is a drummer and fire knife dancer. Though Kaneakua was late out of the gate — he didn’t start dance until he was 15 years old — in 1999 he won as a soloist at one of Kaua‘i’s Tahiti fete competitions.

Of the many participants, Kaneakua’s group of 30 dancers and 10 musicians will take the stage next weekend, in a dance he choreographed and with music composed by the group.

Choreography is new for Kaneakua, who is a trained soloist. Soloists, though trained in technique and form, perform an impromptu act, therefore lacking choreography, he said. That said, taking on the choreography and costuming for 30 dancers was a challenge.

“It was definitely different,” he said.

There are several categories that can be entered, Kaneakua said, and his group will participate in both the ‘ote‘a and aparima divisions, the former of which is characterized by the rapid hip-shaking many associate with Tahitian dance, and the latter of which incorporates a hand dancing motion. The group also plans to do a song and dance about their history, or genealogy, Kaneakua said. “It’s like a migration song — like a family tree.”

 Rather than doing the sets individually, Kaneakua’s group will be combining the sets into one larger set with two costume changes — three costumes — he said.

The theme the group will perform centers around the story of the creation of the black pearl, which, according to Kaneakua, stems from the legend of one of the gods from the heavens, Oro, who fell in love with one of the goddesses of sandy beaches, Uaro.

Though Uaro was already taken, Oro was determined to prove his love for her, Kaneakua said. To do so, he created a black pearl, as large as the palm of her hand, and gave it to her as a gift.

Kaneakua’s group has been practicing since January, and is comprised of many newbies as well as seasoned dancers. Kaneakua said it has always been his goal to encourage participation into the art, even if that means not charging for class.

“Our group has been founded so no one has to pay,” he said. “I teach for free.”

Though Kaneakua isn’t part of a dance academy, he works to keep the positive influence of the practice alive. “We’re just a traditional Tahitian dance group where people come and dance,” he said. “A lot of times this can become more of a money-making thing than it is about teaching. So what we do is keep it open to everybody — regardless of race, body type — if you’re not Polynesian or physically-fit looking, that’s OK. In my group we have anybody. They’re all welcome.”

What Kaneakua does expect from dancers is the intention of dancing every practice, he said.

“From Ha‘ena to Kekaha, they’re all dedicated dancers, on time every practice. That’s all I ask.”

Though times are tough, fundraising is how the group stays afloat, coupled with donations, he said.

The economy may affect the turnout this year, Kaneakua said, not in terms of numbers, but geography. This year the 200 people he expects to turn out will likely mostly be from Kaua‘i.

“I’ve noticed with the other festivals a lot of people aren’t traveling as much,” he said. “So we’re hoping to see more island support this year than outside-island support.”

Though those who have come in years past will get to see what they’ve come to know and expect at the festival, Kaneakua said those who haven’t yet come should take the opportunity and experience Tahitian dance and culture.

Pat Finberg, in charge of the public relations for the event, said in addition to watching dance and music, festival participants can peruse the Polynesian arts and crafts or take workshops, as well as sample food.

Finberg, who has been helping with the event for the past three years, said this year’s craft fair will be larger than in events past.

There also will be a cultural tent, Finberg said, and the festival organizers have partnered with Kaua‘i Museum to have lauhala-weaving and Ni‘ihau-shell-leimaking demonstration for willing participants.

And for those who think they’ve seen it all, Kaneakua said there will always “be a new creation” to witness in the dances. “Every year is different,” he said.

Heiva 2010 will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 31- Aug. 1 atKapa’a Beach Park.

General admission is $5 per day.

The event is ADA-accessible. Those in need of an auxiliary aidto participate are asked to call the number below at least fivedays before the event: 822-9447.

For those interested in signing up for Nicolas Kanea-kua’sclass, call 346-1886.