Hui Tarava

Founded in 2013, Hui Tarava serves as an ambassador for Ori Tahiti. The name Hui Tarava has many meanings, but its most direct translation is Orion's Belt, which signifies the beginning of the season of abundance in Tahiti. It also means long or continuing generations. This name was given to us by our late mentor Jean "Coco" Hotahota of Temaeva. Hui Tarava was founded by Justin "Froggie" Atangan, Angelique Bannag, and Marcel Quiroz. Froggie and Angelique spent the majority of their childhood and early adult life dancing Ori Tahiti for Nemenzo and credit them for giving them their start in Ori Tahiti. Today, we teach basic traditional dance steps while challenging ourselves as students to learn every aspect, including drumming and music.

Our Mission

Our mission is to preserve and promote the Tahitian culture through dance, music, and language. We strive to create a welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn and grow together. Our classes are designed to meet the needs of adult dancers, children, teenagers, and young adults, focusing on traditional Tahitian dance steps, music, language, and drumming.

Our Services

We offer a range of classes for different age groups and skill levels. Our class schedule includes:

• Tamari'i (Ages 3-12): A beginner and intermediate level class designed for children and pre-teens who would like to learn the basic steps and perform in shows and recitals.
• Conditioning & Choreography (Ages 13+): A beginner level class perfect for people with little to no experience.
• Pre-Teen/Teenages Class Vahine & Tane (Ages 13-17): An all-level class designed to increase stamina.
• Vahine & Tane (Ages 13+): An intermediate and advanced level class designed for Ori Tahiti, where students learn choreographed dances and perform in shows, recitals, and competitions.

Meet Our Instructors

• Justin "Froggie" Atangan: One of the most seasoned tane dancers in the United States, known for his passion for the culture and his dedication to preserving and promoting Tahitian dance.
• Angelique Bannag: A professional dancer with 18 years of experience, known for her multiple awards and her dedication to perpetuating the Tahitian culture.