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Jenny's Merrie Monarch Pilgrimage

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Kumusta, Aloha, Iaorana, Talofa:
Hello family and friends,

For the past 6 years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and dance with a premiere professional Polynesian dance team and legacy of educators: Nonosina Polynesia. Before embarking on my journey with Nonosina, I spent 6 years learning and dancing with Halau Hula a Kawika lāua ʻO Leinani, a studio that fostered my passion for dance. I now serve as a student and practitioner under the guidance of Tiana Liufau and Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem.

As an Asian American Pacific Islander daughter, sister, aunt, niece, mentor, mentee, and friend, my commitment to my family and community serves as my purpose in life. Halau Hula a Kawika lāua ʻO Leinani and Nonosina have given me more than just “dance lessons.” They are two of the many educators that have taught me discipline, respect, responsibility, and appreciation for my own heritage and ancestors. Through them, I have developed into a proud Filipina-American that dedicates her life to serving as a social justice educator, scholar-practitioner,  leader, activist, consultant, non-profit specialist, surfer, and artist.


My responsibility to my family and community will always guide me and I know it takes a village of support to accomplish any goal.  This is where with deep humility, I ask for any support you can give to help fund the cost of attending this pilgrimage and once in a lifetime opportunity - Merrie Monarch Festival: http://www.merriemonarch.com/merrie-monarch-festival


WHAT IS THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL?

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a non-profit organization that honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of traditions, native language, and arts.

The week-long festival features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is committed to:

1) Perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people

2) Developing and augmenting a living knowledge of Hawaiian arts and crafts through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances of the highest quality and authenticity

3) Reaching those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate

4) Enriching the future lives of all of Hawaii's children.


CALL FOR SUPPORT

Nonosina Polynesia has received the honor of being invited to perform as exhibitionists of Merrie Monarch, an opportunity that is strictly invite-only. We will be performing on Wednesday, March 30th during their Hōʻike ( An exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific) night, where we will be sharing our story and appreciation for Polynesian culture.


I am asking for support of $1,800 that will fund my educational learning sessions, airfare, transportation, meals, and costume costs spent with my pamilia/aiga/ohana/family/team. This pilgrimage is supplemental to my education of practicing a culture I feel deeply connected to, therefore is not covered as part of my tuition.  

Any amount will truly be appreciated.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me.


“READ MORE, LEARN MORE, CHANGE THE GLOBE:”

To learn more about NONOSINA POLYNESIA, you’re welcome to check out our  (http://nonosinadance.com/) story  below:

Our story begins with our Tupuna, Estella Reid. A native to American Samoa from the village of Faleniu, our founder was born in1934. Estella eventually voyaged the crystal seas of the Pacific and came to the shores of Lāʻie, Oʻahu, in 1946 where our roots still grow. Estella sought new endeavors in which eventually led her to California in 1950. In 1965 NONOSINA music and dance company was born from humble Polynesian beginnings and will celebrate 50 years of heART in the year 2015!

As our roots are steadfast and our trunk stands firm, our branches now grow. Nonosina was passed to Estella’s youngest daughter, Riki Liufau. Breaking barriers and taking the competition circuit by storm, Riki lead the group to new horizons. Riki’s eldest son, Mevina, was passed the torch & blessing in 1998 and lead the group after extensive training and research he had forgone in Tahiti. Mevina is a pioneer in innovating Tahitian music, dance and choreography. And yet, the branches still grow… Nonosina currently is led by Tiana Nonosina Liufau. Tiana has brought Tahitian dance to national television and brings a modern take on her art that stems from traditional school of thought. Nonosina has made a name, style and sound in the Polynesian realm both inside and outside of the Polynesian triangle that is very distinctive & creative. Nonosina is a family-community & school of Polynesian dance that strives to always give respect to the motherland of this art that we love, Polynesia.

Tune in to support us & the art of the Hawaiian culture as the event will be live streamed on the link below:

http://www.k5thehometeam.com/category/312995/2016-merrie-monarch-festival

With light and love,

Jen(ny)
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Donations 

  • Geiffret Cryz
    • $30
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Jenny Rodil
Organizer

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