IBDI Happy Fathers Day Dance

IBDI 2017 3rd Term Dance Classes

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Ilima Ballroom Dance Club 34th Anniversary Dance

WOW! what a huge turn out at the Ilima Ballroom Dance Club 34th Anniversary Dance at the Palladium this past Saturday. It was nearly SRO (standing room only) but my main girl and I were able to find a couple of chairs on the chair rack (lucky for us late comers at 7 o'clock). Climbing up those stairs to the second floor was a chore after working on some heavy stuff earlier at home but we were greeted with a friendly smile and handshake from James Matsumoto at the entrance to the ballroom.

We checked in at the Reception Table and we were greeted by Joanne Rimas who had invited Lani and me as her guests to this event. Thank you, Joanne. Before I go any further, this blog may not identify all the persons in the attached photos. (It's because I didn't bring any paper and pencil to record their names. AUWE!). Yeah, I know. I deserve 40 lashes. But please bear with me on this one.

The Lovelies at the Reception Table Joanne Rimas and friend.

Bento was served to those who came with Pre-sale Tickets

 

Ilima Ballroom Dance Club President Dianne Wong and the Music Man Walter Wong

The EmCee for the evening was Roger Izumigawa who spoke about the history of Ilima Dance Club, introduced VIP guests from various dance organizations, and also the professional dance teachers from various dance studios.. He introduced the President of the Ilima Dance Club, Dianne Wong, who said a Welcome Message with appreciation to all those present for coming to celebrate the club's 34th Anniversary.  The EmCee also thanked the exhibition dancers for coming to perform in the showcase.

The Showcase of Exhibition Dancing started about 8:00 PM with a group of young man and women dancing the HOT SAMBA, and followed by the International Tango, the International Cha Cha, the Argentine Tango by Professional Joe Shorba with Hami Draper, the International Foxtrot by Edward and Candy Matsuda, the International Quickstep by Calvin and Debra Ota, and the International Waltz by two professional dancers.
 

The International Waltz performed by the Professional Dancers concluded the Showcase part of the program. General dancing continued while refreshments were served out on the lanai.

Refreshment Time

Squares of delicious Banana cake were served during the Refreshment period along with soft drinks and coffee. But it was time to go back to the ballroom for more dancing with my main girl. During a short spell I got to go paparazzi with my mini cam.  Everyone was having a good time and most were smiling for the camera shot.

My main squeeze Lani, and Wayne Hikida the VP of HBDA Council

This was a neat background for picture taking. 

Jane Umeda and Arthur Oda. 

Bert and Deanie Burgess

Diana Ako and hubby

This is Kathy. One day soon you will see her on my Facebook dancing with a Professional Dance Teacher.

He's tall and likes to learn to dance Mambo and Salsa.

Geoffrey Fells and Albert Franz.

They are well known Professional Dance Teachers here in the islands and abroad.

He is Henry Rimas, the hubby of our host Joanne.

Who da guy?

Trudy Uechi and Gail Kawahakui

General dancing continued till closing.

Hasta la Vista fo' now!

Fuego y Agua Dancers Event

Today Saturday May 27 Fuego y Agua Dancers hosting 2ND SATURDAY SALSA SOCIAL
7 PM-11 PM at the Atherton YMCA  1810 University Avenue Honolulu, HI 96822

IBDI 2017 3rd Term Dance Class Schedule

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IBDI 2017 2nd Term Student Party

International Foxtrot by Thomas Campbell

Not quite a big celebration but it turned out to be a fun night with a lot of dancing to some upbeat music by the music man Dean. It was the 2nd term student party for IBDI students and dance instructors last night at the Palladium. Besides a night of social dancing, the students of this term demonstrated what they had learned during the past seven weeks. The man at the mike during the portion of the demonstration program was IBDI Prez Arnold who announced each dance class as he called the students to the dance floor. With eight dance classes, each demonstration went on for a minute and a half to two minutes. The dance classes this term were: International Rumba I and International Quickstep I by instructor George Suetsugu, Nigh Club 2 Step by instructor Jim Prado, LA Style Salsa by instructor Dean, International Waltz II by instructor Thomas Campbell, Mambo by instructors Frank & Lani, West Coast Swing I&II and International Tango I by instructor (Pro) Albert Franz.

View the video of the Bachata by Dean and Suzy at
Frank Sierra Jr. Facebook

Although, it was a special night for the students, we were treated to a preview demonstration of the upcoming 3rd term dance class with the International Foxtrot I by Thomas Campbell and assistant, and the Bachata by Dean and Suzy.

Pre-sale bento was served before social dancing and door prizes to the lucky numbers concluded the demonstration portion of the program. Social dancing continued till about 8:45 PM.

Registration for the 3rd Term starts on May 29 and dance classes start on June 12. Classes are
Intnl Tango I and Intnl Cha Cha I by George Suetsugu, Bachata by Dean, Quickstep by Jim Prado, Intnl Foxtrot I by Thomas Campbell, Bolero by Frank & Lani, Intnl Waltz I and Intnl Samba I by (Pro) Albert Franz.

Just A Reminder: Ilima 34th Anniversary Dance

General Dancing and DANCE EXHIBITIONS! Pre-sale tickets $10.00 comes with Bento served at 5:30-7:30 PM. 
Purchase tickets at the door $10.00 (No Bento).

DRD Salsa Night & 3rd Anniversary Celebration

Alma Latino Caliente Salsa Night

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Saturday May 20th 7:30-11:30pm

Latin Social night ( salsa, merengue, bachata, rumbas)

B.Y.O.B soft drinks complimentary, admission $10 per person

Please join us on Saturday June 3rd for Annual Anniversary Celebration of Aloha Dancesport Center

see poster for details

Yanna

Divino Ritmo Dance,LLC

350 Ward ave 2nd floor, Honolulu

www.alohadancesportcenter.com

Just Musing A Blast From Da Past (Jazz & Hip Hop)

JAZZ AND HIP HOP

View the video at Frank Sierra Jr. FaceBook

Remember those VHS tapes that we used to record TV shows and just about any video to play on TV? Well, I came across a bunch of them yesterday. Investigating each one like Sherlock Holmes took time and with a keen eye. Lo and behold, I discovered one with my main squeeze Lani learning some Jazz and Hip Hop from our daughter-in-law Annette in our living room that I had recorded  over two decades ago. But still looking good on TV. Digging deeper, I found another VHS tape of Lani performing the same Jazz  and Hip Hop dance on the Ala Moana Centerstage with some younger chicks from the Big City Production dance class at the Central YMCA. I gotta admit that we were already considered as SENIOR CITIZENS and collecting Social Security. But as the saying goes..... AGE IS JUST A NUMBER. Anyway, I want to share this video to show that even older chicks can dance Jazz and Hip Hop with the younger chicks. They just need to keep on "moving to the music" to stay healthy both physically and mentally.

Just Musing: A Blast From Da Past (Can Can Gals)

Da Gals of Can Can Dancing 

I was digging into my photo archives yesterday and surprisingly came across a photo of Eugene Ichinose's Can Can Girls. (Eugene was the Founder and Dance Director of HBDA, and the choreographer of the Can Can routine). Okay that was many many moons ago but those gals are still in today's dance scene. Some of them are seen dancing at the Palladium and they are still in grade A shape. So it must be true about the wise saying "Dancing Is Good For You. It'll Keep You Healthy and Young!" Now I don't know where I first heard that phrase or even read it. All I know about it is that my main squeeze Lani keep telling me that. Anyway, I saw some of those Can Can gals at the Palladium when Lani and I were there not too long ago. The scene in this photo was at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Ballroom where nearly all of HBDA big events were held before the Palladium was built. These gals did really good that night and the countless hours of practice really paid off. Practice sessions were held at the old Ala Wai Clubhouse on the corner of Kapiolani Blvd. and McCully Street. It wasn't the best place for dancing feet but it was maybe the only public place to hold dances outside of the hotels. Gotta appreciate the dance floor at the Palladium 'cause the old Ala Wai Clubhouse floor was all cement and some areas were uneven. It didn't have airconditioning and the only relief during those muggy nights was the light breeze from Manoa. Mr. Ichinose was strict during those practice hours and some members in the dance club thought he was hard core. But I saw the other side of him during all those days of practice while I was taping a training video of the gals. I found him to be a gentle person and easy to talk to. Although there were more girls during the rehearsal (see photo of nearly all the Can Can Girls in my "That's Dancing" blog), only eight gals performed in the Can Can routine at the HBDA 35th Anniversary Ball, and they all performed in the tradition of true Can Can showmanship....the tumbling, the high kicks, the chorus line, the crisscrossing, the tush tease,  etc....they were all there and performed with expertise. That was the WOW factor that brought favorable applause, whistles, excitement, and entertainment to the HBDA showcases of yesteryear.  Okay, dat's all the musing for now. But keep on dancing. Dancing Is Good For You. It'll Keep You Healthy and Young!
(left click on photo to zoom in) View video of the Can Can performance on Frank Sierra Jr. FaceBook.

IBDI Happy Father's Day Dance

USA Dance Honolulu Dance Saturday Da 13th

ILIMA BALLROOM DANCE CLUB 34th Anniversary Dance

General Dancing and DANCE EXHIBITIONS! Pre-sale tickets $10.00 comes with Bento served at 5:30-7:30 PM. Purchase tickets at the door $10.00 (No Bento).

"That's Dancing" Back Online

IBDI Dance on Cinco de Mayo

USA Dance Honolulu 24th Anniversary

It's been many, many, moons since Lani and I had attended one of USA Dance Honolulu events. Not that we weren't aware of them since many of their announcements are sent to me via e-mail. Lani and I are grateful to Glenn and Tracy Okazaki for inviting us as their guests to their 24th Anniversary Dance at the Palladium last night..

As we climbed the stairway to the second floor ballroom, we caught a glimpse of Anne Ho and Tracy Okazaki collecting tickets and serving out refreshments to presale ticket holders. We were greeted at the entrance door by KI (Dance Fever Oahu) and by James Matsumoto, both dressed up in suit for the occasion..

Greeters: James (left) and KI

At the Reception Table were the Lovelies and two gentleguys with Anne Ho.

The Lovelies: Delia Tom and Candy Matsuda

Two Gentleguys: Glenn Okazaki & Edward Matsuda, and Anne Ho

General dancing was in full swing to the vibes of Gary Kawasaki's full volume music. There's been talk for a long time that the Music Man, Gary has in his procession the best music for dancing. Well, the hundreds of dancers that claim the dance floor last night can attest to that.

Music Man: Gary Kawasaki

Shortly before eight o'clock, the program's EmCee, Edward Matsuda, took to the microphone and announced the start of the evening's agenda. After a short welcome message, he introduced USA Dance Honolulu President, Glenn Okazaki, who said a welcome message, too.

EmCee Edward Matsuda returned to the podium and continued his welcoming message as he recognized the Professionals who were present: Dream To Dance Debby Borges Barbosa, Jacki Lei, and Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova of Aloha Dancesport Center.

Many representatives from the "Sister Clubs" were also recognized: Aiea Ballroom Dance Association Prez Deanie Burgess, Aloha Ballroom Club Prez Gordon Wong, Dance Magic 808 Representative Roxane Kaino, Friends of Ala Wai Atlas Cook, HBDA Prez Willy Dionisio, Ilima Ballroom Club Prez Diane Wong, Pan Pacific Dance Society Pez Gene Inoshita, Hawaii Gardenia Circle Prez Ivan John, Korean Ballroom Dance Club Roger Yang, and the list continued on. And special recognition went to USA Dance Honolulu Founding President Roger Izumigawa.

The EmCee talked about the USA Dance Honolulu Scholarship Program. He said, "Hawaii have a lot of very good amateur dancers. Many dancers compete on the mainland and sometimes overseas. In many instances, dancers from Hawaii have been National Champions in the events they entered".

EmCee Edward Matsuda

USA Dance Honolulu Prez Glenn Okazaki

The EmCee continued, "We are proud to present scholarships to our couples who have just competed at the 2017 USA Dance National Championships.They are: Mike and Lori Chun, Ravi and Synthia Sumukti, Prita Narayan and Ravi Narayan, Calvin and Debra Ota, and Miguel Heraclio and Rieko Ota.

Couples who entered the 2017 USA Dance National Championships, with USA Dance Honolulu Prez Glenn Okazaki. Prita Narayan was not present. All the couples received scholarship awards.

 Then came the introduction of the USA Dance Honolulu Officers and Board of Directors. They are: President Glenn Okazaki, Vice President Calvin Ota, Treasurer Jon Obara, Secretary Candy Matsuda, Special Events Coordinator Anne Ho, Special Events Ticket Coordinator Tracy Okazaki, Music Coordinator Gary Kawasaki, Membership Coordinator Debra Ota, K-12 Coordinator Ravi Narayan, K-12 Coordinator Synthia Sumukti, Board of Director Delia Tom, and Board of Director Edward Matsuda. (Glenn Okazaki and Anne Ho are also dance instructors for USA Dance Honolulu).

USA Dance Honolulu Officers and Board of  Directors

A Dance Mixer with the Waltz followed before the Dance Exhibition Showcase.

Waltz Dance Mixer

The Dance Exhibition Showcase featured the International Waltz performed by James and Annie Kwong, the Quickstep performed by Michael and Lori Chun, the American (Smooth) Foxtrot performed by Ravi and Synthia Sumukti,, the International Rumba performed by Calvin and Debra Ota, and the International Tango performed by Miguel Heraclio and Rieko Ota.

The Dance Exhibition performers were presented with gifts.

With the presentation of gifts to the Exhibition Dancers, the program ended. General dancing continued till closing at 9:30.

However it was time to go paparazi and do some candid camera work. So here are some people caught on camera that attended USA Dance Honolulu 24th Anniversary last night that you might know.

A BIG MAHALO to EmCee Edward Matsuda for sharing his notes of tonight's program with me, and to Glenn and Tracy Okazaki for inviting Lani and me as their guests to this event.

Hasta la Vista!