Hot To Trot With The Cha Cha Cha

To our students,

Yeah! TS Flossie did a number on IBDI dance classes last Monday that caused the mayor to close down the Palladium. But all was not lost. It gave my main squeeze Lani and myself time to do other things that needed catching up and also dig into some juicey info about the Hot Cha-Cha-Cha and hanging out with "just musing". So here's what I dugged up from my library as written by the author of "Touch Dancing".

"The Cha-Cha is really a spinoff of the Mambo, which is itself a derivative of the Rumba. When the Mambo evolved from the Rumba in the 1940s, many Americans and Europeans vacationing in Havana (Cuba) had a hard time trying to dance to the racy tempo and off-beat rhythm. To accomodate the dancers, Latin-American bands slowed down the Mambo tempo from 50 to 30 bars per minute, but kept the triple Mambo staccato rhythm. In this slower version, dancers took two slow steps on the beat, followed by three steps in quick succession. Musicians would call out "cha-cha-cha" on the quickies. The heavy hip wiggles were modified to a subtle sway, and the whole affair became much more manageable for ballroom dancers. The Cha-Cha-Cha has enjoyed popularity from the 1950s right up to the present, and you occassionally see variations of it on a disco floor".

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Lani and I were doing the showcase circuit for HBDA and IBDC (now IBDI), we danced the Cha-Cha that was choreographed and tagged "Disco Cha-Cha" by our professional instructor Carmelo Baysa. It was a mighty fun dance with variations of disco steps fusioned with Cha-Cha patterns. (There's that word again). That was then and maybe now it's called Night Club Cha-Cha. But whatever the call is, the Cha-Cha-Cha is a fun dance with a lot of freedom to "innovate and create a few of your own Cha-Cha patterns in closed, break, and free-style positions". As the catchy tune go, ""the rhythm will get you!"

Hang Loose and Lani and I will see you this coming Monday at the Palladium for IBDI first 4th Term dance class on the Cha-Cha-Cha.

Just Musing

WOW! It's been many moons since I last submitted an article to be published in Joe Martel's mini-dance magazine called "Dancing In The Dark". Yeah! that was a spell back in the late 90's and early 2000's. But at a recent dance at the Palladium, a DeeJay asked me "What's the difference between the American Style and International Style of dancing?" He said that he had read my article on that subject in the mini-magazine. Nice to know that the treasured mini-mag is still hanging around and still have some useful info for those who want to know the  difference between the International Style and American Style of dancing. For those who are interested in the difference, here's Dance Vision's answer as written in their FAQ 2005:

The American style is most popular in the United States, whereas the International style, which is also known as the English style, is danced throughout the rest of the world. The American Style Smooth dances, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz, experience more freedom and expression. They may be danced in closed or open position, allowing for additional innovative tricks and creative arm and hand styling. The International Style Standard Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz are danced only in closed position. The technique for both styles is similar. The American Style Rhythm dances, which are Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Samba, Mambo, Bolero,and Merengue, have a greater variety of patterns, and are more suited for social dancing. The International Style Latin Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive are more disciplined and technical. The technique is different between the styles and changes throughout the years. American Style dancing has always been more popular for social dancing in the United States.

So there you have it from an authority who's Teaching The World To Dance. And technique have changed throughout the years. I think Pepe (Joe Martel) hit da nail on da head when he coined the phrase "fusion dancing" some years back in his Weblog. I noticed that "Dancing With The Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" no longer uses the term American Style and International Style in their TV shows. It's just Foxtrot or Waltz or Tango, or  Rumba or Cha Cha, etc. (except when a country's name is hooked on like Argentine Tango and Viennese Waltz).  I think the fusion of the two styles  have brought more excitement with dynamic moves, and entertainment with sparkles and power in the showcases. But then, I'm just musing.

2013 IBDI 3rd Term Student Party and Dance

The IBDI 3rd Term dance classes are all pau for now and it was time to party and dance this past Monday at the Palladium. It was also a time for the students to shine by dancing the course they had accomplished during the past seven weeks, and for the dance instructors to demonstrate what they will be teaching during the 4th Term. Lani and I got off with a late start to the Palladium but in plenty of time to pick up our prepaid bento. As a pleasant usual Our Gal Dana Morey was at the Reception Table with her captivating smile.  The guys and gals serving out the bento were all smiles, too and presented a welcome sight.

Not too many dancers on the dance floor but the swinging tune "Rock Aound The Clock" soon got many of them rocking. Got me rocking too with the evening's DeeJay Joella. Nonstop dancing continued till IBDI Prez Chris Jay took to the mike and made a brief announcement of the IBDI 52nd Anniversary Ball on August 17, and Dance Magic 808 2nd Anniversary Ball on August 9.  Then it was time for the students to shine.

First were the students from the Mambo class.
  Instructors: Frank and Lani Sierra.

Second were the students from the International Samba II class.
Instructors: Jimmy and Mae Matsumoto.

Third were students from the International Tango I class.
Instructors: Ernie and Karen Choy.

Fourth were students from the West Coast Swing class.
Instructor: Carolyn Noah.

Fifth were students from the International Quickstep class.
Instructors: Richard and Lynn Nakamura.

And sixth were students from the American Tango II class.
Instructor: Jim Prado.

It was a good showing by all the students.

The 4th Term Dance Classes registration starts on Monday August 22 at the Palladium. During that same evening IBDI is hosting a West Coast Swing Workshop with Debbie Borges (please surf to my other Weblog "That's Dancing" for more info).  The 4th Term dance classes will start on Monday August 29 at the Palladium. Here's the lineup:

International Rumba I with George Suetsugu.

International Tango II with Ernie and Karen Choy.

International Foxtrot I-II with Ed and Matilda Felix.

American Cha Cha I with Frank and Lani Sierra.

Argentine Tango I-II with Robert and Vanelle Hirayasu.


American Waltz I with Jim Prado. 





Door Prizes were given to lucky ticket holders. Then Prez Chris Jay called everyone to the dance floor to participate in the Wild, Wild West Line Dance. Leading the pack were IBDI Prez Chris and Charlene Jay. Social dancing continued till closing.

Learning To Dance The Mambo

Lani and I think that we connected well with our students in the Mambo dance class last night at the Palladium. Putting aside the Basic Steps that Dean and Jennifer reviewed last Monday during our absence, we got into the Crossover Breaks with Quick UAT ending, and Open Break with Slow UAT ending. It was great that the students picked up the patterns quickly and were able to execute them first without music and then with music. But the learning had just begun when it came to dancing with passion. As with all our previous dance classes, Lani and I always emphasize that the dancer is a live person and all dance movements has to show with life of the whole body in order to taste the flavor and feel the passion of the dance. There's a saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words".  Compare the two couples in the pictures dancing the same figure and you'll know what I mean.  

Broken Watermain, Horrendous Traffic Gridlock, and A Big Mahalo

It was Monday night and Lani and I were looking forward to continue sharing our knowledge of the Mambo with our students at the IBDI dance class. It was a long stretch since we last met because of the Memorial Day holiday last Monday. On the way, we hit smack into a wall of cars heading west on K Highway. It was almost like deja vu back in the '80s  when the K Highway was in construction from a two lane to four lanes and the H-One was being built. So it wasn't likely that Lani and I were going to make it in time for our dance class at the Palladium. Fortunately, our son Dean is in our dance class and our assistants Kathy Uehara and Beverly Mau, and our music player Harold Kaneshiro have been very reliable. So this is not about the broken watermain on the K Highway at Aina Haina and the horrendous traffic gridlock. It's about appreciating our corp of dance assistants and music player that helped keeping the dance class going during our absence. Our special thank you to all of you and especially to our son Dean and his dance partner Jennifer Ryan who took hold of the class and led the class in the review of the Mambo steps.

IBDI Opens 3rd Term Dance Classes

IBDI opened their 3rd Term dance classes this past Monday at the Palladium. Lani and I got to the Palladium a little before 7 PM...a bit early for our Mambo class but gave us time to checkout Jimmy and Mae Matsumoto's International Samba II, and Ernie and Karen Choy's International Tango I. Both classes were in full swing with a good number of students. Our Mambo class started at 7:20 at the Ewa Ballroom and we were assisted by Kathy Uehara and Beverly Mau with music player Harold Kaneshiro. Lani and I weren't sure how the Mambo will appeal to the students since its close cousin the Salsa has been riding the waves for a long time. Much to our surprise, the Mambo drew a good number of students. In the Diamond Head Ballroom were Richard and Lynn Nakamura's Quickstep I and II. They had a good number of students also. After our Mambo class, Carolyn Noah's West Coast Swing took over the Ewa Ballroom, and Jim Prado's American Tango II occupied the Diamond Head Ballroom. Their classes drew a lot of students also. Next Monday is a holiday....so no dance classes till June 3rd. Prez Chris Jay sez... registration for dance classes is still open.

Friday, May 24, 2013 is Dance Magic 808′s palladium dance. We have the full ballroom and it’s free for members. Non-members would be charged $5.00. Our dances are a lot of fun. You’ll be able to practice the dances that you are learning and be able to just social dance. Dance is from 6pm – 9:30pm.

IBDI Student Party & Dance

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It wasn't a "Hot to Trot" scene when Lani and I got to the Palladium for the end of term IBDI Student Party and Dance. I guess we were a bit early. Picked up our bento but decided not to tackle it there. Small crowd became a larger crowd. It was heartwarming to see our Night Club 2 Step students in attendance and all set to demonstrate what they had learned during this term. Students from the other dance classes: American Tango, International Rumba, International Samba, International Cha Cha, and International Foxtrot were there to demo their dances, too.  I thought all the sudents of each class showed confidence and dance very well. After the students demo, lucky ticket numbers were called for door prizes. EmCee for the evening was Prez Chris Jay who was assisted by wife Charlene in passing out the door prizes.  Music players were JoElla and Harold. Many thanks to both of them who played the music throughout our Night Club 2 Step class.

 



Then it was time for the dance instructors to demonstrate the dances for the 3rd Term. Good demonstration by the instructors and a good balance of American style and International style that is offerred. Lani and I are looking forward to sharing our knowledge of the Mambo during the second period. Welcome to newcomers who have joined the instructors staff for this 3rd Term: Richard and Lynn Nakamura from Dance Magic 808, and Carolyn Noah Line Dance ETC. Please surf to my other Weblog: www.localstyle.blogspot.com for the line up of dance classes. Next week Monday is Registration night  for the 3rd Term. There will be general dancing at the Ewa Ballroom, and a Dance Movement Workshop at the Diamond Head Ballroom.



                                      Before closing, Richard and Lynn Nakamura led the

 students and guests in the Wild, Wild West Line Dance.

Aiea Ballroom Dance Association 58th Anniversary Ball



"Got presale ticket, you got a bento". These are the first line of volunteers with a smile when Lani and I got the top of the stairs.

DeeJay for the evening was Bert Burgess who played his best selection of dance music.

Kay Yahiku was the EmCee who kept the program running smoothly...organizing the "snowball" dance, calling out the ticket numbers for door prizes, and introducing the dance exhibition performers with a touch of bio. 

Annie Ferguson is no stranger to the numerous dance organizations on Oahu. She is recognized and honored by Prez Deanie Bates for bringing more dancers to the "Ball" by ticket sales.

Aiea Ballroom Dance Association Prez Deanie Bates welcomed everyone to the Anniversery Ball.

Entertaining the audience were Brett and Jenny Griswold with their exciting Argentine Tango.

The Aiea Ballroom Dance Association 58th Anniversary Ball was probably the first time in many moons that my main squeeze Lani and I have attended this club's event. Thanks to our friend Roxanne who held pre-sale tickets for us so we could savor  the onolicious bento that came with the admission.

I try not to do too much yard work on a dance night but this time I think I over did it 'cause that walk up to the 2nd floor of the Palladium was like climbing up the hundred steps da kine they have in China. And I knew it wasn't gonna be a night of dancing my you know what OFF. Thanks to DeeJay Bert for playing those International slow tempo music 'cause in my case that night...the spirit was willing but the body was not ready to burn the floor. Only thing missing was not having more than one Night Club 2 Step music but "The Lady In Red" was a good start.

That small package dynamo Kay Yahiku (and I say it with true respect) had got a good handle on the EmCee job. She didn't stick to the podium throughout the program. Instead she went from one end of the ballroom to the other recruiting couples to start the "snowball" dance. And she was very successful in getting more than a dozen couples (including Lani and me) to participate. As I wrote in previous blogs..."when Kay Yahiku speaks, everyone listens". So when she said, "please put away your chair before you leave", everyone did so. Me, too after savoring the delicious pastry at refreshment time..

Multiple door prizes were issued out to the lucky ticket holders and there was time for refreshments,

For the dance exhibition part of the program, professionals Brett and Jennifer Griswold danced two numbers of the Argentine Tango with different variations. The performance was enjoyable to watch 'cause they danced from one end of the ballroom to the other.  That sure gave everyone a chance to see the dynamic technique of the Argentine Tango.  EmCee Kay Yahiku wrote me that Brett and Jennifer specializes in teaching Argentine Tango to the absolute beginners, and you can catch them teaching an open level class on Sundays from 1 to 2PM at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Kapiolani Blvd.

Aiea Ballroom Dance Association had a huge attendance that night at the "Ball". No big showcase but the ballroom was filled with dancers three rows deep. Was it because of Annie's hustle of presale tickets? Or was it Bert's selection of dance music? Or was it the friendliness of Prez Deanie Bates and members of the Aiea Ballroom Dance Association? Or was it the showcase that featured new faces? Whatever the magic, there were a lot of  happy dancers at the Aiea Ballroom Dance Association 58th Anniversay Ball.

Dat's it fo' now.





 



 

 

 

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Shake, Rattle & Roll @The Nifty Oldies Bash Sock Hop

Aloha Dancers,

(Left click to zoom in)

Another Oldies Bash Sock Hop is gearing up for this year. If you're a "senior teenager" or a product of the 50s/60s and 70s and long to go back in time to the good oldies years, then surf to my Weblog: www.localstyle.blogspot.com (That's Dancing).

Lani and I have attended the Bash the past three years and have enjoyed the music, the dancing, the show, the deco of the 50s/60s and 70s, the buffet, and meeting new and familiar faces. It's a Fun-fest and a Blast into the past.

Keep on dancing,

Frank

Kessler & Company Presents Broadway Revival



Kessler and Company Presents Broadway Revival played at the Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom last Friday and what a show it was featuring Mr. Kessler's students, students from the Koko Head Dance Studio, a couple from Dream To Dance Studio, and a couple from the Hawaii Gardenia Circle dance organization. Only two professional dance teachers graced this Revival.....Mr. Kessler, and Joe Shorba. It was a fresh treat to watch performances done by dancers at the amateur level. Lani and I had heard through the grapevine that Mr. Kessler always puts on very entertaining showcases. So this was our first time at Mr. Kessler's dinner, dance, and showcase.

 

Lani and I got to the Pacific Beach Hotel about 5:30PM. The Grand Ballroom doors were already open and sitted at the Reception Table to welcome guests were the mother and daughter team of Millie and Diana.

 









A few dancers were already on the dance floor as we entered the ballroom.  As usual, my main squeeze couldn't let a good Rumba music go by without us getting into the mix. After the Rumba more sweet and mellow music echoed throughout the ballroom played by DeeJays Nicholas, Nick, and Willy from Starpoint Productions. My girl was in the mood and I felt that it was gonna be another weekend of Dance My A** Off.

The ballroom was beautifully decorated with a rainbow like arch of the event's theme "Broadway Revival" hovering over the centerstage. Each of the tables had strings of colorful balloons anchoring a large star shape mylar balloon as a centerpiece.. 

 

Lady EmCee was Shari Berinobis, a gal with a delightful personality who kept the program and nonprogram part of the Revival running smoothly and on track. She also said the invocation before the buffet
and also handled the calling of lucky ticket numbers for door prizes.

There were three Acts in the Broadway Revival Showcase and before the first Act started, EmCee Shari called all the performers to the dance floor. All nineteen performers paraded around the perimeter of the ballroom floor......what a colorful and impressive sight!

 

ACT ONE. 

 

The FOXTROT to the music "YOU & ME"

from VICTORIA VICTORIA featured

Sharon Wong and Mr. Kessler.



 

       From Koko Head Dance Studio the TANGO

       was danced by Jeannette Mitobe and Joe Shorba,

       Owner and Director of the Koko Head Dance Studio. .

 

 

The BOLERO to the music "BALI HAI" from

SOUTH PACIFIC featured Fukami Thompson

and Mr. Kessler. 

.

Amber Dubois and Mr. Kessler danced the

RUMBA to the music "LAST NIGHT of the

WORLD" from MISS SAIGON.

 

From the Koko Head Dance Studio, Tessi

Cabral and Kenji Iwasa danced the SAMBA.

 

 

                   From Dream To Dance Studio, Veronica Munez

                  and Vince Debina danced the NIGHT CLUB 2

                  STEP-SAMBA Medley.

 

A short intermission followed for the call  of lucky numbers for door prizes.

ACT TWO

The WALTZ to the music "BAUBLES, BANGLES,

and BEADS" from KISS ME KATE was danced

by Sharon Wong and Mr. Kessler.



.

From Hawaii Gardenia Circle, Dr. Nancy Luckie

and Ivan John danced the TANGO with variations

from other popular TANGO styles.

 

The BOLERO to the music "I'VE GROWN
ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE" from

MY FAIR LADY was danced by DEE DEVERS

and Mr. Kessler. 

.

The SAMBA to the music "DANCING QUEEN"

from MAMA MIA was danced by Amber Dubois

and Mr. Kessler.

 

The CHA CHA to the music of "HOUND DOG"

from SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE was danced by

Patty and Mark Dela Cruz.

The VIENNESE WALTZ to the music "CAROUSEL

WALTZ" from CAROUSEL was danced by

Debbie Nobler and Mr. Kessler.

A short intermission followed  while more lucky numbers were called for door prizes.
 

ACT THREE

The TANGO to the music "TANGO MAUREEN"

from RENT was danced by Debbie Nobler and

Mr. Kessler.

 

From Koko Head Dance Studio, Ellen Ostler

and Professional Joe Shorba danced the TANGO.

 

The WALTZ to the music "CRAZY WORLD"

from VICTORIA VICTORIA was danced by

Fukami Thompson and Mr. Kessler.

.

 

The TANGO to the music "PHANTOM of

the OPERA" from PHANTOM of the OPERA

was danced by April Patricio and Mr. Kessler.



 

At the Finale, Robert Timosko and Mr. Kessler

      danced the FOXTROT to the music

"UNTIL NOW" from CAMILLE.

Trophy Awards were presented to the participants of the Broadway Revival Showcase at the conclusion of the program.

Then a large cake was wheeled onto the dance floor to celebrate Robert's birthday, and the anniversary for Robert and Mr. Kesler.

General dancing continued on but the Electric Slide brought even more dancers onto the hardwood floor. Then the Korean Gingham Line Dance followed that kept most of the line dancers on the floor.

 More general dancing continued on but for two senior teenagers, it was time for Lani and me to leave the fantasyland of Broadway and the wonderful and very entertaining showcase. One thing fo' sure, we enjoyed every bit of the Broadway Revival Showcase, the fantastic performing dancers, and the Broadway musical scores. Mr. Kessler's "MASQUERADE BALL" will be on October 25 and it's one that we won't miss.

(Left click on photo to zoom in)