Over 30 Years of Cultural Expertise
Vairea Tupana Samn
U.S. groups that Vairea has worked with:
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Tiare Hinano (author & translations)
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O Hina'aro Nui (author & translations)
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To’erau Manu Rahi (author & translations)
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Makamae Melia O Polynesia (author, translations & costume workshops)
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Hura Atua Nui (translations)
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Tama Toa Nui (group creation, author & translations)
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Makamae Tapairu (group creation & translations)
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Rima Fetu (group creation, author & translations)
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Vai Hau Nui (group & costume workshops)
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Kawailehua Ohana (costume workshops)
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Merahi O Tehani (costume workshops)
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Te Ari'i Ora (costume workshops)
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Hitiatea (author & translations)
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Hui Tarava (group workshops)
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Te Tara 'Aitu (group creation, author & translations)
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Meho'i Hanahana (group creation & translations)
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Tavevo i Tahatai (group creation & translations)
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Hotu'a 'Ori (translations)
Tahitian dance competitions in the U.S. Vairea has served as a judge for:
- Honorable member of the Tōmite (Jury) for Heiva Ma'ohi O Patitifa hosted by Makamae in 2017 & 2019
- Honorable member of the Tōmite (Jury) for the Tamure Tahiti competition hosted by Te Ori Mana in 2024
Tahitian Cultural events that Vairea has led or created:
- Co-producer of the 1st Pacific Islands Regalia Showcase at Skyline College in May 2018
- Organizer of the "Tauariki 'Ori Tahiti & Cultural Workshops Tour" in January 2019
- Co-producer of the Vai Hau Nui Tahitian Cultural Studies Workshops from February to May 2019
- Organizer of the "Faufa'a O Te Mau Mama" Rima'i Tour in April 2019
- Co-producer of the 2nd Pacific Islands Regalia Showcase at Skyline College in May 2019
- Co-producer of the 1st ever Tonga Day Celebration at Skyline College in November 2019
- Co-producer of the Makamae Tahitian Cultural Studies Workshops from September to December 2020
- Co-producer of the Tuarani Tematahotoa Drumming Workshop Series, 2022, 2023 & 2025
- Curator of the Pacific Islander Mini Museum "Te Reva Tumu" in San Bruno, May 2024
- Workshop Facilitator at the 1st Elk Grove Pacific Islander Festival, June 2024
- Curator of the presentation "Ma'ohi Nui", an online seminar for Cal Poly students, November 2025
- Organizer of the Tapanihi i Te Hiro'a Tumu Tahitian All-Day Cultural Experience in San Bruno, March 2025
- 1st Tahitian Cultural Seminar held at Le Maota (Samoan Solutions) for Journey to Empowerment, April 2025
- 1st Tahitian Cultural Booth created & shared by Vairea at P.I.E.Fest in San Mateo, May 2025
- Co-creator of the group Na Hiro E Pae for Faa'a 60th Anniversary Farereira'a event, July-August 2025
Tahitian groups Vairea has danced with at To'ata for Heiva I Tahiti:
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Kei Tawhiti (dancer in 2009)
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Nohoari’i (dancer in 2010)
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Tefana I Ahura’i (dancer in 2014)
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Tefana I Ahura’i (dancer in 2015)
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Tere'ori (dancer in 2019)
Tahitian groups that Vairea served as part of their Costume Team for Heiva I Tahiti:
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Hei Tahiti (costume design team, specializing in rara'a for the Tane (men's) Costumes in 2012)
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Tefana I Ahura’i (costume design team, led confection of the "Grand" Costumes in 2014)
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Nuna'a E Hau (costume team, hired assistance in rara'a for the "Grand" Costumes in 2018)
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Toahiva (costume team, hired assistance with "Grand" Costume headpieces in 2019)
Tahitian groups Vairea has learned from over the years:
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Tamariki Oparo (dancer in 2007)
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Ahutoru Nui (dancer in 2011)
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Pupu Tuha’a Pae (dancer in 2013)
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Heikura Nui (dancer in 2016)
Tahitian dance exhibitions that Vairea has participated in:
- Dancer in Heiva i Raromata'i (Bora Bora) in 2003
- Dancer in Matava'a O Te Fenua Enata (Nuku Hiva) in 2007
- Ra'atira Ti'ati'a in the Taurua i Faa'a competition (various years)
Rima'i (costume/craft/artisanat) associations in Tahiti that Vairea has worked with:
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Heituitevaianitea Association (Vice President & artist)
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Federation Faa'a Rima Ve'ave'a (artist)
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Tomite Tahiti Ite Rima Rau (artist)
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Heiva Rima'i (artist & vendor)
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Noera A Te Rima'i (artist & vendor)
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Tahiti Autrefois (model for the 2016 showcase at Taraho'i)
Read more about Vairea's active involvement in Tahiti with traditional Ma'ohi weaving known as Rara'a here.
*Recipient of the title & honor of being crowned as "Miss Heiva i Va'a 2012"
Ryan Samn
U.S. groups Ryan has been Ra'atira (speaking chief) for:
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Nemenzo (2013 & 2014)
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Te Fare Upa Here (2015)
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Tiare Hinano (2016 & 2022)
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O Hina'aro Nui (2016 & 2017)
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Tama Toa Nui (2018 & 2025)
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Makamae Melia O Polynesia (2016, 2018 & 2023)
Tahitian groups Ryan has danced with for Heiva I Tahiti:
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Heikura Nui - under the direction of Iriti Hoto, Heiva i Tahiti 2013
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Tefana i Ahura'i - under the direction of Wilson Tokoragi & Heimata Estall, Heiva i Tahiti 2015
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Heikura Nui - under the direction of Iriti Hoto, Heiva i Tahiti 2016
Master Orators from Tahiti, French Polynesia that Ryan has studied under:
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Apprentice of Gerard Tepehu, master orator. Studies in the 'orero (oratory arts) & Reo Tahiti (Tahitian language), 2013 to 2017.
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Student of Marie Rose "Vana'a" Teriitehau, esteemed Tahitian author. Studies in tumu parau (theme writing), 2020 to 2021.
*Recipient of the title & honor of being crowned as "Mister Maeva 2014" (Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete)
*Recipient of the title & honor of being crowned as "Mister Heiva 2015" (Heiva Ma'ohi O Patitifa)
Family Legacy
Vairea's seafaring ancestors left major regions such as Apia (Samoa) & Tongareva (the Cook Islands) to start families across the territory known today as French Polynesia (specifically Rurutu, Maupiti, Tubuai & Kaukura: the islands where her 4 grandparents were born). Her link to modern day 'ori Tahiti can be traced back to both her paternal grandfather: Adorator "Ato" Tupana & her maternal grandfather: Teaia Naea. Both men were Ra'atira (group leaders) of their own traditional Polynesian dance troupes.
Tupana Family
Vairea’s paternal grandfather is Adorator “Ato” Tupana. After his second marriage to Vairea’s grandmother Tehinaoimihia Hauata from Tubuai, the two settled on Manihi in the Vahitu region of the Tuamotu islands & had 7 children. It was here that Ato was endorsed by the island's mairie (city hall) to create a delegation & pupu ‘ori called “Turipā’ō’ā”, in which he was the Ra’atira (leader). He was well respected for organizing the first major voyage for Manihi drummers & athletes to travel to Tahiti in the 1960’s for the Tiurai competition (previous name of Heiva i Tahiti).
Ato Tupana claimed a name for himself by becoming the champion of the “Pati’a Fa” spear throwing sport as well as his trademark sound on the “Ha’akete Punu” (distinctive
tin can style fa'atete) drum.
Left: a photo of Ato Tupana, grandfather of Vairea.
Right: (holding photo) - Philippe Tane Tupana, father of Vairea.
Naea Family
Vairea’s maternal grandfather Teaia Naea was born on Rurutu but spent a lot of time between both his island home & in Tahiti. During his time spent in Tahiti in the mid-1950’s, he drummed with the legendary troupe HEIVA. Later on, he moved to the island of Makatea to work with his father & brother. There, he was Ra'atira of his own pupu ‘ori “Tamariki Makatea”, which he co-founded with his brother. As a result, dancing and drumming was highly encouraged by Teaia & his wife Haupea Tauaroa, as they raised their 8 children back & forth between Faa’a Puurai in Tahiti & Auti district in Rurutu.
Teaia Naea, grandfather of Vairea.
Dance & Language
Vairea was born in 1988 right in Pape'ete: the capital of French Polynesia. At age 3, Vairea's parents placed her into her first 'ori Tahiti children's group in Punaauia where she was introduced to the dance of her ancestors. Around the age of 12 & into her lycee years, she had participated every year with her church's Tahitian dance group in Pa’ofa’i & learned directly from many of her relatives of whom are renowned dance masters. At age 18 (in 2007), she left home to tour the Marquesan Islands with her older brother Hamautea dancing for the group Tamariki Oparo (under the direction of Pierrot Faraire). However, 2009 was her landmark year, as she & her mother participated together in Vairea's 1st Heiva i Tahiti at the To'atā stage with the innovative KEI TAWHITI. Since then, Vairea has continued to participate in the Heiva every year. If she is not on the dance floor as a "feia 'ori" (dancer), she is part of one of the group's costume making teams working alongside her mother & sister.
Vairea's love for her culture comes directly from her immediate family & their lifestyle. Reo Tahiti was taught to her as her 1st language. French came 2nd. Being raised by her mother's side & going to Rurutu every year, Vairea quickly became fluent in the Rurutu dialect, which is subtly different than Tahitian. With the birth of her niece in 2009, she also quickly learned the distinct dialect from Rapa-iti & before leaving Tahiti in 2017, Vairea was working for many years to learn ‘eo Enana (the Marquesan language) from a few of her close colleagues.
Mom & Dad
Vairea's father, Philippe "Tāne" Tupana was born on Manihi island. Growing up, he was Vairea's main influence to learn Tahitian music. He taught her every song he knew on the keyboard & guitar. In addition, he taught Vairea the Pa'umotu importance of canoeing, something he & she still love to practice together when she is home in Tahiti.
Her mother Fabiola Naea (Madame Tupana, former President of the Federation Faa'a i Te Rima Ve'ave'a), still actively dances, sings & plays the Ukulele when she is not busy with her traditional crafts. In her youth, Fabiola danced for her family’s group Tauraatua. Since the early 2000’s she has served several times as Vice President for Tōmite Tahiti i Te Rima Rau, the major traditional arts committee of whom bi-annually hosts the HEIVA RIMA'I (official Heiva for the traditional handcrafts & tattooing in both July & December).
At the end of 2001, Vairea worked diligently with her mother to establish their own association & shop at Faa'a City Hall, "Heituitevaianitea", which is on its 20th anniversary strong to this day. Being a craftswoman, designer & composer adds to a long list of pillars which lay the foundation for Vairea's identity as a Vahine Mā'ohi; she often places great importance to live with her passion + cultural heritage on a daily basis - & for this she credits her mother & father .
Fabiola Naea Tupana with Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu, Minister of Culture (French Polynesia)
Vairea & Ryan
In 2015, Vairea met Ryan Samn. Ryan was already a student of ‘ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) in the United States for several years & in 2013 became the 1st American Tāne (male) dancer to represent & dance for the legendary group HEIKURA NUI at the Heiva i Tahiti on Tahua To'atā. In 2015, he went to live in Faa’a Pamatai for 100 days as an apprentice Ra'atira to master orator Gerard Tepehu. Gerard brought Ryan to dance in the Heiva i Tahiti with him again, this time with the dance troupe: Tefana i Ahura’i. It was here that Ryan & Vairea were paired as Pā’ō’ā dance partners. They fell madly in love. Out of this connection, a mutual passion to grow as cultural practitioners kept them close in contact & as their relationship bloomed, so did the creation of their family.
In 2017, Vairea immigrated to the United States to live with her husband. Today, they are situated in the San Francisco Bay Area with their two sons. Although she is far from her fenua 'āi'a (island home), Vairea continues to perpetuate her culture. Tānera'i i Ni'a was established to become a bridge that links folks in the United States to the true Mā'ohi culture, languages & design as a reflection of the Tahitian culture that also grows outside of French Polynesia.
Ryan Samn (left) with his mentor Gerard Tepehu (right).
Picture taken during the Heiva i Tahiti 2016, which was
Ryan & Gerard's 3rd time doing the Heiva together.
Although Gerard had many students both young & old,
Ryan was his only foreign apprentice to learn the
'ōrero (traditional Tahitian oratory arts). Sadly, Gerard
passed away in February of 2017.
Ryan Samn (right) with his writing teacher
Marie Rose Vana'a Teriitehau (left).
A relative to Vairea's father, Vana'a decided to take Ryan on as
a student since he married her niece. Although very generous with her cultural knowledge, she was also very selective about who she called her "students". Vana'a took Ryan on as a student of writing tumu parau (stories/themes). Together they worked on over a dozen original texts. She also mentored & passed on ancestral knowledge to Ryan regarding the 'ōrero (traditional Tahitian oratory arts). Sadly, Vana'a passed away in late 2021.
