Student Voice: Joining Hawaiian Hula: Dance as My Expression, Challenge, and Self-Reflection – Sophia KUMAGAI, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, U.S.A.

Sophia KUMAGAI from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, U.S.A is participating in our exchange program for Fall 2024. We would like to introduce her experience at AIU.

I can’t really say that dancing is just a hobby because it’s actually become a very important part of my life.

Back at my home university, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), I am a part of a dance group where we dance different styles like jazz, contemporary, tap, and musical theater.

I have been dancing since my preteen years, and while I feel more confident with some styles than others, I’m known for my upbeat, powerful dancing with flashy jumps – that’s what I found most fun.

Dance is my medicine, and it helps me get out of any sour mood. Stressed? Angry? I dance it out.

I never thought that I would join the AIU Hawaiian Hula Dance Club, but it’s become a type of dance that I deeply respect.

I didn’t realize how difficult hula is until I went to practice. Under the pau skirts, the dancers are in a constant varied depth squat – my thighs burn every time during warmups. Just like my forte style of dancing, hula is also powerful but in different ways. 

I think that the most appealing thing about hula is that every movement has a specific meaning. It must be performed correctly to relay that meaning.

Similarly, I struggle with fluidity in between and through my movements, and hula has been a big help with helping me slow down and move through every step. Hula is a beautiful cultural dance, and it has changed how I look at dancing. Each movement and action should have meaning, and going forward, I hope to apply this mindset to my life.

 At UIUC, we have over 35,000 undergraduates with over 800 clubs. Yet, despite this large number, there is no Hawaiian Hula club. As such, my study abroad has given me a special opportunity to find this community at AIU.

I’m truly grateful that I found this club with such welcoming members.