Hawaii Tribune-Herald hearts out ‘Great Leaps’ show culminates semester of passionate study By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA TSpecial to the Tribune-Herald he University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Department presents the “Great Leaps Dance Concert” — a showcase of UH-Hilo and Hawaii Community College dance students and what they’ve mastered during the past semester. The show will feature various dance genres, senior projects for graduating performing arts majors as well as guest choreography with a preview performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday and the full concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the UH-Hilo Performing Art Center. The preview show is a chance for technicians to practice light and sound cues but all other performance aspects will be just like the Saturday show with full dance numbers and costuming. “These kids will dance their hearts out for you,” says Celeste Staton, dance instructor and program coordinator. “It’s the finishing touch to culminate the semester and showcase their passion for dance in front of a live audience. There’s nothing else like it.” One hundred and fifty dancers will present 12 dances showcasing ballet, modern, jazz, aerial, urban street dance and musical theater. Among the program offerings, performing arts major Deanna Young will share a cultural fusion of dance moves as a reminder to enjoy life more deeply by adopting a “Take It Easy Policy.” Jazz teacher Kea Kapahua will entertain with a lively selection from the musical “Grease,” and Staton will mix lyric and ballet techniques to a poignant Jason Mraz song for her Ballet 4 students. “I chose not to go with the strict classical ballet technique for this number,” Staton says of the piece that incorporates 17 male and female dancers. “It’s a little bit more lyrical and contemporary. It speaks to hope for people going through difficult times. One section I gave to See LEAPS Page 8
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