Page 29 - PR's - People & Culture

o a DIVA
osie rants as she carries in her latest Gucci purchase. “Be- of how far I have come from having nothing.”
Not only was her dancing outstanding, but her costumes were ex- travagant and bold, earning her an extensive wardrobe reputation in the ‘Ori (Tahitian dance) world.
Josie also competed with Tevakanui in group competitions in San Jose Tahiti Fete 2006, Hura Tahiti 2007 and San Jose Tahiti Fete 2011. If she wasn’t competing, she was training. Dance was life and you could always nd her preparing for competitions even during off- season.
“Diva” was an unstoppable force of nature that really loved and believed in people. It wasn’t unlike her to sponsor a new student’s dance tuition or take care of the lunch bill. She was extraordinary in her pursuit of friend- ship and cared a lot about celebrating peo- ple - often seeing someone’s worth before they even realize it for themselves. Her pres- ence was important, as she served in such
a way that was empowering to the veteran dancers and inspiring to the younger perform- ers. She would sign up for all of the competi- tions of the year and often ask to pay her registration for the next competition season. It meant a lot to her to stand up against feeling invisible in the older dance divisions; by wear- ing stand-out costumes and delivering trendy technique often executed by the younger dancers.
What an honor it was to have had Josie in our Tevakanui family for all these years. She was such a blessing to our leaders and anyone
who she may have crossed paths with. Josie’s adolescence had its share of struggle, hurt and wonder; but who she became was her blessed victory. Her legacy for style, kindness, excellence & love transcends the studio. Her legacy tells us to dare not wait for life to catch up. It shows us how to set goals and meet them with a passion. Her legacy teaches us that kindness must always be extended as graciously as you wish for it to exist for you. It reminds us that humility should be our most focused performance. Her legacy lives in the love she experienced & received with her husband Eric, the same love she felt every time she stepped foot on a stage. Here’s to the queen of the 50+ Ori Tahiti age division!
by Heu Taumoefolau
ng 2019
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