A vibrant array of dance styles—including Tongan, Afro-Cuban, contemporary, and hip-hop—will take center stage as graduating Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students showcase their original choreography.
The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s and present , running from January 29 to February 2, at the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre.
Directed by UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ dance instructor Sami L.A. Akuna, this dynamic showcase highlights the creative journeys of its choreographers, reflecting their diverse perspectives and cultural influences.
Showcase spotlight
Hannah Archer¡¯s “Painted People,” infused with tap and jazz elements examines self-identity and the passage of time. Archer invites audiences to find reflections of themselves in her work.
“I want the audience to see a bit of themselves in my piece and feel entertained and inspired by the entire show,” Archer said.
Nani Marcos¡¯ “-apo” delves into ancestral respect and cultural identity, drawing on her Filipino-American heritage. Through storytelling, movement and sound, Marcos explores the significance of batok (traditional Filipino tattoos) as a medium for passing down traditions.
“This piece is about reconnecting with my culture and respecting our ancestors,” Marcos explains.
Stephen Isileli Kolokihakaufisi¡¯s “Ritual” celebrates traditional Tongan dance with hip-hop and West African influences as a means of preserving cultural knowledge and community connection.
The concert also features Isabella Andrade¡¯s “Mi Viejos,” Camille Dias¡¯ “Limelight,” “Beige: An Afro Ballet” by Jonathan Clarke Sypert, “The Rite of the Heel” by Anneliese Wirsching, and Anu Shaw¡¯s “Take One Take.”
Ticket information
Tickets are available for $8¨C$18. Performances will run Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m., with a post-show Q&A on January 31. More on tickets at the or contact the box office at ktbox@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-7655.