As we entered the Ballroom, my main girl and I were greeted by Greg Wong, one of the Pan Pacific BDS Directors. He got us our bento all packaged in a plastic bag. I guess he figured it was gonna be a long walk back to my car to store the bento. Many thanks, Greg. Serving out the bentos at the kitchen counter was Mitzi Lee. Could not let pass taking a shot of this hard working Director.
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| Mitzi Lee |
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| Luby Brienzo |
It was SRO as I suspected with many dancers and non-dancers filled the ballroom. The music was not only "beautiful", they were sweet to the ears and dancing feet. Ed Felix, the Dance Director for Pan Pacific BDS has got to rank with the best of music players for his up beat dance music.
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| Musicman Ed Felix |
General dancing was non-stop until Lady EmCee Frances Perrott announced the opening of the program with a welcome message. There were many representatives from the various dance organizations present and they were introduced. There was a spot for recognition of Rick and Luby Brienzo for their long time service to Pan Pacific BDS. Congratulations, Rick and Luby.
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| Rick and Luby Brienzo |
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| Lady EmCee Frances Perrott |
During this time, the Officers and Board of Directors for 2018 were called on the dance floor and sworn in.
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| 2018 Officers and Board of Directors (left to right) Directors: Greg Wong, Jeffery Umeda, Roxanne Kaino, Louise Fujiyama, Dance Director Ed Feliz, Treasurer Matilda Felix, Secreetary Mitzi Lee, Vice President Joss Sangalang, and Presidaent Gene Inoshita (not available) |
Robert and Diana Diana came on next with the EmCee announcing a short bio on how, where and when this couple began taking ballroom dancing in late 2010 from Ed and Matilda Felix. It wasn't till 2015 when Robert retired from the FAA were the couple able to devote more time for ballroom dancing. Last night, they performed the smooth Waltz.
I guess you could guess that a good number of dancers in the islands started with dance lessons from Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association. Derek and Debra Lynne Kam were among the learners as a good start. They are currently coached by International Latin Dance Professional Carlos Chang. They have developed their dancing over the years with the help of other professionals like Debby Borges, and Renna Villanueva. Last night, they performed an interpretive Cha Cha/Rumba Medley. Derek is the President of Friends of Ala Wai Ballroom Dance Academy and wife Debra Lynne is a Director on their Board.
Closing the Showcase were Jacky Lei and his student Margaret Yu performing the International Foxtrot. Jacky is a highly awarded competitor from Shenen, China. He recently moved to Honolulu and is happy to share his wonderful techniques with our dance ohana. Margaret has been taking private lessons and training with Jacky for the last five months.
General dancing resumed after a short period to recognize and award the dancers in the showcase.
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| The Showcase Performers Debra Lynne & Derek Kam Robert & Diana Diana Jacky Lei & Margaret Yu Joss Sangalang & Thomas Campbell (This photo courtesy Rick Brienzo) |
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| Matilda Felix |
Also a big thanks to Lady EmCee Frances Perrott for sharing her notes of the program.
Hasta la vista and Happy Dancing!
P.S. Just some extra photos from going paparazzi.
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| (This photo courtesy Rick Bienzo) |
