Working as a dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center has been a goal of BYU-Hawaii student Amanda Hee since she was small. Her grandmother was a professional dancer, and when she first visited PCC as a child, she thought the dancers looked like they were having so much fun. Now she dances at PCC, she said, and enjoys the opportunity to perform for people who come to the little town of Laie.
Hometown?
Maui, Hawaii
High School?
Kekaulike High School
Year in school?
Senior
Major?
Psychology
Hobbies?
Beach activities, Hiking, Drawing/Painting, Watching movies
Mission?
Utah St. George Mission
Favorite Ice Cream?
Mint Chocolate Chip
Why I became a dancer?
“My Granny was a professional dancer and would always perform for others. She passed away a month before my first birthday, and so I never got to meet her, but everyone says that I look like her. I’ve heard many stories about how beautifully she used to dance and so I wanted to carry on her legacy by learning how to dance and perform.”
What do you like about working as a dancer?
“I love working at PCC because I have the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful, beautiful and spiritual place that shows the cultures of Polynesia. I am able to share the culture of hula to the many guests who come to the center, and I love being a part of their experience to see that culture come to life. I am happy when I see the smiles on the guests’ faces because they have traveled so far to see Polynesia on this little island. I also love it because I am able to learn how to dance the hula and gain experience.”
How did you get into the position?
“When I was a little and came to PCC for the first time, I always told myself that this was where I wanted to work and dance someday. I saw dancers who looked like they were having fun, so when I came to school, I applied for work in my first area as a canoe dancer and got the job. I was taught the dances and now I work in the Ali‘i Luau Show.”
How do you maintain your fitness and wellbeing?
“I am drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated. I try to go to the gym whenever I can to be more conditioned or stay in shape too.”
Any advice to those who are aspiring to become hula dancers?
“Practice and keep practicing. When I first started, I was not the most coordinated hula dancer, but I kept practicing the moves and I eventually got the hang of it as I put time and effort into it.”