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Performers Katie May, Xenia Barnes, Leilani Swider, Lechrista Gordon, and Camryn Jensen and Elise Rogalski celebrated each other's outstanding performances.
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Judges Jordan Oliver, Erica Chun, Adam Burke enjoyed each of their introductions, even sharing a special hidden talent they had. Not Pictured, judges River Roussos and Izavelle Martos.
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Leilani Swider wowed the judges and the audience with her Tahitian dance routine to 'Ro'a' by Sefa Drum.
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Xenia Barnes kicked off the night with a self-choreographed dance to Rihanna's 'Desperado' accompanied by her self-made costume.
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The crowd was entranced by Elise Rogalski's beautiful dancing, accompanied by Camryn Jensen's piano rendition of 'Fur Elise' by Ludwig van Beethoven.
On Friday, March 29, HPU hosted its 19th annual “Da Shark Show” student talent show. Consisting of five different student acts and four exhibition acts, the Sunset Ballroom at Aloha Tower Marketplace was bursting with creativity. The performers wowed the crowd and gave thrilling performances and admirable efforts, ranging from Tahitian dance to stunning vocal performances. The show highlighted some of the talented students at HPU and celebrated different passions.
The judges scored based on talent, creativity, originality, crowd appeal, and artistic ability. Cash prizes were given to the top three acts. Plus, there was a special Shark's Spirit Award for the performer who best represented HPU's values of aloha, kuleana, and pono, as voted by the audience.
The performances consisted of:
- Barnes dancing to Rihanna’s “Desperado”
- Lechrista Gordon with a vocal performance of “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna
- Leilani Swider performing a Tahitian dance to “Ro’a” by Sefa Drum
- Elise Rogalski and Camryn Jensen with a piano and dance performance to “Für Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven
- Katie May singing “All I Ask” by Adele
While the judges deliberated their scores and the audience members placed their votes for the Shark’s Spirit Award recipient, the crowd enjoyed the exhibition acts:
- The HPU International Vocal Ensemble sang “Akaka Falls
- Kanon Morimoto danced
- Singer Star Duran performed “Always Remember Us This Way" by Lady Gaga.
- Finally, Kent Glover wowed us with his piano skills to "No Cars Go" by Maxence Cyrin.
All participants turned out excellent performances, and the winners were:
- Katie May received the Shark’s Spirit Award for her beautiful rendition of “All I Ask” by Adele.
- In third place, roommates Elise Rogalski and Camryn Jensen received a $100 cash prize for their dance and piano performance of “Für Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven.
- In second place, Xenia Barnes who wowed everyone with her dance choreography to “Desperado” by Rihanna, received a $300 cash prize.
- Finally, in first place, Leilani Swider received a $500 cash reward for her fantastic Tahitian dance routine to “Ro’a” by Sefa Drum.
First-place winner, Leilani Swider shared her nerves about the night and how much she encourages students to get out of their comfort zones. “ It was nerve-wracking, but it was nice to do it with people in the same position as me, who’ve never done it before. As a fourth-year senior, this being a last hurrah, it was a lot of fun.”
Not only did these participants excite the judges, but the crowd, as well. Students Sierra Raupp-Martin, Carson Vieira, and Precious Pinto chimed in about the experience. “I didn’t know what to expect walking in, but I was so proud of every one of them, and they all did so good,” expressed Vieira. “All of the contestants performed incredibly! It takes so much courage to get on stage and all the performers should be so proud of themselves,” said Raupp-Martin. Pinto, who had never attended “Da Shark Show” expressed that, “after being here at HPU for three years, coming to the show for the first time was super fun and definitely should be a student activity to attend."
Da Shark Show was a night full of talent, excitement, and HPU shark spirit!
All photos by Colin Lorntson.
