2025 Competition Jury
We are thrilled to welcome a very talented, experienced, and knowledgeable panel of judges for the Ori Tahiti competition. You can trust that their seasoned eyes will see you and score you fairly.
ARUHO’IA
Francky
Kehaulani
POERANI
Learn more about our judge panel below.
ARUHO’IA BIRET
Aruho’ia has been dancing since she could walk. Her primary role for nearly twenty years has been co-choreographer for the dance troupe MANAHAU TAHITI, with whom she has participated in Heiva I Tahiti (Hura Tau) in 2010, 2011, and 2014 and Hura Tapairu in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2018. They were awarded 2nd prize TAPAIRU, 1st prize (Aparima category) and 2nd prize (Ote'a category). The professional troupe has traveled to France, Taiwan several times, Samoa and Nouméa as well.
In 2010 Heiva I Tahiti, a festival showcasing local talent and cultural tradition for decades, Aruho’ia was crowned “Best Dancer”. This is an achievement awarded to only two very talented individuals each year.
Aruho’ia is passionate about her Tahitian culture and Ori Tahiti. As the director and lead instructor for her dance school MANAHAU, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and professional experience. Her focus in working with her students is to uplift and instill self-confidence in the younger generation of dancers.
Some of her other achievements include: Ambassador of Culture during Miss Polynesia 2009 and Miss National Tourism in Fiji during the Miss South Pacific election, and participation in the Marae Arahurahu Show with the group Ori I Tahiti (Terau Piritua). She was a member of the Jury at Hura Tapairu 2011, at Heiva de Nouméa in 2010, and at Heiva Internationale of Ori Tahiti (Matani Kainuku).
We are excited to have her here with us to celebrate with us in New York City and to share her love for her culture and people.
Francky Tehiva
TEHIVA, Francky
‘Ori Tahiti teacher, Author, Composer, Choreographer
Immersed in the cultural world since the age of 10, Francky has become a leading figure in contemporary Polynesian dance. An ‘Ori Tahiti teacher at the Artistic Conservatory of French Polynesia and leader of the group Ho Mai, he represents a new generation of committed artists who both preserve tradition and drive creative innovation.
Twice awarded the prestigious Grand Prize for Best Ra’atira Ti’ati’a at the Heiva i Tahiti, he is recognized for his artistic precision, powerful storytelling through dance, and his deep dedication to cultural transmission. With multiple victories in both local and international competitions, his work resonates far beyond Polynesian shores.
As an author, composer, and director of performances that travel across the globe, Tehiva Francky is also a guardian of heritage—deeply passionate about Marquesan culture, which he explores with sensitivity and boldness. A true cultural ambassador, he keeps his culture alive through movement, memory, and emotion, inspiring audiences around the world.
Kehaulani Changuy
‘Ori Tahiti Istructor, Ra’atira de Hitireva, Directrice, Arato’a Dance School
A list of all Kehaulani’s accomplishments would be too long to fit on this page. She is the Director of the Arato’a Dance school, located on the Motu of Arue, and has been teaching there for 25 years.
Changuy is the Raatira for the pupu ‘ori of the professional group HTIREVA. They recently were awarded first prize at the Heiva i Tahiti, the most prestigious award for a Hura Tau dance group at the country’s world renowned, cultural festival.
Kehaulani is very passionate about 'ori Tahiti, and in love with her country, and curious about its traditions, Creating dances is a way for her to express her discoveries and enthusiasm for her love. “I want to contribute to life in my country through dance.”
Additionally, for her, it is important to foster in the younger generations the teachings of the tupuna and values of the people and have while learning.
POERANI
GERMAIN
Passionate about ‘Ori Tahiti since she was a child, Poerani Germain is an experienced, professional dancer. She is a former choreographer of Tamariki Poerani and the current director of IA ORA TE HURA.
Her work with Tamariki Poerani in 2017 led the group to winning the 1st prize at the Heiva i Tahiti and the Hura Tapairu.
In 2022, with her own group, she won the 1st prize for Best Group - Hura Ava Tau, an Award for Best Music Composition and the Best Orchestra Award at the Heiva I Tahiti.
She considers ‘Ori Tahiti as both an art, rooted in her culture, and a way to stimulate creativity, express ourselves and feel the mana.