Jaycie Kodama
Danced From: 2005-2015
What they're up to now: Hey! I currently live in Boston, MA and work at Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a Registered Nurse! I do get homesick often so I tend to come home very frequently!
Closing words of thanks: Thank you to every instructor I’ve crossed paths with, you’ve been a huge part of my life. Dancing will always be a part of who I am and I’ll always be grateful for that. To my dream team, happy to be back out here with you, it’s like we never left, except our knees never came back with lol!
Kent Shinomae
Danced From: 2007-2022
What they're up to now: Kent started dancing with Honolulu Dance Studio in 2007 and joined their performing company in 2009. He also trained at Mid-Pacific Institute and earned a BFA in Dance Theatre from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He also holds an MFA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine.
His choreography has received top honors at national competitions and has been presented at the Dance Awards, Asia Pacific Dance Festival, World Dance Alliance–Americas Conference, and the Honolulu Festival to name a few. Kent currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he performs nightly in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.
Closing words of thanks: Miss Cathy and Jared, thank you for your endless guidance, support, and belief in me. You’ve shaped not only the dancer and choreographer I am today, but the person I’ve become. Your mentorship has impacted my life in ways I’ll always carry with me. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve poured into me.
Raliya (Dole) Burch
Danced From: 2009-2026 (still taking classes)
What they're up to now: I’m Raliya known to be funny and honest. I’m focusing on being a loving wife to my Navy husband, praying to God, living healthier, dancing, and being there for others. Learning to slow down, set boundaries, and enjoy life fully while building joy, balance, and peace together every day.
A fond memory of dance: I’ll always remember the laughter, late-night rehearsals/talks, and that moment we finally got a routine perfect, it felt like magic.
Closing words of thanks: Your passion and dedication make the studio feel like home. Thank you for helping me shine both on and off the floor, and for treating me like family. It truly means so much.
Stephanie (Kaji) Oishi
Danced From: 2009-2015
What they're up to now: I worked as a seamstress at Jana Lam Studios for about six years and in 2025, I decided to start my own handmade business, Kajiya. I pop up at markets such as Art & Flea and Malama Makers Market and have also collaborated with local designers such as Matt Bruening and Sig Zane.
A fond memory of dance: Coming back to the studio after almost a decade, I am reminded of how much confidence dance had given me as a young adult and I am so grateful for all the time and commitment that Ms. Cathy and Jared has poured into the studio!