EN - Haiku Ho`olaule`a Flower Festival

Haiku Ho'olaule'a Flower Festival is an annual big and noble event at the school where I teach. 100% of the profit goes to supporting education of the children attending Haiku School. For instance, it will be used toward materials used in music, visual arts, P.E., and ceramics and to hire the specialists in these fields.

For the past several years, I've been fortunately asked to perform, and I've always danced Yosakoi, but this year, I had a request for Odissi (classical Indian dance), so I did.

I danced at 9:30 am.

For this day, the students, the teachers, the parents/guardians, and the community members come together and work very and VERY hard to prepare and execute. This year, Jennifer Oberg was a co-chair along with Mr. Michael Gagne. They did a fantastic job pulling it together. Every year, by seeing everyone's hard work put into it, I feel a deep appreciation for the community supporting our children and think about the importance of raising children together.

The master emcee, Tim

I'd like to thank Peter Swanzy, one of the school parents for taking these wonderful photos of me dancing. I clearly remember what I was greeting and looking at these various moments - my precious students, both present and past ones from the past 6 years of teaching, looking up with their wondrous and innocent eyes, sitting at the first row. It was my great joy and honor to dance for them and in front of them. 

I hope I can continue to dance to protect and nurture those eyes. 

Lastly, with my Japanese friends who came to support. 

Thank you!