USADance 18th Anniversary Ball

Billed as an Anniversary Dance and a fund raiser for the Japan Disaster, the event drew at least 400 plus dancers to this Saturday night event. The donations were piling up as Lani and I entered the Ballroom. The money-caretakers were James, Mae, and Isabel and they did a wonderful job at the donation table. The music was very good,
the DeeJays kept the social dancers on the floor with a combination of International and American flavor music.
The EmCee (Roger Izumigawa) kept the show on a lively beat. The showcase was lined with explosive dancers. The ladies in the exhibition dances were beautiful and beautifully dressed in an array of spectecular colors. The refreshments were light but ono ono, and the people were on a friendly mood. So what could go wrong at this successful event? Well...my worse nightmare that befalls any photo blogger at least once and when least expected. My trusty workhorse camera finally threw in the towel and gave up. Yeah, in boxing terms, it was a knockout. AUWE! So all the shots went down the drain. Luckily for me, the gal who inspired me to dance the Merengue in a showcase, Marsha Ninomiya, was snapping away with her trusty camera and is willing to share the photo of Ed and Candy Matsuda for my blog. Mucho gracias, Marsha. (Except for the Matsudas, Ravi and Synthia, and EmCee Roger, other photos have been substituted for recognition of the showcase performers).

Presidents and members of the various dance clubs in Honolulu were in numbers to support this event. That also included the professionals from the local dance studios. The dance floor was heated up with social dancers before the exhibition part of the program. There were seat warmers, also, but the call for a Horseshoe icebreaker dance got nearly all of them to the dance floor with the encouragement of the EmCee and Isabel. Honors went to the most tickets sold sellers Herbert Omizo and Annie Furgerson. These two are genuine supporters and go-getters for all dance clubs' events. Recognitions and congrats were also given for the four award winning couples that performed at the Baltimore Dancesport Championship...Glenn Okazaki & Ann Ho, Calvin & Debra Ota, Jackson Cho & June Choong, and Candido & Yvonne Jorge-Cuan. (See previous blog) .


The Showcase of Exhibition Dancers started soon after the Horseshoe dance. First at the gate were Ed and Candy Matsuda. They performed an exquisite International Waltz as though they were dancing on clouds. Very smooth and very well performed.


My two former students, Ravi and Synthia Narayan, who honor Lani and me as their first dance teachers and as their guests came on next with the International Quickstep. This was their first appearance in showcase dancing at the Palladium after performing at the Pacific Beach for Sugino Dance Studio. They started with a bang and ended with a bang. Fast feet with good control, Ravi and Synthia danced the entire ballroom floor. It was refreshing to see this new young couple performing and whizzing like a flash on their first try.


Jackson Cho and June Choong thrilled the audience with their explosive International Cha Cha. Fresh back from the Baltimore Dancesport Championship, Jackson and June were magnificent in this exciting dance.



The International Rumba performed by Calvin and Debra Ota was captivating and sensuous to the bone. It was silky smooth and every movement was well orchestrated. It was beauty in motion and a love dance that will be long remembered..


Concluding the program were crowd pleaser Glenn Okazaki and Ann Ho dancing the International Slow Foxtrot. This was another refreshing performance because it's rarely that a slow foxtrot is ever performed. It was wonderfully done with precision and grace. It's no wonder Glenn and Ann are considered tops in the exhibition and competitive level. It was an exhilarating and an enjoyable perfomance to watch.

It was close to 9:15 and yours truly had just about expanded all his energy with my main squeeze, and some lady friends. It was an enjoyable night of dancing and socializing with good friends but it was time to call it a good night and head for the ride home.

Hawaii Dancers Excel at USA Dance National Dancesport Championships

Just got this e-mail from Ravi Narayan on the Dancesport Championship held at Baltimore (news article and photos submitted by Ravi)........
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USA Dance held its flagship Dancesport championship this weekend, April 8, 9, 10, 2011 at Baltimore and our local dancers from the Honolulu Chapter 4007 not only did our Chapter proud, but did a great job representing the state of Hawaii at the National champioships. Four couples from Hawaii participated in the event with three couples competing in both the Standard and Latin events. The results show the increasing interest and quality of competitive Dancesport in Hawaii.


Jackson Cho and Mei-June Choong reached the finals in both Standard and Latin divisions placing 7 out of 21 couples in the Amateur Adult Bronze Standard Division and 2nd out of 18 couples in the Amateur Adult Bronze Latin.


Candido and Yvonne Jorge-Cuan participated in both Standard and Latin divisions placing 5 out of 10 couples in the Amateur Senior III Bronze Standard Division, 3rd out of 5 couples in the Amateur Senior II Bronze Latin and 2nd out of 4 couples in the Amateur Senior III Bronze Latin.


Calvin and Debra Ota also participated in both Standard and Latin divisions placing 5th out of 9 couples in the Amateur Senior II Novice Standard Division, 2nd out of 5 couples in the Amateur Senior II Novice Latin and 6th out of 7 couples in the Amateur Senior II Pre-champ Latin division.


Glenn Okazaki and Anne Ho placed 4th out of 27 couples in the Amateur Senior II Championship Standard division allowing Hawaii to once again boast of having a 2011 United States Nationals Championship finalist!

Fantastic job and welcome back home !!

1st Dance Classes @Hale Ikena

Last night Lani and I headed towards Fort Shafter Hale Ikena to assist Richard and Lynn Nakamura in the International Rumba class, and Andy and Monica Pascua in the American Social Cha Cha class. Going through security at the gate wasn't as strict as before but it did take some time. Then trying to find Hale Ikena was another task. Talk about getting lost in a military base but we eventually found our way. Hale Ikena was buzzing with registration of dance students as we entered the building. Lynn handled the registration while Elsie McGrew was teaching the Cha Cha Line Dance with the assistance of Roxanne Kaino. Not all ladies were dancing the Line Dance...there were a few men, too. There were some experienced ballroom dancers but a lot of new faces.
Richard and Lynn taught the first 45 minute class. Being that it was the very first dance class, everyone started at the basics. It wasn't hard to learn the International Rumba for Lani and me this first night since the syllabi are similar to the American Bolero/Rumba. The only differences were the names of the steps and the posture. Richard and Lynn are excellent teachers so it was easy for us to assist and convey their teachings to the students. The amalgamation consisting of five steps was fluid and I think most of the students caught on to the tempo.
Andy and Monica Pascua taught the American Cha Cha during the last 45 minutes. Starting off with the basics. Some of the steps were similar to those taught in the International Rumba, so it was easier for the students to understand Andy and Monica's instructions. The students were able to dance the patterns in tempo with the music before closing the class. Andy and Monica showed their expertise in teaching this Latin dance and their cha cha demo for the students was a superb incentive.
Lani and I really enjoyed assisting Richard & Lynn, and Andy & Monica Pascua last night.

Lynn send me the photo of the students and instructors of Last night's dance classes, and an e-mail with expectation of another successful dance class at the Hale Ikena on Thursday.




Hi Frank,
Can you also mention that Hale Ikena & Mulligan's Grill & Bar have very inexpensive delicious sandwiches and meals that the dancers can order to eat before and during the classes?

We are very fortunate and thankful to have Elsie McGrew teach the line dance (Roxie Kaino helped her), and to have you and Lani help our students in our classes. Thank you. We had a lot of new students so we are very appreciative that you both were able to help us.

We are looking forward to Thursday night which will be a bigger class than tonight so we'll be asking Hale Ikena to add on more dance floor to accommodate the dancers.

Thank you again.
Richard & Lynn

Ilima Ballroom Dance Club 28th Anniversary Dance

The Ilima Ballroom Dance Club pulled out a big success last Saturday as the organization hosted their 28th Anniversary Dance at the Palladium. Talk about a crowded dance floor and the Team that made it a successful event. You gotta include the friendly persuation of club President Diane Wong for getting the showcase dancers from other dance clubs to perform in the Exhibition Dancing. None of them were members of the Ilima Dance Club but they came and put on a terrific show. It was a big treat for my eleven students, too. For some of them it was the first time to dance at the Palladium.

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The TEAM included Betty and JoAnn at the Reception Table; Prez Diane Wong who was everywhere and that including helping prepare the bentos in the kitchen. There were other helpers too but were too busy to face my camera. Luckily I got a shot of Kay Yahiku, and also Warrick Sargent who collected the tickets for the bento. Roger Izumigawa was the EmCee for the evening who gave the Welcoming message and introduced all the Presidents of the various dance clubs who were in attendance. He also introduced the professional dance teachers/owners of dance studios. Then there was Walter Wong, the DeeJay who spun the music during the entire event.

GENERAL DANCING continued from 5PM till closing at 9:45PM.

The SHOWCASE OF EXHIBITION DANCING started at 8PM.


First on the showcase were Calvin and Debra Ota, my brother and sister bloggers, and the only couple that I know to have performed and competed in both the International Standard and Latin Dancing. Prior to the showcase, I had asked Calvin "where would be a good spot to view their performance". He said "anywhere because they were going to dance the length of the dance floor". And they sure covered a lot of floor space. We enjoyed every bit of the Quick Step...the front, the back, and all sides. Tonight they hit a higher level in performing the Quick Step. Very beautifully done.


Tom Sutton and Hami Draper followed with their rendition of the Rumba. Lani loved the beautiful forms and hand gestures that Hami displayed in the dance. And I think Tom and Hami did really good in their performance of the Rumba.


Again, another superb performance of the Waltz/Tango Medley by Sydney Chiu and Patricia Paliracio. (My apology to Sydney and Pat. The photo taken did not look flattering. So I replaced it with one taken from their previous performance.)


I guess I've used all the adjectives in Webster's abridged and unabridged dictionary to describe the performances of Ed and Charlotte Bugarin in previous showcases. Tonight was a another dynamite performance of the International Rumba...sensuous indeed.


The most beautifully danced performance in the combination of American and International Foxtrot that Lani and I have ever seen for a very long time. This time by Ivan John and Nancy Luckie who were marvelous in this performance to the music and vocal of Barbara Streisand. A great performance and one that will be remembered for a long time.

General dancing continued till closing.

The Honolulu Festival @ Ala Moana Centerstage

Normally, Lani and I avoid large shopping centers like Ala Moana Center on Sundays. But this past Sunday it was a must go to pick up an item that was held on hold at Macy's. Of course, when going to Macy's, browsing becomes a sporting event for Lani. For me, it's Barnes and Noble Booksellers. Reading has become a passion for me when Lani goes shopping. So after an hour, she calls me on the cellphone, "there's gonna be a show at Centerstage". Like a paparazo, I quickly got my camera and headed to the Centerstage. Big crowd but the event hasn't started yet.


After a short wait of 10 minutes, the lady EmCee comes out and gives a blow by blow description of what's in store in English and then in Japanese.

It was part of the HONOLULU FESTIVAL!





A lot of action going on by young dancers from Japan. They called themselves the TGP Crew. Mostly street dancing ...Hip Hop...Crumping...Popping...Break Dancing...and a lot of jumping up & down. A good performance on the various styles of Street Dancing.




Yuka & Studio Pilialoha performers came on next that brought the tone down several notches. No doubt the Hawaiian Hula has taken a hold in Japan. And the ladies performed the hula pretty good and the accompanying music players were superb.
Lani and I left during the Hula performance but I was able to get some shots of the performers in action. You might want to check the Ala Moana Centerstage schedule for more performances during the Honolulu Festival.
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IBDI 2011 Inaugural Ball

It was a good feeling getting to dance at the Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom once again. With the weather forcast of an impending storm with accompanying heavy rain for Friday, Lani and I did a heli-on to Waikiki. Parking was at a premium at the Pacific Beach Hotel when we got there a little after 5:30PM but we were lucky to find a space on the 5th floor.


We were greeted by the familiar friendly faces of the lovelies at the reception table...Shirley, Delia, and Dana. Got our table assignment and waited a few minutes for the doors to open to the ballroom.


Met some nice people while Lani and I waited. Among them IBDI Prez Chris & Charlene Jay. You can always get a good handshake and a hug from these friendly twosome.


The mellow sound track of easy dancing music filled the air as we entered the ballroom. DeeJays Henry Lee and Jane were spinning the tunes for the evening as more dancers got on the dance floor. It was good to see Henry and Jane taking time out to do some dancing, too.


One of the organizers of this event is Grace Nohara and she did an excellent job putting together the program. Kudos also to her committee of helpers.


Good to meet people in high positions, too, that will be shaping the future use of the dance palladium. Charlene Jay was nice to introduce me to the new City Parks & Recreation Director Gary Cabato and his wife Lynn.


The man with the golden voice that kept the program well oiled and running smoothly was EmCee Michael Goya. He has the charisma and humor and his voice carried throughout the ballroom. He introduced all the Presidents of the various dance organizations who were in attendance including the owners and teachers of the professional dance studios. Yeah! All of them got leid....oops! I mean they all received leis. Michael also said the invocation before the grindz time. As usual the entries selected were ono especially the roast beef sauteed in gravy, and the miso butterfish. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.


Guest speaker for the evening was City Parks & Recreation Diector Gary Cabato. But prior to him taking the mike, Prez Chris Jay announced that the Inaugural installation of officers will take place at another time hence that will give more time for dancing. That won approval with a loud applause. No date was set for the installation of officers.
Mr.Cabato gave an inspiring speech about the future use of the dance palladium for dance organizations. He mention a nice figure of $15 an hour fee for the use of the dance palladium which brought more applauses. Whether it's a proposal he's working on or the real thing, it sure sounded nice.

Then it was grindz time.


Prior to the Dance Exhibition part of the program, the icebreaker "Snowball" dance brought nearly everyone to the dance floor. Lani and I got pulled onto the dance floor by different dancers at the first sound of the music. Somehow I've always liked the "Snowball" rather than the tradition "Horseshoe" because it got everybody to dance. Everybody got to dance is right 'cause I only got two dances (with Vicky Kerfoot, and Debra Ota). Other than my Super ex-girlfriend, these gals were fun to dance with that night.

THE DANCE EXHIBITION


The Dance Exhibition part of the program started soon after with the International Waltz by Ed and Matilda. I never get tired watching this young couple perform in showcases. They have so much strength and techniques in the International Waltz.


Ed and Charlotte has always pleased the audience with their dynamite showcase performances of the International Samba, and the International Cha Cha. And tonight's showcase of the International Rumba showed their versatility in the slow tempo sensuous Rumba.


Another excellent performance in the Tango-Foxtrot Medley by Dr. Michael and Trudy. It appears that "medley" is the new approach to dance exhibition showcases and Michael and Trudy has been wowing the audience with their rendition. Good technique and always a pleasure to watch.


I've always enjoyed the Villanuevas solo and team performances in previous showcases and tonight they had added a new dimension of entertainment in their "Latin Showcase". It had a touch of cultural or tribal mixture that I found pleasing and entertaining. Renna's grandson Ikaika and Kona's daughter danced some nice Latin moves to open their showcase before Renna and Kona appeared on the dance floor. A performance well done.


Closing the program was an American Style Waltz performed by Debby and Rueben. I've watched this performance once before and I gotta say..Rueben has mastered this routine tremendously. He was more relaxed and in control of the dance. Debby of course, is always at her best which contibuted to a wonderful performance by both teacher and student.


Well, all good shows must come to an end..and I emphasize it was a good and well planned, and an enjoyable showcase. Five dance exhibitions is a good number allowing more time for dancing. Lani and I stayed till almost 11PM and lucky for us 'cause I got to take home the Centerpiece being that my birthday was the closest to February 23. They didn't ask for the year I was born, so that's double lucky for me.
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Seniors Valentine Dance 2011

This was Lani's and my first time going to a Seniors Valentine Dance at the Palladium this past Saturday (2/12). We figured why not give it a try since we're not at the "makule" age yet....only still seniors like all the young-at-heart dancers who were there. And for 8 bucks, where can you find such a good deal....a nice floor to dance on from 5 to 10PM, watching a showcase of exhibition dancers, ono bento, and a chance to win a door prize? Sponsored by Tad Fukumoto's Makua Alii and the Bank of Hawaii, it was a big big treat for a weekend dance after a Furlough Friday. Although, it wasn't mentioned, I'm pretty sure the City and County of Honolulu had a hand in sponsoring this event, too. Wack me 30 time with a wet noodle if I'm mistaken!
When Lani and I got to the Palladium about a quarter to 6, there was no problem finding a parking spot. Although the presale ticket said starts at 5, there were a lot of available parking. Lucky for us in Hawaii, most everybody go according to their bioclock....Filipino time, Hawaiian time, etc. Some dancers were already enjoying the grindz on the lanai as Lani and I climbed the stairway. There were more people in the Ballroom but only a handful of couples were dancing. Could it be because of the music? Tad Fukumoto was the DeeJay for the evening and I know from attending some events where he was the DeeJay, he's got a good number of dance music that always draw dancers to the hard floor. The sweet sounds were missing and that is what happens when the sound system is not up to par or does not have enough oomphs. It started as a slow burner in the beginning but as the time ticked away the ballroom floor got ablazed with more dancers.

The EmCee for the event was Roger Izumigawa. It was good to see Roger back on the saddle as Master of Ceremony. He has a voice that has the touch of clear diction and humor. That is always a plus in being an EmCee. In his "welcome everybody" message, he introduced many of the Presidents of the various dance clubs who were in attendance. Roger also served as the caller of lucky ticket numbers for the door prizes.

A good-to-know Recreation Specialist Steven Santiago from the City was introduced by Roger. He gave a nice message on the use of the Palladium and more. Steven stayed after the Dance Exhibition to help distribute the door prizes. I say get to know Steven Santiago...he might be the key to the future use of the Palladium.

Rose Char was the Coordinator of the Mixer aka Horseshoe Dance and the Electric Slide Line Dance, and she did an excellent job at it. Got a lot of dancers and seat warmers on the floor and in line for the Mixer. The Electric Slide Line Dance followed soon after and the hype was in full swing that brought more dancers on the floor. As EmCee Roger announced.... this is the largest amount of Electric Slide dancers he's even seen on the dance floor. Kathy Uyehara was there in front of the crowd doing a nice job in leading.


Eight o'clock rolled by and it was time for the Exhibition Dancing part of the program.

Tad Fukumoto and Sara Oyama were a delightful couple performing the romantic International Rumba. It was an entertaining dance by a well known instructor in the dancing community and this senior couple received a lot of applauses and respect for their performance.


Picking up the tempo for the next exhibition were Albert Lui and Shu Weng. Their rendition of the Quickstep was electrifying and added zest to the showcase.


The tempo slowed down just a little with the International Waltz performed by Sydney Chiu and Patricia Paliracio. Their Waltz technique was beautifuly executed as they glided throughout the entire ballroom floor.


Dance Hawaii's Richard and Lynn Nakamura went into hyper-speed next with their Quick Step. A malfunction with the sound system put a delay on their performance but that didn't dampen the spirit of these two experienced showcase dancers. The show must go on and Richard and Lynn danced another dynamite performance with speed and professionalism.


Michael and Trudy Uechi concluded the Exhibition Dancing program with the International Medley of the Foxtrot. Bravo to these two wonderful dancers for bringing the Foxtrot back to this showcase. This was a rare treat and very well performed.


And now a comment from my main squeeze who had a better eyeview of the showcase than I did through my tiny camera view finder. Lani says, "all the performers were terrific and top notch in their performance. The ladies wore colorful costumes that were appropriate to their dance and they looked beautiful. Aside from the glitch in the sound system before Richard and Lynn's Quick Step, I enjoyed the whole showcase and I think everybody did, too."

Top Ticket Seller Honors went to Herbert Omizo, a long time friend of any and all dance clubs who has helped in ticket sales. During a short interview with Herbert, he disclosed to me that he had sold 300 tickets. WOW! Congrats to Herbert.


Members of Dance Hawaii were there in big numbers and so were the club's VP Jim Brierly. When his lucky ticket number was called for a door prize, he received a whooping loud applause. Lucky guy!


Lani and I danced our A** OFF at this Senior Valentine Dance but alas it was time to go bye bye to an evening well spent on social dancing and the enjoyment of a thrilling showcase of exhibition dancing.
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