IBDI First Term Dance Classes Concludes

IBDI concluded their First Term of Dance Classes this past Monday. Lani and I enjoyed teaching one of our favorite Latin dances...Mambo. Seven weeks of lessons went pretty fast and smoothly thanks to the help our assistants Dean and Kathy and also to our music player Joella. A big Mahalo to our dance students who continued to show up for every lesson and to Dean who provided the exhilarative and upbeat Salsa music that moves the body. (Left click on photo to zoom in)

Divino Ritmo Valentine Party & Lucas' Birthday Celebration

It seems a whole bunch of good things happen in the month of February such as Valentine Dance,  Holiday on President's Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine Day Parties, getting together with Sweethearts and sending out greeting cards to say "I Love You", and having fun at a celebration of Birthdays with parties.  This past Saturday, Lani and I were invited as guests to Divino Ritmo Valentine Party & Lucas' Birthday Celebration at the Aloha Dancesport Center. As we entered the spacious studio, the sweet music was vibrating throughout the ballroom.  The DeeJay spinning the good danceable music was Nick from Starpointe Productions. I'm glad that I was able to get a photo shot of Yanna with Nick before she got too busy greeting other guests. 

The DeeJay continued spinning his selection of contemporary music until Rolando Sanchez and the Brown Sound Orchestra was ready to take over.

The orchestra with its vibrant sound played Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Nightclub Two Step, Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Samba, and Bossa Nova. What a wonderful treat to hear vocals by Rolando Sanchez and the distinct beat of Latin drums and instruments..

Dinner buffet was served in the adjoining ballroom. Ono local favorites as well as some Filipino entries covered the long table.

                                

  These two beauties who perform in dance exhibitions for DRD were on hand to serve at the buffet table.

I finally got a chance to take a photo shot of Lucas when he took a time out for dinner in the adjoining ballroom. Most of the evening, he was pushing a swifter mop or sweeper around the dance floor.  I believe he was thinking for safety of the dancers.

Then it was time for the celebration of Lucas' birthday with a birthday cake and singing the "Happy Birthday Song". 

 A Far Eastern Dance performer wowed the audience as she danced the entire length of the ballroom gyrating with very soft and smooth movements.

 
                    Lucas joined in the Far Eastern Dance which brought a lot of applause.

As an added attraction a couple of DRD students showed their skill in acrobatic dancing.

A surprise treat at almost closing time was a guest singer that belted out some tunes accompanied by Rolando Sanchez and the Brown Sound Orchestra.

Lani and I thank Paul and Marie Laderta for inviting us as their guests. We enjoyed the company of the ladies sitting at our table, enjoyed the food and dessert, and enjoyed fun-dancing to the vibrant music from a live orchestra. We sure did!

Dance Magic 808 Sweetheart Ball/Mock Competition

Bento, Social Dancing, and a Showcase of Mock Competition all for 10 bucks! Modest but certainly a good drawing for weekend dancers. I gotta say that Richard and Lynn Nakamura (Founders and President and Vice President of Dance Magic 808) planned the event with a whole bunch of members to please everyone in attendance. Okay, let's start with what 10 bucks bought us.......

A onolicious bento with almond cookies

  As it goes, Lani and I don't usually whack down our bentos at the dance since we always have an early supper before going out. It's become a tradition since we senior (teenagers) can survive on two meal a day.

As we entered the ballroom, the music was going great guns, and even so were the dancers. That's what great selection of danceable "music that moves the body"  does. Gotta hand it to the music DeeJays Mike and Dianne Chinen for spinning those contemporary music.

Social dancing continued on till about 7:45 when DM808 President Lynn Nakamura took to the microphone to welcome everyone with a short message and then introduced the EmCee for the evening.

The EmCee for the evening was Paul Tamaribuchi, a retired United States Army colonel. Paul is only one of two EmCees that I've come across that is fully animated and generates excitement in his message of welcome, recognition of the people who without their help this event would not have had a great turnout (there were more than 325 attendees), and the introduction of representatives of the various dance organizations as well as the owners/teachers of professional dance studios. He kept the program running smoothly while introducing the dances and the dancers. This is the picture of the moment as Paul uttered his message: "Tonight we have an exciting program for you. We would like to introduce the dancers participating in the mock competition. Since this is a mock competition, the dancers will not be judged. They are members of Dance Magic 808. Some of these dancers actually do compete in dance competitions here in the islands and on the mainland. For the serious competitors, this competition is practice for the real thing. For the non-competitors, this is for fun but they do want to do their best for you".

Then the Mock Competition began with the introduction of the dancers: Richard & Lynn Nakamura, Alan Kim & Hana Yin, Gordon Wong & Lisa Hankins; the Dance Appeal Dancers: Owners Sergio & Renna Villanueva with students David Matsumoto, David Carvalho,Ikaika Villanueva & Brandee Nakamura, Elyne Fia, Susan Hiwa, Barbara Kaneshiro, and Coralee Harai. Then came the introduction of the serious dance competitors who have dopne well in competitions here and on the mainland: Calvin & Debra Ota, Ravi Narayan & wife Synthia Sumukti, and daugther Prita Narayan; and Edwin & Charlotte Bugarin.

The first competition was Latin dances: Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Mambo, Paso Doble, and Jive.
There was a break after the Jive for social dancing and change of costumes for some of the competitors.
The second competition was Standard dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep.

With the loud round of applause, it appears that all the dancers did very well with no one couple singled out as the best competitors. Ravi danced with wife Synthia, and then with daughter Prita. Renna danced with David Matsumoto and then with David Carvalho, and Sergio danced with partners Elyne Fia, Susan Hiwa, Barbara Kaneshiro, and Coralee Harai.

There was a "curtain call" for all the dancers in the Mock Competition to receive gifts of appreciation from Richard and Lynn Nakamura. Thus ended a well organized and exciting showcase of Mock Competition.

Photos of the dancers participating in the Latin, and Standard Divisions were:

Here's a few snips that I was able to shoot when the dancers were within my camera range:

"You Make Me Feel So Young"

"You make me feel so young,

 You make me feel as though spring has sprung,
And every time I see you grin, I'm such a happy individual!
And even when I'm old and gray, I'm gonna feel the way
I do today 'cause you make me feel so young!"

A Very Happy Valentine Day to the readers of our two Weblogs, to our students of dance, and to all the friends we've met through ballroom dancing...."'cause you make us feel so young!"
  Keep on Dancing and Much Aloha!
Frank & Lani

Mambo Jumbo

So why are Lani and I teaching MAMBO for IBDI this first term? For one thing, "It's the mother of nearly all Latin dances" said by one of the professional dancers on the TV's Dancing With The Stars; two: it's a fun and spicy partner dance with a lot of "move your body to the music" action; and three: it's my main squeeze's favorite dance. With all that said, here's a bit of history of Mambo by the author of  "Touch Dancing".










"During the 1940s, when Americans vacationed in Havana, (Cuba), they danced in the casinos and nightclubs to music created by Cuban and American bands. Inevitably the musicians from both countries jammed together and Afro-Cuban rumba rhythms were mixed with the big band jazz beat, creating what was called Mambo rhythm. The Cuban most responsible for creating the Mambo sound was Perez Prado, with his recording in the early forties of the Latin hit "Mambo Jumbo". An off-beat dance evolved to synchronize with the new music. The Mambo is still the most popular dance done to Salsa music, so it is well worth your effort to learn it."





  

Mambo Demo Update

Jan. 16th- USA Dance Presents a "Moment of Ballroom Awesomeness"

 A USA Dance Honolulu's Moment of Ballroom Awesomeness!

 (Submitted by Marie Laderta}

Come see for yourselves!

Attached is the official flyer from USA Dance, Honolulu Chapter regarding next week's moment of Ballroom Awesomeness in Hawaii, in the names of Kinsley Lin & Michele Yiu, a pair of competitive ballroom dancers from the Bay Area.

Those who have seen them dance tell me that this teen couple take ballroom to a new height, dancing, not only with traditional grace and elegance characteristic of ballroom, but with a brand new surge of energetic athleticism that folks like myself can only dream of.....
I can only resort to living vicariously through their dynamic performances into my next life...

For $15 (pre-sale w/a bento), you will get a presentation of eight dances, two of which will be "showdance" routines. A Special price for kindergarten to 12th graders at $10 without bento.

You can't get any better than that, education and entertainment. Come join us on Friday, January 16th @ the Ala Wai Palladium, for another of USA Dance Honolulu's "Moment of Ballroom Awesomeness" at a price you can afford!

Tickets & Inquiries:
Glenn Okazaki
USAD Honolulu, President
gokazaki@satoandassociates.com
(808) 428-1704

Anne Ho
USAD Honolulu, Special Events Coordinator
ahip1216@yahoo.com
(808) 225-0915

IBDI 2015 First Term Dance Classes

IBDI 2015 First Term starts on Monday January 5 about 6 PM with Registration for dance class(es), Free Open Dance, and Dance Demonstrations by First Term instructors. Lani and I will be demonstrating the MAMBO with a touch of Club style. See the poster for other dances and instructors on the schedule.

(Left click to zoom in)

Riding The "Gray Line Close To The "Big 90"

Joe "Pepe" Martel and Frank Sierra

It has been many moons since "Pepe" decided to go paperless from the long paper publishing of his "Dancing In The Dark" mini-magazine. Wow! It may have been eons when I look back and remember how much this pioneer has promoted social dancing in the islands through his mini-magazine for many years before I came on the scene to contribute some articles on ballroom dancing. Roger Izumigawa and Ruth Morgan were already on board and their articles were inspiring to me especially Roger's monthly "Tips For The Beginning Dancer". For me, writing an article and submitting a photo was not a heavy task. The heavy task was borne by "Pepe" since he had to compose the written articles and photos page by page for publication, take them to the publication facility (by bicycle), pick them up, staple the printed pages into mini-magazine, and distribute them at no cost to anybody but his own. I believe that he wanted to inspire people, through social media, to turn to ballroom dancing as a means of a healthy and fun recreation.

"Dancing In The Dark" mini-magazine changed hands from "Pepe" to me for a while and then back to "Pepe" when I decided to go on my own and open "The Dance Connection" and "That's Dancing". "Dancing In The Dark" on the Internet continued to survive until "Pepe" changed it to "Town Dancer" which drew more readers till today. Some of his contributing authors on dancing are good social dancers and awesome exhibition as well as competitive dancers. 

Keep up the good work, Pepe! Riding the "gray line close to the Big 90" even with your handicap hasn't slowed you down. Wishing you "Da Best" throughout this holiday season and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! from Lani and me.

The 6th Annual Divino Ritmo Dance Grand Ball

The ride from Hawaii Kai wasn't too bad except for the bumpy stretch on Kalanianaole Hwy from Hawaii Kai Drive to Aina Haina. But we got to the Sheraton Waikiki in good enough time. Outside the Ballroom, merchants of dance clothing and wares were present. And so were the presence of armed Gangsters on guard at the Ballroom entrance.  

 We were greeted by two guys with guns at the door to the Ballroom. They looked pretty tough with the heavy armaments but they were friendly enough to get a photo shot with them.

The lovely Dolls at the Reception Table checked Lani and me in and gave us our assigned table. They were heavily guarded by a couple of Gangsters.

Inside the Ballroom, the tables were beautifully decorated with a large bouquet of flowers as centerpiece, fine-tasting cookies in red bags, and little boxes of chocolate balls. What was eye-catching was the colorful "Speakeasy" deco on center stage.

Susan, Jenn, and Kris

Lani and I would like to thank our gracious hosts Paul and Marie Laderta for inviting us as their guests. We enjoyed the company of the people sitting at our table and the ono snacks Paul and Marie provided our table before dinner.



 Sitting at our table were:

Missing was Wes Numazu (getting ready for
the Showcase)

Bert and Candace

Sandy, Milette, and Rickie

The Music Player was Nick from StarPointe Productions. It was a crowded floor with every tune that he played. His fabulous collection of the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing, Cha Cha, Samba, Bolero, Tango, and Merengue kept the dance floor filled to capacity.

Master of Ceremony was the dynamic Justin Cruz from KHON2 TV. This was his 4th successful year as EmCee for Divino Ritmo Dance Annual Grand Ball & Showcase.  He kept the program running smoothly and I gotta say that he is a good motivator to get people to get off their seat and dance. I think he got everyone to raise their right hand and promise "to dance at least one dance tonight".

I was fortunate to get a closeup shot of Divino Ritmo Dance professional guests Artem Plakhotnyi and Inna Bertizyeva. They are the United Kingdom Open Intr. Standard Champions, USA Open Intr. Standard Finalists, and Blackpool Intr. Standard RS Champions & many more.
They performed three exciting dances in the Professional Show in Act 3.

Some of the cast members of the showcase went table-hopping in colorful Gangsters and Dolls fashion before the show.

More cast members went on stage to add to the 1920's "Speakeasy" deco. (You gotta left click on the photo to get a clear view of them).

Social dancing continued on, non-stop until it it was time for the Showcase of Dance performances. There were three Acts that comprised 24 performances including the Professional Show featuring Lucas Jaime & Yanna Samkova , and World Famous Artem Plakhotnyi & Inna Berlizyeva. There were additional performances by the cast of Keiki Dance Troupe, Teen Dancesport Team, DRD Formation Team, and DRD Novice Ensemble.

Stay tuned in for Acts 1, 2, and 3. As they say in Gangster Talk: "Stick around, kid, if you wanna see a blast!"

ACT ONE::

Act One opened with a "mouthpiece" accompanied by two gunmen. The "mouthpiece" spoke the Prelude in "gangster talk" and he sure sounded like the actors James Cagney or Edward G. Robinson of the 20's and 30's big screen movies.  

Mitzi Gold with Lucas Jaime performed the Night Club Two Step to "What A Wonderful World" This was her first time exhibition in a Divino Ritmo Dance Showcase.

   

Andy Jambaro with Yanna Samkova danced the Samba/Quickstep Medley to "Tico Tico". This was Andy's first Pro/Am solo and first time appearance in a Divino Ritmo Dance Showcase.

Connie Yi with Lucas Jaime performed Flamenco/Paso Doble to "La False Moneda".

Appearing in his 3rd Showcase with Divino Ritmo Dance was Edward Nishimura with Yanna Samkova. They performed the International /American Waltz to "Godfather". 

Mary D.Tom with Lucas Jaime danced the American Foxtrot/Swing Medley to "Sitting On Top Of The World". It was her 3rd showcase performance with Divino Ritmo Studio.

This was Wesley Numazu 4th solo performance with Divino Ritmo Dance. He danced the Quickstep with his teacher, Yanna Samkova to "Sunday".. 

Stacie Yoshinaga with Lucas Jaime danced the Waltz/Tango Medley to "Are You Lonesome Tonight".  It was her first time solo routine with her teacher, Mr. Jaime. 

Tom Tsurutani with Yanna Samkova performed the International Foxtrot/Jive Medley to ""The Silencers". It was Tom's first appearance in a Divino Ritmo Dance Showcase.

Edwin and Remy Brion had performed in the last four Divino Ritmo Dance Showcases. In this 5th appearance, these seasoned performers danced the Cha Cha to "Hey Daddy".

Former Beauty Queen Maria Handl with Lucas Jaime performed a "Charlie Chapin Medley"  that pictured some of the antics of the late comedian. It was an entertaining ending to ACT ONE.

It was INTERMISSION and time for more SOCIAL DANCING.

Please stay tuned for ACT TWO.

ACT TWO

Act Two opened with "Little Gangsters and Dolls" performed firstly by the Keiki Dance Troupe and then by the Teen Dancesport Team. Then it was followed by the Troupe and Team performing together. 

 The dancers of Keiki Dance Troupe are: Madison Divers, Brooklyn Divers, Bella Boyer, Kayleigh Banrag, Daniel Cabla, William Wolfsen, and Tristan Racpan  

The dancers of Teen Dancesport Team are: Soho Divers, Prita Sumukti, Riana Sakamaki, and Rommel Del Rio. 

  

The Divino Ritmo Dance Formation Team performed to "The Great Gatsby" choreographed and coached by Yanna Samkova.. The dancers are Paul and Marie Laderta, Rolando and Gloria Padasdao, Tom Collins and Beverly Mau, Edward Nishimura and Tessie Cabral, Patrick Norman and Lori Zia. 

Shervelle Bergholz with Lucas Jaime danced Theatrical Argentine Tango to "What Lola Wants".

 

Tomo Sasakawa with Yanna Samkova performed International Cha Cha to "Listen To My Rhythm"

Noreen Ho with Lucas Jaime danced International/American Foxtrot to "Fever".

Rommel Del Rio with Yanna Samkova danced International Cha Cha to ""Swagger".

Bella Boyer with Lucas Jaime performed Swing/Cha Cha Medley to "Shirl;ey Temple".

David Easa with Yanna Samkova performed Foxtrot Medley to "Razzle Dazzle".

Maria Handl with Lucas Jaime danced Theatrical Bolero to "Smile".

  

Rolando and Gloria Padasdao danced International Latin Medley to Bonnie and Clyde".

Paul and Marie Laderta with Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova performed a foursome Peabody/Foxtrot medley to "Don't Bring Lulu".

 Stay tuned for the Professional Show by Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova accompanied by DRD Novice Ensemble and featuring World Famous Guests Artists Artem Plakhotnyi and Inna Berlizyeva

AWARDS CEREMONY:


Cast members with Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova

Mitzi Gold

Andy Jambaro

Connie Yi

Edward Nishimura

Mary D, Tom

Tom Tsurutani

Stacie Yashinaga

Edwin and Remy Brion

Wesley Numazu

Tomo Sasakawa

Bella Boyer

Rommel Del Rio

Shervelle Bergholz

Noreen Ho

Gloria and Rolando Padasdao

David Easa

Maria Handl

Marie Laderta

Paul Laderta

Divino Ritmo Dance Formation Team

Divino Ritmo Dance Teen Dancesport Team

Divino Ritmo Dance Keiki Dance Troupe

 ACT THREE: The Professional Show

After the Awards Ceremony and a spell of social dancing, the DRD Novice Ensemble came on the dance floor like gangbusters with an arsenal of dance routines.

                       Professional Performance Showcase

Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova dance a spectacular Theatrical Medley

Artem Plakhotnyi and Inna Berlizyeva danced the International Samba that had so much class and speed.

The DRD Novice Ensemble took the dance floor with more dance routines including their rendition of the Village People to the tune "YMCA". 

 \

Artem Plakhotnyi and Inna Berlizyeva second dance was the beautiful International Waltz.

Their third dance was the striking International Tango.

DRD Novice Ensemble: Robert Hotsen, Gary Hsu, Jones Valenzuela, Tomo Sasakawa, Sam Teves, Scott Higgins, Michael Tipton, Joshua Sevelino, Victor Dias, and Chas Kenessey.

DRD Novice Ensemble: Soho Divers, Gwendolyn Arbaugh, Stacie Yoshinaga, Shannon Deweese, Yumi Hl, Taylor Witter, Tiera Ashley, Malia Wong, and Karin Bugarin.

Lucas Jaime, Inna Berlizyeva, Artem Plakhotnyi, and Yanna Samkova.

Thus ended the journey back to the era of the Roaring 20's; the "Crazy Years" of social, artistic and culture dynamism, glamour, music and beauty of dance. 

All pau fo' now but as my main squeeze Lani mentioned earlier, "if you want to catch a piece of all the action, you can order a DVD at yannajs@gmail.com or phone 808-200-5540".