Our Creative TEAM

We are pleased to introduce to you the members of our creative TEAM -- all qualified and extremely committed to providing quality dance instruction in a positive and nurturing environment.

Marcelo Pacleb, Founder & Creative Director

His creativity and artistic vision is beyond compare. This, coupled with years of experience performing, teaching, choreographing and directing, has allowed Marcelo Pacleb to create and sustain one of Hawaii’s most respected centers of contemporary dance education, 24-VII Danceforce, which he founded in 1991.

Raised in Aiea, Hawaii, Marcelo comes from a family of 4 boys and 3 girls. Dancing did not come naturally to him – not at first, anyway. In fact, he admits to having had no formal dance training until taking his first class at Leeward Community College. Once he started dancing, however, he simply loved it and the rest, as they say, is history.

As a direct result of his encouragement and support, and the versatility, enthusiasm, and talents of his instructors and choreographers, Marcelo’s students have collectively performed before millions, both on stage and in nationally televised broadcasts.

Pacleb’s other achievements include Best Director in a Summer Snapp competition, two Best Choreography titles in local Dance Expo competitions and three Po'okela Awards for choreography in a musical, Hawaii’s equivalent to the Tony Award. The most recent Po'okela Award was received August, 2011. Marcelo is by far Hawaii’s most versatile choreographer, having choreographed countless musicals and produced shows such as “The Stardancer”, “The Star of Honolulu”, “The Don Ho Show”, and Tihati’s “Creation”. Under his direction, 24-VII Danceforce has participated in several state, national and international dance competitions, consistently earning top awards.

Marcelo was quoted as saying “giving back is important”. No doubt he makes every attempt to instill a sense of pride, humbleness, respect, and professionalism in all of his students. He is to be commended for his outstanding contribution to the quality of Hawaii's cultural life. Without question, he is the man “behind the force”.

Marcelo is also the dance director for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior Dancers.

Allan Lau, NextGen Program Director

Allan Lau is excited to be working at 24-VII Danceforce as director of the NextGen Junior Performing Company. An elementary school teacher by day, he enjoys coming to the studio and watching the new generation of dancers stream through the doors. Allan is one of the original boys that formed 24-VII with Marcelo 20 years ago. He also works as producer for Palikū Theatreʻs annual fall musical and spring childrenʻs productions under the direction of legendary director Ronald Bright. Thanks to Mr. Bright and Marcelo for all that you have taught me and giving me a chance to pay it forward.

Instructors & Choreographers (Listed Alphabetically)

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Kalani Cuaresma

"Never give up. Stay true to yourself and always be humble. Be patient with yourself and you'll keep growing. Hard work will determine how far you want to go."

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2008
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2010
Aspires to pursue a degree in Business while continuing dance training/teaching!

Adealani Gerkewicks

Bio forthcoming

Cole Horibe

"Keep Training. Don't ever give up. Work harder than anyone else. Hard work is more important than talent. Don't let others intimidate you or discourage you. Let them inspire you to work harder. Believe in yourself."

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 1999
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2010
Dance instructor with Drill Team Hawaii, 2008-Present
Aspires to be a film actor; something that has always been his passion!

Kayla Kamisato

Bio forthcoming

Nikky Kitaguchi

"Dance is a great outlet to express yourself. You should pursue it wholeheartedly and never hold back. Be agressive!"

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2006
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2008
Aspires to help families and children and to become a better person!

Brent Koki

Bio forthcoming

Stephenie Kunz

"ALWAYS stay humble. Focus on bettering yourself, but take the opportunity to help others whenever possible. Listen to different genres of music and use all of your experiences as motivation for choreographing and performing. Stay true to yourself."

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2005
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2007
Also teaches at Pas De Deux Hawaii
Aspires to teach English in Japan to to continue teaching dance

Cheyenne Lawes

"Nothing comes easy, so don't be frustrated when you can't do what you are trying to get your body to do. At the same time, make dance fun! Not like work!"

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2006
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2011
Aspires to be a dancer/choreographer! Her back-up plan is to pursue a career as a psychologist or educator.

Phylicia Murray

Bio forthcoming

Josh Ofoia

"Never give up. Always be prepared. Notes are extremely important. Be responsible and on-time. Always follow your heart."

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2007
Became of member of our creative TEAM in 2009
Aspires to be a professional dancer and music teacher

Kelsey Park

Bio forthcoming

Noelani Pearson

"Always believe in yourself."

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2001
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2011
I want to attend make-up school and become a professional make-up artitst!

Tamara Rapp

Bio forthcoming

Tiara Rapp

"Never give up because practice makes perfect."

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 1998
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2011
Aspires to be a Neonatal Nurse!

Janelle Sanqui

Bio forthcoming

Carly Takara

"Don't be afraid to try new things. Work hard, do your best, give it your all and have fun!"

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2004
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2011
I aspire to find happiness in a career I can succeed in. Not sure what that career is yet!

Travis Takara

Bio forthcoming

Will Thomson

"Try a wide range of activities and pursue as many different groups as possible. I began in band!"

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2004
Became a member of our creative team in 2010
Aspires to be a great teacher and desires to help people achieve their dreams!

Mark Villaver

Bio forthcoming

Spencer Weidie

"Train hard in all areas. Don't give up ever!"

Joined 24-VII Danceforce in 2006
Became a member of our creative TEAM in 2010
Aspires to be a dancer/choreographer and fashion designer!