The
ʻIolana
Pono
ʻIolana Collective is devoted to providing creative movement to youth and young adults of marginalized backgrounds in a safe and supportive environment at no cost to them or their families. We seek to recognize and cultivate each person’s creative potential, collective collaboration and growth, while also building a foundation of practical skill and knowledge in the context of community.
The Mission
the Why
The "why" of ʻIolana Collective is two fold.
Firstly, Founder & Director, Kapu Waia'u Dancel, personally understands the importance and value of creative movement. The value is especially high in the context of living in poverty with minoritized identities. Creative movement can be a language used to express and challenge oneself. However, often the world of movement arts is considered a luxury to those living in need. Dance, Aerial, Yoga, and other similar modalities can often bring to mind expenses one cannot afford or feel so far removed from one's familiarity. IC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program intended to take the financial burden out of the equation so that young people can access this resource and opportunity for self-expression and community.
Secondly, the ʻIolana Collective counters the "it's too late" stigma. All too often there is a firmly rooted concept that if you didn't start "young", it's too late. Moreover, so many wonderful opportunities are passed by because we are told that there is only one way to succeed at something. Well, the ʻIolana Collective intentionally stands in opposition to those paralyzing beliefs. It is never too late to create; never too late to tap into this unending reservoir of learning and artistry. The ʻIolana Collective deeply values the tenderness, gumption and creativity of marginalized voices. So, come as you are and watch yourself grow.
Core Values
Authenticity
We trust that we are enough as is, and understand that the process of growth often requires being pushed outside of our comfort zone. Even when we feel inadequate, weak or unable to overcome, we continue to show up as we are and submit to the process. We come as we are, without puffing up or shrinking down.
Investment
We acknowledge and recognize that opportunity requires investment to yield growth for both individual members and the greater collective. Individually and collectively we value ourselves by practicing consistent “buy-in” and investment in our training, education and art. Investment means respecting the resource and opportunity that is `Iolana Collective; treating it with the care because `Iolana Collective is a shared investment.
Communication
We understand that active communication is 100% necessary to keeping `Iolana Collective healthy and functional. We recognize that in order to collectively create, we must be able to communicate with each other in a trustworthy manner. We honor ourselves and others by facing conflict with courage and compassion. We have face to face conversations to move through disagreements and concerns; we practice listening and speaking for ourselves. We choose to voice our needs and concerns openly and appropriately rather than resorting to gossip or resentment.
inclusivity
We are intentional in creating and maintaining a space and environment that welcomes people and values their presence. We reject exclusionary practices and behaviors by continually holding space for otherliness, cultivating a safe space for vulnerability, and celebrating our diversity in both strengths and weaknesses.
Commitment
We continually give ourselves to the process of learning and growth by trusting that our hard work and effort will yield progress. We understand that every challenge gives us the opportunity to learn how to overcome, but will require commitment and perseverance. We know that in a world that values talent, we choose to value our grit, and our tenacity in mind and spirit. We celebrate and value our commitment to overcoming, to celebrating victories, and to resting. We choose progress over perfection, and aim to enjoy the journey of learning rather than focusing on the destination alone.