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