My name is Hallie Hunt, and I’m the Artistic Director of Adaptations Dance Theater, Maui’s only professional contemporary dance company. I am writing today in strong support of continued County funding for Adaptations Dance Theater.
This year, ADT celebrates its 13th anniversary as a nonprofit arts organization. For over a decade, we’ve been committed to making Maui a place where professional dance can not only exist—but truly thrive. Through residencies, performances, education programs, and community engagement, we have built a homegrown ecosystem that supports dancers from pre-professional to professional, right here on our island.
The county’s support over the past two years has had a transformative impact.
Because of this support, we have been able to double our programming, doubling both the opportunities for artists and access for our community. This funding has directly increased the amount of time artists are able to live and work on Maui, sustaining their careers without needing to leave home. It has meant more contracts, more creative time, and more stability for local artists.
At a time when small dance companies across the United States are closing their doors, we are incredibly proud—and deeply grateful—that Maui County has chosen to invest in keeping its only resident contemporary dance company alive and growing. That support is not something we take lightly. It is the reason this work is possible.
The impact of this funding extends far beyond our organization. It has meaningfully changed the lives of the artists we employ—offering them viable, professional pathways in the arts. It also sends a powerful message to our youth: that their county, their representatives, and their community believe that becoming an artist is not only valid, but valuable and supported.
The performing arts are essential to any healthy, vibrant community. They foster connection and a sense of belonging.
On behalf of our Board, our artists, and our community, I want to say mahalo nui loa for your continued support. Without it, this work would not be possible.
We respectfully ask for your continued investment in Adaptations Dance Theater, so we can keep building momentum, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that Maui remains a place where artists can live, work, and thrive.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
My name is Hallie Hunt, and I’m the Artistic Director of Adaptations Dance Theater, Maui’s only professional contemporary dance company. I am writing today in strong support of continued County funding for Adaptations Dance Theater.
This year, ADT celebrates its 13th anniversary as a nonprofit arts organization. For over a decade, we’ve been committed to making Maui a place where professional dance can not only exist—but truly thrive. Through residencies, performances, education programs, and community engagement, we have built a homegrown ecosystem that supports dancers from pre-professional to professional, right here on our island.
The county’s support over the past two years has had a transformative impact.
Because of this support, we have been able to double our programming, doubling both the opportunities for artists and access for our community. This funding has directly increased the amount of time artists are able to live and work on Maui, sustaining their careers without needing to leave home. It has meant more contracts, more creative time, and more stability for local artists.
At a time when small dance companies across the United States are closing their doors, we are incredibly proud—and deeply grateful—that Maui County has chosen to invest in keeping its only resident contemporary dance company alive and growing. That support is not something we take lightly. It is the reason this work is possible.
The impact of this funding extends far beyond our organization. It has meaningfully changed the lives of the artists we employ—offering them viable, professional pathways in the arts. It also sends a powerful message to our youth: that their county, their representatives, and their community believe that becoming an artist is not only valid, but valuable and supported.
The performing arts are essential to any healthy, vibrant community. They foster connection and a sense of belonging.
On behalf of our Board, our artists, and our community, I want to say mahalo nui loa for your continued support. Without it, this work would not be possible.
We respectfully ask for your continued investment in Adaptations Dance Theater, so we can keep building momentum, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that Maui remains a place where artists can live, work, and thrive.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.