We’re so close to making a dream come true! Representing our home, our community, and the Pacific Northwest on the international stage at the Ori Tahiti Nui Competition in Tahiti!

Anavai O Te Ora is Vancouver, Washington’s only pūpū ori (Tahitian dance group). We’re a family of dancers, musicians, parents, and tamari'i (kids) who are passionate about sharing and preserving the beauty of ʻOri Tahiti and the Tahitian culture.

Over the years, we’ve poured our hearts into this work; performing across the Pacific Northwest, teaching classes, hosting cultural events, and building a community that celebrates connection, identity, and resilience through dance. Our dancers have worked incredibly hard and earned top placements in solo and group competitions, but this trip to Tahiti means something even bigger:

It’s a chance to learn from Tahitian masters, to stand on sacred ground, and to represent our community with pride.

As the first and only group from the Pacific Northwest to ever compete at Ori Tahiti Nui, we’re humbled, honored, and excited beyond words. But getting to Tahiti takes a village. Between flights, accommodations, costumes, instruments, and travel logistics, the costs add up quickly.

We’ve been working hard to fundraise locally through events, performances, and community drives, but we’re still a little short of our goal. That’s where we’re asking for your help.

Every dollar gets us closer to the stage in Tahiti.

Every share helps spread the word.

And every word of encouragement lifts our spirits as we take this incredible journey together.

If you’ve ever seen our group perform, you know how much love, effort, and heart go into every step, every movement, and every drumbeat. Please consider donating or sharing our story, and help us represent our community, our families, and our culture with pride in Tahiti this year.

From all of us at Anavai O Te Ora, mauruuru roa (thank you so much) for believing in us.