Hula School Dreamer
I have 2 friends that have taken some wonderful steps to make their dreams a reality. I have known Jenni since she was young, and although there are a few years between us, we became much closer friends as a result of our love for Hula. Both she and Joydee danced at the Hula school I attend, Spirit of Aloha, Toronto, ON, Canada for many years.
Joydee and her husband Reggie relocated to California so that Joydee could be part of the hula school, Academy of Hawaiian Arts. Jenni also moved to California to join the same school. They have both been able to follow their dreams because of their passion and love for the Hawaiian culture and the art of hula dance. Joydee's husband has made many sacrifices and is very supportive of Joydee. They drive 3 hours to hula class and 3 hours back, sometimes with their 3 children and sometimes Joydee goes on her own. This happens sometimes 1 to 4 times a week depending on how intense the training is for any upcoming competitions or shows.
Jenni moved closer to the school, and since the time we drove her to California in August 2004, she has competed with the halau (hula school) and they have been extremely successful in their endeavours.
The teacher of the school is Mark Ho'omalu, who was intrinsic in the development of the movie, Lilo and Stitch. He is a forward thinker and innovative. This school competed in Hawaii for the Hula Olympics, or the Merrie Monarch competition, and although they did not place, their presence there was an accomplishment all its own. They have been invited to participate again in April 2007. Although Joydee was not able to attend the 2006 competition because she had her third child, Jenni was able to make it there, and she was in the front line, and she opened one of the songs by singing with two other dancers. It was very inspiring to see just how far she got since we 'moved' her there.
As our hula sisters sat together and watched the competition live with a satellite feed to our computer, we couldn't help but shed some tears of joy at her success! She had a passion for the dance, and she is a beautiful dancer, singer and friend. Joydee continues to pursue her dream, and with the help of her loving husband, Reggie, they make every effort to keep her dream alive. I see these two people as Amazing Dreamers. They knew what they wanted, and have inspired us in their drive to go for what makes them happy! My hula sisters, teachers and I always wish the best for them and their dreams!
By:Michelle de Guzman