Thirty-three contestants are set to showcase their skills on stage tomorrow night, at the annual Tauranga Vananga Te Mire Ura national junior dance competition.

The spotlight will shine on the talented youth at the Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium promising a celebration of cultural talent, creativity, and passion.

This year, the costumes for both the slow and fast beat categories must be created from local Cook Islands natural fibre and material.

No plastic, raffia or similar fibre or costumes that are not of Cook Islands fibre are allowed to be used in the costumes.

The costume is to reflect the dancer’s presentation and adaptation to his/her chosen theme.

Te Mire Tamariki Potiki. Tamaine (female): Moetua Ruarau – Apii Takitumu and Nikao Sunday School, Kitimira Rickana Moetaua – Aitutaki Enua, Hanalei Mateariki – Mauke Enua, Raemaru Tschan Horn Smith – Aitutaki Enua and Oire Vaimaanga. Tamaiti (male): Juanta Ruarau – Cook Islands Boys Brigade, Lennox Herman – Apii Nikao and A’ua’u Enua, Bear Polinahe Herman – Apii Nikao and Manuhiki Tanga O Maui, Phareily Samson – Manhiki Henua and Oire Vaipae, Vaiuna Dyer – Mauke Enua, Andrew Ponini – Apii Avarua and Mitiaro Enua, Manaariki Charlie Moeara – Rakahanga Henua.

Te Mire Ura Tamariki Uki 'Ou. Tamaine: Raya Pirangi - Mauke Enua, Tapapa Kuraia Gloria Toki – Atiu Enua, Tungane Paerau – Aitutaki Enua. Trudeinus Tuaputa – Mauke Enua and Te Autu Performing Arts. Tamaiti: Denzel Tupa Nicholas – Apii St Joseph’s and Atiu Enua, Teaka Upokoroa Pauka – Vaka Puaikura, Tearii Tararo – Atiu Enua, John Marsters – Aitutaki Enua, Gabriel Tiaore – Oire Nikao, Treyvon Kae – Mitiaro Enua, Te King Kae – Mitiaro Enua.

Te Mire Ura Tamariki Taurekareka. Tamaine: Tarita Thompson – Oire Nikao and Vaka Puaikura, Mokoroa Ki Aitu Ngaata – Vaka Puaikura, Lia Taio – Atiu Enua, Pururangi Mataiti – Aitutaki Enua. Tamaiti: Tevaki Tupa – Tauae and Oire Takuvaine, Tangata Tapuni Iakimo – Atiu Enua, Teraeuna Tuakeu – Araura Enua, Nelson Tamaka – Mauke Enua, Sounuu O Kiva Gempton – Vaka Takitumu, Ngatokorua Simpson Jnr – Vaka Puaikura and Apii Nikao, Teata Tetava Mataio – Mitiaro Enua and Atiu Enua.

The Seniors Open Section will be held on May 1, 2025. Tickets are available at Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development) and at the door tomorrow, (Wednesday) night.