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Haven't updated in quite some time, but I've been pretty busy what with finals and work and hula stuff. Busy is always good though.
So now that school is done (aside from my graduation ceremony itself) I can finally focus on some of the things that I've been preparing for over the last few months. I'm so excited to be involved in so many crazy things with my hula family and I certainly can't wait to put all my energy into making it all happen. :)
Obviously we've been preparing for recital as usual but this year is extra exciting because we were invited to compete at Ho'ike Hawaii in Orlando this summer. This year, Kumu's bringing 3 groups: the keiki, who are amazing for their age, and the junior and senior wahine line. Although my line is all new to this competition thing, just seeing how much we've come together over the last three months makes me feel confident that we're going to go to Florida and keep up SofA's name and reputation that our older sisters have set for us over the years. I can't wait to spend that weekend with my sisters and our extended family (the boys, the band, etc)...it's going to be amazing.
I love being part of a dance family that keeps it real and actually FEELS like a family. I've been around the dance scene enough to know where my heart is, and it's here with my sisters. I haven't been in the best state of mind for the last little while because for the longest time I was surrounded by people who gave me some serious bad mana, but I could always count on my sisters (and Attila) to make sure that I kept my head on straight. I'm so grateful for that...it takes a certain kind of family to be able to tell when something is wrong with one of their 'ohana, and it takes even more than that to be able to get them through whatever it is that's bothering them. Ever since I cut ties with my former team I've been so much happier and I've definitely been able to focus more on this competition and giving 150% to my line and the rest of my 'ohana.
On another note, I'm also so, so very happy that my dance partner, who keeps my love for salsa alive, is making a REAL effort to understand my love for hula and makes sure that I'm still smiling even in the midst of this competition/recital stress. It's certainly not easy to have to memorize and really dance some 10 songs for recital, and another 8 for competition. He's been so awesome and I'm happy that his support hasn't wavered from day one (Coming to my audition for moral support...Staying up ALL 3 NIGHTS to watch Merrie Monarch with me...now that's huge!). He takes the time and effort to ask questions about my hula, about what he saw at Merrie Monarch, and he's always there for hugs when I feel like the preparations are too much. Did I mention that he's awesome? :D
Post-Merrie Monarch always means that recital is roughly 2 months away, so it's crunch time. Thankfully we didn't have to make anything this year but that doesn't mean that preparations are any less crazy. I'm glad I have this to keep me busy (and grounded) because I really don't know what I'd do without it, and without the people that share my love for hula. Hula is something that I don't always share with other people, so for me to have this amazing family that is full of aloha and love for what we do is one of the best feelings in the world.
Can't wait for this summer! <3
So now that school is done (aside from my graduation ceremony itself) I can finally focus on some of the things that I've been preparing for over the last few months. I'm so excited to be involved in so many crazy things with my hula family and I certainly can't wait to put all my energy into making it all happen. :)
Obviously we've been preparing for recital as usual but this year is extra exciting because we were invited to compete at Ho'ike Hawaii in Orlando this summer. This year, Kumu's bringing 3 groups: the keiki, who are amazing for their age, and the junior and senior wahine line. Although my line is all new to this competition thing, just seeing how much we've come together over the last three months makes me feel confident that we're going to go to Florida and keep up SofA's name and reputation that our older sisters have set for us over the years. I can't wait to spend that weekend with my sisters and our extended family (the boys, the band, etc)...it's going to be amazing.
I love being part of a dance family that keeps it real and actually FEELS like a family. I've been around the dance scene enough to know where my heart is, and it's here with my sisters. I haven't been in the best state of mind for the last little while because for the longest time I was surrounded by people who gave me some serious bad mana, but I could always count on my sisters (and Attila) to make sure that I kept my head on straight. I'm so grateful for that...it takes a certain kind of family to be able to tell when something is wrong with one of their 'ohana, and it takes even more than that to be able to get them through whatever it is that's bothering them. Ever since I cut ties with my former team I've been so much happier and I've definitely been able to focus more on this competition and giving 150% to my line and the rest of my 'ohana.
On another note, I'm also so, so very happy that my dance partner, who keeps my love for salsa alive, is making a REAL effort to understand my love for hula and makes sure that I'm still smiling even in the midst of this competition/recital stress. It's certainly not easy to have to memorize and really dance some 10 songs for recital, and another 8 for competition. He's been so awesome and I'm happy that his support hasn't wavered from day one (Coming to my audition for moral support...Staying up ALL 3 NIGHTS to watch Merrie Monarch with me...now that's huge!). He takes the time and effort to ask questions about my hula, about what he saw at Merrie Monarch, and he's always there for hugs when I feel like the preparations are too much. Did I mention that he's awesome? :D
Post-Merrie Monarch always means that recital is roughly 2 months away, so it's crunch time. Thankfully we didn't have to make anything this year but that doesn't mean that preparations are any less crazy. I'm glad I have this to keep me busy (and grounded) because I really don't know what I'd do without it, and without the people that share my love for hula. Hula is something that I don't always share with other people, so for me to have this amazing family that is full of aloha and love for what we do is one of the best feelings in the world.
Can't wait for this summer! <3