The goal of Tahiti Mana is to share our passion for Tahitian music & dance with others; to pass on the traditional knowledge we have learned from our elders and to inspire the younger generation to develop their skills in dance & immerse themselves in Tahitian culture.
Tahiti Mana School of Dance offers different level classes open to males & females of all ages, levels, and ethnicity.
Troupe members compete in Tahitian music & dance competitions as well as participate in community events.
Tahiti Mana Productions chooses the highest caliber performers to offer professional, exciting shows for any event on the island or abroad.
Based out of Honolulu, Oahu, Tahiti Mana was founded in July 2011 by Manarii & Nalini Gauthier.
Manarii, born and raised in Tahiti, was immersed in 'Ori Tahiti from birth. His mother danced with Coco Hotahota’s group, Te Maeva, for 20 years. She even participated in the prestigious cultural festival, Heiva i Tahiti, while pregnant with Manarii.
Manarii's first dance teachers besides his mother, was the world renowned & highly respected Makau Foster. In school, he first performed at age 5 under the direction of legendary tane dancer, “Teve”. In 2004, he danced with Makau Foster's troupe Tamariki Poerani, for Heiva i Tahiti; and in 2005, he represented Teva i Tai in the 'Best Dancer' contest in Heiva i Tahiti. His journey to Oahu was to attend UH Manoa and play on the golf team. During this time, he met and eventually married a fellow dancer, Nalini.
Together, they participated in the local Tahitian dance competitions and performed all over the Hawaiian islands, as well as Japan and California. Their performances have included everything from small functions to huge conventions; cultural, community, and music events such as Merrie Monarch Exhibition, Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, Concerts, as well as Commercials, T.V. Shows, and Music Videos.
They feel it is an honor to have been able to perform all these years for such exciting events and hope to provide similar opportunities for the younger generation; while at the same time, passing on a respect and reverence for the Tahitian culture.
Manarii's other experiences include: In 2005, he won the title of ‘Tane Polynesia’ in Kauai. In 2008 and 2009, Manarii choreographed the tane section for the groups that went on to win 1st place overall, Heiva i Honolulu, professional division. He was a performer at Magic of Polynesia from 2007-2015. Manarii won the prestigious title of 1st Place Tane from the Polynesian Cultural Center's Tahitian Solo Invitational 2012.
Together, they participated in the local Tahitian dance competitions and performed all over the Hawaiian islands, as well as Japan and California. Their performances have included everything from small functions to huge conventions; cultural, community, and music events such as Merrie Monarch Exhibition, Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, Concerts, as well as Commercials, T.V. Shows, and Music Videos.
They feel it is an honor to have been able to perform all these years for such exciting events and hope to provide similar opportunities for the younger generation; while at the same time, passing on a respect and reverence for the Tahitian culture.
Manarii's other experiences include: In 2005, he won the title of ‘Tane Polynesia’ in Kauai. In 2008 and 2009, Manarii choreographed the tane section for the groups that went on to win 1st place overall, Heiva i Honolulu, professional division. He was a performer at Magic of Polynesia from 2007-2015. Manarii won the prestigious title of 1st Place Tane from the Polynesian Cultural Center's Tahitian Solo Invitational 2012.
Sharing his culture with others has kept Manarii from missing his homeland and keeps his sons in touch with their Tahitian heritage. Not to mention, he is happy that so many people have such appreciation and passion for his culture.
Manarii teaches and choreographs for the male dancers and over sees the women dancers. Nalini teaches and choreographs for the women; she also designs costumes for the entire troupe. In addition to over 20 years of Polynesian/Tahitian dance experience, Nalini also received a B.A. Minor Degree in Dance and is currently on a break from pursuing her Master's Degree in Dance at UH Manoa.
Tahiti Mana Dance Troupe won the Overall Grand Champion Title for Heiva i Honolulu 2014 and Heiva i Kauai 2015. The troupe has had the honor of entertaining the Blue Angels Pilots, Mauli Ola Benefit Concerts, Sheraton Bowl Halftime Show, University of Hawaii Basketball games & Hokule'a Homecoming Ho'olaule'a 2017. Tahiti Mana also produced their own Tahitian Cultural Festival in 2016 & 2017 at Bishop Museum & Hawaii Theatre now called Heiva i Vaihi.
Clients for our professional division, Tahiti Mana Productions, have included the Paul Mitchell Company, the NFL Pro Bowl Luau, Surfer Poll Awards, Jurassic Park DVD Release party, Adam Devine's House Party on Comedy Central, German TV Show "Das Traumschiff" and many more. Tahiti Mana toured Japan with the top Hawaiian Entertainers and had a regular show at Turtle Bay Resort in 2015 & 2016 & Kahala Mall for the entire year of 2017.
Tahiti Mana Dance Troupe won the Overall Grand Champion Title for Heiva i Honolulu 2014 and Heiva i Kauai 2015. The troupe has had the honor of entertaining the Blue Angels Pilots, Mauli Ola Benefit Concerts, Sheraton Bowl Halftime Show, University of Hawaii Basketball games & Hokule'a Homecoming Ho'olaule'a 2017. Tahiti Mana also produced their own Tahitian Cultural Festival in 2016 & 2017 at Bishop Museum & Hawaii Theatre now called Heiva i Vaihi.
Clients for our professional division, Tahiti Mana Productions, have included the Paul Mitchell Company, the NFL Pro Bowl Luau, Surfer Poll Awards, Jurassic Park DVD Release party, Adam Devine's House Party on Comedy Central, German TV Show "Das Traumschiff" and many more. Tahiti Mana toured Japan with the top Hawaiian Entertainers and had a regular show at Turtle Bay Resort in 2015 & 2016 & Kahala Mall for the entire year of 2017.
