It's a wonderful thing that IBDI accomplished this past Sunday by honoring the volunteers who continue to support and make this dance organization a successful one with an Appreciation Luncheon and Dance in the Garden Lanai at the Ala Moana Hotel. Honored were the IBDI Officers and Board of Directors, IBDI Standing Dance Instructors, Guest Dance Instructors (from other dance organizations), Dance Instructor Assistants, Event Committee Planners, and Music DeeJays. There were about 60 in attendance.
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| DeeJays Henry and Jane |
The seven tables were arranged in a "U" shape around the good size dance floor. Music was provided by DeeJays Henry Lee and Jane Umeda. Now most every dance organizations on this island got a taste of Henry and Jane's selection of mellow dance music. I got the notion that if the music is good and danceable, the DeeJay will get on the dance floor and dance. Right?
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DeeJays Henry and Jane were the
first couple to "burn the floor". |
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| EmCee Chris Jay |
Gotta hand it to the IBDI big whips and the corps of volunteers for setting up this gala affair. Social
dancing continued till the EmCee took to the microphone. EmCeeing the program was Chris Jay, IBDI Prez who welcomed everyone. He introduced Marsha Ninomiya. who said the invocation. Then it was time to hit the buffet line. Good selection of entrees....fresh veggie and fruits, the fish was tastey good and the beef was tender. Had to go easy on the dessert, tho'.
More social dancing continued for awhile till it was time to announce the names of the honorary people. Aside from the IBDI Officers and Board of Directors, Standing Dance Instructors and Assistance, Event Committee Planners, Volunteers, and Music DeeJays, all the Guest Dance Instructors were introduced. They were from Dance Magic 808: Richard & Lynn Nakamura, Veronica Munez, and Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu; from USA Dance: Glenn Okazaki & Anne Ho, and Jimmy & Mae Matsumoto. Also Arthur and Joan Oda from New Aala Bakery were introduced. (Now you know where those onolicious pastries come from that's served during intermission for refreshments).
Long time holder of the president position Chris Jay received an award and long time member Herbert Omizo got a lei. Also honored was Dana Morey who is always front and center at the Reception Table at every IBDI function.
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| Prez Chris received award from Marsha |
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| Herbert received lei from Marsha |
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| Dana got recognition |
There was no dance exhibition showcase at this event....just a good time to have fun dancing and socializing with friends and new acquaintance like those in the photos that follow:
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| Paulette Sek and WebMaster Wun Ki |
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| Guest Dance Instructors: Richard and Lynn Nakamura |
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| Guest Dance Instructors: Vanelle and Robert Hirayasu |
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IBDI Volunteer Roy Ninomiya and
Guest Dance Instructor Veronica Munez |
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| IBDI Standing Dance Instructors Karen and Ernie Choy |
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IBDI Assistant Dance Instructor Dean Sierra
and Guest Dance Instructor Veronica Munez |
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| Myrna and Wally Soong |
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| Stanley and Annie Nakamura |
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| Guest Dance Instructors Jimmy and Mae Matsumoto |
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| IBDI Standing Dance Instructors Frank and Lani Sierra |
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| Daisy and Ted Yamane |
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| Roy and Susan Idemoto |
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Beverly Mau, Ala Moana Hotel staff member,
and Marsha Ninomiya |
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| Charlene and Prez Chris Jay |
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| Nancy and Eugene Shen |
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| Roy and Marsha Ninomiya |
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| DeeJays Henry and Joann Rimas |
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| Delia Tom, Dana Morey, and Goro Furusho |
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| Dawn Le and Stan Shen |
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Tracey Okazaki and Guest Dance Instructors
Glenn Okazaki and Ann Ho |
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| Arthur and Joan Oda |
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| Ed and Candy Matsuda |
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| Emi Matsuoka and David Easa |
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| Candido and Yvonne Cuan Jorge |
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| Beverly Mau |
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| Diana Vo and Kathy Uyehara |
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| Robert and Diana Diana |
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| Herbert Omizo and Ted Yamane |
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| Dana Morey and Jimmy Yee |
This is a good time to also extend our thanks to the DeeJays who play the music for our dance classes, and to our Assistant Dance Instructors. A big Mahalo to DeeJays Herbert, JoElla, and Harold, and to our Asistants Kathy and Dean.
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Dance class DeeJays: Herbert Chang,
JoElla Kawamoto, and Harold Kaneshiro |
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Dance Instructors Frank & Lani, and
Asistant Instructors Kathy Uyehara & Dean Sierra |
After the program, social dancing continued till 3 PM.
