Our 2026 Judges
Matani Kainuku
Please welcome our Head Judge for 2026 Matani Kainuku
Leader of the renowned dance group NONAHERE, Matani is a champion with an impressive track record: 2nd place at Heiva i Tahiti 2005, and 1st place for 2006, 2007, and 2008!
As the Head Judge of Hura Tapairu and multiple Heiva i Tahiti events (2015, 2016, 2017, 2024, 2025), Matani brings decades of experience, talent, and passion to the stage. Also a gifted musician, writer, and composer, he’s a true embodiment of the culture!
Toanui Mahinui
Toanui began his journey in ’Ori Tahiti in 2009 at the Conservatoire Artistique de la Polynésie Française, following his debut performance at Heiva i Tahiti in 2007 with ’Ori Toa Reva. Inspired by watching his cousin perform at the Conservatoire’s annual gala, he discovered a passion that would lead to an exceptional career dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of ’Ori Tahiti.
Throughout his remarkable career, Toanui has:
✨ Performed with renowned groups including ’Ori Toa Reva, ’Ori Hitireva, ’Ori Toakura, ’Ori Toa Hiva, and ’Ori Hei Tahiti at Heiva i Tahiti.
✨ Served as an instructor at the Conservatoire de la Polynésie Française since 2013.
✨ Earned his prestigious Gold Medal from the Conservatoire in 2015.
✨ Placed 2nd Best Male Dancer at Heiva i Tahiti in 2014.
✨ Earned 3rd Best Male Dancer and Ra’atira honors at Heiva i Tahiti in 2018.
✨ Founded and choreographed his own group, ’Ori Toa Mataroa, competing at Hura Tapairu.
✨ Choreographed acclaimed productions including Tumu Ao, Ruahine, Freya, and Oriya, while performing in numerous cultural and contemporary productions throughout Tahiti.
His dedication, artistry, and commitment to the tradition of ’Ori Tahiti have made him one of the most respected artists and educators in French Polynesia.
Léticia Sclabas
Léticia is the founder and director of Te Ta’imanarau Dance School in Moorea, a school she established seven years ago with a mission to preserve and share the rich traditions of Ori Tahiti.
Her dance journey began at just three years old under the guidance of Moeata Laughlin. Since then, she has had the privilege of performing with renowned dance groups throughout Tahiti, Raiatea, and Moorea, continually refining her artistry and deepening her love for the culture.
Throughout her career, Léticia has earned numerous prestigious honors, including:
🌺 2011 – Best Female Dancer of Uturoa, Raiatea
🌺 2014–2016 – Dancer with Tahiti Ora
🌺 2016 – World Championship Runner-Up in Ori Tahiti at To’ata
🌺 2019 – Third Best Female Dancer at the Heiva i Tahiti
🌺 2025 – Founded her own Heiva troupe, Te Ta’imanarau, earning the Gilles Hollande First Prize, qualifying the troupe to compete in the prestigious Hura Tau category in 2028.
For Léticia, passing on the culture, history, and values of Ori Tahiti is more than a passion—it is her life’s work and daily commitment.
Please join us in giving a warm Ori Tahiti Las Vegas welcome to Léticia Sclabas. We are truly honored to have her as part of this year’s judging panel and look forward to sharing her knowledge and expertise with all of our competitors.
Lehia Mama
An internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, educator, and cultural ambassador, Lehia has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the beauty of ʻOri Tahiti. With an exceptional career spanning prestigious competitions, professional productions, and dance education, her experience and passion continue to inspire dancers around the world.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Lehia Mama as our first official judge for Ori Tahiti Las Vegas 2026!
Lehia Mama — Choreographer, Head of Pedagogy & Dance Company Director
Born on September 6, 1994, in Papeete, Lehia Mama began dancing ʻOri Tahiti at the age of five at the dance school of Mere Foster. She later continued her training at the Conservatory, as well as at Heiragi under Véronique Clément and Tamariʻi Poerava under the direction of Moeata Laughlin.
In 2011, she joined the professional dance company Tahiti Ora for The Legend of Marukoa, later performing in Pifaʻao in 2014. Under the mentorship of Moena Maiotui, she earned 2nd Prize for Best Dancer at Heiva i Tahiti 2014 before winning 1st Prize at the ʻOri Tahiti World Championship in 2016.
As a respected ambassador of ʻOri Tahiti, Lehia performs, teaches, and judges internationally, sharing the richness of Tahitian dance across the globe.
In 2019, she became the choreographer of Tahiti Ora, and in 2022, her group earned 3rd Place in the Mehura category at Hura Tapairu. After serving as assistant to Tumata Robinson, she took over the direction of the Tahiti Ora dance school in 2020. The school is now proudly known as École de Danse Lehia.
Lehia also founded her own dance company, Ruaragi, named after her daughter, dedicated to hotel performances and the continued growth of Tahitian dance through both performance and education.
We are truly honored to have Lehia Mama join us as a judge for Ori Tahiti Las Vegas 2026