KIMO MANLEY
Aloha, my name is Kimo
... and I am preparing for my first journey to the Merrie Monarch stage. Words cannot describe how excited and anxious I am about this.
My journey as a hula dancer and a haumana of Kumu Mark started when I was 7. Growing up in the halau setting is one of the biggest influences in my life. Every one of my Uncles, Aunties, brothers and sisters all practicing towards to same goal was always such an amazing thing to be a part of.
During my high school years I quit dancing to focus on school and my extra curricular activities. At the time I didn't think much of it, but when I was asked if I was interested in coming back to the halau I instantly felt that I was back in for life. My love and passion for dancing, whether it be for a show or a competition, has grown exponentially. And seeing how all of my brothers and sisters have grown into such beautiful dancers is so gratifying.
Coming back and seeing how everyone that I grew up with changed as well as all the new faces around the halau was a pleasant and saddening surprise. With all the new faces I saw that a lot of my Uncles and Aunties were gone too.
With that startling discovery I reflected back on my past as a hula dancer and it made me realize I never got the chance to share the performance stage with my Uncles who taught me how to dance hula in the first place and that is what keeps me motivated to move and push on during these harsh practices and over this long preparation period for Merrie Monarch. This will not only be my first Merrie Monarch performance, but also my big performance where I can share the stage with two of my Uncles from before I left the halau.
This last July was my first performance since coming back to the halau in 2021 and let me tell you. Performing for a crowd is just a completely indescribable experience. It reminded me of my love for hula and strengthened my desire to keep dancing. The same brothers I danced in that show are also my brothers I am preparing for the Merrie Monarch with and I wouldn't change this team at all. I am truly looking forward to what we as a team can accomplish.
I hope that helps you see what exactly this Merrie Monarch season means to me and why I am both excited and anxious about it. I can't wait to share the rest of my journey with you!
And thank you for your support!!