KIYOMI DESCHAMPS

Kiyomi Deschamps

As I sit back and reflect on this past year it amazes me how what seemed like a sacrifice in the moment later turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Dancing has been a part of me from before I can remember. My Taiko drummer/Salsera mother and Salsa/Merenguero father met in a salsa club in New York. Dancing together was a core piece of their relationship and I learned about the power and energy of beats and rhythms through them.

My favorite dances have been

Ballet Folklorico, Afro-Haitian, Tahitian and Hula.

As I was growing up there was always music and dancing throughout the house. Through my eyes, dancers have always been the most beautiful people. The way they communicate through body language was a power I wanted to have, dance is universal! I enjoy learning about cultures through dance and have been fortunate to learn and perform many styles. My favorite dances have been Ballet Folklorico, Afro-Haitian, Tahitian and Hula. I learned my first hula one summer during middle school and knew I’d be back to learn more.

Before the Pandemic my mother and I would take annual trips to see our ohana in Hilo. We loved being there during Merrie Monarch. Even if we could not get tickets to watch the competition, the festival’s events brought such a beautiful mana to the island and we always wanted to be part of it. Life changed for everyone in 2020 and our trips to Hilo went on pause. I went back to school to get my masters and graduated in 2022. My mother and I made plans to return to Hilo in 2023, the 60th Merrie Monarch Festival was approaching! Little did I know at the beginning of the year I would start working with a new company. Although it was exciting to be in a role that fit in my career path I knew I would have to sacrifice going on the trip because of how new I was. I kept thinking...this job better be worth it! It was keeping me away from my ohana and enjoying what I love most- DANCE!

Although Mom was in Hilo and I was home in Oakland nothing would stop us from watching Merrie Monarch together.

Each night we would find ourselves chatting back and forth about everything we just watched and our prior memories of being in the stadium watching in person. It was Auana night and as I turned on the TV “Talk Story: The Melody of Halau” came on featuring Kumu Hula Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu. When you hear his name you hear his voice. Strong, distinct, and memorable. I sat in bed and gave Talk Story my full attention.

If I talk through the interview and my connection to it I’d give you a warning to get comfy because we will be here for a while. But in summary - his points (about chants, language, cultures, tradition, experience) not only gave me interest to know more, it connected to my overall love and passion for dance. I’m drawn to and connect with dances that hold power in their moves backed by strong beats.

I told myself when I was getting my masters degree, if I invest this much time in my career I want to invest the same amount (if not more) in dance, performing and competing. It’s always been a dream of mine to compete on the Merrie Monarch stage. At the end of his interview he said he couldn't wait to get back on the Merrie Monarch floor and I had an overwhelming feeling I needed to go to the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. I immediately looked them up and text my mom-

I just signed up to try AHA!

I started with AHA at the end of April 2023. The energy of the dancers, the lessons and experience from Kumu Mark and the Kukui’s, and the feedback and advice has strengthened me. To now be training with the Pro team is an honor and an experience I hold onto tightly and never want to let go. I am training towards making my dream come true and I am so thankful to everyone. No matter our backgrounds, experience, or current state we have a shared love for Hula and dancing our hearts out. Who knew that sacrificing a trip to Hilo opened a door to train for competing at Merrie Monarch!

My journey has led me to understand the importance of our kupuna, and our kuleana to keep the history and cultural traditions alive.

KIYOMI DESCHAMPS