2008 Junior and Intermediate Dancer of the Year

2008 Junior and Intermediate Dancer of the Year

Te Mire Kapa also known as the Dancer of the Year Competition is dedicated to showcasing Cook Islands dance at its best.

Dancers from the outer islands and those living in Auckland join Rarotonga dancers in this annual competition which starts with heats before the top dancers take to the stage one final time to decide who the dancer of the year will be.

These pictures are of contestants in the Junior and Intermediate dancer of the year finals held on Thursday 24 April at the National Auditorium where 36 dancers thrilled spectators.

2007 Intermediate Female Dancer of the Year Marthalina Heather from Auckland won the competition again this year while Atiu island dancer Poko Tangata won the Junior Female Dancer of the Year. In the male category the intermediate section was won by Christopher Bishop of Auckland while Tony Taripo won the junior boys category.

Photos by Matariki Wilson

Sporty Teiti Tupuna turned enchanting dancer. (Photo Order # 08042543)

Ana Kaukura just glowed through her performance and was rewarded with third place in the competition. (Photo Order # 08042513)

Ngatokoa Kimiora was a picture of beauty at the Junior DOTY Finals (Photo Order # 08042546)

Melbourne Matakino might be small in stature but his booming chant lifted the roof of the national auditorium. He won third place in the junior boy’s competition. (Photo Order # 08042525)

Pukeanga George got right into his performance. (Photo Order # 08042558)

Second place getter in the junior boys dance competition went to Aitutaki dancer Leonard Roa who combined his chant with a traditional coconut spinning game. (Photo Order # 08042521)

Moeau Henry from Auckland. (Photo Order # 08042532)

Second place getter in the intermediate boy’s category Tautope Samson from Auckland. (Photo Order # 08042527)

Mere Taio was a vision of graceful beauty on stage. (Photo Order # 08042512)

2007 and now 2008 Intermediate Female Dancer of the Year winner Marthalina Heather was a vision of gracefulness during her winning performance on Thursday night. (Photo Order # 08042501 )

2008 Junior Dancer of the Year winner Poko Tangata represented her people of Enuamanu on stage. (Photo Order # 08042507)

Top Row (left to right)
Sporty Teiti Tupuna turned enchanting dancer. (Photo Order # 08042543)

Tamaiva Oti. (Photo Order # 08042544)

2^nd Row (left to right)
Ana Kaukura just glowed through her performance and was rewarded with third place in the competition.
(Photo Order # 08042513)

Amosa Mataiti. (Photo Order # 08042554)

Ngatokoa Kimiora was a picture of beauty at the Junior DOTY Finals (Photo Order # 08042546)

3^rd Row (left to right)
Melbourne Matakino might be small in stature but his booming chant lifted the roof of the national auditorium. He won third place in the junior boy’s competition.
(Photo Order # 08042525)

Pukeanga George got right into his performance. (Photo Order # 08042558)

Second place getter in the junior boys dance competition went to Aitutaki dancer Leonard Roa who combined his chant with a traditional coconut spinning game. (Photo Order # 08042521)

4^th & 5^th Row (clockwise)
Ngatae Tuakume represented the island of Mangaia. (Photo Order # 08042550)

Atingakau Moekapiti in traditional Mangaia costume. (Photo Order # 08042548)

A spine tingling chant won Tony Taripo Henry the 2008 Junior Male Dancer of the Year title.
(Photo Order # 08042519)

Selina Sema from Tokoroa was radiant on stage. (Photo Order # 08042537)

Kanoa Taru put all he had into his performance. (Photo Order # 08042531)

6^th Row (left to right)
Moeau Henry from Auckland. (Photo Order # 08042532)

Joseph Teiho. (Photo Order # 08042533)

Second place getter in the intermediate boy’s category Tautope Samson from Auckland.
(Photo Order # 08042527)

Mere Taio was a vision of graceful beauty on stage. (Photo Order # 08042512)

7^th Row (left to right)
2007 and now 2008 Intermediate Female Dancer of the Year winner Marthalina Heather was a vision of gracefulness during her winning performance on Thursday night. (Photo Order # 08042501 )

2008 Junior Dancer of the Year winner Poko Tangata represented her people of Enuamanu on stage.
(Photo Order # 08042507)

2008 Printed photos, are available for Sale from the CI News office. Please quote the individual Order number.