The doors opened at 5:30 but the "happy juice" well wasn't gonna be serving the hard stuff until 6 bells. But es alright cause we got to bump fist with some guys and got some good hugs from the gals who we know from long time back.
Dana Morey was at the Reception Table by herself but she's one akamai chick. No need ID card 'cause she can spark you fo' face recognition and can tell you your assigned table number and no forget to get your parking ticket validated in one breath. Soon after, the two regular lovelies Shirley and Delia came to assist Dana.
At the entrance to the ballroom were guy-greeters all dressed up and real spiffy. Just happen to corner two of them for a photo shot. I couldn't lasso the third guy cause he was busy showing guest to their table. Gonna have to corral Roy Ninomiya next time.
I was glad to see Henry Lee and Jane spinning the music disc. For a big time Golden Anniversary, the dance music gotta be golden, too, and the team of Henry and Jane are just the right DeeJays to mix the right kine of magic to get everyone on the floor to dance. And that they did even before the ice-breaker "SnowBall Dance" and after.
The EmCee for the evening was Kay Yahiku, a gal with so much energy and totally akamai in keeping the program running smoothly like a well greased wheel. So much enthusiasm in a small package that you can't help loving her and her masterful style.
Invocation was said by Renna Villanueva, IBDI's Dance Director and 2nd Vice Prez. Her choice of words in the prayer was very touching and inspiring. She didn't leave any stones unturned as she made known and expressed wholehearted thankfulness to all who made IBDI an enormous success throughout the 50 years...the officers, the volunteer dance instructors, the students, the reception people, the kitchen helpers and the list went on. You gotta love this dynamic gal,. too.
It was grindz time but the dancing continued for those waiting to be called to the buffet line, and during dinner and after dinner.
At about 7:50, IBDI Prez Chistopher Jay took to the mike and gave the President's Welcome Speech. Not a common kine of speech but a historical one....the 50 year history of IBDI with a touch of personal history concerning Christopher and his lovely wife Charlene start into ballroom dancing.
Four past Presidents of IBDI who attended this golden event were honored and recognized...Paul Araki (1985-1986), James Yee (1987-1988), Harold Kaneshiro (1992), and William Kam (1993-1994).
Representatives of the various dance organizations and professional dance studios were introduced by the EmCee and there were many. I was able to get shots of those who were seated near our table......Al Franz, and Debby Borges Barboza.
More spectacular showing tonight as IBDI continues their 50th Anniversary at the Palladium.
Stay tune for SHOWTIME PART 1 with the Professional/Amateur Demonstration and SHOWTIME Part 2 with all Professional Dance Exhibition...........
