WHO WE ARE
History: A Legacy of Culture, Creativity, and Connection
The Tavake Rereata Journey
Mevina Liufau comes from the esteemed lineage of Nonosina. Founded in 1965 by his grandmother Estella Reid, who pioneered a visionary cultural institution and passed it on to his beautiful mother, Riki Liufau—a legendary, well‑traveled professional dancer and teacher who built the training system now used by many great California groups.
For ten years, Mevina led the family group before passing it to his younger sister, Tiana Nonosina Liufau, who has elevated more than one Polynesian art form on a global stage. Under her guidance, Va’a Nonosina continues to chart groundbreaking new waters with her undeniable talent, mana, and creativity.
Mevina’s time teaching at Nonosina helped him hone his craft as a singer, musician, and choreographer. In 1998, he moved to Tahiti to study the language, dance, and culture under Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu and Manouche Lehartel. From 1998 to 2004, he performed with ‘Ō Tahiti E under the direction of Marguerite Lai, Teiki & Lorenzo, and Tumata Robinson.
Returning to the U.S. in 2001, at just 21, he led a historic 300-person performance on Tahua To’ata, becoming the first foreign group ever to grace that ceremonial stage. His performance helped lift the tapu of Tahua To’ata and cleared the path for international dancers to showcase future presentations.
In 2004, he helped form the group Hei Tahiti under the direction of Tiare Trompette, serving as choreographer under the alias “Ta‘aroa” due to restrictions against foreigners in Heiva at the time.
Alongside dance, Mevina is a popular recording artist and multi-instrumentalist. He trained at the Orange County School of the Arts and the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, sharpening his creativity so every piece he produces through the canvas of ʻOri Tahiti becomes a masterpiece worthy of the culture.
In 2009, Mevina and his wife, Napua, moved to Japan. Napua, a lifetime performer, joined Tokyo Disney’s Lū’au dinner show, dancing alongside Mickey and Minnie. By 2010, they had launched Tavake Rereata—a new artistic venture rooted in storytelling, music, and cultural expression.
Napua is more than a partner—she is the architect of excellence behind every show. For over 15 years, she has taught dancers—from beginners newly introduced to Polynesian culture to seasoned competitors—across Japan and internationally. She devised the core technique system that underpins Tavake Rereata’s disciplined training, elevating each performer’s artistry. Napua also shapes themes, narratives, and lyrics in English, bringing clarity and emotional power to every production. Her unmatched attention to detail, intuitive leadership, and commitment to cultural integrity make her the creative backbone of the group and Mevina’s equal in vision and execution.
Together, Mevina and Napua fuse their talents—his in choreography and music, hers in training and storytelling—to bring Ori Tahiti to life in dynamic, emotionally resonant performances. Their partnership radiates passion, precision, and mana, all driven by the shared mission of bringing their artistic visions to life.