Our first recital in 2000, Chu Hisa Na, was most memorable for me. It was a great struggle and stressful but so full of accomplishment that I want to experience it again. Okinawan dance is a great cultural experience and great for exercising. Dancing is like meditating. My goals are to build self-confidence in dancing, to better myself and to be able to help new students.
Jodie - 1999
Once we took a trip to Lanai to dance at a party. After our performance, an elderly woman came up to us and thanked us profusely. She shared with us her memories of the old times and how her late brother loved Okinawan music and dance. She also spoke of how proud her brother would be to see young people carrying on the Okinawan traditions. It was at that moment I decided to continue dance not just to promote peace but to also show gratitude to the issei who worked so hard so that we could our American freedom. For the community, Okinawan dance teaches peace, unity, culture, tradition and history. I study dance because its teachings are directly transferable to success in ones life. By dancing, I learn about dedication, discipline, teamwork, and the importance of contributing to the community.
Katsuko - 1998
The first time I performed in front of an audience, I danced Hamachidori. This experience had a great impact on me. I love Okinawan culture and music. As a child, I always watched my father play Okinawan music on his samisen, so I was always interested in Okinawan dance. I want to perfect my dance and to try not to get nervous. I enjoy dancing with everyone, the talks after practice, and our school - 'which feels like my family.
Emily - 1999
After meeting Frances Nakachi Sensei, I decided to join her dance studio in 1999. During this period, Sensei was in the process of planning her first recital for the year 2000. I was honored and very happy when she asked if I would perform in Chu Hisa Na. The cheers and applause brought a feeling of pride and success that cannot be described. Dancing brings great happiness, relaxation, and joy. It is also entertaining to both the young and the elderly alike. Learning to dance in sync and being able to dance information is a bit difficult. But we will overcome (any hurdles) so we may present another recital we can be proud of.
Katherine - 1995
I love to dance and have made a commitment to myself to do my best always. Okinawan music and dancing has always been a part of me. With the many distractions in my life, my greatest struggle in preparing for our recital has been to focus. My goal is to learn each dance and to perform to perfection.
Darlean - 1999
"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end." - Ursula K. Leguin. The journey to reach my goal to master Kajiyadefu has been frustrating at times, however with the encouragement I have received from my fellow students and sensei, I will eventually be able to attain my goal. Along the way, I have made many new friends and learned a lot about Okinawan culture and traditions. I am also most fortunate to be learning dance from such a wonderful teacher.
