TONI SCANNELL
Aloha! My name is Toni.
“Ke kukui nānā i luna ... the light looked up to”
... But who am I?
... How did I get here?
... Where am I going?
My hula journey started about 40 years ago. In the beginning it was unplanned and unintentional. Now, hula is very personal and intentional. I am deeply grateful and humbled for the journey that brought me to this moment.
So, how does a young Korean American girl, with no direct ties get so immersed and fall in love with hula? What makes me so special to earn the privilege to participate in the training for the Merrie Monarch competition? Here goes my story...
I was introduced to hula by a group of friends who invited me to a house party that was not the party I had anticipated. It was a hula class that took place in a garage, where I met Uncle Buddy Carson Koakanu. At the time, I knew very little about hula and was not interested. Believe it or not, I was extremely shy, and the thought of dancing in front of people was mortifying. Yet, I was always interested in learning about the diversity of our world’s people, cultures, and the arts...from a distance, not as an active participant. In the introductory hula class, I sat in a chair and watched my friends practice hula basics, I thought to myself I could never do that. Uncle Buddy and my friends invited me to get up and try. I could still feel the heat and pins on my face and neck from embarrassment. Once I reluctantly got up and tried, as awkward and uncoordinated as I was, that was it. I was hooked! Can you believe I performed and competed? In front of people!
I had the privilege of dancing with two (2) Kumus during the past 40 years. My first Kumu, Uncle Buddy Carson Koakanu introduced me to my current Kumu, Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu at the San Jose Hui Ana dance workshop back in the late 1980’s.
I started dancing with Kumu Mark about 15 years ago, returning to hula after taking an extended break to focus on my growing family. My heart yearned and longed to be reunited with hula. Laka was calling.
Over the years, hula has become more than about dance. It has been a spiritual journey of healing, growing and a deep connection to nature. Through hula, I continue to overcome my insecurities, realize my strengths and purpose. I learned the importance of practicing the spirit of ALOHA in our hearts, minds, and actions. The love and kindness that I received from the hula community – past Kumus I had the honor of meeting, and my immediate and extended hula families have accepted me, welcomed me, nourished me, loved me, and even disciplined me when necessary (although I was a good girl most of the time – HA!). I felt safe and at home always. I have developed unbreakable bonds and life-long relationships through hula.
I am grateful for Kumu Mark who has so many talents. Kumu will not accept mediocrity. He expects us to push ourselves to maximum performance to reach excellence, nothing less. Kumu Mark emphasizes on going back to basics as the foundation – a reminder to stay humble and grounded. His teachings go beyond the dance. He teaches us the background/history of the chants and songs that we are learning, the language and its meanings, Hawaiian customs/beliefs, how to make our own hula attire, adornments, implements, and sometimes I get dizzy from all the information he throws out about his vision and plans for it all...all at once. Things always turn out beautifully.
Reflecting how I got here; I am so grateful for the introduction and to eventually develop a deep connection with hula. This opportunity helped me to break out of my comfort zone, which led to continuous personal and spiritual growth. I am reminded to embrace every moment of the journey. And, whether I make it to the Merrie Monarch floor or not, I will always be grateful for the opportunity, and my hula family. Let’s go break da floor!
“Ke kukui nānā i luna” – the light looked up to. I will continue to seek the light and strive to be the light. Mahalo nui iā Laka I kou koho ‘ana ia’u. (My heartfelt gratitude to Laka)
