When Lani and I arrived at the Hale Ikena, there was a long line of dancers ordering their dinner of the night's special Mongolian Steak in any way you wanted it prepared. Everyone in line paid for their dinner and waited to be served at their table; almost like a combination of Buffet and Fine Dining and it worked well for all concerned. As for Lani and me and maybe for a few other light eaters, an onolicious Rueben sandwich with fries is adequate for our appetite being that the sandwich was large enough for two. We were seated at a table with a friendly bunch; some were friends and others were faces we had never met before but everyone got into the social conversation.
A few dancers got on the nice dance floor while others were putting a finishing touch to their entree and dessert. The music DeeJays were Henry and JoAnn Rimas who we met at the Las Vegas Extravaganza last month. They played good danceable music that put more dancers on the dance floor and soon it became a crowded affair. Even the DeeJays got to dancing, too.
During the intermission, our host Richard and Lynn introduced the dance instructors who taught during the previous session Tuesday and Thursday night dance classes, Unfortunately, Andy and Monica Pascua who taught the American style Cha Cha were not present to be recognized because of the death of a family member. New instructors for the next session were introduced for the Waltz and Swing Hustle; respectively Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu, and Joshua Manzano & Stephanie Shimizu. Also high lighted were Elsie McGrew and Joshua who will teach on Wednesday night Line Dancing followed by NightClub 2 Step by Joshua and Stephanie. Lani and I were introduced as assisting in the Tuesday night class. Social dancing continued until the break for Showtime.
To gear up for the next session, Joshua and Stephanie danced an impromptu demo of the Swing Hustle, Lani and I think they did pretty good considering it wasn't choreographed and was put on at the spur of the moment.
The Argentine Tango danced by Robert and Vanelle was also a spur of the moment thing but they demonstrated the dance very well too.
The finale was the International QuickStep by the IBDI Formation Dance Team choreographed by Richard and Lynn. It was like dejavu. The QuickStep was danced at the Las Vegas Extravaganza and again it was perfectly done last night. Team performers were Larry Arinaga & Candace Yap, Edward & Candy Matsuda, Richard & Lynn Nakamura, and Roy & Marsha Ninomiya.
More social dancing continued and the dance floor got crowded to the max. It was an enjoyable evening of socializing and dancing, with a colorful and welcomed showcase.
