The Dance Extravaganza is set to make a vibrant return to the stage at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center on October 26, 2024, featuring over 80 dancers showcasing a diverse array of dance styles and storytelling through movement. This event marks a significant milestone as part of the Big Island Dance Council’s (BIDC) 50th anniversary celebrations, promising an evening filled with joy, laughter, and inspiration starting at 5 p.m.
The Dance Extravaganza has its roots in BIDC’s inception in 1976, where it first captivated audiences with multi-genre performances ranging from jazz and ballet to modern dance and tap. For 14 years, it became a beloved annual tradition before transitioning into the Spring Fling, hosted by Volcano Art Center from 1991 to 2001. After a hiatus of 24 years, Trina Nahm-Mijo, a founding member of BIDC and professor emerita of Hawaii Community College, has revived the event this year.
Celebrating Dance and Community
This year’s Dance Extravaganza will feature an impressive lineup of eight dance studios from across the island, including the Kona Dance and Performing Arts Center, Lava Roots from Kohala, and the Prince Dance Institute from Waimea, among others. The show will begin with a performance by Halau Hula Kauluola, setting the tone for a night filled with artistic expression.
Two notable guest choreographers will also grace the stage. Peter Rockford-Espirit and his Tau Dance Theater from Oahu will present a traditional Samoan dance titled “Kava,” alongside an original Hawaiian-influenced ballet set to Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom’s “Palehua.” Additionally, Kea Kapahua, a UH-Hilo instructor, will showcase her piece “Hali‘a Aloha No Kaimu,” which pays tribute to her family’s roots and has been selected for presentation at the 2025 American College Dance Association Festival in Washington, D.C.
The concert will also serve as a homage to the late Earnest Morgan, a pivotal figure in contemporary dance on the Big Island and the founder of BIDC. Two of his signature pieces, “For All We Know” performed by Meera DeCourt and “Ku‘u Home O Kahalu‘u” by Kapahua, will be featured, celebrating his lasting impact on the local dance community.
Exhibits and Workshops Enhance the Experience
In conjunction with the performance, a historical exhibit will be on display at the Mo‘okini Library’s Kaho‘olawe Gallery at UH-Hilo. This exhibit chronicles selected Dance Extravaganzas from their inception in 1976 up to 1991, providing context and appreciation for the event’s legacy.
Moreover, on October 27, 2024, Rockford-Espirit will host a workshop titled “Moving Stories” at the UH-Hilo Old Gym, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This session will include a discussion about his unique movement modality, Pohuli, which reflects the influence of Hawaii and Pacific island cultures on contemporary dance.
Tickets for the Dance Extravaganza are priced at $25 for adults and $20 for BIDC members, while children aged 12 and under can attend for $20 or $15 for BIDC members. For further details, interested parties can contact Nahm-Mijo at [email protected].
The return of the Dance Extravaganza promises to be a celebration not just of dance but of community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of creativity on the Big Island.
