It was a big shindig for the second to the end of year celebration for IBDI (next bigger than big shindig is the New Year's Dance on the 31st at the Pacific Beach Hotel). My main girl Lani and I picked up our tickets (prepaid) at the reception table, thanks to the coordination between Marsha and Dance Hawaii Prez Maurice and of course the workings of cyberspace.
While we were waiting to get into the Ballroom it was a good time to pick up our bentos. Again I say you gotta give those bento servers a pat on the back. They stayed on their post while others are dancing in the Ballroom.
Extend those kudos to the greeters at the door and the Reception Table, the hard-working gals in the Kitchen, and the DeeJays.
Special recognition went to Herbert Omizo and Annie Fergeson for selling the most tickets to this event. Most recognizable at any dance venue is Grace Nohara...first she's at the door with greeter Steven Sambrano and quick as a flash she's in the kitchen with the other helpers.
Also being recognized were behind-the-scene supporters of IBDI Edith Kanetake, Ki Wun of Dance Fever Oahu, and IBDI NewsLetter Editor Nancy Shen.
General Social Dancing continued till about 8 bells when Prez Christopher Jay who also was the EmCee of the evening opened the program with a welcome message and introduced the presidents of the various dance organizations who were in attendance. Somewhere along the timeline, lucky numbers for door prizes were called...red tickets for the ladies and blue tickets for the guys till it merged for the grand prize of big bucks which went to a lucky lady.
The Dance Exhibition Program started with a sizzling Samba by Ed and Charlotte Bugarin from Friends of the Ala Wai. If you can merge sexy and sensuous with the speed of action, I gotta say this dynamic duo had thrilled the audience last night.
Dance Hawaii's Richard and Lynn Nakamura kept the pulse going with a Medley of the International Waltz and Tango. Better known in Lani's and my book as Mr.& Mrs. Quickstep, Richard and Lynn danced with finnese and excellent control in this medley as they floated around the entire ballroom floor....very enjoyable performance.
Introduced as (visiting) Professional Dancers, Jun Lim and Sharon Liu showcased a beautiful International Waltz. Their lines, posture,and footwork in the Waltz as they too covered the entire dance floor was the makings of Professional Dancers...one that was enjoyable to watch also.
Sergio and Renna Villanueva of Dance Appeal have always thrilled audiences with their showcases of group formation and solo exhibitions. You can count last night's performance of the Night Club 2 Step Group Formation in that realm. Very well performed by Robert & Rosy Schiff, Ted & Lyn Sodaria, Kona Mann & Faith Villanueva, and Sergio & Renna Villanueva.
Dance Appeal continued with solo dance exhibitions with the Jive by Ikaika Villanueva & Kailana Reese, the Swing by Sergio Villanueva & Rosy Thomas, and the Merengue by Ikaika Villanueva & Kyla Mann. The dances were well choreographed by Sergio and Renna and it was good to see young dancers appearing in the Dance Appeal showcase.
Social Dancing resumed while refreshments were served on the lanai. Looking at the large number of dancers at this IBDI Christmas Dance, I predict that Prez Christopher Jay and his capable staff will be zooming for higher heights in membership and promoting and teaching Ballroom Dancing in 2011. As a reminder, IBDI has one more dance to conclude this year at their New Year's Dance on December 31st.
IBDI has been a big monetary supporter to maintain and improve the Palladium. Thanks to IBDI Editor Nancy Shen for sending a copy of the IBDI NewsLetter for this month. It sheds light on some important issues...please read on......
(Left click on photos and graphics to zoom in)
