Youʻre Invited To Rest & Celebrate With Us!

For the past 15 years, Dancers Unlimited has centered community engagement as a key part of our mission-driven creative process. We are returning dance to its rightful place in healing, collaboration and community building. Authentic moveMEANT storytelling connects us to our roots and identities - we collaboratively move in our healing journeys toward reconnecting with ancestral knowledge and collective growth.

DU IS COMMUNITY.
DU IS IDENTITY.
DU IS RESILIENCE.
DU IS WHERE YOUR STORY MATTERS.

La Nacional, 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

October 27, 2024

6p - 8p
Doors open at 5:30p

The evening features:

immersive activities and performances

hors d'oeuvres

Unlimited sangria & Spanish beer

Community Honoree: Akemi Kochiyama

Anniversary cake candle-lighting celebration

WEʻVE TEAMED UP WITH LA MAMA EXPERIMENTAL THEATER CLUB FOR MONTHLY FREESTYLE STORYTELLING SESSIONS!

Join us to explore enriching storytelling through freestyle movement. Each month this fall, a different spotlight artist/facilitator will share their creative processes that combine freestyle techniques to shift perspectives.

This is a space curated for healing, exploration, and learning - for movers from all different disciplines who are looking to find or refine their artistic voices. We will jam, discover, and share with one another, cultivating unbreakable connections in our practices and community.

October 10
Facilitator: Tatiana Desardouin
47 Great Jones 
7 - 10p

Upcoming Dates
November 14

Join us for another Open Sunday at Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm where Dancers Unlimited will be having a thrift shop donation drive. Make a donation to our campaign and pick your items. This is part of our monthly Edible Tales: MoveMEANT explorations where sustainability and healing are focused. Donʻt forget to check out the open farm and many monthly vendors from the Brooklyn Community!

September 29

Time: Workshop at 12p - 1:30p, Space open 10am - 3pm
Location: Brooklyn Grange Rooftop (Sunset Park), 850 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Facilitators: Linda Kuo & Candice Taylor

Donate to our campaign $20 for 5 items, $40 for 10 items

Edible Tales: The Return is supported by Brooklyn Arts Councilʻs Local Arts Support and Brooklyn Art Fund grants. 

Inspired by Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry, we will explore rest as an act of liberation. Join us at Brooklyn Grange to create restorative movement practices that serve in our collective liberation.

This is part of our monthly Edible Tales: MoveMEANT explorations where sustainability and healing are focused. Donʻt forget to check out the open farm and many monthly vendors from the Brooklyn Community!

August 25th

Time: Workshop at 12p - 1:30p, Space open 10am - 3pm
Location: Brooklyn Grange Rooftop (Sunset Park), 850 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Facilitators: Linda Kuo & Candice Taylor
Price: FREE w/ RSVP

Upcoming Dates

September 25
October 20

Edible Tales: The Return is supported by Brooklyn Arts Councilʻs Local Arts Support and Brooklyn Art Fund grants. 

WEʻVE TEAMED UP WITH LA MAMA EXPERIMENTAL THEATER CLUB FOR MONTHLY FREESTYLE STORYTELLING SESSIONS!

Join us to explore enriching storytelling through freestyle movement. Each month this spring and fall, a different spotlight artist/facilitator will share their creative processes that combine freestyle techniques to shift perspectives.

This is a space curated for healing, exploration, and learning - for movers from all different disciplines who are looking to find or refine their artistic voices. We will jam, discover, and share with one another, cultivating unbreakable connections in our practices and community.

An artist from the sessions will be selected to create work with Dancers Unlimited for our 15th Anniversary Season this Fall, including a weeklong paid residency at La Mama.

DATES/TIMES:

Every 2nd Thursday of the month

MARCH 14 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Cocomotion

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

APRIL 11 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Quilan (Cue)

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

MAY 9 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Candice Taylor

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

JUNE 13 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Klassic

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

FEE: $10 each pre-registration; $20 at the door

September, October, November dates TBA

As a part of our Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) Offering, weʻre excited to present a collaborative open rehearsal with Bulareyaung Dance Company (BDC) for an inter-cultural experience, sharing our creative processes that are rooted in our island homes.

BDC was founded in 2015 in Taitung by Bulareyaung Pagarlava, an indigenous choreographer from the Paiwan tribe in Taiwan. Creation of dance pieces and dancer training are accomplished by working in the mountains and singing old chants by the waterside. Dancers develop unique body movements and vocabulary by delving into their indigenous heritage and culture through regular field trips. 

Since its founding, the company has presented several productions, including La Song (2015), Qaciljay (2016), Colors (2016), Stay That Way (2017), Luna (2018), #Yes or No (2019), Not Afraid of the Sun and Rain (2021), Rustling, Whirring (2022), and tiaen tiamen Episode 1(2023). Stay That Way won the Taishin Performing Arts Award in 2017, and Luna further won the coveted Taishin Arts Award Annual Grand Prize in 2018. It is the first performing troupe to be awarded in two consecutive years. The Company has been invited to various performances, and has also toured to Canada, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Beijing, and Hong Kong.

NO DANCE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. ALL AGES WELCOME. Traditional arts & cultural practitioners, and ʻĀina workers are warmly welcomed.

$: Please donate directly to Lāhainā Strong or Nā ʻĀinkane O Maui to support continued relief and rebuilding effort for Maui fire victims - present your donation receipt to check-into the open rehearsal.

WEʻVE TEAMED UP WITH LA MAMA EXPERIMENTAL THEATER CLUB FOR MONTHLY FREESTYLE STORYTELLING SESSIONS!

Join us to explore enriching storytelling through freestyle movement. Each month this spring and fall, a different spotlight artist/facilitator will share their creative processes that combine freestyle techniques to shift perspectives.

This is a space curated for healing, exploration, and learning - for movers from all different disciplines who are looking to find or refine their artistic voices. We will jam, discover, and share with one another, cultivating unbreakable connections in our practices and community.

An artist from the sessions will be selected to create work with Dancers Unlimited for our 15th Anniversary Season this Fall, including a weeklong paid residency at La Mama.

DATES/TIMES:

Every 2nd Thursday of the month

MARCH 14 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Cocomotion

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

APRIL 11 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Quilan (Cue)

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

MAY 9 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Candice Taylor

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

JUNE 13 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Klassic

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

FEE: $10 each pre-registration; $20 at the door

September, October, November dates TBA

The Science & Sustainability Festival at Bishop Museum is a day of programming exploring the Museum's collections, research, and work with community partners, with a focus on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. We invite you to join us as we explore the connectivity between science, culture, and a sustainable future. 

Join Dancers Unlimited and explore how moʻolelo (story) can be the foundation of knowledge for a sustainable future through dance workshops and establishing a community moʻolelo archive. 

Reduced admission – $5 kamaʻaina and military

DU Booth Activities (45 minutes each): 
10:30 Building A Moʻolelo Archive 
1:30 Mo'olelo & Creative MoveMEANT with Dancers Unlimited 

Art activities / story archive & collection and dance film screening throughout

Join our dancers at the next HEART of Honolulu Art Street Festival - a family friendly art festival. Artists and arts organizations transforming Nuuanu Avenue in Chinatown into a pedestrian heaven where everyone can experience and enjoy the HEART of the Chinatown Arts District, including art, live music, food, creative local vendors, performances and more.

HEART is an acronym that stands for Heritage, Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Restaurants, and Theatre & Performing Arts. Together, these elements make up the core of the vibrant creative community that exists in the Bethel and Nuʻuanu Avenue district, between King Street and Beretania Avenue.

WHATʻS DU DOING:  Our company dancers Nicole Maileen Woo and Keala Fung will be selling their original art work and handmade lauhala jewelry! Expect some movement, fun, and lots of laughter.

LOCATION: Nuʻuanu Ave in Chinatown, by Marks Garage and Downtown Art Center

WEʻVE TEAMED UP WITH LA MAMA EXPERIMENTAL THEATER CLUB FOR MONTHLY FREESTYLE STORYTELLING SESSIONS!

Join us to explore enriching storytelling through freestyle movement. Each month this spring and fall, a different spotlight artist/facilitator will share their creative processes that combine freestyle techniques to shift perspectives.

This is a space curated for healing, exploration, and learning - for movers from all different disciplines who are looking to find or refine their artistic voices. We will jam, discover, and share with one another, cultivating unbreakable connections in our practices and community.

An artist from the sessions will be selected to create work with Dancers Unlimited for our 15th Anniversary Season this Fall, including a weeklong paid residency at La Mama.

DATES/TIMES:

Every 2nd Thursday of the month

MARCH 14 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Cocomotion

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

APRIL 11 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Quilan (Cue)

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

MAY 9 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Candice Taylor

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

JUNE 13 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Klassic

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

FEE: $10 each pre-registration; $20 at the door

September, October, November dates TBA

WEʻVE TEAMED UP WITH LA MAMA EXPERIMENTAL THEATER CLUB FOR MONTHLY FREESTYLE STORYTELLING SESSIONS!

Join us to explore enriching storytelling through freestyle movement. Each month this spring and fall, a different spotlight artist/facilitator will share their creative processes that combine freestyle techniques to shift perspectives.

This is a space curated for healing, exploration, and learning - for movers from all different disciplines who are looking to find or refine their artistic voices. We will jam, discover, and share with one another, cultivating unbreakable connections in our practices and community.

An artist from the sessions will be selected to create work with Dancers Unlimited for our 15th Anniversary Season this Fall, including a weeklong paid residency at La Mama.

DATES/TIMES:

Every 2nd Thursday of the month

MARCH 14 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Cocomotion

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

APRIL 11 - 7-10p

Facilitator: Quilan (Cue)

DJ/Music: Kingsley Ibeneche

MAY 9 - 7-10p*

DUNYC-10 Open Style MoveMEANT BATTLE

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

Judge: TBA

*The May event will be a battle - celebrating Dancerʻs Unlimitedʻs 10-year anniversary in the NYC dance community. Battle entry fee will be the same as the regular session fee. Speculators admitted for FREE with pre-registration.

JUNE 13 - 7-10p

Facilitator: TBA

DJ/Music: DJ PhoolishRoc

FEE: $10 each pre-registration; $20 at the door

September, October, November dates TBA

ABOUT MANAFest Gala

Dancers Unlimited is turning 14 years old, and we canʻt wait to celebrate with you!

From our humble beginning as a free community youth dance program on Furlough Fridays, to touring internationally in China, and now a bi-coastal nonprofit 501(c)3 in Hawaiʻi and NYC, we do it all because OF OUR COMMUNITY - YOU.

The MANAfest Gala celebrates a joyous and successful year of working, dancing and learning together with our community. From Brooklyn to Queens, our community has filled us with so much joy and mana (spiritual energy).

The event is part of our MANAfest campaign: raising $50K for 2024 programming. Your support is crucial for the sustainability of our programs.

TICKETS:

$25 The Basics- food & non-alcoholic beverages; alcohol is available for purchase

$50 General Admission - includes 2 alcoholic drink tickets & food

$75 Premium - includes an OPEN BAR, food & gift bag

$80 Gala + Performance Bundle - includes Premium Gala admission & Nov 19th Edible Tales: Ho’okupu <The Offering> performance (THIS IS THE BEST VALUE)

The MANAfest Gala features:

1. Pre-Gala Hula & Oli (Hawaiian chanting) workshop

2. Food and Drinks

3. Hula Workshop with Kumu ʻAuliʻi Aweau

4. Silent Auction

5. Plant Sale

6. Musical performances by Nathalie Noboa and Keilana

7. A Toast to our Community Advancement Heroes

The 2023-2024 Campaign “MANAfest” is a dedication for our own empowerment through artistic exploration, spiritual practices and community collaboration. It is also an INVITATION for YOU, our community, to be a part of this empowering journey.

ABOUT THE HŌʻIKE

Participants from our Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu monthly Hawaiian cultural immersion program share their learning and original performances to honor our connections with each other and the ʻāina.

Attendees are welcome to arrive half an hour early to participate in the interactive dance installations happening during the Hoʻolauleʻa portion of the evening.

TICKETS:

Pay what you can: $10, $20, $30 - seats not guaranteed

*Our MANAFest: Hoʻolauleʻa fundraiser event is 4pm-6pm right before the Hōʻike. Each hoʻolauleʻa ticket includes complimentary admission to the Hōʻike. Please consider purchasing the BUNDLE ticket for maximized fun (and ʻono kine grinds)!

ABOUT EDIBLE TALES: HOʻOKUPU

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu centers Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Guided by Kumu Hula ʻAuliʻi Aweau, the 6-month transformative journey features hands-on work on the farm and fishponds, and Hawaiian cultural activies including Hula, oli, kuahu building, lauhala and ʻawa planting.

Mahalo nui loa to our funders and venues

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is made possible by funding support from National Endowment for the Humanities, Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, and The Puffin Foundation.

Venues: Papahana Kuaola, Lūluku Farms, Waikalua Loko I`a, the Fukumitsu ohana, and Page Academy of Dance

ABOUT THE HOʻOLAULEʻA

Dancers Unlimited is turning 14, and we canʻt wait to celebrate with you!

From our humble beginning as a free community youth dance program on Furlough Fridays, to touring internationally in China, and now a bi-coastal nonprofit 501(c)3 in Hawaiʻi and NYC, we do it all because OF OUR COMMUNITY - YOU.

The Hoʻolauleʻa celebrates a joyous and successful year of working, dancing and learning together with our community. From mauka to makai, our community has filled us with so much joy and mana.

The event is also a part of our MANAfest campaign: raising $50K for 2024 programming. Your support is crucial for the sustainability of our programs.

The Hoʻolauleʻa features:

1. A MANAfest circle: building shared vision

2. Pupu & Beverages

3. Silent Auction

4. Immersive Dance Installations

5. Special performance by Noelani Love

TICKETS:

TABLE PURCHASE (limit 10 tables): $480 (seats 8; all VIP benefits + guaranteed seats together with discounted ticket price per person). → OUR BEST DEAL! GET A TABLE WITH FRIENDS/ʻOHANA FOR SAVINGS & MORE FUN!

VIP: $80 (preferred seating + gift bag)

General Admission: $50 (open seating)

All ticket types include complimentary admission to the Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu Hōʻike, which follows immediately after the Hoʻolauleʻa:

6:15pm-7:30pm Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu Hōʻike (included in the Hoʻolauleʻa admission)

ABOUT THE HŌʻIKE

Participants from our Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu monthly Hawaiian cultural immersion program share their learning and original performnaces to honor our connections with each other and the ʻāina.

Date: September 16, 2023
Cultural Practitioner: Kinohi Fukumitsu
Facilitator: ʻAuliʻi Aweau
Location: Hakipu'u

Capacity for this event is 15 people

Facilitated by our company Hawaiian cultural advisor, ʻAuliʻi Aweau, participants will learn about the theme hoʻokupu (to offer; to sprout), the moʻolelo of the space and land, and learn about the cultural significance and uses of pōhaku (rocks) and building a kuahu (altar).

Interested participants can also sign up to perform at the culminating hōʻike on October 28th, 2023 at KEY Project. SIGN UP for the Weekly rehearsals with our professional dance company on Sundays 10am-noon at Page Dance Academy (Kaimuki) to create your own movement story and perform!

ABOUT EDIBLE TALES: HO`OKUPU

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu center Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is a 6-month journey taking place on-site on loko iʻa, loʻi, pā honu, urban community gardens and even tūtūʻs kitchen. We invite you to join us on one or all of the events!

Edible Tales: Ho’okupu is partially funded by Hawaiʻi Council For the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities

Date: August (TBA)
Location: Papahana Kuaola
Facilitator: ʻAuliʻi Aweau
Cultural Practitioner: Keoua Nelsen

Facilitated by our company Hawaiian cultural advisor, ʻAuliʻi Aweau, participants will learn about the theme hoʻokupu (to offer; to sprout), the moʻolelo of the space and land, and learn about the cultural tradition of hala-leaf weaving as passed down in Keouaʻs family. Aloha ʻāina activities are incorporated and might include helping on the farm and harvesting.

Interested participants can also sign up to perform at the culminating hōʻike on October 28th, 2023 at KEY Project. SIGN UP for the Weekly rehearsals with our professional dance company on Sundays 10am-noon at Page Dance Academy (Kaimuki) to create your own movement story and perform!

We welcome participants to attend all monthly sessions from April to October to experience the transformative journey to the fullest!

ALL AGES WELCOME!

ABOUT EDIBLE TALES: HO`OKUPU

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu center Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is a 6-month journey taking place on-site on loko iʻa, loʻi, pā honu, urban community gardens and even tūtūʻs kitchen. We invite you to join us on one or all of the events!

Edible Tales: Ho’okupu is partially funded by Hawaiʻi Council For the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities

Monthly Pop Up Events @ Brooklyn Grange

Sunday, August 13th

11am - 1pm

Brooklyn Grange @ Sunset Park

850 Third Avenue Rooftop, Brooklyn, NY 11232

The Black August event acknowledges and commemorates the countless organizers, activists, and freedom fighters who sacrificed their freedom and lives in the struggle for Black liberation. As a bi-coastal company based in Lenapehoeking / NYC and Hawaiʻi, we are also aware of the connection between colonization, capitalism, and social injustice across the oceans and land. Our artists will share works-in-progress from the weeklong Social Justice Creative Lab to address institutionalized and internalized racism, and explore ways to collectively build the road to liberation.

All proceeds will be donated to directly support Nā ʻAikāne O Maui Cultural Center, a nonprofit organization that services the Native Hawaiian Community, leads the landback movement, and housed important cultural artifacts that are lost in the recent Lāhaina fire.

$20 Suggested Donation at the event

This program is made possible with support by Dance NYC, A.R.T NY, Brooklyn Grange and Ladies of Hip Hop

Date: July 23rd 8:30am-1pm
*All participants need to meet at entrance to Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens at 8:30 and and we'll be guided to the location. 
Location: Luluku Farms
Facilitator: ʻAuliʻi Aweau
Cultural Practitioner: Keahi Piʻihoiʻa

Facilitated by our company Hawaiian cultural advisor, ʻAuliʻi Aweau, participants will learn about the theme hoʻokupu (to offer; to sprout), the moʻolelo of the space and land, and learn about the cultural significance and uses of ʻawa (or kava), ʻolena (turmeric), and kalo (taro). Hands-on activities are incorporated and might include helping on the farm and harvesting.

Interested participants can also sign up to perform at the culminating hōʻike on October 28th, 2023 at KEY Project. SIGN UP for the Weekly rehearsals with our professional dance company on Sundays 10am-noon at Page Dance Academy (Kaimuki) to create your own movement story and perform!

We welcome participants to attend all monthly sessions from April to October to experience the transformative journey to the fullest!

ALL AGES WELCOME!

ABOUT EDIBLE TALES: HO`OKUPU

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu center Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is a 6-month journey taking place on-site on loko iʻa, loʻi, pā honu, urban community gardens and even tūtūʻs kitchen. We invite you to join us on one or all of the events!

Edible Tales: Ho’okupu is partially funded by Hawaiʻi Council For the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities

Celebrating Chinese and Caribbean American Heritage

Monthly Pop Up Events @ Brooklyn Grange

Sunday, July 9

11:30am - 1pm

Brooklyn Grange @ Sunset Park

850 Third Avenue Roof Brooklyn, NY 11232

This Pop Up event will include a FREE self defense class. A collaboration between Asian Defense Alliance (ADA) and Dancers Unlimited, the self-defense class welcomes all ages and levels to learn efficient and necessary self-defense techniques that are useful for street and Subway safety. A pepper spray demo is included in the class.

Monthly Pop Up Events are FREE. RSVP is encouraged

Date: Sunday, June 25th 9am-1pm
Location: Waikalua Loko I`a (Fishpond)
Facilitator: ʻAuliʻi Aweau
Cultural Practitioner: Rosalyn Dias Concepcion

Facilitated by our company Hawaiian cultural advisor, ʻAuliʻi Aweau, participants will learn about the theme hoʻokupu (to offer; to sprout), explore and learn about the ancient fishpond built by Hawaiians approximately 350 years ago. The loko iʻa is a “place where one can kilo, a`o, malama, and maha” and where ancient wisdom and modern knowledge combine to set a strong foundation for a better future. Participants will participate in volunteer work, and learn an oli (chant) and Hula.

Participants are encouraged to showcase the oli and Hula learned at the culminating hōʻike on October 28th, 2023 at KEY Project. Interested participants can also sign up for the weekly rehearsals with our professional dance company on Sundays 10am-noon at Page Dance Academy (Kaimuki).

Here is what the June 25th session will cover:

-Learn about various ho`okupu (offerings) for Ku`ulakai and Hinakapu`ui`a (altars at the fishpond)

-make a pūʻolo style offering with i`a (fish), pa’akai (salt), and lāʻī (ti leaf)

-Learn about the functions of these kuahu (altars) and the importance of their locations in relations to the pond. 

-Share mana`o (thoughts and ideas) about wai (water)and its overall importance and function of the ecology of the loko i`a (fishpond)

-learn an oli (chant)

-Learn a hula (dance)

We welcome participants to attend all monthly sessions from April to October and showcase at the hōʻike!

ALL AGES WELCOME!

Cultural practitioner

ABOUT EDIBLE TALES: HO`OKUPU

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu center Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is a 6-month journey taking place on-site on loko iʻa, loʻi, pā honu, urban community gardens and even tūtūʻs kitchen. We invite you to join us on one or all of the events!

Edible Tales: Ho`okupu is partially funded by Hawaiʻi Council For the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Brooklyn Grange at Sunset Park

850 3rd Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11232

Join us and explore the parts of your culture and identity that are celebratory and share how those celebrations take place. Take pride in the things that make your culture and identity beautiful, resilient, and unique. We want to learn and experience what celebrating who you are looks and feels like through movement. Come share an important piece of you.

Learn more about Monthly Sundays at Brooklyn Grange here.

Paʻakai, oli & Hula

Date: Saturday, June 3rd 9am-1pm
Cultural Practitioner: Nāmomi McCorriston
Facilitator: ʻAuliʻi Aweau
Location: Kaiona Beach Park

Facilitated by our company Hawaiian cultural advisor, ʻAuliʻi Aweau, participants will learn about the theme hoʻokupu (to offer; to sprout), and the moʻolelo (stories), cultural significance and uses of paʻakai (salt). The activities are followed by learning an oli and Hula rooted in Hawaiian moʻolelo.

The oli and Hula will be continued for the June session to get participants ready for the culminating hōʻike on October 28th, 2023 at KEY Project. Interested participants can also sign up for the weekly rehearsals with our professional dance company on Sundays 10am-noon at Page Dance Academy (Kaimuki).

We welcome participants to attend all monthly sessions from April to October and showcase at the hōʻike!

ALL AGES WELCOME!
*Capacity limited. A REFUNDABLE $25 deposit is required to hold your spot. Refunds are processed within 5 days of the event.

ABOUT EDIBLE TALES: HO`OKUPU

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu center Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is a 6-month journey taking place on-site on loko iʻa, loʻi, pā honu, urban community gardens and even tūtūʻs kitchen. We invite you to join us on one or all of the events!

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is partially funded by Hawaiʻi Council For the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Culture. Identity. Fashion. Lifestyle. Brought to you by Dancers Unlimited and sponsored by Peridance and VERSD, from May 22nd – May 27th, join us at the Spring Community Week to celebrate AAPI history, culture and more on the dance floor!

As we celebrate culture and identity this year, Dancers Unlimited has invited designer Kauila Kanakaʻole, great-grandson of a legendary Hawaiian family of hula and chant practitioners, to create the story and designs of the fashion show. This show combines fashion and movement to tell a story of a people who are being silenced and lied about, revealing the real truths of where they began and what they stand on.

Fashion and live performance art connect hand in hand in this earnest yet cultural storytelling beginning with the telling of the origins then onto the reclamation and then concluding in which the audience is invited to chant, dance, and feel the vibration of Hawaiian culture as well as how it is connected to the land and space we live on.

Ola Ka Huakaʻihele o Hiʻiaka (Becoming Hiʻiaka)

Saturday, May 27th 8-9:30pm

Peridance Center, Studio 1

CAPACITY IS LIMITED.

CommUNITY Fundraiser Classes at Peridance Center

10-11:30am Aminry May Reyna - Yoga 

11:30-1pm Dancers Unlimited company class 

Dancers Unlimitedʻs company class features a contemporary choreography from our upcoming performance “Ola Ka Huakaʻihele O Hiʻiaka” or Becoming Hiʻiaka. Based on the legend of Hiʻaka and Pele, Hawaiian deities, the show tells the creation story of the Hawaiian islands and its symbolism in cultural reclamation and triumph against colonization and military occupation of Hawaiʻi. A collaboration between Dancers Unlimited and Kauila Kanakaʻole, legacy chanter from the Kanakaʻole family, the performance features traditional dances from the Kanakaʻole family and Hālau o Kekuhi, and contemporary dances from Dancers Unlimited. 

2:30-4pm Anthony Aiu - Contemporary Fusion

Contemporary/Ori Tahiti Fusion:
This open level class melds the traditional steps of Ori Tahiti with contemporary dance
technique and focuses on energetic impetus and qualitative movement performance. Expect to
move into and out of the floor and throughout the space with challenging and powerful
combinations.

4-5:30pm Anthony Aiu- Ori Tahiti 

Ori Tahiti:
An open level experience in traditional Ori Tahiti (Tahitian Dance) steps. Much of the movement
is derived from and celebrates our natural environment and inspired the class movement
phrases. Simple combinations of these concepts and ideas are taught throughout the session.
*Please bring a pareu (sarong) to wear during class.

7:45-9:15pm Asian Defense Alliance - Self Defense

ADA’s workshops teach situational awareness, street and subway safety, and self-defense techniques tailored to all age groups and ability levels.

All proceeds are donated to The Lenape Center to support and honor the original people of the land. The workshop is sponsored by Peridance and VERSD, thank you for making this possible!

Oli (chant) & HULA

Saturday, April 29th, 9am -1pm

Oli and Hula with Kumu Hula Mary Kupau

Kualoa Regional Park (Campground A)

Facilitated by our company Hawaiian cultural advisor, ʻAuliʻi Aweau, participants will learn about the theme hoʻokupu (to offer; to sprout), the moʻolelo of the space and land, and set intentions for this journey together. The activities are followed by learning an oli and Hula rooted in the ahupuaʻa (traditional land division) of Kualoa and Hakipuʻu from Kumu Mary Kupau.

The oli and Hula will be continued for the May and June sessions to get participants ready for the culminating hōʻike on October 28th, 2023 at KEY Project. Interested participants can also sign up for the weekly rehearsals with our professional dance company on Sundays 10am-noon at Page Dance Academy (Kaimuki).

We welcome participants to attend all monthly sessions from April to October and showcase at the hōʻike!

ALL AGES WELCOME!

About edible tales: Ho`okupu

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu center Native Hawaiian wisdom and turn stories about food and ʻāina into community-centered dance exploration, actions and solutions. Our 2023 theme Ho`okupu (to offer, to sprout), explores the reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving, our interconnectedness to each other, and shared pathways to build community resilience and collaboration.

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is a 6-month journey taking place on-site on loko iʻa, loʻi, pā honu, urban community gardens and even tūtūʻs kitchen. We invite you to join us on one or all of the events!

Edible Tales: Hoʻokupu is partially funded by Hawaiʻi Council For the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities.