Dancers take on Broadway

Courtney Ochi
April 15, 2009
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

The stars came out for “A Broadway Extravaganza” on March 7 at Leeward Community College.
Lower and upper school students
in the after school dance Program performed routines inspired by Broadway musicals including Wicked, South Pacific, the Lion King, and many more. The ‘Iolani Senior Dance Team also made a guest appearance closing the show with a high-energy
performance to “Beat It.”
After school dance practices started at the beginning of the first semester. Students in gymnastics,
hula, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and musical theater were given the opportunity to showcase their hard work in-front of a sold-out crowd of parents, friends, and faculty.
‘Iolani Dance Team families created gorgeous props to set the scene and background for many performances, coming in on weekends to paint and create fishes, buildings, shop signs, and more.
Many parents also helped backstage getting younger students
in and out of costumes in time for their numbers. These “quick change moms” were equipped and ready, waiting in the wings to help students adjust costumes and get ready to jump back on stage.
For some of the younger members
of the cast, this was their first time performing in front of an audience.
However, they put their nervous jitters aside and danced beautifully.
Chaz Silva ‘09 and Lauren Onaka ‘10 performed a duet to the song “All I Ask of You” from the Phantom and the Opera. On pointe, Onaka graced the stage as Christine, while Silva captivated the audience as Erik.
The two rehearsed for months before school and on weekends. Choreographed by ‘Iolani’s Dance Program director Mrs. Cyrenne Okimura, the performance was flawless. Okimura could not have been prouder of her two star students, giving them numerous hugs and praise in the wings following
their performance.
Overall the show was a huge success thanks to the hard work and dedication from teachers, families, volunteers, and the stars themselves.