2000's

Danced From: 2000-2026 

What they're up to now: I'm currently an archaeologist who still takes adult hip hop, even though I'm a ballerina at heart.

Closing words of thanks: I started at HDS as a teenager and felt instantly welcomed and accepted. This has continued every time I leave and return and I am forever grateful for this safe space. 

Danced From: 2000-2014

What they're up to now: Marissa has been living in San Francisco for the past 7 years. She works as an architect at Gensler, a corporate design firm. She still enjoys tumbling and posts videos on Instagram @flips_by_marissa.

Closing words of thanks: 40 years of dancing is incredible! Thank you to Ms. Cathy and the HDS/BDH staff for continuing to share the passion for dance with our youth.

Danced From: 2001-2006

What they're up to now: Adele Tomita’s dance journey began at HDS in 2001. In 2006, she relocated to NYC, and continued at Ailey Extension, Broadway Dance Center, and performed in Voices and Visions, Ailey Extension's contemporary student performance workshop 2018-2019, and Harlem Dance Club projects 2018-2020. She returned to Hawaii in 2021. 

Closing words of thanks: Mahalo Cathy, Elizabeth, the Izumi family, HDS former and current company members, and all HDS/BDH Ohana for inspiring a lifelong love for dance! I am so grateful for God’s gift of dance and how it heals and uplifts our spirit. 

Danced From: 2002-2016

What they're up to now: Hi, I’m Courtney! I’m married with two fur babies and work as a property manager in real estate, overseeing 150+ properties. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, staying active, working out, and building LEGO sets.

Closing words of thanks: Thank you to Ms. Cathy, Ms. Elizabeth, the Izumi family, Juju, Heather, Becca, Kent, Mr. Jared, and all of my instructors who trained and mentored me into the person I am today. Dance has truly changed my life for the better and taught me so many invaluable life skills. To my dream team—dancing with you has been one of my fondest memories, and I will always cherish it.

Danced From: 2003-2012

What they're up to now: I work as an admin at a dental office in Kahala Mall area. I just had a baby boy named Elijah and I am excited to finally be a mom.

Closing words of thanks: Thank you to Cathy, Jared & staff for all the support & encouragement over the years & the opportunity to be a part of so many memories. Cathy, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of the studio & encouraging me to audition for my first professional gig with Cirque Hawaii when it was in Waikiki. I appreciate your support letting me dance with you at church & the studio. Also a big thank you to Jared when he created BDP and we had the opportunity to audition for America’s Got Talent. I remember when we danced the Chicago themed number for World of Dance in 2010. Cheers to many more memories to come for current & future dancers. 

Danced From: 2004-2016

What they're up to now: Hi I'm Madison and I am currently in law school. In my free-time I love to spend time with my family and friends, workout, teach dance, watch stranger things and take care of my 2 cats and 4 dogs. Since my dance career at HDS/BDP ended early due to knee injuries, I still tried to keep dance in my life and it continues to stay in my life to present day. 

Closing words of thanks: Thank you to Ms. Cathy, the Izumi's, Ms. Elizabeth, Becca, Juju, Heather, Kent, Jared Ake and Ms. Janelle for shaping me into the woman I am today and the dancer I was. Each and everyone of you have positively impacted my life and there is not enough space to right a fond memory for each special individual. On a lighter and funnier note, we will always remember when I was 6 years old and during rehearsal, ran to the mirror, tripped over the marley and fell into Johnny's area of which shall not be named.

Danced From: 2004-2026

What they're up to now: Currently working in the Entertainment department at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, while keeping up with 4 kids who are also dancing.

Closing words of thanks: One of my fondest memories was putting together whole Ala moana shows with just teens and seniors with no talking breaks between number, even though most of us were in pretty much ALL THE NUMBERS! We were quick change masters! That blocked on the fly pretty much every performance. 

Danced From: 2004-2026

What they're up to now: I started off as a TERRIBLE dancer who knew NOTHING about technique. I even cried in my first audition because I didn’t know any ballet and was so embarrassed. Here I am, now currently a Director here at HDS x BDH! I teach the youngest dancers at 3 years old, all the way to the adults; both in hip hop and jazz/contemp! And retired ballet assistant to Miss Elizabeth ;) Dance is my life! 

Closing words of thanks: I’ll never forget all the late night rehearsals we would have. And then end up staying for HOURS at the studio just dancing and goofing around. All while our parents would be outside talking story with each other. Those were some of my favorite times!!!! <3