Got a little late start getting to the Palladium and although Lani and I had tickets for the bento, we were a little bushed from too much yard work and activities during the past days. Tough decisions had to be made. You know da kine....whether to forget the bento and go late to the dance or go pick up the bento early and go on home. With a dancing bug in my main squeeze Lani, we found ourselves at the Palladium and none too late for our bento. General dancing was in full swing in the ballroom. Breaded chicken steak and barbecue meat on a bed of white rice with pickled veggie had to wait till we got home to dig in the ono entries.
Friendly faces were at the reception table with smiles. Couldn't miss the capturing beaming grin of Dana Morey who has been at that station at all IBDI events as long as I can remember. But this time there were new faces with her......Arnold Lee and Lillian Araki....Paul Araki came later.
Music DeeJays for the evening was Henry Lee and Jane Umeda who spun a variety of good dance music. I'm glad they were able to play a Bachata music and also for a Merengue.
EmCee for the evening's program was IBDI Prez Chris Jay who gave a welcome speech and announced the names of the representatives from the other various dance organizations including the professional dance teachers/owners of a dance studio who were in attendance. Recognition and awards were given for their long time association and solid volunteering work with IBDI.....the gracious and lovely Grace Nohara, and 30 plus year veteran Auditor Paul Araki. Also noted for holding the record of selling the most tickets for countless number of events were Annie Ferguson and Herbert Omizo (Herbert was not present).
General dancing continued till about eight bells. Then everyone got back to there seats awaiting the call for the first performance to start the showcase.
Amid the drum beat and colorful clad costume came Sergio in the middle of the ballroom with a wind instrument and a rattan basket. As he blew a tune on the flute a cobra like snake wiggle its way half way out of the basket just like a scene from the Arabian Nights. Good eye-catcher to draw attention what is to follow. Then at the far end of the ballroom appeared Renna in all her beauty looking like a princess in her colorful costume. Ballywood Samba was their number and it was hypnotic, electrifying and exciting as all performances this couple have been in.
Another great dance performance by the combined IBDI and Dance Magic 808 Formation Dancers. It was a perfectly choreographed by Richard and Lynn Nakamura of the International Waltz. It was smooth and very well controlled and no two lady's gown were alike in color and style which made the performance appealing to watch.
Professional dancers Joe Shorba and Ellen Ostler came on strong and fast moving with their variations of the American style Swing. Their performance was entertaining and energetic that displayed a variety of lifts and drops, and with happy facial expressions that made it enjoyable to watch.
Long time IBDI dance instructors Ed and Matilda Felix who have been in the showcase circuit numerous times for IBDI and other dance clubs danced a blockbuster International Foxtrot. This couple has always performed with precision and brilliance and tonight they once more displayed their expertise in the art of ballroom dancing.
That concluded the program and now it was time to chow down the Anniversary cake outside the ballroom while general dancing continued. Mustn't forget to recognize the guys and gals who served the cake and bentos, too. They are as much the hard working volunteers that make up this wonderful dance organization.
My thanks to Charlene Jay for sharing some of the photos that appear in this blog.
(Left click on photos to zoom in).
