Hui Haumana is preparing to bring the sounds of ukulele, chant and island rhythm to Cal Poly’s Illuminate Showcase.
The student organization will perform both hula and Tahitian numbers at the Performing Arts Center, offering audiences a glimpse into the storytelling traditions rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture. For many members, the performance is deeply personal.
Dancers say Illuminate provides a rare opportunity to share cultural practices that are often misunderstood on the mainland. Hula, they explain, carries generations of history, passed down through chant and movement long before Western contact. Through choreography and music, performers aim to highlight that tradition while also challenging stereotypes about Hawaiian culture.
The group believes campus showcases like Illuminate create space for greater cultural awareness, particularly at a university where students of color remain underrepresented. By stepping on stage, members hope to foster curiosity, encourage learning and help audiences feel more connected to cultures outside their own.
For Hui Haumana, Illuminate is more than a dance performance. It is a celebration of heritage, and a step toward keeping culture alive.
The Illuminate Showcase takes place Saturday at the PAC. Tickets are available online.