People Who Made It Possible 協力してくださった方々

A colleague at work made this flyer and distributed
among other colleagues. What a kind surprise.

For my Odissi Ranga Mala, there were so many people who extended their hands and hearts to make it happen for me. They went over and beyond my expectations. Because of them, it became a profoundly beautiful ceremony.

I cannot thank them enough, and when I think of what they have done for me, I still cry even today.

Today, I would like to thank these people by mentioning their names and share how they are contributing to this world. They are all wonderful, wonderful people. Please give them a round of applause as much as you gave me.

Before I begin, I would like to mention my teachers and sponsors.

<Teachers>
Sarala Dandekar - www.saraladance.com

First of all, I want to thank my teacher, Sarala Dandekar. She is a patient and very intelligent instructor who has given me so much not only in the teachings of dance but also in life. I was introduced to Odissi in 2005 when she performed here on Maui. I immediately fell in love with its immense beauty and spiritual background. Sarala started to teach classes in spring 2006 and became my teacher. Ever since then, I have continued to deepen my admiration for the dance.

Vishnu Tattva Das - www.odissivilas.org

I would also like to thank another wonderful teacher of mine, Vishnu Tattva Das for coming all the way from California to attend this ceremony. It was a true honor to have his presence there. He has been one of the torchbearer of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's teachings. I have taken his workshops 3 times on Maui and have been mesmerized by his grace, strength, and poetic expressions. His calm presence gave me comfort during the performance.

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<Venue>
Montessori School of Maui  - www.momi.org

I was lucky that there was such a beautiful venue with full lighting and sound systems equipped in my neighborhood (only 5 minutes drive from my home). This wonderful school is graciously letting the community to rent their beautiful facility and campus space. I would like to thank Cheryl Kaupalolo for working with me to set the date and time, corresponding with me, giving me a tour one afternoon, locking up the campus after the event, and Kasey Amuro to open up the campus before the venue and giving April hands to set up right before the ceremony. My favorite part of their contract was that the renter has to use biodegradable plates and utensils if food was served. I gladly followed this instructions :)

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<Sponsors>
Aimee Kimura-Koch & Leil Koch - www.aecg.org

Aimee is like a big and warm ball of energy who is always on the go to make wonderful things happen for people and for the world. It was very generous of her and Mr. Leil Koch to support my ceremony. Because of people like them, artists have opportunities to share their passions, and people are touched and moved, and hence everyone's life gets enriched. Aimee is the president and founder of Arts Education for Children Group which is a Non-Profit organization, dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment. Additionally AECG is committed to improving the quality of education in our schools by restoring music programs and restoring public awareness about the importance of participation in music and the arts.

The Maui Dance Council - www.mauidancecouncil.org

The Maui Dance Council was founded in 1978 with the mission to promote dance, movement arts and theater in Maui County through education and performance. Since 1989, the Maui Dance Council has provided Maui County Public Schools with the Chance To Dance Artist’s Residency Program. Taught by professional Teaching Artists, the Chance To Dance program is designed to stimulate the students’ imagination, self-expression and original thinking through dance. Maggie Costigan was the person who made it happen for me. Because of her and the Maui Dance Council, I could have a liability insurance to rent the venue. What a generous support they provided for me. Thank you to Mardi Swatek for coming to represent the Maui Dance council.

Upcountry Fitness Gym - upcountryfitness.com

I love their friendly and professional trainers and facility. Although I could not make it there as often as I wanted, I still appreciated Lindsey Dennis for developing a menu for me, and appreciated Meagan Spitler for corresponding with me. If you live upcountry, this is a great gym to go. They are all about promoting and helping us to have healthy and happy lives. They also provided FREE after-school exercise classes for Haiku School students this past school year. What a thoughtful and generous gym it is!

Body Rolling Hawaii - www.bodyrollinghawaii.com

I did not know about Yamuna Body Rolling until recently. I was so fortunate to have met Kazuko Boeker about a month prior to my ceremony. I was having a pain in my left inguinal region, and it was getting worse the more I danced. Kazuko who practices Yamuna Body Rolling helped me tremendously. She also helped me to be fully in my body. She is a true therapist and body worker since her main goal is to let each client know how to independently maintain and improve their health as well as body, mind, and spirit awareness.

Chapeaux Emi Maui - hatsbyemi.blogspot.com

Whenever I hear the word "artist," I think of Emi Azeka who is a milliner. She designs and creates one-of-a-kind hats to allow a woman and man's inner beauty to shine through. It is amazing how she helps people to transform using a medium called hat. Emi helped me to get special leis for my very special guests, and she was the hostess. She greeted them with leis and escorted them to their seats. Thank you for welcoming everyone so nicely since I could not do it myself.

Okay, here come my most wonderful helpers!!

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<Total Coordinator>
Monique Paris - www.motherbirthwaves.com

When I was starting to feel a bit of anxiety about a month prior to the ceremony since there was so much organization needs to be done besides practicing my dance routines, she kindly called me and said, "Akari, if this was like your wedding ceremony for you and Odissi, and then you need a wedding coordinator. You can't do everything on your own." She took almost everything upon herself and communicated with over 30 volunteers whom you will see below which will give you a better idea of how complicated her job was. And she did so while keeping me in the loop. She always respected my opinion and was considerate not to make a decision without me, yet she made the judgment calls on behalf of me when they were obvious. She did a phenomenal job on this fine balance, and that's what I appreciated the most about Monique beside her calm manner, which did not seem to sway no matter what. Really, I would not have been able to pull it together as gracefully as I did if it was not for her. She often told me, "Akari, this is your ceremony, and your main job is to dance, and I am here to make sure you enjoy that instead of worrying about other stuff." She is the kind of midwife you would want beside you when you give birth. Wait a minute, she is a doula who assists birth and is a labor coach! No wonder. She indeed helped me to give birth to a new Odissi dancer. She is also a fine Izanai Yosakoi dancer!

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<Beautification / House Manager>
Melita Charan - rootsmaui.com

Melita teaches 4th to 6th grades at ROOTS school on Maui. She is one of the most dedicated teachers I know. The amount of work and care she puts into her students are unbelievable. Melita not only met with me and spoke with me several times before the ceremony to go over how I want the venue to be decorated, she was there as an emotional supporter by going for walks with me. She gathered all the flowers and greeneries needed and came super early to the venue to decorate. Not only that, she was willing to take the hardest job - the house manager. She made sure that everyone was comfortable and enjoying the ceremony which sometimes meant that she had to ask some children to step out until they can behave appropriately. I don't know who else could have done that job as gracefully and respectfully as she did. Thank you!

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<Backstage Helpers>
These two ladies were like my "bridesmaids." Their presence in the backstage gave me comfort and assurance that I would be in good hands no matter what.

Yasuko Takahara Schlather - a lomi lomi massage practitioner, an actress, a dancer, a mother

Yasuko goes by Yako, and I have known Yako since 2004. She has been a great big sister for me and have been there for me whenever I needed help. She used to be an actress in L.A., and she is a talented dancer in many forms: hula, Izanai Yosakoi, and Odissi. She is now pursuing her passion to help people heal themselves through ancient Hawaiian healing method, lomi lomi. I cannot wait to receive her treatment! She is also a loving mother of two young children.

Malati Carano - a beautiful dancer and a loving mother

Malati and I met in Sarala's Odissi dance class. She used to do ballet, and she is natural in Odissi dance. She is good at memorizing choreography, and I was helped by her so many times. She and I shared many stages together. She helped me to do the make-up. If you thought I looked beautiful on the stage, it was because of her! She is also a loving mother of two gorgeous girls. I cannot wait to dance with Malati on stage again.

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<Sound/Lighting>
April Totten - kupaafarms.blogspot.com

She has a four-year degree in theatre production; and she learned how to do the lighting and sound, so it was a huge treat to have her on this island at this timing. She did a fabulous job, lighting me beautifully on the stage, and she played each song at the perfect timing and volume. She works at an organic farm in Kula called Kupa'a farm; she is a really down-to-earth girl, and I am happy to have her on the island as my lil' sister! She is also a courageous Izanai Yosakoi dancer.

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<Media Related>
Gabriel Mott - colorbox.me

Gabe made the beautiful flyer that you can see here. He was easy to work with, and he carefully listened to what I was envisioning and tried his very best to make it manifested. I thank him for that. If you need a flyer designed, he is the person to go.

Richard Marks - www.weddingphotographersmaui.com

He was the photographer of the ceremony. What can I say about Richard that I have not said yet? If you are a regular visitor of this blog, you have probably seen his work. Richard and I have had several opportunities to work together before this ceremony, and I always enjoy working with him. I like to see what he is trying to capture through his lenses, and I like the challenge to be it. He is very friendly and client oriented yet he knows when to be bold and sensitive. Those are great qualities as a photographer. If you are looking for a wedding photographer, he is it.

Hideharu Yoshikawa - www.hidesignhawaii.com

Hide was the videographer. He is originally from Japan, and he and his wife and two beautiful daughters have been living on Maui for a long time. I felt very comfortable asking him to videotape this very important ceremony, and he produced a work that was beyond my expectations. It will be archived in my special memory box. Thank you, Hide-san.

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<Food Crew>
Uma Dugied - 808-572-9244

She is a professional Indian cuisin chef. She made yummy, yummy Vada, Pakora, and Kesari for the 200 audiences. She has her booth at the farmer's market in Kula on Saturdays and in Makawao on Wednesdays, and you definitely should check her food out.

Alice Hamilton (Leader of the crew) - www.mauilanguageinstitute.com

She is my Maui mom who has been always there for me from the day one of my Maui life to present. She was the leader of the food crew. She bought fruits, cheese, and crackers and even sliced blocks of cheese since it was cheaper than pre-cut cheese. Then she cut those blocks of cheese herself! What a lot of work it must be. She is the director of the Maui Language Institute where I learned how to speak, listen, read, write, and enjoy English. I have learned so much from her, and I just cannot thank her enough.

Naoko Curry - a heart-warming massage therapist & an Izanai Yosakoi dancer

Nao-chan folded the 200 programs for me. There is a funny and cute episode which shows Nao-chan's thoughtful and diligent character. When the programs were printed, I took one out from the box for me to keep. I gave Nao-chan 199 programs, and she came back the next day saying, "Akari-chan, one is missing. There are only 199!!" I laughed and appreciated. I did not expect her to count them. Oh, Nao-chan, I love you. She is a wonderful massage therapist.

Chimiko Fukui - ameblo.jp/nonbirimanatee

Chimi-chan knows how to be in the present moment. She is a true artist in that sense. I love her paintings and illustrations. She also makes jewels, soaps, and cushions, and many, many wonderful things from scratch. She is like a warm-hearted witch. Check her work out here.

Anjani Belisle - a great facial technician 808-572-0244

Anjani has been my Maui auntie for years. She has helped me with my acne, and she is just a neat person to hang out with. If you need a facial treatment, you can let me know, and I can give you her phone number, but just so you know she is popular, so she is always booked, and you have to call in advance.

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<Chai Makers>

Monique Paris
(I mentioned about Monique above, so please refer to that :) )
Monique provided the recipe for the chai served at this ceremony.

Chihiro MacKnight - a great Okinawan dancer as well as an Izanai Yosakoi dancer and a wonderful mom

Thank you to Chi for making yummy chai for everyone to enjoy! She has two beautiful children, and she is expecting the third one. She is also a well established Okinawan dancer. She is so humble, so she wouldn't tell you, though :) Maybe the Maui community will be lucky to see her perform after her third baby settles down. Stay tuned.

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<Lemonade Makers>

Debbie Benton & Kala Benton - rootsmaui.com

Debbie teaches 1st to 3rd grade at ROOTS school on Maui. She is one of the funniest and caring teachers I know and admire. I hope to be a teacher like her. The amount of work and care she puts into her students are unbelievable. Kala helped Debbie making lemonade and serving people at the ceremony. Kala is learning Izanai Yosakoi dance from me, and she is a wonderful dancer, and I am very proud of her effort and bravery.

Talasi Chryst - a powerful lady, mother, and an Izanai Yosakoi dancer

Tala-chan is someone who knows how to enjoy life. There are a lot to learn from her :) I look forward to getting to know Tala-chan more and more!

Riuko Inge - a multi talented lady and a mother

Riuko-san recently moved to Maui, but she already has quite many friends due to her friendliness and her effort and courage to actively seek opportunities to be involved. 

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<Set-up Crew>

Lauren Toker and Tristen (Leader) - a great dancer / a great preschool teacher

Lauren does almost anything so wonderfully. She can dance any form of dance style. She teaches little kids with so much affection and laughter. She also is a great friend who really listens to you. Lauren, thank you for leading the set-up crew! Her son, Tristen was also a great helper. 

Chrissy Kapoor - earthlovesky.com

Chrissy is a cool girl who knows how to be happy without depending on anyone or anything. She seems to know how to find peace and happiness in herself.  I like that about her a lot. She is a yoga teacher as well as a shiatsu practitioner. 

Haunani Puu Lynn - a caring teacher

Haunani and I met in one of the Maui Community College classes years ago (like 8 years ago). I am happy that I get to see her again at where I teach. She is always positive and reminds us to respect one another.

Kaori Iwatake - ameblo.jp/mauiinthehand, a massage therapist with golden hands / an Izanai Yosakoi dancer, a mother

Without asking, she offered me a two-hour massage two days before the ceremony. As you can imagine, my nerve was pretty tense, but her massage eased my body and mind. I was able to relax. She has the golden hands. She also brought the rose petals for me to offer to Lord Jagannath. She is also a mother of a lovely 5-year old girl.

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<Clean-up Crew>

Ken Kimura (Leader) - a gentleman

I met Ken through my dance teacher, Suga Kunitomo. He has been a wonderful friend of mine since then. He is always quiet, but his presence is big and calming yet playful. I was grateful that he was willing to be the head of cleaning-up crew which is not such a popular job as you have to stay until the end. He did a thorough job on behalf of me. Thank you!

Hiro Ward - a super positive mom and an Izanai Yosakoi dancer

I love Hiro's openness and positiveness. She has a special power to make everyone around her laugh. Thank you, Hiro-chan for helping me!

Ashley Motley  - a caring tacher

Ashley has taught special education at a preschool. She is my neighbor, and I am looking forward to getting to know her more. I appreciated her willingness to help with her husband who is be listed below.

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<Parking-lot Attendants>
Thanks to these men for keeping the traffic under control. We filled up all three parking lots!

John Motley - www.motleyacupuncture.com

John is my neighbor, and he is a wonderful acupuncturist. How wonderful to have that combination! He and Ashley have two beautiful daughters. I am grateful that this wonderful family moved to Maui.

Geoffery Billings - a great joke maker

Geoffery is always making jokes. With his lovely wife Chimiko who was in the food serving crew, this wonderful couple has been great friends of mine for several years. Whenever I see them together, I am reminded of what a couple who truly loves one another is like.

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<Hostess>
Emi Azeka - hatsbyemi.blogspot.com
See above under "Sponsors" section.

Terry Moore - a multi talented lady, a reiki practitioner, and an Odissi student
Terry has this beautiful smile which is really like a sunflower opening up to the sky. Although I wasn't there, I know she welcomed everyone with this smile and made them feel at home. Her partner, Jacob Liberman was also there to hold the space for me.

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<Everything Else>
Loren Lapow - www.mauiheroproject.com

If it was not for this man in my life, I would not be here in this way. He has become a very important big brother of mine. When people ask me if I have any siblings, I think of my younger brother in Japan and this rascal yet lovable big brother. He has been always there for me when I needed help or guidance or just silly jokes. For this ceremony, he printed the programs for me. He bought the plates, utencils, cups, and napkins that are biodegreable and donated them to me. He loves working with youngsters and helping them to find their true stories in their lives. He has worked with thousands of kids over the past 10 years. I look forward to hearing his next adventure.

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<Translator/Driver>
Azusa Merrill - a day care owner in Makawao

Azusa picked up my parents from my house (since I was already at the venue) and brought them and sat with them, so that they could feel comfortable albeit they cannot speak English. Azusa runs a cute day care in Makawao. She is also a caring and powerful mother of two young boys. She dances hula and Izanai Yosakoi dance, and after the earthquake in Japan, she was helping Aloha Initiative by coordinating local Japanese volunteers. It was a big job she undertook and did a wonderful job. She is also a big sister kind of figure in my life and is someone who gives smiles to people always.

Yasuko Takahara Schlather
Please read about Yasuko above under "Backstage Helpers."

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<Program Distributor>
Fusayo Nozawa Luksic & Keolaho Luksic

Fusayo started to dance Izanai Yosakoi with us, and she is a mother of a young boy, Keolaho. They passed out the program at the entrance of the venue. I am sure their cute smiles made the audience feel happy and welcomed. Fusayo is a good cook and a caretaker. Whenever I get sick, she is the first one who comes to my house with food and all kinds of gadgets to make me feel comfortable and healthy again. Fusayo and Keola also entertained my parents by taking them to a strawberry farm while I was busy getting ready for the performance. They had a great time with them. Thank you.

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<Backbone>

Robert Vafaie - www.mauiproperty.com

Last but not least, I would like to thank Robert. He is my dance teacher, Sarala's husband, and he built the dance studio for Sarala. Because of his love for his wife and for art, I had the beautiful dance space to practice and hone my skills to prepare for the ceremony. When I was a high school student, I was struggling with eating disorders and other things. The only reason why I could hold it together was because Suga provided me a place to dance. Now as an adult, it was Robert who provided the space for me to dance, so that I could feel connected with myself and the Universe. Thank you to Robert for that and for supporting his wife, so that I was able to receive teachings from her. He is the man!

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<My Parents>
Kenji Ueoka & Iyoko Ueoka

I would like to thank my parents for sending me to this world, for raising me with overflowing love, and for trusting in me always. As a child, I remember them saying, "You are our child, but you are ultimately a child of God, and God gave us this gift to feed you, clothe you, shelter you, and love you as parents. But you belong to God not to us, so your life is yours, and you make the choices that you think are the best." I did not fully understand at that time, but what I knew as a young child was that they loved me very much and respected me as a person. I appreciated what they said in their speech before the ceremony began. "We raised Akari up to age 18, but for the past 10 years, you and Maui raised Akari. For this, we appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts."
Yes, I am here because of all the people who have been supporting me and loving me.

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<The Ultimate Cheerleader>
God

Thank you, Creator God, for blessing me with this experience of being alive and with these wonderful people in my life. Thank you for residing in my heart while I dance and alawys. Thank you for showering each cell of my body, each particle of my mind, and each sparkle of my soul with your immense love. I love you.