The organization is now headed by Prez Deanie Bates who with her capable staff hosted the Anniversary Dance at the Palladium last night. Although the entire Ballroom was in use, the dividing walls couldn't be open all the way leaving a small but accessible opening between #1 and #2 ballrooms. No big problem. It was fun for Lani and me trans-dancing from one ballroom to the other.
But first, big kudos to Prez Deanie for a successful anniversary event that drew dancers from nearly all the dance organizations on Oahu.
Next, the KP Beauties who dished out the dinner bentos for the presale ticket holders. For 8 bucks we got a generous serving of boneless chicken, a piece of luncheon meat, takuan, tempura, and an Okinawa doughnut hole on a bed of white rice. Not bad considering it comes with four and a half hour of social dancing to some great dance music.
Speaking of great dance music, you gotta give DeeJay Mike Chinen a pat on the back for spinning those fabulous tunes non-stop all evening. My personal thanks to Mike for playing a Merengue tune for Lani and me. It was a good touch among the other usual dance music.
The guy and gals were busy at the reception table admitting the line of guests feeding unto the Ballroom. However, I was able to get some smiles from them.
Long time friend and dance instructor John Calleon was at the VIP Table with friend Sawaye and Prez Deanie greeting others who wanted to see the awards and door prizes.
There was no dance exhibition on the program but there was a break to introduce the Presidents and representatives of the various dance organizations, and professional dance teachers in attendance.
Lady EmCe was Kay Yahiku who handled the mike with expertise. Prez Deanie Bates extended a welcome speech to everyone.
An award went to Herbert Omizo for selling the most tickets for this event. Then it was time for the lucky ticket holders for door prizes. General dancing continued till closing.
There were other VIPs than those in this photo that keeps the Aiea Ballroom Dance Association-Hawaii afloat for a long time. Too many to get them still long enough for a camera shot but I was able to corner Naone, Amadeo, and Stephanie.
Lani and I had danced nearly three hours with very few breaks. It was an enjoyable evening for us but it was time to hit the road back home.
But before departing, we had to show our appreciation and thank David Carvalho for keeping the Palladium clean, and in order and even help stacking the chairs away at the close of the event. He tried desperately to engage the mechanism to fully open the divided walls to both ballrooms but was not successful. He is present at nearly all weekend dance events at the Palladium. If you see him, it would be a good gesture to make his day by giving him the SHAKA, BRO sign.
Aiea Ballroom Dance Association-Hawaii has another social dance coming up this coming Tuesday at the Palladium. You can check it out at my other blog by clicking on That's Dancing for more info.
