A 15-minute break for more general dancing and the sellout event brought more dancers to the dance floor. The Gonzales Band dance music with vocals was golden and non-stop like each tune was stitched to the next song. I recognized some of the songs that are on the Gonzales Classics of Hawaii music CD. (If you're one of the lucky ones to own this gem, then you are lucky).
The Divino Ritmo Dance Company opened Act Two with a Special Presentation of a Swing Medley with a mixture of Broadway. It was a terrific treat performed very explosively by a foursome from a professional dance studio that wowed the audience.
Professional Lucas Jaime and Noreen Ho put on a dazzling show in their performance of the International Cha Cha. It was radiant...a hot number that was brilliantly performed.
The new dance organization Dance Magic 808 Founders Richard and Lynn Nakamura entertained the audience with a fast and furious Quick Step that delighted the audience. It was dynamic and well executed.
Edwin and Matilda Felix added a new twist to their International Waltz performance. Not often do International dancers dance apart in the Standards, so this small change made their performance appealing and very enjoyable to watch.
The International Tango Show by Professional Lucas Jaime and Jun Nishioka had so much fire, fury, and passion that I gotta add ecstasy to this number. It was a very enjoyable performance.
A Special Guest Presentation of Hip Hop/Jazz by youngster Noah McConnell might be the beginning of including Street Dancing into Exhibition Showcases in the future. Noah who hails from 24/7 DanceForce did well on his debut.
Cole Horibe with Professional Yanna Samkova closed the showcase with their International Rumba Show. Far from the cry of their previous fantastic exhibition of the fast moving Paso Doble, tonight's performance was intriguing, passionate, and filled with a high level of showmanship and beautiful lines.
More general dancing continued till the stroke of midnight and a "funtastik" and successful event came to an end for this year's Bantay Bata.
Much credit go to the Officers, the Program Committee, and all those who were a helping hand in this event. Maraming salamat! Paul Laderta, who helped with the decoration of the Ballroom, the beautiful name cards on each table, and the Centerpieces, your artistry is the greatest. (The announcement came a bit too late that the Centerpieces were not to be taken home). Also kudos to all the Exhibition Dance performers and to Divino Ritmo Dance Studio for showcasing Professionals Yanna Samkova and Lucas Jaime.
