Meet Nahale Apiki Brash

We recently connected with Nahale Apiki Brash and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nahale , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I’ve learned how to be effective—and successful—even when I’m the only kānaka Maoli in the room. That very experience has shaped who I am. I know that many of my people don’t often look beyond the basic systems that govern the world. People who look like me are often expected to simply grow up, find a job that pays the bills, and work until retirement. I believe this mindset comes from a lack of opportunity—the chance to dream bigger and reach higher. That’s why I push myself: every step I take is driven by the hope of opening doors for others to walk through. My success isn’t just for me—it’s for all those who haven’t yet been given the chance.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a passionate, multi-disciplinary dancer, choreographer, and educator. My journey began with freestyling and school-based dance classes, but everything changed during my sophomore year of high school. That’s when I started formally training with a dynamic crew from Diverse Arts Hawai‘i. Through the “YTP School Tour” group, I discovered the power of passion, purpose, and connection—listening to and sharing stories through movement. That experience shaped my mission: to help grow the next generation into confident leaders who reach for the stars and never settle for less.

Lately, I’ve been working more behind the scenes, but whether I’m choreographing for musicals or competitions, I love standing out and pushing creative boundaries. The most exciting part is the process itself: figuring things out, discovering what inspires me, and finding ways to create something magical—something that turns heads and captures the heart of the story. My hope is that my creativity inspires others to discover their passion and reach even further than I have.

I’m excited about some upcoming projects this year, including The Lion King with Punahou Middle School and In the Heights with Kaimukī High School.
Whether I’m performing, choreographing shows, creating for musicals, or working on film, I bring my full self to the stage—and I love helping others do the same. Dance isn’t just my passion; it’s my purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I’ve learned that staying flexible during change and challenges is essential. Keeping your mind open to continuously editing, adjusting, and learning along the journey is key—especially as a creative artist. The right path is rarely a straight line. It’s often a winding, intertwined road where the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Another vital skill is knowing when to say no. While we often feel the urge to say yes to everything, doing so can lead to imbalance—personally and professionally. That imbalance can affect our work ethic, our art, and our physical and mental health. Knowing when to walk away from something that doesn’t serve you—or compromises your values—is just as important as knowing what to pursue.

And finally, always remember who you are and where you come from. Understanding the sacrifices made by those before you builds an unshakable foundation of strength and support. When you put yourself out there and move forward in life, remember the version of you who once dreamed of being where you are now. That awareness keeps you grounded, and the people who supported you from the beginning will always be cheering you on.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’d love to collaborate with other Kāmaka or POC artists—dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, and more—who want to make an impact in this world. Whether it’s through dance, choreography, film, live performance, or music videos, I want to create art that challenges the world we live in, feeds our creativity, and embraces both critical thinking and joy. Sometimes it’s not even about the message—sometimes it’s just about creating for the love of it, to showcase our passion and fuel our purpose. I hope our work can inspire others to do the same.
I’m currently based in Hawai‘i, but I’m totally open to collaborating online, especially with those outside the islands. If you’re reading this and want to connect, feel free to reach out via Instagram @Nahaleab_official or email me at Nahaleab23@gmail.com. Let’s create something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Brian Parillo photography

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