Captivated by the admiration he draws from his father, seven-year-old Tamaiti-Phareily Samson is participating in Te Mire Ura, Potiki (Junior) section culture competition on Thursday this week.

He featured on the Te Are Karioi National Auditorium stage for the first time in Te Maeva Nui last year, with his dad, Tamaiti “Maiti” Samson, a dancer and Rarotonga fitness trainer, for Te Fuinga o Niva.

Tamaiti-Phareily is inspired by his dad.

“I like to dance because every time I see my dad dance, I feel like I want to dance just like him … I want to be like my dad,” he says.

The Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Culture Development) Te Mire Ura competition is just days away.

Tamaiti-Phareily says: “I feel nervous, my dad is teaching me and sometimes I do make mistakes but I keep going.”

The Potiki section is making a comeback after years of absence.

Te Are Karioi manager Robert Ioaba says the male Potiki dancers will be performing a pe’e followed by a slow beat, and the female contestants will dance to a song, followed by a slow beat.

Food stalls will be available on the night and ticket sales are $10 per adult and $5 for a child.

The Seniors Te Mire Ura competition will be held next Thursday, May 9 at Te Are Kariori.

On Friday, May 24, the popular Golden Oldies will be held at the Rehab Nightclub in Avarua.

The contestants for the Potiki Section (7 years – 9 years) are Boys - Jeremiah Elikana, Apii Nikao; Tamaiti-Phareily Samson, Te Fuinga o Niva & Apii Te Uki Ou; Petueli Raume, Manihiki & Apii Nikao, Manaariki Charlie Moeara, Mangaia & Rakahanga & Apii Nikao; Tuarongo Cowan, Rarotonga & Apii Avarua. Girls - Temaruarihi Hanalei Mateariki, Mauke & Apii Avarua; Kitimira Rickana Moetaua, Aitutaki.

Juniors Section (10 years - Under 14 years): Boys - Gideon Ngametua, Apii Nikao; Sailor Areai, Apii Nikao; Temana Taia, Apii Nikao & Mauke; Francis Tuaua Cowan, Rarotonga & Apii Avarua; Mariri Tutu-A-Manu Tepou, Ngatangiia, Rarotonga; Sam Veiao Saitu, Enua Manu; William Ahiao, Takuvaine, Rarotonga; Kaena Takau Short, Rarotonga. Girls - Mere Felicity Paerau, Araura; Trudeinus Tuaputa, Mauke & Mangaia & Te Autu Performing Arts; Raya Pirangi, Te Fuinga O Niva & Nukutere College; Tarita Raumea, Manihiki & Apii Nikao.

Intermediate - Tamariki Taurekareka Section (14 years – Under 17 years: Boys - Vincent Tua, Mitiaro; Ruanuku Tepou, Mauke & Ngatangiia, Rarotonga; Tangata Tapuni William, Enua Manu. Girls - Marangi Masina Taime, Tongareva; Hauroaarii Lilly Tonitara, Tongareva; Casonya Bate Iorangi, Rarotonga; Mokoroa-Ki-Aitu Ngaata, Vaka Puaikura.