The Dance club leader, Reika Komai (5th from the left), advocates for students to express themselves through dancing. (Photo courtesy of Chloe Villorente)

By Juri Dagio | Staff Writer

The purpose of the Dance club is to be a way of expression of students and relieving stress through dancing. Reika Komai, the Dance club leader, is aiming to have 30 members, to dance together, share choreography, and to socialize.

Komai, a 19-year-old Liberal Arts major, is the chosen leader of the club. She planned to establish the club a year ago, but due to uncertainties and language barrier, she started pursuing the formation of the club three months ago.

“I know that there are many people at KCC who love to dance,” said Komai, who is from Hokkaido, Japan. “I wanted to connect people who have the same interests.”

The club gathers at Maile building, Room 101 every Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The 11 members of the club dance to any genre, from K-pop to jazz and even to Tahitian music.

They don’t require the skill of dancing to join the club, and there is no audition required.

“If you like to dance, we welcome you to join,” she said. “If you don’t have experience in dancing, that’s OK too.”

Michael Rollins, who has been teaching English to speakers of other languages for nine years at KCC, helped the students in writing their constitution and to get accommodation on campus.

“They have a vision,” Rollins said. “I’m totally happy to facilitate that vision and make sure that people are safe, and the rules get followed; other than that, the club is theirs.”

The club hasn’t planned any events in the future. At the moment, they meet to dance freely, to promote the love of dance, to express themselves, and to connect with one another.

“Dance is for everyone,” Rollins said. “We’d love for people to come out and explore their own movements and connect with others.”

To join the club, email Reika Komai at komai@hawaii.edu or send her a direct message on Instagram at @lei_tiale.