HILO — Anolani Higashi’s dream came true when she competed in the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival Saturday and Sunday on the Big Island. She and 27 dancers from Kauai took to the stage at the prestigious event. In the
HILO — Anolani Higashi’s dream came true when she competed in the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival Saturday and Sunday on the Big Island.
She and 27 dancers from Kauai took to the stage at the prestigious event. In the auana competition, the girls from Kauai placed fourth out of 17 groups.
“There are groups that go back year after year and never place,” Higashi said. “I feel blessed and humbled that the group got fourth place.”
Nicole Ishibashi placed fifth out of 13 in the Miss Aloha Hula portion of the competition.
Jardin said the dancers worked hard to learn the history and dig deep into the music about the place mentioned in the chant they danced to during the event, Kaneiolouma heiau. It was written by Hawaii musician Keao NeSmith.
“It’s a sacred heiau (place) near Poipu beach that was recently cleared,” Jardin said. “We hope people who saw the dance were inspired to visit the area.”
Higashi began dancing three years ago with the group, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala, the only group invited to represent Kauai at the event.
“I was full of butterflies all day,” she said, “but I stepped on stage and they went away.”
Higashi felt fortunate to be picked to perform with the group led by Kumu Leinaala Pavao Jardin, who has been teaching for 18 years. This was their third year competing in the festival.
“It was my dream to dance on the Merrie Monarch stage since I was a little girl,” she said.
