USA Dance Mock Competition 2010

USA Dance outdone themselves this time! The Mock Competition held at he Palladium this past Saturday was SRO.....not one available seat in the Ballroom or in the dressing room. It was an enjoyable evening of social fun dancing and a terrific showcase of competition in the Latin and Standard division with a good mixture of American style and Internatinal style of Latin dancing. This year the number of competitors swelled to 19 couples with four youngsters in the middle school age who demonstrated that they have the grit to become future stars.
Lani and I got to the Palladium a bit early and waited in the foyer as the competitors were practicing their moves. It was a good time to chat with dancers from other dance clubs....small talk but interesting to know what's going on in our dancing community.


The fabulous music of DeeJay Gary Kawasaki filled the ballroom enticing dancers to come on and get dancing on the floor. On a closer look, it was Ravi Narayan pinchhitting for Gary at least for a while.


The lovelies at the reception were very cordial in greeting everyone entering the ballroom. Even the guys were greeting guys with a friendly handshake. It looked like everyone had the smile and happy fever which is a good thing for an event this large. Admission was $7 Presale or $9 at the door. Not bad for a High Class Competition show considering it comes with refreshments.


Prelude to the Mock Comp was the traditional HorseShoe IceBreaker Dance. EmCee Roger Izumigawa opened the program. Recognition of other Ballroom Dance Clubs and also to Herbert Omizo and Annie Ferguson for most tickets sold. Introduction of USA Dance Hawaii Prez Glen Okazaki followed with a welcome to all. A flick of the switch and the lights went on brighter than before and Glen gave a short history of how the change in illumination took place. In a nut shell, special thanks to Glen and USA Dance for spearheading the call to Acting Mayor Cadwell on the lighting problem at the Ballroom. That met with a huge applause of appreciation.

It was show time in the Latin Comp which featured dances in the Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Jive. 9 couples competed in the Samba, 11 couples in the Cha Cha and Rumba, and 10 couples in the Jive. The two youngest couples, Prita Narayan & Ari Dalbert, and Ikaika Villanueva & Keilana Kese competed in the Latin division. So did first time competitors Gordon Wong & Clary Mitchell-Smith.

THE COMPETITORS AND THE DANCES









The Standard Comp featured dances in the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quick Step. 13 couples competed in the Waltz, 11 couples in the Tango, 3 couples in the Viennese Waltz, 13 couples in the Foxtrot, and 11 couples in the Quick Step. First time competitors were Candy & Ed Matsuda, Gordon Wong & Clary Mitchell-Smith, and a couple from Japan Yoshiko Fujioka & Taichi Ito. The only couple to compete in all 9 (Latin and Standard) dances was Richard and Lynn Nakamura. Missing in the photo
lineup are Yoshiko Fujioka and Taichi Ito who competed in the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Quick Step.

There was no individual winner for this Mock Competition and no judges like Dancing With The Stars reality show. It was a successful and super attempt to showcase our own STARS in the islands...a preview of what's in store for the upcoming Hawaii Star Ball. Cheering for favorite dancers was encouraged throughout the competition. All of them danced like champions and you could see the strength in their individual technniques that put them well in a class of their own.

(My thanks to my main squeeze Lani who helped me put this blog together and proof read it, and to Debra Ota who help me with organizing the photos, and added some noteworthy information.)

Senior Fair 2010

Okay! You're all probably wondering what the Senior Fair at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall has to do with dancing. Good question! Amid the large crowd of seniors, there were countless number of booths..all geared to serving the seniors. As Lani and I cruised the six isles of merchants, we found that the ones with the longest lines were those merchants that had some kind of games to win a prize (everyone wins a prize), and of course everybody's favorite...ZIPPY'S to renew or apply for 2-year discount cards for 99 cents. Another busy areas were the Main Stage,
and the Gallery Stage where most of the variety shows were held.


Lani and I got to the Blaisdell a little before 12:30PM. Just enough time to scoot over to the Main Stage to watch the Step*Taculars perform their dance routines. Two of our dance teacher friends (Salome of Dancing With Salome, and Ron Reddick of Tap Basics With Ron) were going to perform solos and also dance with the Step*Taculars.
Pretty good dance performance by the entire group and solos considering all of them are in their late 70's and some approaching the golden 90's. Step*taculars with Salome and Ron continues till Sunday at the Blaisdell.


Also met another dance teacher friend Norma who said that she will be dancing the Salsa on Saturday, and the Argentine Tango on Sunday at the Gallery Stage. Last year, she performed a potpourri of Latin dances with Greg The Salsaman. This year could be Greg again but it's anybody's guess. Oh yes! Norma is a senior also and she's got some cuchi cuchi Latin moves to boot. Senior Fair 2010 ends this Sunday.

Dance Hawaii Kai Ends 3rd Quarter

It has been a long and enjoyable 8 weeks of sharing the joy of the Waltz and the Mambo dances with our students. It has been a tradition of a potluck dinner and dance lessons at the end of each quarter for Dance Hawaii Kai. Except for students who are travelling off island, we had a good turnout. For a starter to whet the appetite for the ono food, Lani taught the Mambo #5 Line Dance. After some short preliminary moves, everyone headed for the grindz while it was warm.

Prez Maurice Morita brought the refreshments, desserts, plates, utensils, and cups. That's a heavy load when adding the electric coffee maker, and large jug of fresh water.
It was a time to socialize, and chat about things other than dancing. I think the students liked that since they got to know each other better.


The sound of Lou Bega belting out Mambo #5 brought most of the students with full stomach to dare the Latin movements. They really enjoyed this non-partner dance. But it was time to teach the "Continuous UATs" in the Waltz which Lani and I demonstrated last week for the class. Amid the styling,the footwork, and the timing, I think they picked up the pattern pretty well during the last half hour.

Behind The Scenes On Election Day

WOW! What an experience working behind the scenes the night before and after Primary Election Day. I don't mean workng the soft jobs like registering voters. I'm talking about the guys and gals who set up the booths and arrange the tables the night before the Saturday Primary and then break down the booths, store them away, and do the house cleaning including restroom after the polls closed.
Dance Hawaii Prez Maurice Morita gathered volunteers to set up three voting sites in East Honolulu for this Saturday's election. Except for East Honolulu's Dance Hawaii Kai members Stanley Akamine, Sam Aranio, Lani and me, all others were from Central Oahu's Dance Aliamanu. That's what I call team-spirited cooperation!
We all met at our first site (Holy Trinity Church gymnasium) at 7PM on Friday to learn how to set up the booths, arrange the registration tables, and the electronic voting devices. Maurice planned that it would take about one hour to accomplish each site. It was a terrific action of teamwork that got the Holy Trinity site done in 40 minutes.
With the onsite experience under our belts, all the volunteers headed for our next voting site, Kaiser High School cafeteria. It didn't take us long to set up this location but we did hit a snag. After setting up the booths according to the official map provided to us, on Saturday morning the voting officials wanted the booths relocated in the center of the cafeteria. No Big Deal since we had time before the site opened to the public at 7AM on Saturday.

The caravan of volunteers headed to Hahaione School cafeteria for the last stop and setting it up was much faster but then we were told that there was another site on the same campus that needed to be set up. It was a smaller room and less than the normal 24-25 booths that were set up at the other sites. So it was a snap.
Mission accomplished for Friday. Maurice then divided the volunteers into three teams of three's because some couldn't come to help during the Saturday morning call to be at the site by 5AM; one team for each site.
After the polls closed at 6PM on Saturday, Dance Hawaii volunteers showed up at all three sites to dismantle the booths, clean up the voting rooms and restrooms, and put the tables and furnitures back to their original position. A lot of sweat but it was an uplifting experience working behind the scenes alongside team-spirited friends and dancers.

Going Dancing In October?

(Left click on poster to zoom in)
And just a reminder: USA Dance Mock Competition at the Palladium September 25th.
See some of Hawaii's shining stars brighten up the Ballroom with the Standard and Latin Competition Dancing.

Nifty 50's & 60's Oldies Bash 2010

LAST CALL to get the $55.00 price to attend the Nifty 50's Bash on Friday, October 1st at the Pacific Beach Hotel. Maurice Morita will be submitting the 24 people who gave him their payment before the Sept. 15th price of $55.00. After Sept. 15th, the price will go up to $65.00. If you want the lower price, please call Maurice as soon as possible at 225-0326.

Furlough Friday Dance @The Radford

This time it was fo' real! The parking lot was filled with cars but moreso in the Radford HS cafeteria. There were a lot of new faces at this week's Furlough Friday Dance (as Jimbo mentioned on his blog in Moanalua Corridor).


Latin dance music by DeeJay Mike Chinen dominated the dance scene with a touch of Quickstep, Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, and a good filler to get the shy ones on the dance floor...
the Line Dance led by Kevin and Margaret Yee with assist by Roxanne Kaino. There were 70 plus dancers who came to this dance...mostly Dance Hawaii members with a sprinkle of friends from HBDA, Aiea Dance Club, Pan Pacific Dance Society, and other International Style dance clubs.


Familiar supporters of Furlough Friday Dance are Prez Rudy Luat of Pan Pacific Dance Society, and Prez Deanie Bates of Aiea Ballroom Dance Club.


Please cruise over to Jimbo's blog on Moanalua Corridor for more coverage 'cause he's the go-to-guy that puts a lot of efforts along side Prez Maurice Morita to make Furlough Friday Dance a huge success and available to all dancers no matter what dance club they belong to. He's got it all down pat, so I just added a few more photos.

Dance Hawaii Social Dance @Radford HS

Traffic on the K. Highway and portions of the H1 was a bit heavy with some rain showers heading towards Radford HS. It was smooth driving once we got past Moanalua Gardens. It was a bit rainy and the parking lot at Radford was filled to capacity. I thought "WOW! we got a big crowd tonight!" As it turned out, there was a football game going on at the Radford Field.


There weren't many dancers in the cafeteria while DeeJay Paul Lee's music played on. A few more members and guests trickled in and then more came later. The rain and full parking lot didn't damped the spirits of those that came. Foxtrot, Quickstep, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Samba...Paul had it all for the dancers pleasure.


To get all the dancers on the floor, Margaret Yee led the Line Dance in the Cha Cha. That brought some of the new students to the floor.


While the going was hot, Kevin & Margaret Yee, and Maurice & Gilda Morita led members and guests in the Waltz Line Dance. That was enough to activate the appetites for the potluck break. (Checkout Jimbo's blog at Moanalua Corridor for more enlightening info on this social event). Social dancing continued till closing. More Dance Hawaii Social Dance at Radford HS on Furlough Friday (9/3) at 7PM.

So You Want To Go Dancing In September

There's a few venues for your pleasure listed at "That's Dancing" Weblog. As more reaches my desk, they will be posted.

Dance Hawaii Kai 3rd Quarter

Dance Hawaii Kai is coming along pretty good in enrollment thanks to Stanley Akamine who posted the large banner on his fence in Aina Haina, and to Prez Maurice Morita of Dance Hawaii for his support.


Last night was our 4th lesson on the Social Waltz and Mambo. Two new couples joined the class at this half way point of eight lessons. As of last night, Lani and I had taught seven patterns in the Waltz, and seven patterns in the Mambo. The newer students are picking up the earlier patterns pretty well while the other more experienced students are adding polish to their dancing. Hopefully, Dance Hawaii Kai will continue to prosper since all monies paid by the students for the dance lessons are donated to Koko Head Elementary School. Dance Hawaii Social Dance at Radford High School this Saturday...good place to practice your dancing skills 7-10 PM.

Thursday night dance class at Ali'iolani CSA will start on September 9 at 7PM. Lani and I will be teaching Social Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, and Samba during the 10 week session.

As a reminder, dancers: Tonight at the Dole Cannery Ballroom, boogey to the music of the 50's and 60's by the HOT WASABI Band. And on Saturday at the Palladium...the Hawaii Gardenia Circle Anniversary Dance. Surf over to "That's Dancing" for more info.

IBDI 49th Anniversary

It was 5:30PM Saturday and it was time for Lani and I to jet over to the Palladium for the IBDI Anniversary. A little traffic encountered on the Kalanianaole Highway but we made it in time to pick up our bento dinner. There was a line entering the Ballroom but it soon shortened. WOW! I remember the old days when another dance club filled the Ballroom but this event just went over the top. All the seats were occupied and I gotta say it was SRO. General Dancing with the sweet musical selections of DeeJays Henry Lee and Jane was in full swing till about 8PM. Grace Nohara and Dana Morey were busy at the entrance as were the Kitchen Crew.


Prez Chris Jay opened the program with a welcome speech and a history of IBDI. It was gratifying to know how this dance organization started and how successful it has become on it's way to their 49th Anniversary.



Chris also welcomed the other Ballroom Dance organizations as he called out the names of the Presidents and Representatives of each dance club.
Then Steven Sambrano took over the podium as EmCee of the Showcase Program. He did an excellent job in keeping the program moving without any gaps in delays on the Showcase Performances, the calling of Door Prize winners, and the Snow Ball Dance.


The Salsa by JoJo Ocampo and Vaitui Petelo was a portriat in speed dancing with a lot of dips and lifts. It was exciting to watch this young couple in action.


It's rare to see a father and daughter perform in a showcase but coming from the very talented Villanueva ohana it's no surprise. (Dad) Sergio and very pretty (daughter) Faith put on a stunning show of the International Jive with a bit of theatrics that wowed the audience.


Not to be out done (mom) Renna Villanueva and Robert Schiff entered the floor with some theatrics of their own. Robert wore a half mask ala Phantom of The Opera as he carried Renna with out stretched arms over his shoulder. The dance was a Medley with a touch of Paso Doble. A great performance with a good story acting....it left beautiful Renna laying on the floor as Robert echoed a yell of triumphant (or was it a cry of sorrow?). In any case, the performance was mesmerizing and captivating.



The first time injury during practice caused Marsha Ninomiya to pull out of the Jive Group Formation. You've seen it happen on "So You Think You Can Dance" reality TV show, too. As they say the show must go on so Stephani Shimizu filled in for Marsha with only two hours of rehearsal. The Jive routine was choreographed by Richard and Lynn Nakamura of Dance Hawaii. Dance Hawaii dancers together with IBDI dancers performed like they were having a lot of fun and much more relaxed which contributed to a good performance by both dance clubs. (We wish you well, Marsha, and a speedy recovery from your injury).


Concluding the Showcase Program was an International Waltz by Ed and Matilda Felix. Lani and I have seen this young couple perform the Waltz in other showcases but this night they brought their rendition of the International Waltz to a higher level. It was beautifully danced with smoothness and feelings.


The IBDI 49th Anniversary Ball was well orchestrated with a Snow Ball dance to the Cha Cha beat, and Door Prizes of gift cards, and flower plants. (The plants were donated by Herbert Omizo).



It was another night of fun dancing for Lani and me and socializing with friends from Dance Hawaii. Chris Jay and IBDI Anniversary Committee did a terrific job in organizing the entire program. General Dancing continued till closing but for Lani and me it was time to hit the road for home and dig into the (as Lani described it "one of the best") bentos.

Music For Healing

I'm not sure if the Ballroom music CD that I prepared and played took steps to heal Richard but the life sign monitor kept buzzing and lighting up with code red and code yellow which brought the attending nurses rushing in and out of the ICU room.
When Lani and I got to Tripler ICU yesterday (Wednesday), there were other friends of Richard and Cora in the room...Stanley & Florence, Bella Acosta, Lucille Nakamoto, and Rev. Monica (I think that's her name) from a Waipahu Church. Richard was still on life support and in a coma. We all gathered around Richard's bed holding hands as Reverend Monica said a prayer.
There was no reaction from Richard while Lani massaged his hand. More friends came to visit,,,Derek and Keiko Oh. When Cora came in, the Reverend gave a second prayer with all of us holding hands. This is a difficult time for Cora, so please continue praying for Richard to recover from this serious illness and also for Cora.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm not sure if the Ballroom music was beneficial at that time but knowing that Richard loves music, Cora handed the music CD to the attending nurse to play in Richard's room. Hopefully it will help show a spark of recovery for our friend and fellow dance instructor.
As we left, Larry (Bella's husband) came, and we met Gilda Morita as she was going up to ICU.
(For more info on Richard's condition and visiting hours, please read Maurice's e-mail in the previous blog).

Richard Nieto - Update

This is one of those unusual moments when I post news other than dancing on this blog. I do this with sadness because one of our Dance Hawaii instructors, Richard Nieto, is fighting for his life in ICU at Tripler Hospital. Many of our fellow dance instructors know Richard and Cora Nieto of Dance Hawaii (aka Dance Aliamanu), and moreso as former dance instructors for HBDA. When Lani and I went to visit Richard yesterday, he was still hooked on to life support system and still in a coma. I don't know if he heard every word I said to him because there was no reaction. It was difficult to see a friend and fellow dance instructor in such a helpless condition. We can only pray for his condition to change to the better and give encouraging support to his wife Cora. I have included an update of his condition from Prez Maurice Morita of Dance Hawaii. (e-mail follows)..........

As for yesterday (Monday, August 16th), Richard received an EEG test and found his brain stem is okay but it is unknown the condition Richard is in affected the human brains. This is one area that is unknown in the medical field. The doctor has said only time will tell!

Thank you for the moral support for Richard as I can tell you Cora and her family appreciates the support for Richard's well-being. Many family as well as friends, especially from our Dance Hawaii Ohana,have visited Richard. I went to see Richard yesterday about 3:00 p.m. Gilda and the Chinen's went about 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to give Cora company and our moral support. I heard Frank & Lani Sierra visited Richard yesterday morning, and saw Junie Sato coming to see Richard. There were many others who visited Richard and Cora. I saw the Nishimura's, Manuel's....thank you for the support! Because what has happened to Richard, the hospital have allowed visitors to visit any time, day or night. There are no visiting hours!

The doctors are asking Cora to do a family meeting after 72 hours since Richard went into a coma, if there are those who are planning to visit Richard later this week or this weekend, I would suggest you do your visitation today or at least by tomorrow, just in case, a decision is made. I know the love between Cora and Richard, and whatever decision Cora has to make will be a tough one. I know she does not want to lose Richard and hope a miracle will happen. We must continue praying for a miracle for Richard to recover as fast as possible.

If you don't understand what I am trying to say, please call me at 225-0326 anytime! Its really hard to write what I want to say.

Thanks again, from the NIETO FAMILY, for all your prayers, moral support, etc. What we need is a miracle so Richard can dance again, cook again.....the best chef I have known and always enjoyed his cooking, and most of all, being a good friend with a good heart (always ready to help others).

In God We Trust,
Maurice

Project Bantay Bata 163

The long awaited Friday weekend finally came to be and Lani and I hustled to get to the "Summer Suave Dancing In Paradise" at the Pacific Beach Hotel. We were a bit early getting to the ballroom on the 7th floor...no one at the reception table yet. So we went to the lobby to go window shopping and kinda watched the Matsuri happenings...lots of ladies dressed in their Japanese traditional kimonos and straw slippers and the smell of B-B-Q from the outdoor pits fragranced the air. Talk about saliva running down the throat. Ahhh but it was 6PM and time to head for the BANTAY BATA event.


Several ladies were working the reception table...pretty organized by who sold you the tickets...dat's the line you go to for your table assignment. Since Lani and I were guests of Paul and Marie Laderta, we were checked in by Buffy Gonzales, the other half of the singing duo, The Gonzales...but not before being greeted with hugs from our gracious host Marie. "Uncle" Wesley was like the maitre-d ushering guests to their table. What a grand idea! No need to go searching by yourself. As "Uncle" Wesley showed Lani and me to our table, we met Calvin and Debra Ota who were seated next to our table. Pretty soon Jackson Cho and June Choong joined them.


We were seated with Grace Nohara (I always look at her as the First Lady of Dancing because she is always involved with helping out other dance clubs), Jim Prado (who was one of our former Pro dance teachers), Delia Tom (I've seen this lady at dances helping at the reception tables), Tom Nakamura (a recognized face in exhibition dancing) and his friend Joannie, and there were others who said they knew my older brother. Then there was Ed and Ceci who we see at most of the dances.



There were celebrities who came to our table to say "hello"...Lt.Gov Duke Aiona, Rep. Lynn Finnegan, and Ramsay Wharton. Our host Paul Laderta and Carmelo Baysa, my first Professional Dance Teacher came by to say "hello".


Dancers were starting to fill the dance floor as the music and fabulous vocals of Jesse Gonzaless filled the ballroom. There was a percussion player on drums and a sometimes-fill-in singer but Jesse handled nearly all the musical arrangements from 6to 11:45PM. Buffy took to the stage during the last hour before closing and belted out some of the finest Latin tunes. For a moment I thought the organizers of the event had contracted one of my favorite female vocalist, Eydie Gorme. Buffy Gonzales and Eydie have that rich and mellow singing voice. All smooth, rhythm, and Latin music captured the dancers to get on the floor. There were some Hustle and West Coast Swing, too, but Latin dancing was king for the night.


The program started with a Welcome and Introductory Remarks by EmCee Eric Barsatan.
Followed by the USA National Anthem, then the Philippines National Anthem lead by Jesse. Cue cards were helpful for us local born Filipinos. Invocation and then dinner. As usual, the Pacific Beach Hotel did good again on the entries and desserts.



The Showcase program was EmCeed by Shari Berinobis (Geoffrey Fells' side kick at the Star Ball) and the first to perform was a Hula by Alyssa Reyes, Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina 2009. It was a nice touch to Prelude the showcase and this Filipina can really roll those hips. A beautiful performance by a beautiful dancer.


"Beauty In Motion" Dancers Ayami, Keala, and Kamalei spiced up the floor with their rendition of the Salsa. It was more of a Line Dancing kine Salsa. It was nice and all right.


Noreen Ho with Professional Teacher Lucas Jaime came on next with the International Rumba.


Divino Ritmo Youth Dancers Angel Rodriguez and Moneque Dejesa performed the Show Cha Cha next.


The Tango Medley by Rolando and Gloria Padasdao


General dancing continued before the Second Act.


A time was set aside to recognize some of the people who gave their whole hearted support to this worthwhile event.


The American Waltz by Rueben Lee with Professional Teacher Debby Borges Barboza opened the Second Act.


American Rumba by Edwin and Remy Brion. It was good to see a couple in their senior age still have that fire to perform.


The International Cha Cha by Ed and Charlotte Bugarin.


The International Waltz by Ed and Matilda Felix.


Then a Theatrical Cha Cha by Ellen Ostler and Professional Teacher Lucas Jaime.



And as a encore treat a Professional Performance of Cabaret Dancing by Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova was electrifying....the lifts, the swirls, the dips, and the "look-no-hands" as Lucas did some spinning with Yanna on his shoulders.

All the showcase performers danced their very best and put on a good show. The ladies in their lovely colorful costumes and the men were well suited that enriched their individual performance. There was a whole lot of passion displayed in the performances that it kicked in the BIG "E". And that's pleasurable Entertainment!

It was a great night for dancing, socializing, and a gratifying Bantay Bata Dancing In Paradise 2010. And I gotta say Lani and I sure danced our A** Off again. Lani had her dances with Calvin, Jim, and Pepe. As for me, it was an honor and pleasure dancing with Grace (Cha Cha), and Debra (Rumba) in the American style.