IBDI 52nd Anniversary Ball

The doors were already opened when Lani and I got to the Palladium. The lanai was fully occupied with dancers and guests savoring the onlicious bento that came with the presale tickets. The ballroom was in full swing as dancers trotted, skipped, and locked steps in tune with the Quickstep. The floor got more crowded as more dancers filed into the ballroom.  We found seats available at our favorite spot..the mauka side near the DeeJay....one of the
coolest spots in the Palladium. It's become our
favorite seating area because with a dance partner like my main squeeze whose made it a commitment  to dance my A** off, the cool air is most welcome. DeeJays for the evening were Henry Lee and Jane. Their selection of good dance music kept the floor filled at capacity.

Greeters: Beverly Mau, Eugene Shen,
Robert Diana, Diana Vo, & Dawn Le



I'm gonna rewind a bit here 'cause I mustn't forget the cordial greeters at the door and the smiling faces at the Reception Table when Lani and I entered the ballroom.



Charlene & Chris Jay

My boss Chris Jay (on Monday nights when Lani and I teach American Cha Cha) and his charming wife Charlene were greeting everyone as they entered the ballroom, too and thanking them for coming to the Ball.  (More on Chris Jay later).

Curt Young

Romeo Garcia

General Dancing continued to about 7:40 when EmCee Curt Young took to the podium to open the program. The program was well organized and Curt kept it moving very smoothly. After his "welcome all", he introduced Romeo Aguinaldo Garcia the Deputy Executive Secretary for the Neighborhood Commission Office who represented the Parks and Recreation, and the Mayor. After a short presentation by Mr. Garcia, Curt introduced the Presidents and representatives of the other dance organizations, and the professional dance teachers of private dance studios. And there werre many in attendance tonight. Curt thanked Emi Matsuoka for the flower arrangements, Aala Bakery (Arthur and Joan Oda) for the desserts and their generosity always, and to all who worked hard for this Anniversary event.



IBDI President Chris Jay

Curt then called Chris Jay to the podium and introduced Chris as the Emperor and President of IBDI. That brought some chuckles from the audience but seriously, Chris Jay has held the position of IBDI President for more than eight years. And during his tenure and leadership, IBDI has prosper and continue to be one of the top non-profit dance organizations in Hawaii. The history of IBDI goes back 53 years ago and Chris Jay took the audience on a historical journey from the time IBDC (former name of IBDI) was created and revealed the names of each of the presidents from the first year to the year Chris Jay became President. What a journey into history it has been. Attendance was high for this event with the audience lining the four walls of the ballroom three rows deep each at the mauka and makai sides, and four rows deep each at the Ewa and Diamond Head sides.



Mambo

After a few moments of General Dancing. the showcase of exhibition dancing opened with a Mambo performed by (Professional) Joe Shorba with Ellen Ostler of Koko Head Dance Studio. I've seen Joe and Ellen perform before at the hotel functions and they are superb exhibition dancers. Their performance tonight was exciting and dynamic

Salsa

The next performance was a Salsa by a group of dancers from International Salsa Organization and choreographed by (Professional) Yuki Komiyama. This was an entertaining and well choreographed dance. It was playful, colorful, and had a touch of a broadway stage show. Dancers were Alanna James, Emi Matsuoka, Maki Mikami, Veronica Munez, Yuki Komiyama, Edwin Ho, Kevin Laoron, and Alvin Aurelio.


Flamenco

The Flamenco dance that soon followed was performed by (Professional) Vanessa Chong-Kuna. Another dancer, Chiara Logli was to perform in this two part dance back to back but couldn't because of injury. Ms. Chong-Kuna danced both parts covering the entire ballroom floor as she twirled and swirled effortlessness. What a wonderful and skillful performance that portrayed the essense and fire of Flamenco.

Acrobatics

The next act was an acrobatic performance that could qualify in America's Got Talent reality TV show. Hong Wang brought a rare talent to this showcase.  It was a big time treat watching her balancing several opened umbrellas with her feet while laying upside down on a chair. It was not only balancing the umbrella on her toes but she had them spinning just as well. It was a good addition to the showcase and truly a remarkable performance and very well done.....da kine that's unforgettable and will be remembered for a long time.



Salsa

(Professional) Greg "the salsa man" Henry teamed with (Professional) Yuki Komiyama for the Salsa. This performance was on fire from the start. It was blazing fast and furious with a lot of spinning and cross lead that Salsa is famous for. No doubt that Greg is a master at this dance and Yuki was just as good. The performance was electrifying and displayed a lot of tricks of the Salsa.

International Foxtrot

The closing act was the International Foxtrot performed by Ed and Matilda Felix. They danced the entire ballroom floor which gave the audience an eyeful of two disciplined dancers moving gracefully with flawless technique. It was a magnificent and impressive performance that connected well with the audience. 

(International Salsa Organization) Greg Henry, Yuki Komiyama, Alanna James, Emi Matsuoka, Maki Mikami, Veronica Munez, Edwin Ho, Kevin Laoron, and Alvin Aurelio  

Teaching Wild, Wild West

Bottom line, IBDI pulled out of the magic hat an excellent group of performers for the showcase that added to the success of this 52nd Anniversary Ball. During the break before dessert was served, Richard and Lynn Nakamura of Dance Magic 808 called everyone on the floor to learn and dance the Wild, Wild West Line Dance.  That brought a big crowd onto the dance floor and they looked like they were having fun doing the dance. General dancing continued while others filed out of the ballroom for dessert.


Dessert servers Joanne and Candy

Dancing continued till the last dance at 9:30.  A big mahalo to Charlene Jay who provided me with the names of the dancers in the showcase.


(Left click on photo to zoom in)