On the weekend of Saturday, November 18, nonprofit dance company Dancers Unlimited celebrated their 14th anniversary. The momentous occasion was celebrated with two days of performances from their “Edible Tales” repertoire along with a workshop and gala.
Dancers Unlimited is a bicoastal 501(c)3 company based in New York City and Hawai’i. Founded in 2009, DU was created so that free dance classes could be offered on Furlough Fridays when Hawai’i public schools closed down due to budget cuts. “Somewhere along the way, we started going on tour,” co-founder Linda Kuo said. “We expanded to New York in 2014.”
A big factor of Dancers Unlimited’s goals are to have free programs so that all may be welcome and benefit from the lessons the company offers. “We care so deeply about our community and what matters to them,” said Candice Taylor, the co-artistic director.
The performance that Dancers Unlimited put on for their anniversary was their dance installation called “Edible Tales: Ho’okupu.” The show took nearly 3 years to create and focuses on sustainability, cultural heritage, and social justice. It also explores the relationship between food and humans, such as why we eat and how. The repertoire ranges from hula dance to a mix of hip hop, contemporary, and cultural dances.
“Ho’okupu” is the 2023 theme for “Edible Tales” and means “to sprout” or “to offer.” This year’s show explores the relationship between reciprocity and food. “Edible Tales: Ho’okupu” is also a community program that happened earlier in 2023 and included a series of on-site activities that gave participants hands-on learning about stewardship in the community.
Dancers Unlimited is currently trying to raise $50,000 for the 2023 MANAfest campaign, where funds will go to community projects, performances, and the creation of new works. You can donate here.
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
