Malie was an intern assistant for Polynesian Cultural Dance at Brigham Young University during Winter 2024.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
I worked with Kau'i Tuia as a dance instructor for Polynesian Dance. I learned how to more effectively teach choreography and how to work with students one on one.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I learned how to minister to the one through dance. It was so special to create such great relationships with the students I helped and I really appreciated the way I was able to love and serve them. I felt like every time I went in on a rough day, I came out feeling better than before and excited for the rest of the day.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I think my main goals in life haven't changed, but future back up plans have definitely changed because of this experience.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
As I worked with students one on one to learn choreography if they had missed or felt uneasy in the dance, I was inspired of better ways to teach it, so that they could relate to what was being taught. I was also inspired of ways to help them gain confidence in their dancing so that it wasn't as awkward or uncomfortable for them. One in particular was a student who couldn't get a move down that was very important because we used it a lot in one of our dances. As I worked with them outside of class, I had received inspiration on how I could relate these steps to everyday life so that they could conceptualize it better. That made it so much easier on them as they worked to get it down, and eventually they did!
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Yes. It was a wonderful opportunity and a joy to work at. Anyone would be lucky to work with Kau'i Tuia as I did.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
I am just grateful I have the opportunity to go to school in a place that focuses so much on not only intellectual and physical growth, but spiritual growth as well. I felt that Kau'i did an amazing job at balancing the two in her class and I learned so much from her.
