Joann Yasuko Presents

This past Saturday (10/23) was probably the first time Lani and I attended Joann Yasuko Dance Extravaganza at the Palladium. We were surprised that a Big Time event such as this one had the use of half of the Ballroom. Big Time events bring in Big Crowds and last night was no exception. An estmated 300 dancers came to celebrate Joann's Annual Dance. There were seven dance exhibitions mostly from the Star Dancers Club. They were well disciplined and entertaining. But first things first. EmCee of the evening was Kay Yahiku (this gal sure gets around. She's been EmCeeing for other dance clubs, too at the Palladium and at the Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom). Sweet, and diminutive in stature but she's got a lot of punch in her voice. Presidents of the various dance clubs who attended were introduced and welcomed. Joann took over the mike and welcomed everyone with a short speech. She was beautifully dressed and a lot prettier now than when we first met many years ago while Lani and I were doing the exhibition circuit on the same card. The DeeJay for this event was Ron Fitch. He has a good selection of dance music and the abbreviated two minute scores are a plus for any crowded dance floor. During the early part of the evening, the sound system was not up to par...not enough oomps! However, it came to life when the dance exhibitions started and remained on par throughout the evening till closing.



(Left click on photo to zoom in)

THE DANCE EXHIBITIONS

Wayne Haraga and Katie Nakamura opened this segment of the program with a Medley. A little star-gazing telescope prop added to the story. Nice touch. They also closed the program with a Romantic Rumba that showed passion of the dance. Both dances were performed very well with good measures of lifts and dips.


Lester and Henrietta Marumoto followed with their rendition of a Medley. Now this couple has been on the solo as well as the formation exhibition circuit for as long as Lani and I were doing our stint at HBDA...Lester and Henrietta were there also. It was upbuilding to see them performing in this showcase and looking as good as ever.


James and Annie Kwong danced the Medley. It resembled the Quick Step and it was performed very well with some patterns that I've never seen before in this genre. A wonderful performance by James and Annie.


Derrick and Keiko Oh danced a dramatic Medley. This was entertainment with a touch of eastern martial arts, lifts, and a lot of Tango passion. The performance was an eye-popper from start to finish and it brought a lot of applauses for Derrick and Keiko. A very enjoyable performance with unique moves.


This young couple who Lani and I dubbed Mr. and Mrs Quick Step showed a lot of finesse in the Foxtrot/Tango Medley. Both are excellent showcase performers and can cover a spectrum of dances. They proved this as being the only couple who competed in all 9 dances at the recent USA Dance Mock Competition in September. Always a crowd pleaser.


What can I say about this dynamic couple who have thrilled audiences every time they performed in a showcase. The International Cha Cha they showcased was dynamite with caliente movimiento. Mucho gusto to watch.


It was a enjoyable evening of social dancing, socializing with friends, and a classy showcase of dance exhibition. Oh..I mustn't forget the refreshments. Henrietta Marumoto put together the delicious fresh veggie chicken salad and baked the ono fruit cake squares. With the large serving, I don't think anyone went home hungry.