KAIMI SANCHEZ-DUMANCAS
Aloha!
My name is Ka’imi, and my official journey with the academy started in 2018! Back in 2017, my mom took me to see their ho’ike where I immediately fell in love with them. The way they looked captured my attention and it inspired me. I wanted to become a part of it all and hopefully influence someone else the way the academy did for me.
I immediately fell in love with them.
My first ever ho’ike was unforgettable. Since I was entirely new and had no experience previously it was a lot for me to handle. I was definitely struggling in the beginning and I had a lot of doubts about myself. Each practice I learned something new and felt myself growing as a person and as a dancer. During that time, before ho’ike, I had lost my grandma. It was a really hard time for me and my mom, but somehow we pushed through it. I eventually made it, being super proud of myself.
That whole performance I had my mom and grandma in mind.
My first ever ho’ike was unforgettable. Since I was entirely new and had no experience previously it was a lot for me to handle.
I was definitely struggling in the beginning and I had a lot of doubts about myself. Each practice I learned something new and felt myself growing as a person and as a dancer. During that time, before ho’ike, I had lost my grandma. It was a really hard time for me and my mom, but somehow we pushed through it. I eventually made it, being super proud of myself. That whole performance I had my mom and grandma in mind. I was just really grateful to be able to dance beside my mom and have my grandma watching us from above. I knew if she was still here with us, she’d tell me that she was proud.
The first competition I did was for George Na’ope in 2023. Way before I was selected to compete, I had thoughts of how I wanted to participate in competitions with the academy. And eventually, my dreams became a reality! The training for George Na’ope was no joke, it pushed me to my limits and helped me gain confidence within myself. Every practice I’d give it 100% of my energy, hoping that I wouldn’t get cut! Training made me push boundaries with my self confidence, and overall helped me blossom into the person I am today. I remember the feeling before getting on stage so vividly, I was filled with anticipation and excitement! After performing, I was genuinely so happy with myself that I made it that far. I’ll never forget that first competition experience, becoming a better dancer, connecting with my hula brothers and sisters, and making my loved ones proud of me.
And now I’m currently training for Merrie Monarch 2024!
I really hope I make it, but whatever the outcome may be I don’t regret a single thing.
Genuinely really grateful for all the people that helped me make it this far.
Wish me luck! <3