The dancers in Excel Dance Troupe have myriad reasons for dedicating time to their craft. Kylene Rapacon wants to attend Julliard School, the dance, drama and music institution in New York City. Charles Samuel III, a potential valedictorian at his
The dancers in Excel Dance Troupe have myriad reasons for dedicating time to their craft.
Kylene Rapacon wants to attend Julliard School, the dance, drama and music institution in New York City. Charles Samuel III, a potential valedictorian at his high school, loves the cultural experiences on their international trips. Paul Ruff likes how being a part of the group has given him a lot of friends because before he joined he said that wasn’t the case.
But there is one unifying thread among all 19 of the troupe all-stars.
Their faith in God.
“One of the most important things in this troupe is spiritual,” said Sherri Holcomb, the founder and teacher of Excel Dance Troupe.
Every Sunday afternoon, the students who range in age from 10 to 21, don’t begin to make a hip-hop move in their rehearsals until they’ve circled up, joined hands and prayed to the Lord together.
“They are shining lights in a dark place with all the peer pressure that is out there,” Holcomb said.
Holcomb, a 1988 Kapaa High School graduate, used to have her hand in coaching cheerleading.
“I did choir, cheering, keiki hula, the Merrie Monarch and we always strove for excellence,” Holcomb remembered.
Thus was born the name “Excel” for her dancers some 18 years ago.
Each summer, dozens of hopeful students who share a love of dance attend a four-day camp.
“I look for technique,” Holcomb said. “But they have to have heart and drive, too. I also watch how they help each other.”
From that camp experience, she selects the all-stars who form the next season’s troupe.
Kylene Rapacon was one of the selected dancers. She has grown with the group over the past six years.
“I feel I’m myself when I hit the dance floor,” Rapacon said. “My auntie used to dance hula and her daughter did hip hop. She inspired me to dance.”
On June 5, she will travel with the troupe to Barcelona, Spain. Two years ago she competed with the group at the DGP Italia International during the group’s trip to Italy. They won best group in hip hop, the Silver Cup for overall and best world school title.
“We’re dancing for God,” Rapacon said. “He gave us this opportunity to be dancers. It’s awesome. We’re excited about Spain. We will try our best to win first place.”
For 16-year-old Samuel, it goes beyond the dance and fitness factor.
“It’s a way for me to express my passionate feelings and get rid of stress,” Samuel said.
He is looking forward to experiencing the architectural and cultural phenomena in Spain and sharing a bit of it with his family.
Twelve-year-old Ruff can’t wait to compare the food in Spain to his mother’s cooking. He can still taste the amazing Italian food, especially the pizza from the 2012 Italy adventure. He is grateful to the troupe for an important virtue he said he has learned.
“It takes a lot of patience to learn all the stuff,” Ruff said. “I was impatient the first year, but I’m not now.”
Emily Iannucci’s mother, E’Lissa Iannucci, is pleased all three of her children have danced with Excel.
“It has helped nurture them in humility and learn how to care for each other,” Iannucci said. “Sherri brings in the faith aspect. She walks in it.”
Everywhere Excel Dance Troupe travels on and off the island they get requests to do their signature piece, “When I think about the Lord.”
It’s a slow tempo song with signature choreographed moves, which is very unlike the normal style of hip hop.
“We always get a great reaction and standing ovations,” Holcomb said. “It brings in the light.”
