Dance Magic 808 3rd Anniversary Ball

Lani and I haven't been doing the rounds in the dance circuit as much as we wanted to. So attending the Dance Magic 808 3rd Anniversary Ball was something special for us. We got to the Pacific Beach Hotel in good time since the traffic on K Highway moved faster than expected and we were able to find a parking spot on the 5th floor garage. Being almost an hour early before the door opening of the Grand Ballroom, there were many guests already waiting in the foyer. Among the decors outside of the Grand Ballroom was this Independence Day prop. Thanks to Bruce Tokunaga who came with Sharon Oshiro, took this snapshot of Lani and me.

Checking in at the Reception Table was a breeze and pleasant since there were two tables and equally manned by the smiling faces of Linda, Diane, Sandy, and her daughter Robin.

As we entered the ballroom the sweet dance music from the collection of DeeJays Henry and Joanne Rimas echoed throughout the room. The ballroom had a different look from past events. The stage was in the Diamond Head side instead of the usual mauka side. However the ballroom was nicely decorated for the more than 250 guests. At least 35 Dance Magic 808 members pitched in to make this event a successful one.  General dancing continued as more dancers filled the dance floor till the opening of the program

EmCees for the event were Dr. Paul Laderta and Audrey Fu. This dynamic duo is the best when holding the audience interests and keeping the program running smoothly. A short "welcome speech" and then followed by the introduction of Dance Magic 808 Officers and Board Member, Dance Instructors, Volunteers, Anniversary Ball Committee, Presidents of Various Dance Organizations, Professional Instructors, and Out of Town Guests & Special Guests.

Officers & Board Members are President Lynn Nakamura, Vice President/Treasurer/Dance Director Richard Nakamura, Secretary Stephanie Shimizu, Board Members Audrey Fu, Gail Tamaribuchi, Larry Arinaga, and Ann Manuel. The Volunteer Instructional Staff included Richard & Lynn Nakamura, Andy & Monica Pascua,Ed Ho & Veronica Munez, Stephanie Shimizu, Larry Arinaga, Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu, Lester & Henrietta Muramoto, Joshua Manzano, and Line Dance instructor Roxanne Kaino. (Joshua Manzano was not available).

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And finally, the EmCees welcomed Dance Magic 808.Founders, Richard and Lynn Nakamura to the podium. Dance Magic 808 President Lynn Nakamura welcomed everyone and thank the audience for spending this 4th of July "with us" and thank everyone for their support during the past years.

Lani and I were assigned to Table #2 where some big name people were sitting at. Among them were IBDI President Marsha, and Roy Ninomiya, Charlotte and Edwin Bugarin, Mr. Geoffrey Fells, and Official Videographers Tod and Donna Matsumoto. If you want to purchase a video of Dance Magic 808 3rd Anniversary Ball, please contact President Lynn Nakamura.

Also sitting at the next table were the event's Official Photographer Jackson Cho and his pretty wife June. Jackson's photos are well documented and sharp as seen in Pepe's Town Dancer blog.   

Invocation was said by Dance Appeal Studio co-owner and Professional Dance Teacher Renna Villanueva.   Then the buffet dinner began while general dancing continued.

General dancing continued till it was time to announce the Winner of the Belle of the Ball Contest. This year's Belle is Debra Ota who with husband Calvin have won several awards in Dance Competitions in the USA and Black Pool, England. Congratulations, Debra!

PART 1 PERFORMANCES

Part 1 opened with the Tropical Serenaders who played a sang "The Great 808" with a Cha Cha beat. That brought a lot of dancers to the dance floor. With that, they followed with the song "Wind Beneath My Wings". The Trio included Clarence Kanae, Steven Dahlen, and Lei Galang.

The costumed clad Foxy Ladies came on the scene next with "What Does the Fox Say?" There was a lot of fox trotting dance going on until the foxy ladies decided to partner up and dance the Foxtrot. It went for a while until Mr. Fox came on the scene. It was original, amusing, and entertaining. Thanks to Roxanne Kaino who choreographed the dance. The Foxy Ladies were Harriet Kihara, Roxanne Kaino, Connie Laderta, Renee Reed, Doreen Morimoto, Eileen Nakano, Prita Narayan, and Synthia Sumukti. The Fox was Roy Hamasaki.

Paul and Marie Laderta who have performed in Dance Exhibitions with Professional Teachers came on the dance floor next with the American Waltz. This was a big treat since not very often the American Waltz is showcased in exhibition dances.

Professionals Jacob Himoto and Jessica Dzienkowski came on next with their explosive rendition of the Hustle. There were so many intricate moves and done very well that this 1970's era dance may very well become popular in social environment as it has in night clubs.

The Tropical Serenaders came on next with a Hawaiian tune "Ku'u Hoa".


The Quickstep has gotta be the fastest Standard dance in the International style book. The speed of this dance can only be captured by fleet footed dancers like Richard and Lynn Nakamura. At break-neck speed,they still show finesse in their styling, technique, and balance.

General dancing continued during the Intermission.

PART II PERFORMANCES

Part II opened with the Argentine Tango & Bachata Medley performed by the Dance Magic 808 Dance Team. The medley was choreographed by Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu (Argentine Tango) and Ed Ho & Veronica Munez (Bachata).  The combination of Central American and South American dance started with the Argentine Tango and then merged with the Bachata. It proved to be a well performed combination. The dancers were Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu, Bob & Elsie Oyama, John & Ann Manuel, Ed Ho & Veronica Munez, Wayne Fuchigami & Adele Alcaide, and Creighton & Beverly Goo.

Always a crowd pleaser in the exhibition dance circuit, Edwin and Charlotte Bugarin who are students of Carlos Chang, followed with the International Jive. Good showing with the mini motorcycle as part of the performance.

Sergio and Renna Villanueva never cease to amaze Lani and me when they perform in exhibition dances. There was always something different that have mystery and sparkle that brings entertainment and drama to their performance no matter what dance they do. Tonight it was the "Jungle Latin Showdance".

Concluding the formal part of the program was the International Tango choreographed by Richard and Lynn Nakamura, and performed by he Dance Magic 808 Formation Dancers. It was precision at best and very well done. The Formation Dancers were Larry Arinaga & Taeko Csigi, Richard & Lynn Nakamura, Ed & Candy Matsuda, Chris & Charlene Jay, Roy & Marsha Ninomiya, and Mike & Lorrie Chun.

At Curtain Call, all the exhibition dancers filled the dance floor to receive their awards. There were at least 44 or 45 performers on the floor at one time. I hope my candid camera shots got everyone.

Marie & Paul Laderta

Jacob Himoto & Jessica Dzienkowski

Sergio & Renna Villanueva

Edwin & Charlotte Bugarin

Dance Magic 808 Foxy Ladies

Veronica Munez, Ed Ho, Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu

Elsie & Bob Oyama, Beverly & Creighton Goo,
Adele Alcaide, and Wayne Fuchigami

Tropical Serenaders, and John & Ann Manuel

Mike & Lorrie Chun, Marsha & Roy Ninomiya, Charlene & Chris Jay,
Larry Arinaga, Taeko Csigi, and Candy & Ed Matsuda 

"You will be in for a treat tonight as we have gathered up some wonderful entertainment for you. This is going to be a fun filled evening that you'll remember".........Lynn A. Nakamura, President, Dance Magic 808.

"Was it a Treat"? You bet and a bigger one at that! "Was the entertainment wonderful"? Two thumbs up! The performances were superb with a vocal trio, professional dancers from Dance Appeal Studio, professional dancers from Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Dance Magic 808 Formation and Dance Team, Carlos Chang's students, the music DeeJays, and the eloquent EmCees. Dat's entertainment and fun to da max. Congratulations and many thanks, Richard and Lynn. It was all that you said it would be. General dancing continued until 11:30 PM.