The Dance Extravaganza is set to make a vibrant comeback on October 28, 2023, at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center, featuring over 80 dancers and a diverse array of styles. This performance marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Big Island Dance Council (BIDC) and aims to take the audience on an emotional journey through dance.
As a key event in BIDC’s anniversary celebrations, the Dance Extravaganza showcases a blend of styles, including jazz, ballet, modern, and more. The event promises to evoke feelings of joy, sadness, laughter, and inspiration among attendees. Trina Nahm-Mijo, a founding member of BIDC and professor emerita of Hawaii Community College, has coordinated this revival after a hiatus of 24 years.
Historical Significance and New Collaborations
The original Dance Extravaganza began in 1976, just one year after BIDC was established, and became a much-anticipated annual event for 14 years. It later evolved into the Spring Fling, which ran from 1991 to 2001. This year’s event, dubbed Dance Extravaganza 2.0, features eight dance studios from across the island, including Kona Dance and Performing Arts Center, Lava Roots, and Island Dance Academy.
The opening act will be performed by Halau Hula Kauluola, setting the stage for an evening filled with talent. Guest choreographer Peter Rockford-Espiritu and his Tau Dance Theater from Oahu will present a traditional Samoan dance titled “Kava” and an original Hawaiian-influenced ballet set to Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom‘s “Palehua.” In addition, Kea Kapahua, an instructor at UH-Hilo, will showcase her piece “Hali‘a Aloha No Kaimu,” a tribute to her family’s roots that has been selected for the 2025 American College Dance Association Festival in Washington, D.C.
Honoring Legacy and Community Engagement
The concert will also pay tribute to Earnest Morgan, the founder of BIDC and a pivotal figure in contemporary dance on the Big Island. Two of his signature pieces, “For All We Know” by Meera DeCourt and “Ku‘u Home O Kahalu‘u” by Kapahua, will be performed in his honor.
A historical exhibit showcasing selected performances from BIDC’s past will be displayed at the UH-Hilo Mo‘okini Library’s Kaho‘olawe Gallery, providing context to the event’s rich history. This exhibit will be available for viewing until the concert date.
In addition to the performance, Rockford-Espiritu will conduct a workshop titled “Moving Stories” on October 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the UH-Hilo Old Gym. This workshop will delve into his journey toward Pohuli, a unique movement modality influenced by Hawaii and Pacific island cultures, highlighting Morgan’s role in developing this dance style.
Tickets for the Dance Extravaganza are priced at $25 for adults and $20 for BIDC members. Children aged 12 and under can attend for $20 or $15 for members. For further information, interested parties can contact Nahm-Mijo at [email protected].
As the Dance Extravaganza returns, it not only celebrates five decades of dance on the Big Island but also reaffirms the community’s commitment to artistic expression and cultural storytelling through movement.