By Lindsay Clark
Winter Olympic nights will illuminate as the rhythmic beat of Tahitian song and dance fill the village air.
Taking part in this cultural exhibition, the Tahitian dancing group Poerava Nui, will be the official representative of Tahiti in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Performing seven different nights in multi-cultural villages and various other venues, this all girl dancing group hopes to share the culture of Tahiti while providing excellent entertainment.
Poerava Nui, meaning rare pearls, is a Tahitian dancing group comprised of 25 girls.
'We started the group so that we could share the culture. Utah doesn''t have very much strong Tahitian culture and we wanted to be able to bring that,' said Ammon Kamai, the choreographer for group.
The group was created in 1995 with his mother Mere Hau Kamai at the head.
Ammon Kamai, who has been dancing for five years, said every song has a meaning and a purpose. Through his choreography he tries to convey all that as well as mix some modern moves.
If he could sum it all up in one word, 'exotic, would describe it all,' he said. 'A lot of drums, fast rhythmic movement and precise hip repetitions, which makes it all very exotic.'
The group practices two times a week to be ready for their seven performances.
Although, when the Salt Lake Organizing Committee first asked them to be a part of the Olympics they hesitated, Kamai said.
'At first we didn''t want to have to be here for the Olympics. But really, being apart of it is the biggest chance for our girls to show their talent,' he said.
Moe Tefan, from Tahiti and a member of the dance group, said it was something fun for her to do and it allows her the chance to get a break from her two kids.
Tefan has been dancing with Poerava Nui for one and a half years.
Tefan first started dancing at BYU-Hawaii, which is where she started to appreciate her culture.
Tefan is now the instructor for the Tahitian section at the Luau here at BYU.
'A good dancer has to live the dance and be the dance. I''m excited to be able to portray my culture in the Olympics.' Tefan said.
Marliss Manning, 23, a senior majoring in Elementary Education, from Maryland, said she is also excited to be able to participate in something so historic like the Olympics.
'Our practices are hard and Tahitian dancing is definitely a work out, but once you get on stage and just start doing your thing, you love it.'
Poerava Nui will be performing in the muli-cultural village, the Gateway Mall and at Washington Square. Most shows will be open to the public and free of charge.