Born: Honolulu, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Okinawan Dance - Master

"I think it is very important for us to preserve this tradition, being born and raised here in the United States. As an American, whatever we learned in Okinawa, we try and preserve in its pure form."

Okinawan classical and folk dance is enjoying a great popularity among second and third generation uchinanchu (people of Okinawan ancestry) in Hawai‘i. At this time there are many classical dance schools actively teaching and performing Okinawan dance in Hawai‘i. In fact, there are many occasions such as club recitals, weddings, and local festivals where you can see Okinawan dance performed in Hawai‘i. These special celebrations are an excellent time for first generation Okinawans, their descendants, and community members to come together and share their knowledge of Okinawan culture. Okinawan dances are often accompanied by live musicians, such as musicians that play the classical koten music or on some occasions the lively and festive minyo music.