Our 2024 Judges
Tumata Vairaaroa
Tumata, born on August 12, 1990, in Papeete, Tahiti, is a multifaceted artist dedicated to promoting ‘ori tahiti and Polynesian culture. Initially captivated by traditional Tahitian dance at Heiva 1997, she pursued her passion by joining the Hanihei school and later the prestigious troupe O Tahiti E. Tumata balanced her dance career with academic achievements, earning a Master’s in management and a Bachelor’s in economics and management, before fully committing to her artistic endeavors. Over the years, Tumata has expanded her repertoire to include costume design, teaching, and media production. She runs her own dress shop, serves as a TV presenter, and operates an audiovisual production company, Pacific Islands Prod. Through her dance school, Elite Dance Tahiti, and various online platforms, she trains students worldwide and promotes Polynesian arts and culture. Tumata’s ambition extends beyond dance; she aims to export Polynesian culture globally by organizing events featuring Tahitian artists and artisans. She has initiated projects like the Te Ahi Toa Tata’ura’a fire dance competition and plans to host international festivals. Her goal is to bridge cultures, fostering genuine connections and deeper understanding of Polynesian traditions.
Lucie Fonoimoana
Lucie Fonoimoana has played a major role in the perpetuation of Tahitian dance and culture throughout the Hawaiian islands and the mainland. Lucie was born in Tahiti then moved to Hawai‘i where she studied at BYU Hawai‘i and was a performer at the Polynesian Cultural Center. She has judged a majority of Tahiti Fetes including San Jose, Hura Tahiti, and Ito. Not only that, she is also a very savvy businesswoman and specializes in Tahitian arts and crafts
Tamatea Ondicolberry
Raised in Moorea, is the owner of the Etuahi School of ‘Ori Tahiti and ‘Ori Auahi (Siva Afi / fireknife dance). In 2018, he won the prestigious title of Best Dancer at Heiva I Tahiti. He trained under renowned leaders such as Heifara Papu (Heihere), Kehaulani Chanquy (Hitireva), and Terauri Piritua (Ori I Tahiti). As a fire dancer, Tamatea won the Polynesian Championship twice and competed three times in the World Fireknife Championships in Hawaii. Now, he shares his dance philosophy and style with his students and choreographs for professional dance groups. In 2023, his choreography for Ori I Tahiti’s ‘Otea Tāne won Best ‘Otea at Heiva I Tahiti. Since 2019, as the owner of Etuahi School, Tamatea has led his students to podium finishes in various competitions, including Ta’upiti ana’e and ‘Ori Tahiti Nui. He has also been an ‘Ori Tahiti teacher at Te Fare ‘Upa Rau – Conservatoire Artistique en Polynésie Française since 2023. Additionally, he created and organized the Te Ahi Toa Tata’ura’a, a fireknife competition in Tahiti, first held in 2023. As a choreographer for Ori I Tahiti, he led the group to win Best ‘Otea Tāne and Most Beautiful ‘Aparima at Heiva I Tahiti 2023. Tamatea has served as a jury member for ‘Ori Tahiti competitions, including “Maohi Parataito” in Cancun, Mexico, in 2018, and for competitions in San Jose, California, and Tokyo, Japan, in 2023. His awards include first place in the Fireknife Polynesian Championship in 2014 and 2016, second place in the ‘Ori Tahiti Nui Competition in 2014, 2016, and 2023, Best Dancer at Heiva I Tahiti in 2018, ‘Ori Tahiti World Champion in 2019, first place Apipiti at Hura Tapairu in 2019, and second runner-up for Mister Tahiti in 2019.
Teruria
Teruria began her journey at the Conservatoire at the age of 8, under the guidance of Mamie Louise and Vanina. By 2005, at just 16 years old, she earned her gold medal. Her first Heiva experience was in 2004 with Teva i tai, thanks to the incredible choreography of Mamie Louise and Vanina. Over the years, she has danced with various prestigious groups!
Throughout her career, she has taken on many roles–sometimes as a dancer, other times leading the girls and occasionally as a choreographer. Her passion for dance and love for her culture have taken her around the world, allowing her to share her unique perspective and the beauty of Ori Tahiti.
Shelby Hunter
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Shelby will no longer be a Judge.