XIA PATRICIO

Aloha! I'm Xia ◡̈

My story with AHA began when I had just turned 12. The hālau that I was originally with had performed at a Hawaiian festival held at Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheater. I watched Uncle Mark and the team perform and I. WAS. SHOCKED. There I was, eyes full of wonder and a newly lit fire within me wanting to know more.

I begged my mom to take me to class. I promised good grades (oops) and promised her I'd be a good student of Uncle Marks-- my mom agreed! So there I was in a bright purple pa'u with a white AHA shirt (vintage!!) and zero clue of what the upcoming years were to bring.

Mommy, if you see this, THANK YOU for the years of driving me 45 miles one way and always buying me In-n-out after class ♥️

The beginning years at hālau are still my favorite memories to date-- me and the other hālau kids used to share the $1 ice cream cup from the shop across the walkway. My science projects and book reports were completed in between each water break.

For my first Merrie Monarch training, I told my teacher I was going to be gone for an extended period of time, and when he caught me lying about a "Doctor's Visit" I said, "Well.... my doctor is in Hilo."

Beyond dance itself, I am so grateful for the memories shared at AHA. Uncle Mark and The Academy have taught me so much about life and myself. The connections I've made, the stomach pain from laughter, the sisterhood built through every show and competition- there's nothing like it. I know that I've found my place and footing here, and just like the first time I watched AHA perform, the sparkle and wonder still reside within.

2024 will mark 20 years that I've been with The Academy and wowww what a journey it's been. I am beyond excited to hit the ground full throttle and create new memories with my hula ohana.