Super Students
Saturday, October 11, 1997
Name: Candace Yoshioka
Age: 17
School: Iolani
Favorite subject: Russian
Pastimes: Theater
Future: Performing arts
Dancing opened doors for Candace Yoshioka, but the Iolani School senior has become more than just a performer. Dancing up a success
Candace, the youngest of Emmett and Judy Yoshioka's three daughters, is the dance captain and choreographic assistant for Diamond Head Theatre's season-opening production, "The Will Rogers Follies."
Broadway choreographer Eileen Grace, who came to Honolulu in August, recommended Yoshioka for the jobs before returning to the mainland.
Candace, who is also a violinist and singer, is charged with preserving and teaching the dance routines taught by Grace. That means she must know the choreography for each cast member.
"At first, I was really scared," said Candace, who is also co-directing a one-act Iolani School play. "The pressure's there because I'm a young person working with older people but it has turned out to be pretty good.
"Respect is something you have to earn," she added. "Eileen Grace taught me a lot about teaching and the patience it takes to do it."
Candace, who plans to pursue a musical theater career, has a knack for teaching, says her father, musical director for "The Will Rogers Follies."
"It surprised me how well she took command of the rehearsals," Emmett Yoshioka said. "She's a very organized person, and I think she has the qualities to be a good teacher down the road."
Candace has been in local productions, including "Crazy for You" and "Sweet Charity."
Rod Ohira, Star-Bulletin
