Much mahalo to Hulala Living and 'Ori 'Ori Lympics for creating competition and community in a time when we thought we'd be left without both; a year full of what was at first full-stops and isolation has become a year of fulfilling change and collective connection (in many more ways than one!). We at Huraiti Mana have so gladly been a part of 'Ori 'Ori Lympic online and the very many workshops that have led us to learn and grow from the leaders in our 'Ori Community as well as reconnect with FÄ“ti'i around the world and our collective aroha for the 'Ori Tahiti. Truly, māuruuru to Hulala Living and judges Tahia Cambet of O Tahiti Nui and Hinatea Colombani of Ari'oi Cultural Center for your kindness, warmth & 'ite.

We at Huraiti Mana extend our sincerest gratitude to Nemenzo for creating the first virtual Heiva i San Francisco 2020 with esteemed judges Matatini Mou (Best Female Dancer, Heiva i Tahiti 2019), Tiana Liufau (Director of Nonosina), and Hinatea Colombani of The Ari'oi Cultural Center of Tahiti! The event was filled with love for and celebration of a beautiful legacy, culture, history, tradition, and people! Some for their first time, we entered 3 of our huraiti! And we are so warmed and humbled to receive 2nd in Premier 26-35yrs and 1st in the unique Hō'ē Tu'ura'a 'Āvae challenge! Māuruuru for providing us this opportunity of challenge & growth as well as resilience of culture in these times. So much cultural connectivity in this 'ori Tahiti community while we are physically apart. 

Above: Tumu parau: Kalei'okalani was inspired by poet and defender of culture Patrick Araia Amaru and his poem titled "Te Hiro'a e te Iho Tumu," Culture and Identity. Kalei'okalani searches for her culture and origins, calling upon the fenua, the tupuna, the atua, grasping for any 'ite, any knowledge of the past. And through this search for identity, she discovers that her lineage lives within her, her sacred ā'au. 

The above was a unique and innovative Tu'ura'a Hō'ē 'Āvae challenge as a part of Heiva i San Francisco! The Tāmau and the Fa'arapu are the two core basics of which all other tu'ura'a are extensions and variations. Tāmau means consistently or constantly and is the core of 'āfata, 'amaha, tā'iri toma (toma toma, tā'iri piti), etc. Fa'arapu, meaning to mix or stir, is your core for tūmami, tāhapeape, and other circular motions.

We chose Tāmau. Steps included: tā'iri, 'āfata, 'amaha, hue, toma toma (teki, raro), 'ōtamu, tatu'e

Tumu parau: Kalei'okalani is a survivor of sexual assault and likens her story, and the story of far too many, to that of the tumu, the tree or source. She admires the tumu for its strength and life-giving property, its growth and its beauty. And though a tree's body may be cut, maimed, and nearly destroyed, she wills the power to grow again, her far-reaching branches extended to the skies.

Heiva i San Francisco was our first virtual competition! Katie entered with an 'ōte'a dedicated to te va'a, the voyaging canoe, and the travels of Polynesians across the Pacific. Krystine's tumu parau (source/theme) was nehenehe, or Vahine Purotu, the beauty of women. 'Ua te'ote'o tātou ia 'ōrua!

Māuruuru again to all who joined in our fundraising efforts for Dance Against Discrimination with Huraiti Mana that took place July 13, 2020, virtually. So appreciative and honored to have shared space and time with all of you.

Together in our combined efforts of generosity and love have raised OVER $900 for Black Women's Blueprint! And donations were also made to The Okra Project. We almost doubled our original goal of $500! Manuia! May we continue, together, in serving our underrepresented, marginalized, and targeted communities. Huraiti Mana for Black Lives Matter. 

All who have joined us are welcomed as our 'ori sisters, 'ori brothers, 'ori siblings & fēti'i. For Huraiti Mana, once we dance together, we our 'ori family, always. Huraiti Mana welcomes you, thanks you, lifts our hands up to you. E fa'aitoito!

Centering:
A reminder of why we’re here. Source for Black Women’s Blueprint honoring Black Women lost to violence

WE CONTINUE TO SAY HER NAME

• Tarika Wilson
• Malissa Williams
• Mya Hall
• Aiyana Jones
• Korryn Gaines
• Riah Milton
• Kathryn Johnston
• Sandra Bland
• Latandra Ellington
• Joyce Curnell
• Kendra James
• Natasha McKenna
• Amber Rose Issac
• Rekia Boyd
• Bettie Jones
• Tiara Thomas
• India Kager
• Asian Roundtree
• Keara Crowder
• Yvette Smith
• Tanisha Anderson
• Kiki Fantroy
• Kindra Chapman
• Johana Medina Leon
• Aniva Parker
• Tamla Horsford
• Kira Dixon Johnson
• Meagan Hockaday
• Shelly Frey
• Oluwatoyin Salau
• Yvette Smith
• Iretha Lilly
• Michelle Cusseaux
• Alberta Spruill
• Eleanor Bumpers
• Atatiana Jefferson
• Deborah Danner
• Ralkina Jones
• Nuwnah Laroche
• Tanisha Anderson
• Layleen Polanco
• Pamela Turner
• Latasha Harlins
• Tyisha Miller
• Alexia Christian
• Miriam Carey
• Breonna Taylor
• Veronica Woodard
• Shiand Miller
• Dominique Fells

May these women and too many more, rest in love, in peace, in eternal remembrance. May no further women ever suffer what these women have suffered. May no further young girls ever have to face the world with fear. May we end violence against Black women and girls, today, now, and forevermore.