Hot and muggy! That's gotta be a good description outside of the Ala Wai Palladium last Saturday evening. It was mighty refreshing and cool inside the ballroom but hot to trot as many dancers were "burning the floor" to the upbeat rhythm from Music Dee Jay Henry Lee. As I entered the doorway, I was greeted by the lovely Dianne Ako. A few seconds later ADC President Gordon Wong welcomed me. (Gordon had invited Lani and me as his guests). I got to the Palladium a little after seven and snacks & refreshments were still being being served. There were a good number of volunteers serving at the Reception Table and at the "food line".
The volunteers and support teams were Jane Umeda, Joanne Keaukulani, Delores DeLima, Elliott Oshiro, Greg Wong, Chun, Lotti, Tu, Tamalyn, Jose & Ann Ramelb and Gordon Wong. (my apology if I missed a name). Everybody was busy as a bee that I could get a shot of only three of them...Jane Umeda, Jose & Ann Ramelb.
THE SHOWCASE got underway at 7:45 with Lady EmCee Dianne Ako introducing herself and some important guests including presidents of various dance organizations. She followed with a short history of how the Aloha Dance Club began. She also thank the many volunteers and support team who help made
this event a success.
ACT ONE:: Dianne introduced Tsun Hui Hung who has the unique talent of playing on an instrument called the ERHU. Tsun began playing the ERHU at the age of six and has performed with the ERHU all over the world.
ACT TWO: The Hawaii Eastern Art Troupe with nine dances performed the CAI WEI ( Gathering Vetch). This classical Han dance that is set 3 thousand years ago depicts a conscripted soldier n an arduous journey back to his homeland after the war, expressing sorrow and longing for his family. Recalling when he left for battle the vetch leaves being harvested and willows swayed in the springtime breeze. Now under heavy snowy winter skies, trudging home alone, feeling downhearted, and grieving for his wasted youth. The dancers are Shuo Zhao, Nany Chow, Tonghua Lin, Angel Rosenfeld, Xiaohong Bono, Shirley Wong, Audrey Wang, Brenda Matsui, and Wan Ping Oshiro. The troup which has over 30 members is the largest Chinese Art Troupe of its kind in Hawaii and have been performing Chinese Classical and Ethnic dances at various ceremonial, commercial, or social occasions. .
ACT THREE: Jacky Lei and Hana Yin dance in the performance of the Foxtrot. Jacky is from China and has taught Ballroom dancing for over 20 years. He has won championship titles in Shengen, was in the final reel of Rising Stars in competition in Guangdong Province, China.
Hana Yin has been dancing for over 20 years and has been taught by Blackpool Professional Finallist, and other World Champions. Hana with Gordon Won competed in the Hawaii Star Ball and was ranked number one in all Standard Dances in the Bronze Level. She is also the recipient of the "Best of the Best" scholarship of International Ballroom Bronze Level when she competed in the Pro AM with Lucas Jaime.
Dancing continued till 9:30. Mahalo to Gordon Wong for inviting Lani and me as his guests, and a Big Thank You to Dianne Ako for sharing her program notes with me.
That's all for now. Happy Dancing!
