Senior Alexandrea Somera performed with dance company, “Boogie Down Productions,” (BDP) at the annual Honolulu Festival. The event, sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, promotes “understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region.”

Somera participated in the “Aloha Dance Convention,” a competition among groups performing an array of dance genres.

Somera, having been a dancer since childhood, shared a memorable moment.

“Doing a competition takes time, effort, diligence and patience,” said Somera. “I put a lot effort into my dance. After the performance was over, I was lying on the floor for a good five minutes trying to recovering my energy.”

Somera, who speaks Japanese, was able to speak with competitors from Japan.

“They were very surprised that I could speak the language,” said Somera.  “It was fun to talk with them.”

The dance convention was held on Mar. 7 and featured groups from all over the world. This is the first year that the function was held during the festival.

If the opportunity presents itself again, Somera wants to participate.

“It was a good experience, and since the convention, it has given me more inspiration to dance,” Somera said.