Today’s Student Shout-Out goes to senior Communication Studies major Gaelle Mondestin who is living my dream of being a hula dancer! Earlier this semester she danced in the Hawaiian Ensemble’s 7th Annual Ho’Ike “Legends of the Islands!” I asked her to fill us in about how she got involved with Hawaiian Ensemble. Here she is:
“I first got involved with the Hawaiian Ensemble because of a retreat (Magis) I took my freshmen year. I met the current president Jessie Stoneham, and she told me that she was involved and that I should join. Upon our return back to campus, I jointed Hawaiian Ensemble and the rest is history. I’ve been in the club the entirety of my undergraduate career and I’ve loved every year. What I enjoy the most is the sense of family or ‘ohana’ that every members feels. I remember thinking all the girls were so nice and willing to teach us beginners about hula and the different types of dances. I used to dance ballet, jazz, tap and Haitian flokore for about 12 years and since I’ve always enjoyed dancing, Hawaiian Ensemble was the perfect fit (very humble, not competitive, and fun!).”
Gaelle also served on the Executive Board.
