 "Photo: Photo Courtesy of STOMP")
Ivan Delaforce, a University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa alumnus, has traveled the world as a performer in the “STOMP” musical production. Although he currently lives in Nevada, Delaforce has strong ties to Hawai‘i, where he was born and raised.
“It means everything (to be from Hawai‘i),” Delaforce said. “People leave for college or their career, but you learn what you have when it’s gone, of course. I left Hawai‘i to pursue a music career, but I come back with ‘STOMP’ in a musical show and it’s coming back home.”
Delaforce’s first Hawai‘i performances with “STOMP” were in 1996, but he’s looking forward to his return to the islands with “STOMP” in a run from Dec. 22 to Jan. 3 at Hawai‘i Theatre.
He also enjoys returning to the islands because of the local mentality.
“There’s just certain things that local people get, as far as humor, that other places don’t get,” Delaforce said.
Delaforce attended Damien Memorial High School, where he was in the marching band and participated in sports. After considering a major in music at UH Mānoa, he earned his B.A. in sociology in 1992.
From 1992 to 1993, Delaforce played drums for Moose McGillycuddy’s Pub and Café in Waikīkī. In 1994, Delaforce attended the University of North Texas to further his music education. He then auditioned for “STOMP” in New York City and has been with the production ever since.
“STOMP” combines music, theater and dance for a choreographed performance of percussion, movement and visual comedy. There is no dialogue. In a single week, the production goes through about 300 brooms, four blocks of athlete’s chalk and 15 pounds of sand.
The show allows Delaforce to continue his passion for music on a professional level.
“I get to do what I genuinely love, get paid for it and also get paid to travel,” Delaforce said. “I’ve never seen so many cool places doing what I love.”
One of the highlights of his time with “STOMP” has been the Millennium Show for President Clinton on New Year’s Eve 1999.
“We performed the night before 2000, and we got to go to the White House party after that – that was amazing; that was great.” Delaforce said. “And I was actually able to meet (President Clinton) for a second.”
However, traveling and being on tour has also had its drawbacks.
“(One of the hardest parts of the production) is being away from home constantly,” Delaforce said. “When you’re on tour, whether its in Hawai‘i or on the mainland, it’s always hard to be on the road.”
All this was possible, Delaforce said, because he never limited himself.
“As far as music or whatever your career choice is, don’t be afraid to go for it,” Delaforce said. “It sounds cheesy, but it really is true. Stay open to your career, especially in music, because you have to be open for when the opportunities come in.
“Go for it. You can’t get there unless you can go for it.”
