UH Asia Pacific Dance Fest Seeks Public Support After $25K Funding Cut

The Asia Pacific Dance Festival (APDF) is set to make a vibrant return to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, despite facing a significant funding setback. Just two weeks before its opening on May 19, the National Endowment for the Arts unexpectedly withdrew a $25,000 grant that was crucial for the festival’s programming.

SheenRu Yong, the associate director of APDF, expressed the festival team’s determination to proceed, stating, “While this loss poses a significant challenge, we remain committed to delivering an inspiring celebration of dance, culture, and connection. We’re not canceling—we’re coming together. The show will go on.” This resilient spirit highlights the festival’s mission to foster community and cultural appreciation through the art of dance.

Hosted by UH Mānoa’s Outreach College, the festival runs until June 1, bringing together artists and dance traditions from across Asia, the Pacific, and Hawaiʻi. Attendees can immerse themselves in workshops, attend performances, and delve into the cultural narratives that each dance movement embodies. This biennial event offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage deeply with storytelling through dance.

Tickets are available for purchase online or by phone at (808) 956-8246, making it accessible for everyone interested in experiencing this cultural extravaganza.

Festival Highlights

Resident Artists

This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of resident artists, including:

• Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima, directed by Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, showcasing the rich traditions of hula.
• Arzoo Dance Theatre from India/Canada, under the direction of Deepti Gupta, bringing a fusion of classical and contemporary Indian dance.
• Rako Pasefika from Rotuma, Fiji, led by Letila Mitchell, highlighting the vibrant dance traditions of the Pacific Islands.

Performance Schedule

Mark your calendars for these exciting performances:

• Living the Art of Hula
  Hālau Kilipohe Nā Lei Lehua
  Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Local Motion!: A Tribute to H. Wayne Mendoza
  A celebration of traditional Filipino dance by Mendoza’s former apprentices
  Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m.
• ʻIke Hana I & II
  Two dynamic performances showcasing different works by this year’s resident artists
  Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
  Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m.

Yong encourages the public to attend this year’s performances, emphasizing that “every ticket, every social share, and every gesture of support helps sustain this work.” For a full schedule of performances and free public events, visit the APDF website.