Our Mission
At Big Wave Dance Academy in Pāhoa, Hawaii, our mission is to inspire and empower the keiki of our community through the art of dance. Rooted in the spirit of Aloha, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can explore movement, build confidence, and express themselves creatively. Through diverse dance styles and professional instruction, we cultivate a love for dance while honoring the cultural richness of the Big Island. Our goal is to uplift and unite our youth, fostering discipline, joy, and lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Leap & Turn
Big Wave Dance Academy was founded in 2023 by Raychel Price-Silva who is an accomplished dancer and passionate educator. She began her academic and dance career at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of dance. Her dedication and talent led her to further her education at Duke University, where she earned a master's degree, solidifying her expertise and broadening her horizons in dance performing art studies.
Throughout her career, Raychel has performed in numerous productions and has been recognized for her technical prowess and expressive performances. Beyond the stage, she is dedicated to community outreach and has worked with various programs to make dance accessible to underprivileged youth.
Since opening it's doors, Big Wave Dance Academy has brought out the talent of the keiki within the community by giving the children a chance to shine and grow on and off the stage. Each season the most dedicated dancers get a chance to join the Tsunami dance team, a performance and competition team showcasing the best the Big Wave has to offer from solo acts to large group numbers and productions. The Tsunami team has brought home the gold while competing off island, showing the world that Pahoa keiki can hang with the best.
