The Asia Pacific Dance Festival (APDF) is moving ahead—despite a last-minute loss of major funding. Just two weeks before its May 19 return to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the National Endowment for the Arts withdrew its $25,000 grant to support the festival’s programming.
“While this loss poses a significant challenge, the APDF team remains committed to delivering an inspiring celebration of dance, culture and connection, and this only strengthens our resolve,” said SheenRu Yong, associate director of APDF. “We’re not canceling—we’re coming together. The show will go on. If anything, this challenge is a call to gather for what matters, so come through.”
Hosted by UH Mānoa’s Outreach College, the festival runs through June 1, and brings together artists and dance traditions from across Asia, the Pacific and Hawaiʻi. Participants can take part in immersive workshops, attend performances and explore the cultural roots behind each movement.
The festival happens every two years and offers a deep, hands-on dive into storytelling through dance.
Purchase tickets online or by phone (808) 956-8246.
Festival highlights
Residents Artists
Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima, under the direction of Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine
Arzoo Dance Theatre from India/Canada, directed by Deepti Gupta
Rako Pasefika from Rotuma, Fiji, led by Letila Mitchell
Living the Art of Hula
Hālau Kilipohe Nā Lei Lehua
Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Local Motion!: A Tribute to H. Wayne Mendoza
A celebration of traditional Filipino dance by Mendoza’s former apprentices
Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m.
ʻIke Hana I & II
Two dynamic performances showcasing different works by this year’s resident artists
Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m.
“The public is warmly encouraged to attend this year’s performances, share the festival with others,” said Yong. “Every ticket, every social share, and every gesture of support helps sustain this work.”
For a full schedule of performances and free public events go to APDF website.
