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| Photo: Brown dwarf stars. Photo courtesy of Sarah Anderson. |
The Hoku Concert was truly a sort of journey for those who participated
-- combining music, dance, and hula inspired by the discoveries
of scientists and astronomers. Performers and choreographers
pondered how best to express the life cycle of stars and the
wonders of our expanding universe. Red giants, white dwarves,
gravity, black holes, interstellar medium, nebulae, and gamma
rays were brought to life through performances featuring aerial
rings, trapeze, hula, modern dance, and ballet. Jason Gamer,
composer, performing artist, and faculty of the Hawai'i Performing
Arts Festival, wowed the audience with a blend of live and recorded
music, some of which was specially arranged or written for this
show. Director, dancer, and choreographer Nancy Candea outdid
herself. "Our show this year is the best we've ever done. The
live music, more intriguing lighting, bigger technical crew,
and larger costume budget were mere aids to enhance the dedication
of these awesome young dancers," she said.
The older dancers (ages 14-18) provided the following feedback:
The Hoku concert enhanced the knowledge that they
had learned in classrooms.
They liked personalizing the cast of characters from the universe.
They liked knowing that they were having fun and making a
difference.
They liked raising money for their peers.
They liked being involved with so many people.
They felt that the shows bring the community together.
They liked the multimedia aspect.
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| Photo: Airborne dancers perform "Nebulae
and the Protostars," choreographed by Hoku Project Coordinator,
Nancy Candea. Photo courtesy of Sarah Anderson. |
Director Nancy Candea really liked working with the organizers
at Keck. Here is Nancy's summary of how this show impacted her
and her dancers:
"Debbie Goodwin,
whom I did the initial brainstorming with, is so way cool.
She got the bigger picture right away. Not only how this project
could benefit Keck, but also the impact of bringing this particular
science of astronomy, which looms over and with our community,
along with a community dance project. I was invited to some
great lectures at the Four Seasons, which jumpstarted my imagination.
Greg Wirth took some time out of his schedule to very patiently
explain to me the cast of characters in the cosmos. Julia
Simmons, Sarah Anderson, and Joan Campbell provided great
ideas for the production and help me find resources within
Keck to help with the creative process. And Randy Campbell
put a wonderful visual collage together for the program.
Hoku Project: Infinite Journey had an underlying meaning for
the company of dancers, Beyond Dance Theater, and for me because
it was the last big show that we would work on together. This
year many of the dancers were moving in different life directions,
so after we redo the show in September for the schools, we
will officially disband. I feel like we are all being blasted
off on our own infinite journeys!" 
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