WOOWEE! What a night it turned out to be at the Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom. Prez Rudy Luat and da Society Crew pulled out all the stops in presenting one of their best showcases for an Inaugural Ball this past Friday.
Yeah! Rudy and Crew did good and with an attractive program brochure that was designed by Joanna Johnson of B&J Designs.
Then they got George Suetsugu to DeeJay his collection of sweet and mellow dance music that kept the hard floor filled with enthusiastic dancers. My main squeeze can be identified with that group 'cause she was merciless with me when it came to burning
da floor. But then dat's another story.
Organizers and Event Chairpersons were Ed and Matilda Felix who were also in the Showcase part of the program.
EmCee was that little package of dynamite Kay Yahiku. Boy! This gal has got the eyesight of an eagle. She spotted and gave recognition to all the Presidents of the various dance clubs who were in attendance, and also to all the professional dance teachers and owners of dance studios.
Before dinner, invocationion was said by Jim McConnell.
Installation of Officers was presided by Marie Laderta. And here's the wrap: President Rudy Luat, VP Eric Brienzo, Secretary Audrey Dang, Treasurer Matilda Felix, Auditor Amy Lau, Dance Director Ed Felix, and the Board of Directors Luby Brienzo, Ray Dang, Louise Fujiyama, Robert Lau, Lucy Matsunaga, Marie Perreira, and Greg Wong.
Rudy Luat gave an emotional President's Message. Besides the welcome address, he named several people who were loyal supporters of Pan Pacific BDS who were not able to attend the inauguration.
A lot of Free Dancing went on before the Dance Exhibition started at about 9:15.
Opening the Showcase with the International Waltz were Pan Pacific Dance Director Ed Felix and lovely wife Matilda. Their peformance was elegant and filled with experience and confidence.
Brian Fung and Ashley Salcedo explode on the floor with an electrifying International Samba...totally fiery and dynamic.
The Divino Ritmo Dance Formation Team performed a high-spirited Broadway number of Dreamgirls coached and choreographed by Yanna Samkova. The group included Ed & Remy Brion, Tom Colins, Maggie Deng, Cammy Divers, Paul & Marie Laderta, and Edward Nishimura. It was lively, ritzy, showy, energetic, and most of all, entertaining.
Another sparkling performance of the International Cha Cha by Ed and Charlotte Bugarin. A hot couple with a hot dance.
The Quickstep by Calvin and Debra Ota was the smoothest variation of the Quickstep that I've seen performed. It was sparkling clean, appealing with a light touch of Charleston, and enjoyable to watch as they glided around the dance floor..
Professional Carlos Chang with Elsie Hironaka danced a sultery International Rumba. A mint performance fo' sure. Fierce and spicey with all the elements of love.
The Pan Pacific Formation Team included Eric & Luby Brienzo, Robert & Amy Lau, Ray & Audrey Dang, Noli & Wowie Boado, Lung & Catherine, Stan & Geri Katayama, Ed & Matilda Felix, and Jim & April McConnell. The Team danced a "Medley" that started with the Waltz, followed by the Tango, then the Foxtrrot, and concluded the showcase with the Waltz. The performance was colorful, stylish, and savoir faire.
