That's Dancing!

USA Dance Workshop: HUSTLE TOO!

2012-02-08T21:20:00.008-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance! It's time to get back into the GROOVE. Yeah, you know what I mean...Da HUSTLE! If you can take a warp drive back to the 70's, you'll see that the Hustle was fun among the kings of dances. Yeah, da buggah neva die...just took a long vacation. But now it's back as a fun dance and if you want to get hooked on da HUSTLE, check out the email and announcement from my friend Marie Laderta......

Brought Back by Popular Demand, USA Dance PRESENTS: "Hustle TOO!" by Lucas Jaime
By: Marie Laderta

Hawaii's own Hustle Pro, Lucas Jaime, will show you how to shake those booties in what USA Dance President Glenn Okazaki describes as "incredible moves" in Part II of USA Dance's Hustle Workshop.

You can look forward to a mini refresher and additional choreography to add to your dance repertoire. If you enjoyed Part I, come for more and get down those extra moves. If you haven't come before, come on February 18th - it's not too late to fall into pace with Lucas' easy teaching style.

Saturday, February 18th is the day!
At the Ala Wai Palladium
Registration Opens at 12:30p
Workshop 1:00-2:30pm
$10 for Members
$20 for Non-Members

Salsa & Foxtrot @Aloha Ballroom Academy

2012-01-26T16:01:00.000-10:00

Lucky you live in Hawaii! Bettah yet You lucky you're on the Valley Isle. Rita has a new venue starting in February. Scan over what's in store...............

Celebrating The Year of The Dragon With Divino Ritmo

2012-01-26T01:06:00.001-10:00

(Left click on text to zoom in)

63rd Narcissus Coronation Ball

2012-01-15T01:22:00.000-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
If you got your eyes on attending the 63rd Narcissus Coronation Ball on Saturday, January 28, 2012 bettah make like the Flash 'cause the deadline for RSVP is Wednesday, January 18th. Gonna be lots of time for ballroom dancing after the program. For more info, please contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii at 533-3181 or
e-mail: info@chinesechamber.com.
(Left click on photo to zoom in)

IBDI 2012 Inaugural Ball

2012-01-09T00:41:00.005-10:00

Just a gentle reminder dancers and friends. IBDI hosting their 2012 Inaugural Ball on Friday, January 20 at the Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom. If you need tickets, please contact Lynn Nakamura at 372-2256

(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Spring 2012 Session Dance Classes @Ali'iolani CSA

2012-01-06T16:29:00.000-10:00

Spring is in the air and it's time to put the New Year Bang on the back burner once more and start anew for the Spring 2012 Session at Ali'iolani CSA. We're continuing the Absolute Beginners dance class for this session with the Social Waltz and Cha Cha. We're also hoping it will be just as successful as last Fall Session's Absolute Beginners Foxtrot and Rumba dance classes.

Lani and I decided to test the grounds for Intermediate Social Waltz and East Coast Swing this session. Hopefully, we can get it off and running with the required number of registered students before the class begins. The tight DOE budget will factor in and will determine the call.

Registration opens this Saturday at Kaimuki CSA on the Kaimuki High School campus. Please phone 733-8460 for exact times. If you received the Spring 2012 Session flyer, you can use the "mail in registration form" to register. Otherwise, you can use the "mail in registration form" that will appear in the Sunday Star-Advertiser.

Dance Magic 808 Dance Classes

2012-01-04T13:21:00.000-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
Here's the new dance schedule for the Thursday night dance classes at Hale Ikena on the grounds of Ft. Shafter. Please surf to their Website for more info and registration forms. (Left click to zoom in)

By popular request, the Filipino Tango is on the schedule for Tuesday night at a new location: Salt Lake District Park. More info can be found at the Dance Magic 808 Website.

Palladium January 2012 Schedule

2012-01-03T00:34:00.003-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,

The monthly Palladium schedule is posted by KI on his website Dance Fever Oahu. If you're looking for more dance venues, please click on the link Dance Fever Oahu at the side bar. The January 2012 schedule is posted here courtesy of Dance Fever Oahu. And if you see KI at the dances (Palladium, or hotel ballrooms), no forget to give him the SHAKA sign.

(Left click to zoom in)

A Quick Look on The Wasabi for January

2011-12-29T19:00:00.000-10:00

The WASABI Band still on fire and blazing through the month of January 2012. Get a load of Doreen's e-mail.
(No forget to left click mouse to zoom in)

Line Dancing with Sandy Zook

2011-12-29T01:58:00.002-10:00

Okay, Line Dancers, here's your calling to shine and slap those boots before saying adios to 2011. Friend Sandy Zook has got the Palladium locked in this Friday (Dec. 30) 9AM to 2:30PM for Beginners to Intermediate Line Dancing. See her e-mail for more info.

IBDI Inaugural Ball 2012

2011-12-28T15:06:00.003-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
If you are holding tickets to the IBDI New Years Dance at the Pacific Beach Hotel for this coming Saturday, you gotta be the lucky ones. I'm not sure if there are anymore tickets floating around at this late date but you can try contact any IBDI member. If not successful, then there is still time to get on board for the IBDI Inaugural Ball at the Pacific Beach on January 20, 2012. Scan over Lynn Nakamura's e-mail that follows or bettah yet...contact her for tickets.............

(left click to enlarge)

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

2011-12-28T13:02:00.000-10:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
from: Frank & Lani

Well, another year is almost pau and it's time to wish everyone "Hau'oli Makahiki Hou" and good health for the coming new year. Also a time to start crafting a new year resolution. It's been a whirlwind 2011 for Lani and me. We've met many new faces who have become our friends (we hope they regard us as their friends also) during our journey to promote ballroom dancing. I was in deep thoughts while scrounging for a genuine resolution for 2012 but then I began thinking...hey! we had fun in 2011 and if it ain't broke, no need to fix it. The new year is a good time to think about the naughty things (couldn't think of any at this time) and all the nice things we did during the past year. Now, Lani and I gotta trust we have the strength to continue to do all the nice things and still have fun in 2012.

Ringing In The New Year with Divino Ritmo

2011-12-26T00:11:00.001-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,

Photo of Lucas Jaime
courtesy Marie Laderta

Divino Ritmo is welcoming the New Year with their year-end Social Dance at the Cupola this Tuesday. Good time to say farewell to the Rabbit and get in tune with the mighty Dragon. There's more thunder coming from my friend Marie Laderta. So read on--------
(left click to zoom in)

Dance Magic 808 Dance Classes

2011-12-24T18:33:00.005-10:00

Frank's note: Please surf to Dance Magic 808 website for Registration Forms. Mahalo.
Left click to zoom in.

Starlight Dance Party and More hosted by Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy

2011-12-13T00:07:00.001-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. If you are or planning to be on the Valley Isle on December 21, you might want to contact Dance Professional Rita O'Connor for more info on the Starlight Dance Party and the Christmas Morning Special. (see e-mail address and phone number at end of this blog) Photos by Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy.

Maui, Hawaii –Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy hosts an evening with Dance Professional, Rita O'Connor and a FREE night of dance classes in Salsa & Quickstep starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. The "Starlight Dance" after-party starts at 8:00 pm saying "good-bye" to 2011 and "hello" to the upcoming arrival of 2012! The entire evening is FREE and open to the adult community!

This gala evening event at the Kihei Community Center is a pupu potluck and everyone's encouraged to participate! You don't need to dress up, but if you'd like to be in festive-wear, please feel free to do so! The educational 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dance school welcomes outside financial donations to continue to support their efforts to bring professional instruction in partnership dancing to the island of Maui. Mayor Alan Arakawa previously commented: "it's always a treat to learn about another success story in our community - [the Academy] is clearly a testament to the enjoyment your students must find in the Ballroom dancing experience. My congratulations on your accomplishment...!"

Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy Makes Christmas Morning Special for Keiki of Homeless Resource Centers

Maui, Hawaii – As part of Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy's yearlong charitable mission, the non-profit annually hosts a drive for wrapped gifts which are donated to the Ka Hale A Ke Ola and Na Hale O Wainee Homeless Resource Centers so that the children can wake up to the magic of the holiday season! Academy Dance Professional, Rita O'Connor remarks “that for the past ten years, the Academy has provided every needy child at the Homeless Shelter(s) with a gift from Santa.” If anyone from the Maui community would like to make a donation of a wrapped gift for a child at the Homeless Resource Centers, they may bring them to the Kihei Community Center on Wednesday evenings through December 21st.

For more information about the Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy or the “December 21st Holiday Dance Classs & Party,” email ritaoc@hawaii.rr.com or call 879-0055 or visit their website at www.AlohaBallroom.com.

Gary Moore Coming To East Honolulu

2011-12-06T23:07:00.000-10:00

From da Leeda of WASABI Oldies Band, Doreen Nakamoto...........

Hey all you fans of good ole rock your socks off dance music by the likes of Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Elvis...if you missed seeing Garry's performance with us at Dot's in Wahiawa bcz it was too far a drive for ya, now's your chance! You must've all heard by now that Garry really rocked that stage at Dot's, and the energy was running HIGH that night. Well, here is another opportunity for you to catch Garry in action as he will be stopping by St. Louis Alumni this coming Thursday, December 8th, to grace us with his presence on stage! BTW, it's Garry's birthday that day, and he'll be celebrating with his family, but he's kind enough to share his day with us, so let's all show him the LOVE!!!

Mark that calendar of yours, and come on down to St. Louis Alumni this Thursday, December 8, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. It's gonna be a night to remember!
Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen

P.S. NO FORGET, WE'LL BE AT DOT'S IN WAHIAWA AGAIN THIS COMING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, TOO! This venue is getting to be THE HOT SPOT in Central Oahu, and we love it! Tell one & all to join us there, too!

A Quick Look @IBDI

2011-12-05T17:10:00.000-10:00

Aloha Dancers,

Just a quick reminder of IBDI events for this month and in January. No forget the IBDI Christmas Dance at the Palladium on Saturday December 17 also. Thanks to Nancy Shen and Marsh Ninomiya for sending the info. You might want to surf over to Dance Magic 808 Website for info on an upcoming Dance Workshop in December sponsored by IBDI, too. Good bio on the dance teacher by Lynn Nakamura.

Last Call For Hawaii's Own Broadway Production

2011-11-27T19:35:00.001-10:00

Photo courtesy Marie (center)

Aloha Students of Dance,

Before I go into the meat of my dear friend Marie's e-mail on "Last Call", here's a call for "Last Tuesday" at the Cupola for November. Da guys and gals at Divino Ritmo have been busy preparing for the "Big Show" at the Sheraton Waikiki come this Saturday but they haven't forgotten their "last Tuesday" social dance at the Cupola this Tuesday at the Honolulu Design Center. Same good deal.....open to the public and admission is free. Party starts at 7PM and dancing till 10PM.

Here's Marie's e-mail on "Last Call".............................

Aloha LAST CALL for Hawaii's own BROADWAY Production to Kick Off the Holiday Season!
By Marie Laderta

"THE CALL of BROADWAY," by Divino Ritmo

Folks, we are on our way to sweep you off your feet, we hope. At least that is our goal, to entertain you in the grand ol' Broadway style... Presented by Lucas & Yanna of Divino Ritmo Dance, "Neon Lights," THE CALL OF BROADWAY, in addition to being a chance to showcase the students, is also a dance production aimed at entertaining and razzle-dazzling you! The best adrenaline to kick off your holiday season! Come encourage our students, see the results of their hard work, come dance with us on our floor at the Sheraton Waikiki and let us take you away to 42nd Street!! Lucas & Yanna will top off the evening with their own professional show. Lots of general dancing in between.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec 3rd

WHERE: the Sheraton Waikiki Ballrooms

TIME: 6pm doors open; 7pm sit down dinner; 8:00p Dance Show begins

Tickets: $95 front row/ $85 all other rows (limited tickets left)

For more info contact: Lucas Jaime, (917)568-3173; divinoritmo@aol.com

Yanna Samkova, (732)499-0407; Yannajs@gmail.com

Correction: USA Dance Classic Holiday Ball

2011-11-27T14:33:00.000-10:00

Ticket purchase deadline for the USA Dance Classic Holiday Ball has a minor change. See accompanying e-mail from Glenn......

Happy Holidays,
I had previously erred on the last day for purchasing a ticket (Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 30th) to our Classic Holiday Ball in December.The last day to purchase a ticket will be on Tuesday afternoon, Nov 29th.

So hurry and get your tickets ($10 presale w/ dinner) by Tuesday afternoon if you can, or you will be missing out on a fabulous dinner/dance with exhibitions by amateurs from various Honolulu ballroom clubs. Tickets purchased at the door ($10 @ door no dinner) entitle you to an evening of fun and dancing with light refreshment after the show. Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm and will be an epicurean event never to be compared with.

Enjoy the solos, formations and show dance exhibitions performed by our wonderful amateur dancers from Honolulu. As always, come and enjoy the best music and sound system in Honolulu, by USA Dance’s own Dee-J, GaryK. See you at the (USA) dance.
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

Dance Magic 808 Christmas Party

2011-11-23T16:05:00.000-10:00

Hi All,

Poster courtesy Dance Magic 808

You are all invited to attend Dance Magic 808′s 1st Christmas Party at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter. Your friends are also invited. Seating is lmited so please rvsp and make payment no later than Friday, Dec. 9.

We would like to recognize all our instructors who taught this year, so if you are available, we hope that you can join us in celebrating and acknowledging our hardworking instructors and all our volunteers.

Dance Magic 808′s 1st Christmas Party

Date: Thursday, December 15, 2011

Place: Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter

Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm /dinner from 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Cost: $25 / includes buffet dinner, exhibitions, and lots of general dancing

RVSP and Payment due no later than Friday, Dec. 9, 2011

Music: Henry Rimas

Menu: Tossed Green Salad with Dressing, Macaroni Salad, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Steamed Rice, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Long Rice, Shoyu Chicken, Kalua Pig, Haupia, Fresh Pineapple, and Coffee & Hot Tea.
You can purchase alcoholic beverages at Mulligan’s Grill & Bar and bring it into the banquet room. There normally is a “Happy Hour” price for alcoholic drinks before 6pm.

Please make payment to: Dance Magic 808
Mail to: 1676 Ala Moana Blvd. #1101, Honolulu, HI 96815
Payment can also be made at class on Wed. night, Nov. 30, at Hale Ikena.
No tickets will be given out. We will have a namelist and seat assignment will be based on first come basis after assigning the seats for the instructors and volunteers.
Thank you for your support this year.
Richard & Lynn Nakamura
http://www.dancemagic808.wordpress.com/
cell: 808-372-2256 (Lynn)

Reminder: USA Dance Classic Holiday Ball

2011-11-23T14:56:00.001-10:00

Another great event is coming your way to the Palladium. It is USA Dance Honolulu’s Annual Classic Holiday Ball, scheduled for Friday, December 2 nd 2011. This year, our showcase will feature local amateur talents from various clubs here in Honolulu. The cost for a ticket is $10 presale w/ early dinner, or $10 at the door, cookies only.

Dinner service will start at approximately 6:00 pm and will be served on the ‘lanai’, overlooking our scenic Waikiki and the tranquil waters of the Ala Wai Canal. J We will prepare a succulent grilled steak and chicken dinner complimented with moist grilled vegetables on the side, all grilled with olive oil, and gently placed over a bed of rice…(It’s already making me hungry)… Dessert will be served during intermission at approximately 8:00 pm. Dessert will be cookies selected from one of our wonderful cookie outlets available in Honolulu. Also available with your dessert will be the aromatic flavor of ‘Folgers’ coffee blend and a refreshingly cold drink of H2O spiked with a hint of lemon. What a wonderful way to compliment your evening of dancing and dining.

Our ticket sellers are already out there, busily introducing our upcoming event to all of you ballroom dancers. Don’t hesitate, because these tickets are going out fast. In order to qualify for the great dinner we are preparing, you really have to purchase your tickets early.Last day to purchase tickets will be at noon on Wednesday, November 30th.
Mahalo,
Glenn Okazaki Pres.
USA Dance Honolulu

WASABI @Dot's In Wahiawa

2011-11-22T22:52:00.000-10:00

Please join us at Dot's in Wahiawa this coming Saturday, November 26th, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Milton's birthday falls on Thanksgiving Day, so we're celebrating his birthday at Dot's on Saturday cuz he cannot compete with the Turkey. Nothing real fancy like KingPins Harvey's Kanreki celebration last Friday, but I guarantee you it'll be a great night. I've ordered red velvet cupcakes for everyone, and we have a special set featuring Garry Moore. This will be a "dress rehearsal" for Garry as he sings tunes by Little Richard, Elvis, & Jerry Lee Lewis. Garry's doing a special show for a private function in December & WASABI will be his backup band, so this'll be a good time to get in a practice show. Hope everyone can make it. UH has a home game that night, so I know some of you are abandoning us for football! =( . But that's okay...I hope you all get rained on! LOL.

Love,
Doreen

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-20T13:43:00.003-10:00

(Left click to zoom in)

The 63rd Narcissus Coronation Ball

2011-11-14T23:39:00.000-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
This might be a bit early since it's not gonna happen until next year in January but I gotta tell you that this Narcissus Coronation event is Big Time. Here's a rare chance to see the Queen's Court perform in a dance routine with their escort. But first thing first: you gotta let the Chinese Chamber of Commerce know that you want to attend by sending a check to them or to Lynn to register. Neva can tell what the total number of guest they'll accept before closing the registration. Checkout the following e-mail from Lynn Nakamura for more info.
(Left click on flyer to zoom in or right click to print)

Hi All,
If you are available on Saturday, January 28, 2012, you won't want to miss out on attending the 63rd Narcissus Coronation Ball. There will be dinner, a program, and lots of general ballroom dancing.
.
The Mistress of Ceremony for this event will be Stephanie Lum, of KGMB and KHNL. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii always have a nice program and there is lots of ballroom dancing after the program ends up until midnight. We've been volunteering our services to teach the court and their escorts the waltz for 10 years and have performed for this ball several times. We always try to support them whenever possible

Cost to this grand event is $68 a person. It went up only $1 from last year. (Please see attached flyer)

We are putting together some tables and if you would like to join us, please advise us and send us a check payable to: Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The latest date to submit your request to us is Thursday, January 12, 2012. Our address is 1676 Ala Moana Blvd. #1101, Honolulu, HI 96815. You can either mail the check to us or give the check to us whenever you see us but do so no later than January 12, 2012.

You can also submit your own request directly to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. You might want to notate on your reservation form to seat you close to the dance floor. Due date if sending directly to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce is January 18, 2012.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii normally do not print tickets but did so last year for us. We don't think they will be printing tickets this year. Your check or credit card payment is your receipt. They will have your name listed on their registration sheet at the check-in desk.

Mahalo for your support.
Richard & Lynn Nakamura
Dance Magic 808
www.dancemagic808.wordpress.com
cell 372-2256 (Lynn)

Line Dance Party @the Palladium

2011-11-14T03:12:00.004-10:00

Okay, Line Dancers! Here's your chance to "Party" with Hawaii's successful and popular Line Dance Teacher and really have some fun at the Palladium . Long time friend Sandy Zook is hosting the "Come Dance With Us" on December 10th. Check out her e-mail and poster for more info. (Left click on poster to zoom in or right click to print)

Aloha,
If this is a duplicate - sorry - please think of it as - I think of you a lot.

Barry Durand (organizes World's Line Dance Competition) was going to come to Hawaii on Dec. 10th. He's unable to come until spring.

Since I rented the Palladium, I decided to have a Line Dance Party any way. I hope you can come. I would like to do oldies. I don't have a play list yet - so if you have requests, please let me know.
Thanks,
Sandy
988-1818

USAD Hustle Workshop

2011-11-14T02:20:00.002-10:00

Okay, dancers! I finally got a brief history on the Hustle, the dance of the 70's from my friend Marie. Does Marie dance the Hustle? You bet she does! She and husband Paul danced some dazzling Hustle moves at the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club Anniversary Ball last month in Kauai. Here's her story.....

GET DOWN with Lucas Jaime at USA Dance's Hustle Workshop
By: Marie Laderta

Glenn Okazaki hit the nail on the head when he described the hustle as "this ever popular retro-dance of the 70's.". He sure is right about that!

Hustle's evolution is amazing when you consider that in such a short span of dance history, from the 70's to today, it has moved as a dance form from a disco/social in the 70's to being a part of the American rhythm style in many of today's ballroom competitions including the Hawaii Star Ball!

During its infancy in the 70's, even though the hustle was taught in many forms (4- count hustle, the old Latin Hustle or Rope Hustle), the most entertaining style was done by club dancers and competitors in New York who performed the 3-count hustle (& 1-2-3). Later, other dance styles such as American Smooth (traveling movements & pivots), and other Rhythm dances were incorporated.

In fact, whenever I have a chance, I always compete in ballroom hustle in both Pro-Am with Lucas and amateur couple with my husband Paul. It is a refreshing break for us in the competition because it allows for a bit more freedom of movement & variation than the more disciplined syllabus figures in Latin. Not to mention that I get to learn and dance the hustle with my teacher, a former Hustle Champion, who grew up with this genre of dancing in New York with the likes of "Hustle-great" Billy Fajardo.

So come on down to the Ala Wai Palladium on Saturday, November 19th and watch Lucas "get down" with the Hustle at USA Dance's workshop.

WHERE: The Ala Wai Golf Course Palladium
TIME: 12:30p Registration, 1:00p Workshop
COST: $10 for USA Dance Members
$20 for Non-members

For more information, call Glenn Okazaki at 428-1704.

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! December

2011-11-09T14:09:00.009-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
A whole lot of dance venues scheduled for December. So here's a recap of what's in store for your enjoyment to keep on dancing.....
(Left click on poster to zoom in then click on original for close-up).

Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 – USA Dance – Classic Holiday Ball @ the Palladium – 6pm – 9:30pm – Exhibitions & Refreshments. Advance Cost $10 Steak & Chicken dinner (for tickets – call Lynn Nakamura 372-2256)

Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Divino Ritmo "Neon Lights" The Call of Broadway - Sheraton Waikiki Hotel 6Pm-11:30PM. (Scroll down to previous blog for more info)

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 – Pan Pacific Ballroom Dance Society – Christmas Dance @ the Palladium – Cost $8.00 bento served at 5:30pm
Exhibitions & Door Prizes (for tickets – call Lynn Nakamura 372-2256)

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 – 5:00pm – ??? Dance Magic 808 Christmas Party at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter – please rsvp if you plan to attend, seats are limited. There may be a minimal cost – planning to have pupus but not definite yet – will advise you next week. Contact Lynn Nakamura at 372-2256

Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 – International Ballroom Dance, Inc. (IBDI) @ the Palladium – 5:30pm-10:00pm – Cost $10 bento at 5:30pm. Exhibitions, Door Prizes & Refreshments (for tickets – call Lynn Nakamura 372-2256)

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011 International Ballroom Dance, Inc. (IBDI) New Year's Eve Dance. 6PM-Midnight. Pacific Beach Hotel.

Hawaii Swings 2011 Workshop @The Palladium

2011-11-09T01:58:00.007-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance.
More Dance Workshop at the Palladium featuring Robert Cordoba and Deborah Szekley on the Hustle, Nightclub 2 Step, West Coast Swing, and Styling coming your way in December. But you gotta sign-up before the deadline of November 26 to be counted. See poster for more info. Please contact Carolyn Noah for additional info.
(Left click on poster to zoom in then click on original for close-up)

Do The HUSTLE with Lucas Jaime

2011-11-08T13:39:00.008-10:00

Hi All,
As promised, USA Dance is promoting Lucas Jaime with his incredible moves in the ‘HUSTLE”. Come join us for this ever popular retro-dance of the 70’s.

We had great raves and reviews from Lucas’s Night Club 2-step at our last workshop. Now be there for our new workshop ..THE HUSTLE..with Lucas Jaime, to be held at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse (Palladium) on Saturday, November 19. Registration begins at 12:30 pm and the class starts at 1:00 pm. Be there for our great prices for members $10 and non members $20. Workshop is 1 ½ hrs. See attached pdf file for more info. What can I say…..It pays to be a USA Dance member….
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

The Call of Broadway

2011-11-02T11:59:00.015-10:00

During our visit to Kauai for the KBDC 7th Anniversary Ball, Lani and I got to make small talk with Wes Numazu about the upcoming "Neon Lights", Divino Ritmo Dance 3rd Annual Grand Ball and Showcase. He mentioned that he and Professional Yanna Samkova will be performing the Jive exhibition that they did for the Bantay Bata Showcase a few months ago. So guys and gals, if you missed this delightful performance featuring a shy but not too elderly senior dancing with a professional dance teacher, here's your chance to see a repeat performance on December 3 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

We got to rub elbows with all the Honolulu dancers at our table at the KBDC Ball. There were 36 dancers and friends from the "Big City" in attendance at that Ball. And the KBDC was very appreciative of our numbers attending and the showcase dancers from Dance Magic 808.

Divino Ritmo Dance have always put on a good show for other dance organizations, too. Last year's annual showcase was a smash-hit and early this year "The Westside Story" was very entertaining and a successful production. This year's "The Call of Broadway" has an inviting pitch that it's a sure bet it will be colorful, very entertaining, and thrilling to the max.
(Left click on photo to zoom in then click on "original" for a close-up).

Meet My Friend Patrice Tanaka on KITV: Tonight at 10pm!

2011-10-31T10:02:00.005-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. Stay tuned to KITV 4 News after Dancing With The Stars tonight for an exclusive interview with competition dancer Patrice Tanaka. My friend Marie Laderta who has her thumb on the pulse of our dancing community sent me the following tip.
.................................

Hi Frank:
This is happening news for today! Hot off the KITV press!
If you are able to post this ASAP that would be great....if not, KITV will get it to the community!
Mahalo my friend!
Marie
-------------------

Hello my friends in Hawaii's Dance community!
Find out about the moving journey of one woman after she lost her husband, the love of her life, during a time when faith in humanity and country were severely shaken by 9/11, when her career was at an all-time low, about how this ONE simple woman, someone I got to
know and admire, my friend Patrice Tanaka, took the high road and rebuilt her faith and career through the throes of ballroom dancing.....

TUNE in TONIGHT (Oct 31) at 10:00pm on KITV to watch her exclusive interview.

Clips of her ballroom competition last month with professional Rhythm Champion Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine at the Hawaii Star Ball can be found on KITV's website. Check it out and don't forget to tune in tonight: http://www.kitv.com/slideshow/news/29632659/detail.html
.................................
Excerpt from KITV Website: At the age of 59, Patrice Tanaka has an accomplished career in public relations, but wanted to pursue her lifelong passion of becoming Ginger Rogers. See how she found an outlet for that passion on KITV 4 News Monday.

USA Dance Annual Classic Holiday Ball

2011-10-24T14:51:00.004-10:00

Dance mania continues for the month and to December but prepare yourself for more to come before the 2012 New Years Dance. USA Dance-Honolulu hosting their Annual Classic Holiday Ball at the Palladium on Frday December 2nd with dinner of mouth-watering succulent grilled steak and chicken and the works, social dancing, and a showcase of exhibition dancing all for the price of 10 bucks. But here's the catch...you gotta buy the tickets presale. Otherwise, all you gonna get is cookies. But even with that, it's still a good bargain. Read on the e-mail from Prez Glenn Okazaki for more info...........

Aloha,
Another great event is coming your way to the Palladium. It is USA Dance Honolulu’s Annual Classic Holiday Ball, scheduled for Friday, December 2nd 2011. This year, our showcase will feature local amateur talents from various clubs here in Honolulu. The cost for a ticket is $10 presale w/ early dinner, or $10 at the door, cookies only.

Dinner service will start at approximately 6:00 pm and will be served on the ‘lanai’, overlooking our scenic Waikiki and the tranquil waters of the Ala Wai Canal. We will prepare a succulent grilled steak and chicken dinner complimented with moist grilled vegetables on the side, all grilled with olive oil, and gently placed over a bed of rice…(It’s already making me hungry)… Desert will be served during intermission at approximately 8:00 pm. Desert will be cookies selected from one of our wonderful cookie outlets available in Honolulu. Also available with your desert will be the aromatic flavor of ‘Folgers’ coffee blend and a refreshingly cold drink of H2O spiked with a hint of lemon. What a wonderful way to compliment your evening of dancing and dining.

Our ticket sellers are already out there, busily introducing our upcoming event to all of you ballroom dancers. Don’t hesitate, because these tickets are going out fast. In order to qualify for the great diner we are preparing, you really have to purchase your tickets early.

Mahalo,
Glenn Okazaki

Trick or Treat @The Cupola

2011-10-23T19:25:00.003-10:00

Yes! Yes! I know...it's a bit late for this announcement but no can help. I just got off the plane from Kauai and wen spark this e-mail from my friend Marie. But no huhu. If you go by Filipino time, got uku plenty time for make up your minds to go to the Trick or Treat kine dance at the Cupola this coming Tuesday. I like thank my friend Marie for sending me the following e-mail. I know she had to rush it because she was at the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club 7th Anniversary Ball, too...just like me........

Trick or Treat at The Cupola
Enjoy a ghoulishly good time at Divino Ritmo's Halloween Dance at the CUPOLA this Tuesday, October 25th, from 7-10pm.

CUPOLA is located on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center, corner of Kapiolani & Pensacola, at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

Dance the night away to live music by Jesse Gonzales & DJ Lucas Jaime!
Food and beverage are available for purchase.

Fab news, Tuesday wine special is back! 50% OFF ALL wine bottles are available for purchase.

ADMISSION is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC!
Costumes are encouraged but not required.

We dare you to dress like somebody you are not!!! Surprise us and enter our costume contest! We have cash prizes for best costumes -scariest, funniest and most original!!
Free trick or treat bags for the first 30 people!

So Get your dancing shoes and come on down to our Halloween dance and see if you can spot Uncle Wes in his Zombie Zoot suit, or Lucas & Yanna among the ghouls and goblins......

For more information, contact: Lucas Jaime, ph: (917) 568-3173; divinoritmo@aol.com
Yanna Samkova, ph: (732)499-0407; Yannajs@gmail.com

WASABI Oldies Night @ Dot's In Wahiawa

2011-10-19T07:43:00.002-10:00

It's been many moons since hearing from the HOT WASABI Oldies Band but as usual da Band Leeda Doreen came through with their next venue. If you're in the heart of Wahiawa be sure to check them out. Here's Doreen's e-mail....

Just making sure you didn't forget about us . We're looking forward to another great night at Dot's in Wahiawa this coming Friday, Oct. 21, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Gosh, we had so much fun there the last time, we were so blown away! Even my mom got up to dance with Richard, Jo-Lin, & Roz guys!
If you're planning on joining us, come early to have dinner in the main dining room before coming in to see us. I tried the Sizzling Hamburger Steak the last time cuz everybody who'd had it told me it was a winner, and you know what? It is!!! You gotta try it, if you haven't already. They have quite a menu with other offerings, too. Yummm!

Let me know if you need seats. I already have some tables reserved, and some of you have already responded to me from my WASABI schedule email. Thank you to the "early birds" who already let me know you're coming. hee hee!

Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen a.k.a. cho-cho lips (hmmmm Su, see what you started?)

Dance Magic 808 Dance Classes

2011-10-08T11:35:00.002-10:00

Dance Magic 808 opened the 4th Session Dance Classes this past Wednesday with the Argentine Tango with Robert and Vanelle Hirayasu, and Line Dance with "Roxie" Kaino and Elsie McGrew at Hale Ikena on the grounds of Fort Shafter. Not quite on the Moanalua Corridor but pretty much where the Corridor starts. If you haven't yet tuned in to the new Dance Magic 808 website, here's what's in store (left click on poster to zoom in). Richard and Lynn Nakamura continues the International Style of the Samba and the Waltz on Thursdays. For more info on Dance Magic 808 activities, please click on the link at the side bar.

Neon Lights

2011-10-06T00:27:00.003-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
Here's more info on the Divino Ritmo Showcase coming in December at the Sheraton Waikiki. Please scroll down to previous blog "Divino Ritmo Showcase" for other info. Poster created by Lucas Jaime and submitted by my friend Marie Laderta.
(Left click on poster to zoom in)

October 2011 Palladium Schedule of Events

2011-10-05T13:04:00.003-10:00

Gotta thank KI for posting the monthly schedule of events for the dancing community on his Website. This is just a copy to my blog. So if you want to thank him in person, he's usually at most of the dances at the Palladium. Even though he is across the ballroom from where you stand, a SHAKA sign is good to show appreciation.
(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Three In One @IBDI Monthly Dance

2011-10-04T20:48:00.009-10:00

This is truly a three-in-one event coming your way October 15 at the Palladium and get this.....hosted by IBDI. So expect an evening of good fun dancing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION and a hilarious HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST to tickle your funny bone. So if you come as ZORRO, or JACK SPARROW, or even SPONGE BOB..neva can tell..it might be your lucky night. But as Prez Chris Jay mentioned in the following e-mail, it's ELECTION NIGHT also....so gotta take care of business first. Anyway check out what's in store......(left click on poster to zoom in)

Hi Frank
Thank you so much for helping IBDI publicize its October 15th Saturday dance. Here are some of the details on it:

1. Election night for 2012 officers and directors

2. Birthday recognition for members who come in free. Otherwise, $3.00-members and $6.00-non-members.

3. Halloween Costume Contest: 3 Categories

a. Most Original

b. Most Scary

c. Funniest

Prizes will be awarded to the finalists and overall winner. Hope to see you there!
Mahalo,
Chris

Divino Ritmo Showcase Coming December 3

2011-10-03T20:29:00.007-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
If you enjoyed the spectacular Divino Ritmo Showcase last year and found it entertaining to the max...or missed it...then mark your calendar for another spectacular showcase coming this December 3rd at the Sheraton Waikiki. My friend Marie who keeps Lani and me in the loop on dance events sent me the following e-mail.......

Hello Frank & Lani:
We don't have ALL the details yet but below is a short message I've written to our Family and Friends to save the date, and with some preliminary information. Hope you can post it on the blog for us!

Here it is:

Dear Family & Friends:
I hope you will be able to join us at our showcase. Mark your calendars for December 3rd, Divino Ritmo's SHOWCASE at the Sheraton Waikiki. Once again, our teachers Lucas & Yanna and their students, including us and uncle Wes of course, will be putting on a SHOW for you! This year the theme of our showcase will be BROADWAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course, just like last year we will have dinner and general dancing! Our DJ will be none other than Michael Yap unequalled in his choice of music and ability to spin those tunes that make your feet wanna wiggle!

Tickets are $95 for front row and $85 for all other rows. You can pay by cash or check. Checks should be made payable to: "Divino Ritmo Dance." Buy early for best seating!!!

Call, text or email me! My cell 222-3721.
My email is: Marie.C.Laderta@vzw.Blackberry.net

Hope to see you all!
Marie

USA Dance-Honolulu October Schedule

2011-10-02T18:40:00.004-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. USA Dance-Honolulu is hosting their Golden Harvest Dance this coming Friday at the Palladium. A bit early for the "Great Pumpkin" night but as Prez Glenn Okazaki mentioned in his e-mail: es okay to come dressed in costume like goin' be "Spook" night. Should be plenty fun at the dance. There's more to Glenn's e-mail, so read on................

Our Golden Harvest Dance is coming this Friday, October 7. It’s a wee bit early before the great pumpkin, but you can come dressed in a costume if you want to share.

As usual, our Dee-J, GaryK will have the best music selections in town with his incomparable sound system. His sound system is so terrific, that our sister clubs often visit him to check out his system. Don’t forget our chef’s selection of light snacks to compliment your dancing!

USA Dance has the whole Palladium on Friday. Come on down and join us and our members for a swinging good time. A reminder to all of our members: MEMBERS ARE FREEEEEEE!!!!!! To our non-members, admission is $5.00. It pays to become a USA Dance member!! Holy Cow… USA Dance members are always getting discounts. This is our way of giving back to our members. See you on Friday!
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy Dance Classes on The Valley Isle

2011-09-30T19:30:00.005-10:00

It's been many moons since we heard any sweet and gentle news from the Valley Isle. So here's the latest from Professional Rita O'Conner for you lucky dancers who will be on Maui from October through December. Check out excerpts of the News Release from Rita and if you need more info you can contact Rita at: phone 879-0055, or e-mail at ritaoc@hawaii.rr.com. Read on.......................

Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy Offers Bachata, Waltz, Salsa & Quickstep Dance Classes for October-December 2011

Maui, HAWAII – The Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit featuring Maui’s ONLY Professionally-Instructed Ballroom & Latin Dance classes, hosts their Registration Night on Wednesday, October 5th to kick off their new dance series for October - December featuring Club favorites Bachata, & Salsa, along with Slow Waltz & (fast) Quickstep! This evening will feature a potluck as well as social dance and a FREE dance lesson! Everyone interested in learning to dance is welcome to join this Guinness World Record breaking class! Maui's International Award-Winning Dance Professional, Rita O’Connor, N.D.C.A., will instruct every Wednesday evening in Kihei from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. The total cost for the 3-month course is ONLY $50 per person with a 20% OFF Special Discount if registered by October 5th (only $40per person - that's less than $1.50 per class)! Open registration throughout the course. No partner necessary! Singles and couples welcome! Teens through adults! Beginners through intermediate dancers take the floor! Classes begin October 12th – students can join anytime! Visit www.AlohaBallroom.com or call 879-0055 for more information.

This new dance series highlights the ever-popular Club Dances: Bachata & Salsa! The smooth-style Slow Waltz, the energetic Quickstep (as seen on Dancing with the Stars - sign up early to secure a space in these exciting classes! “I make partnership dancing a fun and social event for both couples and singles,” says Rita O'Connor. “It’s a wonderful way for couples to build upon their relationship and share a new activity together in a relaxing atmosphere. Similarly, singles or those without a dance partner for the evening can enjoy the company of others who want to learn to dance without feeling social pressure to have a steady partner in order to do ballroom dancing.” `“Ballroom & Latin dancing has changed with the times,” Rita explains. “The success of “Dancing with the Stars” TV program has prompted a resurgence in Latin & Ballroom dancing. I enjoy featuring contemporary music selections as well as the traditional songs to make it easier for people to recognize a dance. Our students range from young adult to mature adult and crosses all cultural barriers!"
(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Argentine Tango @Hale Ikena

2011-09-28T13:31:00.004-10:00

Dance Magic 808 opens the 4th Session on October 5 with the Argentine Tango with Robert and Vanelle Hirayasu at 6:45PM. Line Dance by Roxanne Kaino follows at 7:45PM. Track the trail with Dance Magic 808 Prez Lynn Nakamura's e-mail...

Hi All,
Just an update on our Wednesday night classes that will be starting up on Oct. 5, 2011 at Hale Ikena at Ft. Shafter.

Here are the dates: Oct. 5, 12, Nov. 2, 9, 16, & 30.
Classes: 6:45pm - 7:30pm - Robert & Vanelle Hirayasu/Argentine Tango
7:45p - 8:30pm - Line Dancing by Roxanne "Roxie" Kaino who will be assisted by Elsie McGrew.
Cost: $6 per class/you can register on Oct. 5.

Please mark your calendar:
Thursday night is still in session for our 3rd session classes. We have 3 more classes, Oct. 6, 13, and Nov. 3. We are still working on Tuesday nights.

Reminders:
Dance Magic 808's Social Dance (end of 3rd session)-Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011
Dance Magic 808's Christmas Social Dance-Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011
Dance Magic 808's 1st Anniversary Ball-Friday, July 6, 2012 at the Pacific Beach Hotel
Dance Magic 808's logo shirts-$35.00/make checks payable to OH Hawaii, Inc.

Oct. 22-Kauai Ballroom Dance Club's 7th Anniversary Ball @ Grand Hyatt Poipu Hotel in Kauai. Cost $50. Please see Lynn if you're interested. We have 34 people from Oahu who will be attending this annivesary ball. Dance Magic 808 will be performing a group quickstep (4 couples) and a solo International foxtrot and waltz.

Oct. 28-Pan Pacific's 37th Anniversary Ball @ Pacific Beach Hotel. Cost $55. We have filled 2 tables and need to fill the 3rd table. Please see Lynn if you're interested.

May 18, 2012-IBDI & Dance Magic 808's 1st Las Vegas Showcase @ Sam's Town Live at Sam's Town Hotel & Casino. More details forthcoming.

See you all next week. No classes this week.

Lynn
President, Dance Magic 808
www.dancemagic808.wordpress.com

Hawaii Star Ball Feature Article

2011-09-25T12:18:00.007-10:00

Gotta thank Marie Laderta for sprucing up this Weblog by continuing to send articles of interest for the dancing community. Get a load of her recent article on WHO's WHO gonna be at the Hawaii Star Ball..........

Hi Frank:
Finally, here it is, and thank you again for your assistance in posting:
-------------------

ISLAND FLAVORS & SPECIAL FEATURES at Hawaii Star Ball
By: Marie Laderta

IN ADDITION to the usual parade of local talent, to celebrate its 20th year, Geoffrey Fells spices it up with home-grown flavors! Hawaii Star Ball this year features "local-girl-made-good" Patrice Tanaka; the Gonzales Band; and local dance wear retailer Cammy Divers.

PATRICE TANAKA:
Ballroom dancer Patrice Tanaka, born and raised in our backyard, recently featured in Midweek, tells her story in her new book, "Becoming Ginger Rogers...How Ballroom Dancing Made Me a Happier Woman, Better Partner and Smarter CEO." Her book was recently published by BenBella books and is available now in bookstores. It tells the tale of a Japanese-American born and raised in Hawaii who fulfilled her dream of "making it" in the dog-eat-dog," "scratch-your-eyes-out" world of public relations in New York. Patrice's book has been described as providing a "voyeuristic glimpse into the world of competitive ballroom dancing," as well as a business book about lessonslearned from ballroom dancing that have made one woman a better CEO.
Patrice will be here in Honolulu this coming week, not only to promote her new book, but to compete in the Hawaii Star Ball with her Professionalteacher & top-ranking American Rhythm dancer Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine.

I've recently read the book, which I found to be inspiring, touching and definitely easy-reading. I've recommended it to many of my friends and book afficionados in and out of the ballroom world, who agreed that Patrice'sstory is uplifting. Her book will be available for sale at the Hawaii Star Ball, and when she is not dancing with Emmanuel, you may be able to catch her for an autographed copy! Patrice has lined up a number of promotional events for her book including a book signing at Kahala's Barnes & Noble on Saturday, October 1, at 1pm. For more information check out her website: www.BecomingGingerRogers.com

GONZALES BAND:
Our local social dance band, an icon at the Hale Koa's Warrior Lounge for many many years, makes its debut on the stage of the Hawaii Star Ball on Friday evening, September 30th. Joining in the many festivities for the Star Ball's final & glitziest evening, Jesse Gonzales, wife Buffy, son Jesse Jr., accompanied by Bobby, will be playing their favorite tunes during the general dancing segments of the evening.

CAMMY DIVERS of Dancewear Hawaii:
Shoes, shoes and more dance shoes for your picking will be featured on the vending tables of Cammy Divers' Dancewear Hawaii. Cammy Divers, a dancer herself, the mother of 3 little girls who dance ballet and recently ballroom, is also an industrious entrepreneur who runs and manages Dancewear Hawaii, a newly opened store located at 1513 Young Street, Suite 204. Also a first timer at the Hawaii Star Ball vending scene, Cammy has brought in a good variety of dance shoes for men and women, for competitive and social dancing. Some more familiar name brands include "RAY ROSE," "SUPADance," and "Very Fine dancesport shoes." Come meet Cammy and check out her shoes! She will be at the Hawaii Star Ball Tapa Tower for all 3 days of the event.

Divino Ritmo Social Dance @Cupola Put On Hold

2011-09-24T13:32:00.005-10:00

Just as a reminder to dancers who look forward to Swing and Sway at the Cupola on the last Tuesday of each month. Please read on Marie's e-mail......

Aloha Frank!

As soon as you are able to, I thought we should put something on the Blog ASAP to let people know that due to the Hawaii Star Ball, there will be NO CUPOLA social dance next Tuesday, Sep 27th. Divino Ritmo will resume its Cupola dance in October, just in time for Halloween!
Appreciate if you can get the word out for us ASAP so that we won't have folks disappointed if they show up and we are not there!

Mahalo Frank!
Marie

Da Good News: USA Dance "Plan B"

2011-09-24T13:09:00.005-10:00

WOW1 Talk about moving at the speed of light! Glenn, Anne, and USA Dance must've moved like greased lightning to make "plan B" work. Now I don't want to steal any thunder from the guys who worked hard to bring the International Foxtrot Workshop with Garry Foster back. So read on Anne Ho's recent e-mail to me.............

Hi, Frank,

This is Anne Ho emailing for Glenn Okazaki regarding the International Foxtrot workshop on Oct 1, with Garry Foster is still on as originally planned. So please keep both workshop notice on your blog. Thank you very much for helping USA Dance.

Anne

USA Dance Workshops

2011-09-21T00:26:00.014-10:00

WOW! Another BLOCKBUSTER WORKSHOP by USA Dance Honolulu. Whoa! Not one but two this time within one week. Thanks to Prez Glenn and USA Dance Honolulu for opening up these innovative workshops for both the American style, and International style dancers. Read on........
................................................

Aloha Frank,
Can you please help us to publicize our workshops coming up next week? We would greatly appreciate it if you could post this email and attached posters on your blog site.

Mahalos,
Glenn Okazaki

-------------------------------------------------

From: Glenn Okazaki
Subject: USA Dance Workshops

Aloha,
USA Dance is proud to present, two great workshops starting next week. American (Smooth) Waltz on Tuesday evening Sept 27, and International Foxtrot on Saturday afternoon October 1st.

To all you smooth dancers out there, this is your opportunity of a life time. Come and learn from the best of the best. Our first workshop is American Smooth Waltz with Slawek & Marzena, United States Champions. It is not often that you will receive the opportunity to learn from Champions. During this exciting one and a half hour of American Style Waltz, Slawek and Marzena will introduce a short amalgamation and work on it to improve your style, movement and technique.

Cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. See attached poster for more information.

(Entry 9/23/2011)INTERNATIONAL FOXTROT WORKSHOP with GARRY FOSTER HAS BEEN CANCELLED. USA Dance is working on a "plan B."

Aloha,
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

12 Years and Still Going Strong

2011-09-17T10:51:00.002-10:00

WoW! Has it been that long ago? 12 YEARS! Dat means the EARTH had rotated around the SUN 12 times. It was way back in 1999 that I met Joe (Pepe) Martel, the man who had a vision to promote Ballroom Dancing by way of his DANCING IN THE DARK publication.....you know da blue mini-zine that was distributed FREE to anyone who was on the dancing canoe (just taking a little idiom from the gov). And believe it or not..Pepe is still on that proverbial canoe to promote Ballroom Dancing. Man! that takes a lot of energy and dedication especially for Joe who now makes his home west of the great divide in Nanakuli and uses Da Bus and da bicycle for transportation to get more further West and sometimes crossing the great divide to Waikiki. Okay, it hasn't been smooth sailing for Pepe at times.. he has had lots of pat on the back and other times some criticisms and barbs thrown at him, too but he's weatherd them all like letting water running down a duck's back....and if you neva like read his mini-zine, dat's okay too. When I joined his staff of contributing editors, Pepe already had Roger Izumigawa and Ruth Morgan on board who were excellent authors of dancing news. It was a wonderful ride associating with those two writers and "da boss" Pepe who gave us a free hand to express our thoughts in "Dancing In The Dark"....no pressure. The only and one simple rule we had to follow was "no bang heads with the other contributing editors". After a few years, Roger and Ruth decided to retire and Geoffrey Fells came on board as a guest author for the mini-zine. Geoffrey is an experienced writer and he came on like gangbuster with a lot of fire in his articles....you know da kine that can scorch da okole if the dancers didn't perform the right stuff in exhibition dancing or competition dancing. I don't know fo' sure if the critique lighted some burning white coal fire under da okole of da dancers. One thing is fo' sure, it was constructive with good intentions from a well-known and professional judge who knows the ins and outs of competitive dancing. In 2009, computers and cyberspace seemed to be the way to go. So the "blue mini-zine" of Dancing In The Dark gave way to Weblogs a year later but the name continued on in cyberspace publication. The Weblog "Dancing In The Dark" exchanged hands twice between Pepe and me and finally was laid to rest in Pepe's hands. I went independent with "That's Dancing" and "The Dance Connection". Geoffrey went independent shortly after with his Dance News of The Pacific. So what's up with the history lesson, Frank? Just wanted to give recognition to "da man" Pepe Martel who started me on this long journey which have become my hobby and interest to provide some news of our dancing community...that is if I'm available to attend those events. Joe (Pepe) Martel is still active in blogging, so no forget to catch up with the news of dance activities in any of his blogs by clicking on the links on the side bar when you pau reading mine. Pepe has got more guest writers and contributing editors now that covers the social media and a bit about the history of dance, so he's got more coverage than anybody now fo'sure. Continue the long journey, Amigo. Felicitaciones y Buena suerte!

Buddy Schwimmer Workshop Part II

2011-09-09T02:05:00.006-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. Carolyn Noah is bringing back "Da Man" for Part II of the HUSTLE, NIGHTCLUB 2 STEP, and WESTCOAST SWING. Gotta register by September 15 if you got an eye for bento. Anyway for more info you can contact Carolyn at e-mail: Linedanceetc@aol.com or phone (808)271-0418
........................................

Carolyn Noah is one of our students at Dance Magic 808 at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter and she is making arrangements for Buddy Schwimmer to teach the Hustle, Night Club 2-Step, and West Coast Swing. Buddy is the created of the Night Club 2-Step dance. Carolyn brings in a lot of good professionals. (Sent by Lynn Nakamura)

------------------------------------------
Subject: Buddy Schwimmer
From: linedanceetc@aol.com
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2011

Hi all..............

Sorry about the lateness in this. Too many things on my plate. Don't forget to register. Some people may be wondering why so soon. If you learn something and want to remember, it takes lots of repetition. Being reminded a few months after while things are still semi-fresh, would help.

We don't have pros coming through often, so it would to our benefit to take advantage of every opportunity that arises. Especially if you want to improve and not be mediocre. Buddy will be doing some of the same things as last time with new stuff in between. Pass the word on and hope to see you in September. Unfortunately I am up against Star Ball, however, if you don't attend that function please come to this.

As always workshop schedule subject to change. Privates are being held on Friday, possibly from 3 to 8, Saturday after the workshop and Sunday, maybe one before he leaves. Interested? $100/hour. Have 3 signed up so far.

Mark your calendars:
September 24 & 25...Buddy Schwimmer Part II
December 3 & 4......Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekley

Hope you can make to these workshops. Please pass this on to someone I may have missed. Deadline for lunch has been extended to the 15th. See you soon.
Mahalo,
Carolyn Noah
808/271-0418

USA Dance International Tango Workshop

2011-09-08T13:42:00.003-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. Just received the following email from Glenn Okazaki. A bit late but dancers have an extraordinary habit of rearranging their time to accomplish a set goal. So no need huhu 'cause get a little bit more time than one day to make up your mind fo' go to the USA Dance International Tango Workshop this Saturday. So I goin' make this wikiwiki short so you get plenty time to read Glenn's email. And if no mo' all the info you need to catch your fancy fo' the workshop, then no shame fo' give Glenn a jingle at phone numba 428-1704.

..........................................

Aloha,

Reminder to you that USA Dance, Saturday Tango Classes is right around the corner. Class dates are September 10 & 17.

Our registration desk is open at 12:30 pm and class begins at 1:00 pm (Hawaiian Time) Be there for an exciting Tango Class.

If you haven’t attended our classes before, you don’t know what you are missing. It is filled with technique to make dancing easier. If you know anyone who has recently attended our classes, ask them about it. We don’t just give fancy steps to the students to learn. We also go many steps further to make sure they are able to dance it with their partners by using proper technique and footwork. You can balance this decision on your own, you either shuffle you way thru the floor or you dance it!

See you all this Saturday at the Palladium.
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

Happy 20th Hawai'i Star Ball

2011-09-07T21:24:00.012-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. The Hawaii Star Ball is just weeks away and there is more action ahead before the dance competition. But before I go any further here's a thunder of an announcement from my friend Marie Laderta. Go ahead an take a gander at the following email and get ready to rock and celebrate the 20th Birthday Party of Hawaii Star Ball. For more info on Tickets, Event Program, Registration, etc. please go to the Website at the bottom of the email. Dat's www.hawaiistarball.com

....................................................

Hi Frank:

Helping Geoffrey Fells get the word out about Hawaii's premier dance competition, and there is no better person than you to partner with in this effort!

Happy 20th Hawai'i Star Ball!

A sunset reception with leis, mai tais, and Hawaiian entertainment kick off three full days of celebration on this special birthday of Hawaii's premier dance event, the Hawaii Star Ball, brainchild of Geoffrey Fells. At 6:30p, September 27th, on the lawn of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the festivities will begin. The competition itself will run from September 28-30.

In the evenings, there will be general dancing amidst a stream of spectacular entertainment that runs the gamut. Entertainers include but are not limited to: Ballroom Champions Victor Fung & Anastasia Muravyeva, Latin Champions Andre & Natalie Paramonov, as well as our very own local Merrie Monarch contender, Kumu Hula Michael Casupang and the ladies and gentlemen of his halau; Chinese Lion Dancing and Kenny Endo's Taiko drums.

This is Hawaii Star Ball's 20th Anniversary Year, a major milestone for this annual competition that has survived the vicissitude of time, due largely to the credit of one kama'aina Englishman who stubbornly shepherded what was an infant competition 20 years ago to what it represents in Hawaii today. The first Hawaii Star Ball was held in 1992 as a one-day event at the original Hawaiian Regent Hotel in Waikiki.

Yes, the competition may be "smaller" compared to mainland standards, but definitely respectable, and not without lackluster to attract a robust enough size of competitors both local and off our shores. Of course, thanks to the support of our local teachers, their students, participants and spectators, Hawaii Stall Ball has ripened into the pride of our island ballroom community.

For your information, attached below are the special rates for kama'ainas only, as well as the program for the entire 3 days of the event.

For more information here's the link to the Hawaii Star Ball website:

http://www.hawaiistarball.com/

Sneak Preview of "Coming Home"

2011-09-04T19:01:00.024-10:00

Wow! Another Block Buster coming our way in December 2011. This is a SNEAK PREVIEW featuring dancers from various Professional dance studios and from Oahu's dance organizations. The photos are courtesy of photographer and patron of Hawaii's dance community Mary Beth Van Hoogstraten by way of my friend Marie Laderta. Go ahead and take a peek on what is on the program and candid photos of the cast.............(Left click on photo to zoom in)

Hi Frank!
I have an unusual story to tell. Dance-related of course! A story that conjures up the images of our troops in Afghanistan, Marilyn Moroe, the Grand Ballroom in Vienna, & the Honolulu Airport...all at once. You can imagine the hodgepodge of images.

I have photos to go with it which I will be sending in 3 separate emails. Please feel free to "organize" these photos into a sequence that makes sense to tell the story and for the blog. You do such a good job with photos anyway! I have permission from the author of the photos to use them for the blog. I also gave her credit in my article. Very much appreciate it. Here's the story:.........
-------------------
By: Marie Laderta

A SOLDIER COMES HOME...to a flash mob waltz, danced to the tune of the Blue Danube played by a String Quartet.

The Vision: Producers of Lifetime Television had a vision for a reality show. An unusual, even spectacular, but touching story of a husband's welcome for his wife, a soldier, a Major in the US Military, coming home from her 2nd tour of Afghanistan. The troops from Afghanistan will arrive at Honolulu airport on a military plane. Major Elizabeth Casely, after her more than 24 hour flight home, will step off the tarmac, escorted past the USO office, up the escalator and voila....into the arms of husband Chris Casely, fully clothed in his formal tail suit, pacing and anxiously awaiting the arrival of a wife he hadn't seen in months, a wife whose safety he had worried about, a wife he had longed and pined for, a wife whose duties to her country commanded personal sacrifices of life and death, and separation from home.... There on the top of the escalator stood a jittery husband relieved that his wife is "coming home..."

There was the sweet reunion, the kissing, and the embracing, the sighs of relief and finally the husband says to his soldier wife, "May I have this dance?"

This was our cue to begin dancing our waltz to the tune of the Blue Danube played by a string quartet. Husband whips wife into his arms, he in tails and she in army greens, and swept her into the world of a grand ballroom in Vienna, except this was the Honolulu airport! This was the flash mob waltz that we were a part of, a routine we had been taught and rehearsed just for this moment!! Finally it came and we were all exuberant in our dancing!!! It was like riding a merry-go-round and not wanting to get off the ride!

The show will be called "Coming Home," scheduled for airing in December 2011 by Lifetime television channel. Tune in!

The Preparation, Rehearsing and Filming of Coming Home:
Out of the clear blue, about 2 months ago, an email from a good friend, and a call from the soldier's husband, Chris Casley asking if Paul and I would be interested in being a part of "Coming Home." Wow, I thought what a really cool thing! I don't know why but I suddenly had visions of being Marilyn Monroe, welcoming home our troops! A silly thought but I did have a wave of this vision...except I played Marilyn Monroe! Yes, what a fanciful thought! It tickled me thinking of it, and made me very excited about the whole thing. I thought what a life experience this would be, and how fun and how it would allow me to dance, dance and dance, something I totally LOVE to do! And what a privilege, to pay small homage to our soldiers who give their lives for us so that we can live so comfortably, so that we can dance.

I found out a little later that similar calls were made to our dance
instructors Lucas Jaime & Yanna Samkova, to Geoffrey Fells, to some Arthur Murray folks, as well as others from HBDA and Honolulu's Salsa circuit. It was such a nice variety of dancers recruited from different "walks" of dance! One thing though, we were all sworn to secrecy, not allowed to talk about it, didn't even know who all the other dancers were until the rehearsals began a few days before the flight arrived. Without giving out the rest of the story and all the details which I will leave for you to tune into in December when the show airs, I would however like to share some photos taken by good friend and patron of Hawaii's dance community, Mary Beth Van Hoogstraten who played the part of a grandma traveler in her polka dot dress and laden with teddy bears.

The filming by Lifetime Television's crew flown in from L.A. was at
Honolulu airport last Wednesday, on August 31st.

A PHOTO collage of the making and filming of "Coming Home:" (Photos taken by Mary Beth Van Hoogstraten)

August Moon @The Cupola Tuesday

2011-08-28T13:20:00.008-10:00

Aloha Dancers,
Divino Ritmo Dance Studio is hosting their last Tuesday of the month social dance at the Cupola. I got the following e-mail from my dear friend Marie Laderta. You gotta love this gal 'cause whenever she writes, there's a storytime history...so go on and relish it. And when you're at the Cupola, please check over Paul Laderta's artistic masterpieces...the August Moon centerpieces.
.......................................

As always, much appreciated, and mahalo so much for putting this out there for us!

Marie
-------------------

August Moon at the CUPOLA

Legends say that the moon is brightest and roundest on the 15th day of the 8th moon, around the time of the autumn equinox. Legends, particularly Chinese, Malay, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Thai and Filipino also sometimes refer to the celebration of the full moon as Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival. In the Western tradition, it is also called the Hunter's Moon or Harvest Moon.

Under this bright Autumn moon, Lucas & Yanna invite you to join them and their Divino Ritmo Dance ohana, at their social dance this Tuesday, August 30th, 7-10pm at the CUPOLA! Cupola is on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center, corner of Piikoi & Kapiolani, at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

Admission and parking are FREE and it's open to the public, with pupus and drinks available for purchase all evening!

Most enthusiastically celebrated by the Chinese and incorporated in China as one of their public holidays, the "Moon Festival" (as commonly called by the Chinese) is celebrated by Chinese and others all over the world in a variety of regional and cultural customs. Common customs include eating moon cakes, gazing at the moon, carrying brightly lit lanterns, lighting lanterns on towers, floating sky lanterns, burning incense in reverence to the deities, barbecues with family and friends and of course DANCING, typically Fire Dragon Dances.

There are many stories and folk tales about the moon maiden and the Lady on the Moon who is reunited with her lover and husband once a year on this day of the fullest moon. Typically, the Moon Festival is known as the festival of reunion. All family members try to get together on this special day in thanksgiving. Those who cannot return home would gaze at the bright moonlight, reminisce and feel deep longing for their loved ones. Chinese poets have written about long lost lovers finding their way to each other, their path illuminated by the bright moonlight.

There is a famous Chinese poem written about this that I memorized as a child:

"The bright moon hangs above my bed...
The snow scattered on the ground...
I raise my head & gaze upon the bright moon...
Lowering my head, I long for my loved ones and my home..."
(Loosely translated by me)

So, please join us on Tuesday, August 30th at the CUPOLA, a day set
aside to dance, feast & celebrate in Divino Ritmo style the making &
renewal of friendships, of romantic rendezvous, and good ol' Hawaiian Aloha and Ohana!

For more information, contact:
Lucas: divinoritmo@aol.com, ph: (917) 568-3173;
Yanna: Yannajs@gmail.com, ph: (732) 499-0407

USA Dance and Pan Pacific Monthly Dance

2011-08-25T12:05:00.004-10:00

To you weekend dancers...there's something good looming at the Palladium this weekend and I mean on Friday. Check out USA Dance Prez Glenn Okazaki's e-mail. Still not to late to get into the groove with one of Honolulu's progressive dance organizations.

Aloha,

This is to inform you that USA Dance and Pan Pacific Ballroom Dance Society of Hawaii has joined together for our monthly dance on Friday, August 26. Please join us, it will be fun. Music will be provided by USA Dance Honolulu. There will be ono-licious pastries provided by non other than Joan & Arthur of Aala Bakery. Doors will be open approximately at 6:30 pm or sooner if possible.

Confirmed members of USA Dance will be admitted FREEEE…!! Please bring your membership card (if you can find it) to speed up the check-in at the door. Pan Pacific is charging their members $3.00 admission. All non-members of both clubs will be charged $6.00 admission.

We will have a membership drive that evening, so bring your friends who are not members and have them join USA Dance on Friday evening.

(USA Dance always provides free dances for our membership, except for ticketed events)

Nifty 50's & 60's Oldies Bash 2011 Sold-out

2011-08-17T18:25:00.003-10:00

Aloha Dancers & Readers,
I just received the following e-mail from the "Bash" Chairman Wendell Kwan that the Nifty 50's & 60's Oldies Bash 2011 has been sold-out. If you had intentions of attending this year's record breaking event at the Pacific Beach Hotel on October 14, please read on................

Aloha Frank!
Thank you for all your help, really appreciate it! BUT, we are completely SOLDOUT as of August 4, 2011! Last year we had 700+ guest join us for Nifty 50s & 60s Oldies Bash 2010. With the ever increasing popularity of our event this year registration was 20X, TWENTY TIMES ahead of last years event and we SOLDOUT completely as of August 4, 2011. This year we broke all records to the point that we soldout 10 weeks prior to our event.

Our Active Core Committee, thru hard work and excellent management focuses on maximizing "marketing, advertising and promoting" our event, EARLY! With past experience and success it has lead to another record breaking Nifty 50s & 60s Oldies Bash 2011!

We do not sell Tickets, but encourage everyone who is interested to "Register". Registration is on a "First Come, First Served" basis. We are also limited by strict Fire Code Laws and have to work within the Safety and Comfort policies afforded by the Pacific Beach Hotel's Grand Ballroom.

Your kindness for announcing in your Blog that Nifty 50s & 60s Oldies Bash 2011 is now completely SOLDOUT would be most appreciated! Frank if you can also add, "We look forward to everyone joining us for Nifty 50s & 60s Oldies Bash 2012!"

Please mail or email your contact info to:

Email: wkwan2@hawaiiantel.net Wendell Kwan - Chairman or diyoshida7@yahoo.com Diane Yoshida - Treasurer
or Mail: Wendell Kwan
Nifty 50s & 60s Oldies Bash
47-559 Hua Place
Kaneohe, HI 96744
PH. 239-5360

Thank you Frank!

Wendell Kwan
Chairman
2239-5360

What's Cooking @The Pacific Beach Hotel This Month

2011-08-12T01:31:00.005-10:00

In a couple of weeks August 2011 will be all pau but there will still be Big Time dancing at the Pacific Beach Hotel on the 19th for the IBDI 50TH ANNIVERSARY BALL, and on the 26th for the CANDONIANS of HAWAII 11th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND DRIVE.

I'm not familiar with the Candonians of Hawaii except that it is a Filipino Club that was established in 1948. I'll know more when Lani and I attend the function as guests of Paul and Marie Laderta.
Paul and Marie will join Lucas Jaime and Yanna Samkova in a foursome dance exhibition.

For more info about the Candonians of Hawaii, please contact Dr. Ignacio Torres at 375-6995, Sam Sonson at 392-7047, Delia Wong at 499-8971, or Bernadette Fajardo at 342-8090 before August 19.

NightClub 2 Step Workshop

2011-08-10T00:32:00.007-10:00

Dance USA Honolulu is sponsoring a NightClub 2 Step Workshop featuring Lucas Jaime from Divino Ritmo Dance Studio this month. Got the following e-mail from Glenn Okazaki.........

Hi All,

We have a workshop on the Night Club Two Step with Lucas Jaime coming up next week Saturday, August 20th. Cost for members is $10 and non-members is $20. Time is the usual at 1:00pm and registration at 12:30pm. If you don’t know how to do the NC-2S (Night club 2 Step) or want to learn more, now is the time to learn how Lucas does all of his smooth moves.

Become a USA Dance member and save on all workshops and Saturday classes.

Glenn

For more info, contact Glenn at: 428-1704

So What's Cooking This Week?

2011-08-09T12:18:00.016-10:00

Dance Magic 808 opening Session 3 dance classes at Hale Ikena tonight starting at 6:45PM. On the Agenda will be NightClub Merengue with Frank & Lani. Followed by the Mambo with Andy and Monica

Tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6:45PM Line Dancing with Elsie and Roxanne. Followed by NightClub 2 Step with Joshua and Stephanie, and Richard and Lynn.

On Thursday, Richard and Lynn concludes the 2nd Session make up class for the International Tango and Quickstep starting at 6:45PM.

For more info, please contact Lynn at 372-2256 or surf over to Dance Magic 808 Website at: www.dancemagic808.wordpress.com

This Month With WASABI

2011-08-08T13:26:00.003-10:00

The WASABI Band is still HOT on the trail for you 50's and 60's music fans. Doreen is staging a "Funtastic" time for each venue. Read on................

Here's our public gig schedule for this month:

- Thursday, 11 August: "The Cellar" event @ Cupola Theatre (Honolulu Design Center) 6:30-10:00 p.m. Let me know if you want me to "reserve" tables for you. Let's pack the place in so we can continue to have this great venue for all the dancers to go to during the week!!!

- Thursday, 18 August: "The Cellar" event @ Cupola Theatre (HDC) 6:30-10:00p.m. (Ditto above)

- Friday, 26 August: Ige's 8:30-11:30 p.m. You guys know the "drill"...let me know your seat counts by Monday, 8/23, plz!

We plan on having a FUNTASTIC time this week Thursday at the Cupola Theatre with some friends who will be joining us on stage, so come on down and get a good start to your weekend!

Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen

Kauai Ballroom Dance Club 7th Anniversary Ball Update

2011-08-07T22:17:00.008-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. I just received this update from Lynn Nakamura, President of Dance Magic 808 concerning the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club 7th Anniversary Ball.............

Hi Frank,

Could you please post the following on your blog?

Here's an update on the 7th Anniversary Ball that Kauai Ballroom Dance Club will be having that we had mentioned before.

(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Kauai Ballroom Dance Club 7th Anniversary Ball
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Place: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort (Poipu)
Time: 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm

There will be some dance exhibitions from Kauai and from Honolulu.

Richard & Lynn Nakamura from Dance Magic 808 will be performing a solo and their dance group will be performing a group exhibition. They had been practicing and planning for this for months. Richard & Lynn have always supported the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club and have never missed any of their anniversary balls.

If you are available, please come and support the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club and the Honolulu dancers. It'll be an evening of fun. They always have a great anniversary ball.

Early purchase price $45 by August 31, 2011 (August 27 for drawing) / After August 31, 2011 - cost $50.00

For tickets, please contact Lynn Nakamura at 372-2256 as soon as possible since more tickets may need to be ordered.

To enter your name in a drawing for a free room at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, tickets must be bought by Saturday, August 27 because all tickets sold and monies collected must be turned in to Lynn to send to Kauai for the drawing which will be held on September 1st in Kauai.

We cannot guarantee that your name will be entered in the drawing if tickets are bought after August 27. You will however, be able to get your tickets at the $45 cost if you purchase your tickets by August 31, 2011.

Hope you'll be able to attend this exciting dance event and experience a fantastic time dancing in Kauai.

Mahalo to all of you for your support!

Dance Magic 808 3rd Session Dance Classes

2011-08-02T22:45:00.005-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
Dance Magic 808 is moving on to their 3rd Session Dance Classes starting next week Tuesday at Hale Ikena. Dance Magic 808 Prez Lynn Nakamura sez it all in her e-mail, so please read on.............

Hi Everyone,
Here are the classes for Dance Magic 808's 3rd session which begins on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter.

Please visit our website which was created by Noli Boado at www.dancemagic808@wordpress.com It's not completed yet but it looks great. Thank you Noli.

Please note that there may be times where we might have to either cancel or postpone a class due to an unexpected event for Hale Ikena. When this happens, we will make every effort to contact you. Please make sure we have your current phone numbers and email address.
(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Instructors and Management Staff of Dance Magic 808 are all volunteers and all class fees are for Hale Ikena, a MWR facility.

Tuesday - 6 weeks – Class Fee $6.00 per dance per person
6:45 pm – 7:30 pm – Night Club Merengue (Instructors: Frank & Lani Sierra)
7:45 pm – 8:30 pm – Mambo (Instructors: Andy & Monica Pascua)

Wednesday - 5 weeks – Class Fee $5.00 per dance per person
6:45 pm – 7:30 pm – Line Dancing (Instructors: Elsie McGrew & Roxanne “Roxie” Kaino)
7:45 pm – 8:30 pm – Night Club 2 Step (Instructors: Joshua Manzano & Stephanie Shimizu, and Richard & Lynn Nakamura)

Thursday - 6 weeks - Class Fee $6.00 per dance per person
6:45 pm – 7:30 pm – International Samba (Instructors: Richard & Lynn Nakamura)
7:45 pm – 8:30 pm – International Waltz (Instructors: Richard & Lynn Nakamura)

Note: Class Fee is per dance per person for the entire 5 or 6 weeks. It breaks down to $1.00 per class per week and if you miss a class it is not reimburseable or credited. Once class begins there is no refund. Example of class fee: Mambo ($6.00) and Line Dancing ($5.00) – total class fee $11.00 for the entire session.

If you have any questions, you can contact us by email, phone, or text message.Mahalo for your interest in Dance Magic 808 and we hope to see you at one of our classes.

Richard & Lynn Nakamura
cell 372-2256 (Lynn)

Wanna Learn The Quick Step?

2011-07-30T07:36:00.004-10:00

Then read on the following e-mail from Prez Glenn Okazaki of USA Dance Honolulu................

Hi All,
Next Saturday’s class will be the Quick Step. Class starts on Saturday, August 6 and continues on August 13. Classes begins the same time and at the same place. See poster for the specifics on venue and costs. It will be an exciting amalgamation of runs, pepper-pots and chasse’s, by special request.

I think it goes something like……hopity, hopity, jump, skip and hop.
See you there at the Quick Step. I know all of you will love this run.

Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

A Gentle Reminder

2011-07-30T05:26:00.007-10:00

Friday August 5 is rapidly approaching and this is a gentle reminder that BANTAY BATA at the Pacific Beach Hotel is just around the corner. Last years fundraiser was a sellout which was filled with entertainment and exhibition dancing. Many local celebrities and a sparkling array of local showcase dancers were on hand. Tickets to DANCING IN PARADISE PROJECT FOR BANTAY BATA are presale and no tickets will be sold at the door. Last years Bantay Bata was a huge success that I've included photos of some of the key people that made it so.

Fall 2011 Session @Ali'iolani CSA

2011-07-26T01:39:00.006-10:00

The Summer 2011 Session CSA Ballroom Dancing classes came to a close last week and now Lani and I are looking forward to our Fall 2011 Session at Ali'iolani CSA. We had decided to close the Kaiser CSA dance class for the Fall and open a Monday night dance class at Ali'iolani CSA. Our Summer Session Wednesday night Kaiser CSA and Thursday night Ali'iolani CSA classes were a mixture of Absolute Beginners and Advanced students. So we decided with the approval of the higher-ups at the Kaimuki CSA Complex to open an Absolute Beginners Dance Class on Monday amd continue our Thursday night class with Beginners-Intermediate students. As in the past, numbers in enrollment play a big part on whether a class will be held or will be cancelled. So far, our classes have been in the Green Zone.

Hawaii Star Ball/USA Dance Honolulu

2011-07-22T17:33:00.005-10:00

Aloha,
Hawaii Star Ball is right around the corner and USA Dance is reserving tables for Wednesday evening, September 28. On that evening Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyeva will be doing a 5-dance International Ballroom Show. If you are not familiar with Victor and Anastasia, they are world finalists and ranked #3 in the world. I have seen their latest show and let me tell you, it is exciting and captivating and will keep you in awe.

If you would like to sit at a USA Dance table for this event, please email me. This is for Wednesday evening on September 28. Cost for the evening 7 course Chinese dinner, show & competition is $95 per person. (I believe that it is a buffet dinner.)

Aloha,
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

(Left click on photo to zoom in)

Dinner and Dance @Hale Ikena

2011-07-22T08:30:00.002-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
The new dance organization Dance Magic 808 is hosting their second Social Dance on Thursday August 28 at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter. It's an informal affair to dine, dance, and socializing with friends. No problem on getting entrance into Ft. Shafter. All you'll need is driver's license for ID and a current auto insurance card. Here's Lynn's e-mail for more info.
......................................

Hi All,
We are again having our social dance at Hale Ikena (airconditioned) and if you are available and would like to join us, please email us or give us a call. It's open to our students, friends, and their friends.

If you are coming, we would like to know if you plan to have the Mongolian Dinner (65 cents an ounce) which includes a choice of either white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or noodles and ice cream or if you would like to order something from Mulligan's, see the attached menu. For those of you who weren't here for our first social dance, there is no pressure to purchase a meal. If you want something to eat, you can purchase it from Hale Ikena or Mulligan's. It's just a nice informal setting to have dinner and dance.

We would like to know in advance so that the staff at Hale Ikena can be better prepared this time to handle our crowd. The last time we had approximately 110 people in attendance. We also need to know how many tables and chairs to set up. We might have to limit the number of people so if you plan on coming, please advise us asap. It'll be on first come basis.

Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Dining starts from 5:00 pm - 7:30pm
General Dancing from 5:30 pm - 8:45 pm or maybe until 9 pm
Short exhibitions from the students and solo exhibitions from a couple of instructors

Our friends, Derek & Keiko Oh will be bringing their Japan fund-raising bags for those of you who ordered the bags and will bring extra for those of you who would like to purchase one. It's a really cute bag. The cost of the bag is $10 and that amount will go towards their fund-raising efforts to help the people of Japan. Derek & Keiko are spending their own funds to bring the bags to you and are not making anything from the sale of the bags. Thank you Derek & Keiko for your efforts and kindness to help the people of Japan.

This will be a very informal evening with lots of fun, good food, great company, and lots of dancing.

If you've already advised us, you can disregard this message.

See you soon.
Richard & Lynn
cell 372-2256 (Lynn)

Hawaii Gardenia Circle Grand Ball

2011-07-20T22:54:00.008-10:00

It's being billed as Hawaii Gardenia Circle (HGC) Grand Ball, but it is also the HGC 20th Anniversary Dance at the Palladium on August 27. Gosh, it's been nearly two months since making small talk with Gayle K. and Reggie G. Last time was in May in Las Vegas for the IBDI Dance Extravaganza. Anyway, HGC have a Mock Competition on tap featuring International Standard and American Smooth. Should be a thriller showcasing both styles of dancing. For more info and ticket sales, please contact Gayle K. at 223-8052.
(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Dancing for Health & Wellness at Divino Ritmo's D-DAY at the CUPOLA!

2011-07-19T23:32:00.005-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
Divino Ritmo Social Dance moves to Wednesday, July 27...for this month. Check out the e-mail and article sent from my friend Marie Laderta. Photo courtesy of Yanna Samkova.
...............................

Hiya Frank:
Thank you once again for the opportunity and for the helping hand to get the word out. Unbelievable, I am ahead of schedule! Here it is, the Cupola Article:

-------------------
Divino Ritmo jumps on this month's National Dance Day band wagon at its CUPOLA social dance next WEDNESDAY, July 27th, 7-10pm.

Cupola is on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center, corner of Piikoi & Kapiolani, at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd. As always, admission is FREE with ono grinds and drink available for purchase throughout the evening!

"So You Think You Can Dance" Executive Producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe has declared July 31 to be National Dance Day. The idea of National Dance Day is to bring about public awareness and attention to dancing as a medium to promote better health and wellness nationwide! The National Dance Day initiative focuses on encouraging the nation, young and old, individuals, families, organizations and communities to come together through the creative expression in dance and body movement!

But don't be confused. While the official day declared is July 31, Lucas & Yanna are
celebrating National Dance Day on WEDNESDAY, July 27th, and NOT on their usual Tuesday. It will be back on Tuesdays again in August. Just for this month, their social dance will be on Wednesday.

Nigel Lythgoe has said that the goal is to "prove that the Power of Dance can MOVE an entire country! So we urge you to get off your okoles and put on those dancing shoes and hele on down to the Cupola next Wednesday to shake them booties.....

WARNING:......this dance may be addictive and may contribute to a contagious Joy in your health and well-being! So, are you inspired to dance for this day? It's hard to deny dancing is fun and one of the best forms of exercise! Come and be infected by the joy & wellness of dance at the Cupola next week and have a good work-out at the same time!

For more information, contact:
Lucas: divinoritmo@aol.com, ph: (917) 568-3173;
Yanna: Yannajs@gmail.com, ph: (732) 499-0407

USA Dance Mock Competition

2011-07-19T02:15:00.004-10:00

Bantay Bata's "Burn The Floor"

2011-07-15T02:19:00.006-10:00

WOW! Another HOT venue coming up in August at the Pacific Beach Hotel. It's a worthy fundraiser for Bantay Bata. Lani and I attended last year's Bantay Bata Dinner and Dance and it was a scorcher...a real Hot one. This year's "Dancing In Paradise Project for Bantay Bata 163" is expected to "Burn The Floor" also on August 5th. All tickets to this event are Pre-sale...no tickets sold at the door. So if you want to be part of this worthy cause please contact Buffy at 284-2395, Paz at 428-3308, Marie at 222-3721, or Lynn at 372-2258.

Maraming Salamat to my friend Marie Laderta for providing the following info:

Hi Frank:
Finally, I have the write-up for Bantay Bata and a photo to go with it which I am sending under a separate email.
Many thanks for you support in promoting this fundraiser.
I hope you and Lani can come as my guests. Let me know your availability. As a small token of apreciation, Paul and I would very much like to host the both of you. I will mail you your tickets once you confirm your availability to attend.
Huge Mahalos again,
Marie

BANTAY BATA's "Burn the Floor" at the Pacific Beach!

On Friday, August 5th, 2011, the Gonzales Band known to us all as Jesse, Buffy & Jesse, Jr., together with their committee members, Eric Barsatan, Paz & Raffy, Dolores, with friends Paul & Marie Laderta, will be hosting this year's "Burn the Floor" to raise money for the children of the Philippines.

This year's Bantay Bata fundraiser will be held again at the Pacific Beach Hotel. Doors will open at 6:00pm. Tickets are $55 each including dinner and show, and can be purchased from the Gonzales at phone numbers: 926-4414 or 284-2395, or from Marie Laderta at: 222-3721.

Bantay Bata means "child watch" in the Filipino language, and this non-profit organization's international flagship program is dedicated to fundraising to benefit the children who suffer from malnutrition and child abuse. The Bantay Bata is largely a child abuse rescue operation that responds to an average of 15,300 calls for assistance per year. The program assists more than 21,000 children and families in relocation communities and feeds at least 4,400 severely malnourished children. Last year, thanks to many of your generous support, Bantay Bata Hawaii raised $5,000. Our goal this year is to exceed that.

When people like YOU in our dance community take what they love to do, ie. dancing, and choose to do it for a good cause, it makes the act of giving more meaningful. It is our hope that your participation and support of this fundraiser will bring more awareness to the plight of these needy children.

Please join us on August 5th for Bantay Bata's "Burn the Floor!"

IBDI 50th Anniversary Dance @The Palladium

2011-07-13T15:24:00.005-10:00

Gotta thank Marsha for shining more light on the IBDI 50th Anniversary Dance at the Palladium on Saturday August 20. Here's a treat for those who cannot make it to the Pacific Beach Hotel on Friday, August 19....

Hi Frank,
Thank you so much for promoting IBDI.
Just a small correction to your info about the IBDI 50th Anniversary.
The Saturday, Aug 20th dance is also a 50th Anniversary Dance with the Japanese Professionals and heavy pupus catered by Tsukiji for a steal at $10.00!! Great opportunity at an affordable cost for many retirees on fixed incomes and others who are unable to afford $65.00 (or more like $130.00 with a spouse or date). It won't have the ambiance of the hotel but it'll be a great event.
Smiles,
Marsha

So What's Cooking @IBDI?

2011-07-12T13:28:00.009-10:00

Well the heat was on last night at Renna's and Sergio's Samba Variation dance class (at least for me and maybe a few others) in the Palladium's Ewa Ballroom. Trying to imitate their moves in an uncharted territory gave me some trying moments. The spirit was willing but the legs were rebelling. Fortunately for Lani and me Sergio and Renna are excellent instructors and the remaining 10 minutes time got me back on track. Whew! Talk about surviving a wringer on the sixth lesson. Next week Monday will be our last lesson for this term and then the Student Party the week after.
Coming up for the next (4th) Term will be:

And no forget IBDI 50th Anniversary Ball at the Pacific Beach Hotel on August 19 and a replay on August 20 at the Palladium. Got some Professional Dancers from Japan to perform in the Showcase at both venues. For more info and ticket sales, you can contact
Renna at: (808)284-3619,
Marsha at: marshanino@yahoo.com,
Lynn at: travelynn@hotmail.com,
Grace at: (808)348-8337 or (808)680-7838

Kauai Ballroom Dance Club 7th Anniversary Ball

2011-07-08T15:42:00.012-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
Just got this e-mail and poster from Ellen Kitabayashi of Kauai. The Kauai Ballroom Dance Club is hosting their 7th Anniversary Ball, October 22nd on the beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai. If you're island hopping in October, here's one venue you'd want to journey to. Lani and I met Ellen and her husband Ken at the IBDI Las Vegas Dance Extravaganza in May. They both are dance instructors for the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club (Lihue Chapter) on Kauai and are not strangers to Honolulu dancers. They have brought their dance formation team to participate in showcases for some of Honolulu's dance clubs' anniversary balls. Here's what she wrote..............

Hi Frank:

Finally our poster for our Anniversary is ready. Could you please put it in your blog for us. If anybody wants tickets, they could email me. Lynn Nakamura also has tickets for our ball.

Thank you for advertising our ball.
Ellen Kitabayashi

ed note: You can contact Ellen at: ellen.kitabayashi@hawaiiantel.net
and Lynn at: (808) 372-2256
(left click on poster to zoom in)

IBDI Monthly Social Dance

2011-07-07T17:49:00.000-10:00

More Info on Upcoming Events 2011

2011-07-01T20:19:00.004-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance. Here's more light on some of the dance events scheduled for 2011 and submitted by my friends Richard and Lynn Nakamura. Please take note on the introduction of the new dance group: DANCE MAGIC 808. Dance Magic 808 have International style and American style dance classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights at Hale Ikena in FT. Shafter. Please contact Lynn for more info on the dance classes.
.......................................

Upcoming Events for 2011

Please try to make it to some or all of the functions/events listed below. It’ll be a lot of fun and you can try out the steps you’ve learned or just come as a spectator. There is no pressure to dance. We just want everyone to have a lot of fun.

Thursday, July 28 – Dance Magic 808 End of Class Social Dance at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter (more details later) Save this date. There will be some exhibitions by the students & instructors and general dancing. If you want, you can purchase a meal or snack or drinks or just come for the dancing.

Friday, July 1 - IBDI Social Dance at Palladium /Cost $3.00 for members & $6.00 for non-members. Good time to practice what you've learned. We'll be there if you need help. We have to practice too.

Saturday, July 9 & Friday, July 22 - Pan Pacific Social Dance at Palladium /Cost $3.00 for members & $6.00 for non-members. Come out and dance. We'll be there if you have questions. We'll be practicing for July 23.

Saturday, July 23 – USA Dance "Mock Competition (Latin & Ballroom)" at Palladium. Cost $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Ed & Candy Matsuda and Richard & Lynn Nakamura will be participating in the mock competition. It'll be an exciting evening with the mock competition dancers in their sexy latin outfits & beautiful ballgowns. Please come out and support us and USA Dance.
See Lynn Nakamura (372-2256) for tickets or email Lynn at travelynn@hotmail.com

Friday, August 5 – Bantay Bata Dance (Fundraiser for Orphans in the Philippines) Location: Pacific Beach Hotel – cost $55.00 Time: 6:00 pm - ? /dinner buffet, exhibitions, & general dancing. Please come and support this worthy cause. We would like to make at least a table or two.
Richard & Lynn Nakamura will be performing a solo quickstep.
See Lynn Nakamura (372-2256) for tickets or email Lynn at travelynn@hotmail.com

Friday, August 19 – IBDI 50th Anniversary Ball at Pacific Beach Hotel – cost $65.00 Time: 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm Dinner Buffet, Showcase by Professional Dancers from Japan, General Dancing. Some IBDI members come to our classes. Let's attend this dance function and give them our support. We are taking names to make up the tables. See Lynn Nakamura (372-2256) for tickets or email Lynn at travelynn@hotmail.com.

Saturday, August 20 – IBDI Social Dance at the Palladium / Cost $10.00. Please come out and support IBDI.

Saturday, August 27 - Hawaii Gardenia Circle "Mock Competition" at the Palladium. Save this date, more details forthcoming. Richard & Lynn Nakamura will be participating in this mock competition and ask for your support of them and for Hawaii Gardenia Circle Dance Club.

Friday, October 28 – Pan Pacific’s 37th Anniversary Ball at Pacific Beach Hotel – cost $55.00 Time: 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm Dinner Buffet, Exhibitions, General Dancing. Their president attends our classes. Mark your calendar and let's start making some tables for this dance event. Let's support this dance club too. See Lynn Nakamura(372-2256) for tickets or email Lynn at travelynn@hotmail.com

Note: Richard & I (Lynn) are friends with most of the people at the different dance organizations and we like to support them whenever we can. Everyone loves to dance and we want to give our students and friends an opportunity to attend these dances. Just in case you didn't hear about it, our dance group is called Dance Magic 808.

July 2011 Palladium Schedule of Events

2011-06-30T01:53:00.006-10:00

(left click on poster to zoom in)

More Dance Venues For July

2011-06-29T02:48:00.004-10:00

FYI: Big happenings coming in August and October at the Pacific Beach Hotel.

Friday, Aug. 5: Bantay Bata Dance For Orphans
Friday, Aug. 19: IBDI 50th Anniversary Ball
Friday, Oct. 28: Pan Pacific 37th Anniversary Ball

For more info and tickets to all events listed, please see Lynn or ph. 372-2256. Mahalo!

More Fun With Samba and Hustle Variations

2011-06-28T12:59:00.005-10:00

Maybe you've been warming the seat while jealously sparking the dancers on the floor, the cool easy way in which they move their bodies, the way they melt into the sound becoming one with the music. Well, you gotta stop putting the brakes on and let yourself go like setting your spirit go on the loose. That's what Lani and I did last night at Renna's Samba Variation dance class. Boy! That energetic duo of Renna and Sergio can sure whip up some vigorous moves that can burn up our storeroom of collected energy. We were into our fourth lesson and it appeared like everyone was on the same page for this fast moving dance. We got a few more lessons to lick before the end of this wonderful session with IBDI. No time to put the brakes on; just gotta let the spirit soar to the tempo of the music.

Tonight, no time to hit the skids at Hale Ikena with the Swing Hustle. Last week Joshua and Stephanie revealed a fast syncopatate step that boggled the mind at first try. Learning this 70's craze wasn't as easy as I thought but the Hustle has been revived and if we don't want to be seat warmers while jealously watching others have fun, we gotta let the spirit soar.
One popular dance teacher said about Disco or Hustle Dancing and I quote: "Stamina is what you need, first and foremost. Walk briskly for at least a half hour each day. Or if you're more ambitious, jump rope for five minutes every day, or jog for twenty minutes three time a week. The idea is to condition your body by getting moving...and keeping moving. If you begin regular walking, jumping, or running, almost immediately you will notice an improvement in your stamina and well-being. Start jogging today, and you might not make it around the block. But after a week or so, you should be able to do at least a half mile." So it was non-stop Hustle tonight as Joshua and Stephanie continued the fast moving syncopated steps but first we started with some isolation exercise for warm up. Then the fun began learning some more flashy variations that can be used for dance exhibition showcase. Come to think of it, Renna's and Sergio's Samba variations have showcase quality movements, too.

Buddy Schwimmer Workshop This Weekend

2011-06-25T04:12:00.004-10:00

Just a reminder. Previously posted on May 17, 2011

(left click on poster to zoom in)

Aloha Students of Dance,
If you're longing to learn the HUSTLE, or NIGHTCLUB 2 STEP, or WEST COAST SWING from the "King of Swing", here's an early tip. Buddy Schwimmer, better known as the "King of Swing" is headed our way for a two-day workshop at the Palladium in June. For the younger generation, he's better known as the papa of Benji (So You Think You Can Dance), and Lacey (Dancing With The Stars). Carolyn Noah is spearheading this event. So if you got the hots for these Club Dances, bettah give her a jingle for more info before they close the registration for the workshop. Left click on accompanying poster to zoom in. You can also get a Registration Form by contacting Carolyn via e-mail. One more important thing; you gotta have the recommended level of dance experience before you enroll.

Divino Ritmo Celebrates Summer In Paradise

2011-06-23T17:44:00.005-10:00

Hello Frank & Lani:
So good to see you both at the Matsuri dance. It's been a while.
Yes, Suddenly it's summer and suddenly's it's the next Cupola dance for Divino Ritmo! So once again, we impose on you to help us post our announcement and get the word out! Mahalo my friends and good summer dancing!
Best regards,
Marie

------------------------------------------

We BLINKED, and suddenly it's summer - from Memorial Day celebration to summer fun at the Cupola!

Coming up next Tuesday, June 28th, 7-10pm is once again Divino Ritmo's social dance, AND celebration of SUMMER IN PARADISE at the Cupola! Cupola is on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center, corner of Piikoi & Kapiolani, at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.
Admission is FREE and it's open to the public, with pupus and drinks available for purchase all evening!
Where did the time go? It seems like just last week we were packing up our Spring and Mardi Gras decorations. Now suddenly it's Summer in Paradise! Ah summer, what does summer in Hawaii hold for us? We cannot believe how fast this year went by. It was so much fun dancing, learning new steps, meeting new friends, attending showcases, & for some, competing and strutting their stuff, whatever it was, we had a blast every single day.

Lucas once said, his vision is to have lights strung across the beach, with people in their sundresses and dancing barefoot. He wanted a place where he & Yanna, his students, & the whole community could come out and dance under the stars. Thus began the tradition of last Tuesday dancing at the Cupola!

All we want to do is invite our students & friends to dance with us. "We want our social dance to be a place people like coming to, and we love them, and we try to provide music people would continuously dance to, from the first song to the last, and where we have the hardest time getting them to leave..." - this is Lucas' & Yanna's "summer dream," and they invite you to come and make their dream come true at Cupola's Summer dance next Tuesday!

For more information, contact:
Lucas: divinoritmo@aol.com, ph: (917) 568-3173;
Yanna: Yannajs@gmail.com, ph: (732) 499-0407

Tango - The Dance of Love and Hate

2011-06-19T02:40:00.003-10:00

I picture a ferocious tiger; a predator with its silent but definite stride roaming the jungle in hunt for a prey when dancing the Tango. Other times its two gauchos circling each other in a desperate fight for the woman they love. That's drama in dancing the Tango! If you're thinking Tempestuous Tango, here's the spill for partner dancing.

When the Tango was introduced from Buenos Aires at the end of the nineteenth century, it was considered exotic and suggestive. It didn't become a rage until it was modified and standardized so that it could be "respectably" danced in the casino ballrooms of the early 1900. By 1915, "Tango Clubs" had proliferated. Restaurants with dance floors had small Argentine Tango orchestras providing live accompaniment for the tea dancers in the "clubs". The original Tango underwent numerous changes over the years, and was finally standardized in its present form in the twenties.

Of all ballroom dances, this one is probably the most stylized, and dramatic. (It has love, hate, anger, dismay, strength, and passion). There's no bouncing around in the Tango; the steps are long, smooth, and sleek. with the feet kept close to the floor. Each dance phrase is punctuated by a pregnant, poised pause, and begins with a quick head jerk that adds to the dramatic style. You can't carry off the Tango with stooped posture, so straighten up, lift your head high, point your nose into the future, and think sleek.

Like the Foxy Trot, the rhythm patterns of the slows and quicks in the Tango may be varied, as long as the dance phrase ends on the eighth count.

As the saying goes..."It takes Two To Tango". Dat's why a partner is highly recommended for this dance of love and hate.

USA Dance Mock Competition

2011-06-18T17:25:00.004-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
If by chance you did not get this e-mail from my friends Richard and Lynn who are wonderful people and dancers, here's an event to plan for an evening of a colorful and an exciting showcase of some of Hawaii's top mock competition dancers.
.................................................

Hi All,

Please save Sat., July 23 for us. USA Dance will be having their mock competition and we will be participating in the mock competiton.
If you are free that evening, please come out and support us and USA Dance and invite your friends. It'll be a very enjoyable evening. There will be a lot of beautiful gowns and latin outfits that'll make watching the mock competiton exciting.

Place: Ala Wai Palladium
Cost: $8.00 in advance / $10.00 at the door
Time: 6:00pm - 9:45pm

General dancing, light refreshment, and the mock competition.

See me (Lynn) for tickets.
Mahalo,
Richard & Lynn
cell 372-2256 (Lynn)

The Jitterbug

2011-06-18T14:00:00.001-10:00

Okay, kids! (I say that without sounding like an Oldy but Goody). I've seen a lot of groovy dancing but Swing Dancing has gotta be da COOLEST! And so is Salsa Merengue! But everyone loves to dance the Swing be it Jitterbug, EastCoast Swing, Jive, or even WestCoast Swing. If you are the product of the 50's and Bee Bopping and Rock 'n' Rolling with your main squeeze was your favorite hottee pasttime, then check out what started the whole craze. So we gotta go way back before I was born or maybe you guys and ladies, too....Hmmmm!

When Charles Lindbergh flew solo over the Atlantic in 1927, people commemorated the event by naming all sorts of things after him, including a wild novelty and popular dance that was christened the "Lindy Hop". In the 30's, the steps were revised slighty to synchronize with Swing music played by the big bands. By the late 1930's, the Lindy became known as the "Swing", and everyone was struck with Swing fever. Across the country, each neighborhood had its own style of swinging. Teens particularly went Swing crazy, and some wilder spinoffs such as the Crazy Shag and the Jitterbug began to develop. (The Jitterbug is reported to have come out of Harlem in the 30's and embraces a wilder and more exhibitionlike style with some improvised steps). The "closed" and "break" positions with aerial lifts and jumps, and the furious footwork made the dancers resemble a bunch of "jittery bugs"; hence the name "Jitterbug". ......(excerpts from partner dances). Pau fo' now....

WASABI Goin' Hot In July

2011-06-16T14:08:00.011-10:00

Great Balls Of Fire! Doreen and the talented WASABI 50's & 60's Oldies Band bringing live music to the Cupola Theater. Just got this e-mail from the leader of the band, Doreen Nakamoto, and I couldn't help busting out laughing at her humor. Go ahead and read it and see if it tickles your funny bone, too.
......................................

For our new venture at Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theatre beginning & happening on Thursday, July 7, 2011, from 6:30-10:00 p.m., we were very fortunate to have been asked to do this weekly Thursday night event, thanks to our friend, Mary Beth who recommended us, and we want to do all possible to make this a success because this is a wonderful venue! If you've never been to the Honolulu Design Center, you're really gonna love this place! It is very nice!!! There's going to be valet parking, so pull up into the parking garage from the Piikoi side of the building. Enter the building thru the glass sliding doors from the garage and take either the escalator to your immediate right, or the elevator to your left, to the 2nd floor. The A'muse Bar & Cupola Theatre is on the Piikoi side of the building. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door to the Cupola with drink specials & $5 pupu specials.

***We will be there every Thursday with the exception of Thurs. 7/21 & Thurs. 8/04 because the Cupola was already booked on those 2 dates for private parties.***

Please share and invite all your family, friends, neighbors, workmates...We are going to PARTY! Here's our WASABI public gig schedule for JULY:

- Thursday, 07 July: "The Cellar" @ Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theatre. A dance event from 6:30-10:00 p.m.

- Friday, 08 July: Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka. 8:30-11:30 p.m.

- Thursday, 14 July: "The Cellar" @ Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theatre. 6:30-10:00 p.m.

- Thursday, 21 July: St. Louis Alumni. 7:00-10:00 p.m.

- Thursday, 28 July: "The Cellar" @ Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theatre. 6:30-10:00 p.m.

We cannot thank you enough for all your love & support of our music! Without you, we would not have been able to enjoy our passion for good music, good friends, & good times! (Plus, Rodney wouldn't have had the honor & privilege of being the brunt of all my jokes! Don't you think he was given the right name? RODNEY, as in RODNEY DANGERFIELD, the guy who got NO RESPECT!!!!!!
We are still looking for something useful for Rodney to do...hmmmmmm...I know! I know! He can be our mascot!
Wait a minute ...................andagi (Okinawan donut) and wasabi don't match, and can't be eaten together...YUCK! Oh well, back to the drawing board. Maybe we can put a paper sack over his head and pretend he's NOT there! he he he) Until we meet again...a hui hou!

Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen

Nifty 50's & 60's Oldies Bash 2011

2011-06-15T10:59:00.003-10:00

A bit early announcement but please take heed. Last year's event drew 700 oldies lovers and it was a sellout crowd. So if you want to relive those "Happy Days" of the 50's and 60's, you gotta make plans before the deadline of September 14. Bettah yet surf over to Website: Niftyoldiesbash.net for more info and the registration form. Or give Wendell Kwan or Diane Yoshida a jingle at the phone numbers listed. Lani and I really enjoyed last years roaring event and I think you will, too. And no forget to dress up like the 50's and 60's.

Keep On Dancing This Week

2011-06-13T02:45:00.007-10:00

(Left click on photo to zoom in)

Gonna be a busy week for Lani and me. International Samba with Sergio and Renna on Monday, new Swing Hustle by Joshua and Stephanie, and Social Waltz by Robert and Vanelle opening at the Hale Ikena this Tuesday. Lani and I will be assisting Robert and Vanelle. Also ongoing at the Hale Ikena on Thursday is Richard and Lynn's International Tango and Quickstep. Our CSA dance classes starts this Wednesday at Kaiser CSA, and at Ali'iolani CSA this Thursday. Then there's the Matsuri Goodwill Dance at the Pacific Beach Hotel this Friday, and IBDI Monthly Dance at the Palladium this Saturday. Surf down to the June Palladium Schedule for more afternoon week day, and evening weekend dancing.

Line Dancing With Salome

2011-06-10T01:37:00.018-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
A long time friend (we go way back when she choreographed "Flash Dance" for the Hawaii Kai Chapter of HBDA which Lani and I were in many many moons ago). It was the first time a Chapter had broken the tradition of ballroom formation dancing and introduced Jazz Dancing as our Chapter's group formation.

Our choreographer was Jazz dancer Salome who wears a number of hats. She is a performing member of the Step*Taculars, a former Ballroom Dance Teacher, and have for many years stretched her talents into Line Dancing. She is opening a morning class in East Honolulu at Kahala Mall. You can contact Salome for more info. (Left click on poster to zoom in)

Hale Ikena Ballroom Dance Classes

2011-06-05T14:47:00.007-10:00

Just knocked ourselves out at the first Hale Ikena "Fun Dance, Dance, Dance Social", Richard and Lynn Nakamura are continuing another 6 rounds of dance classes. This time with the addition of a Wednesday night dance class and new qualified to teach dance instructors. Joshua Manzano and Stephanie Shimizu are bringing the SWING HUSTLE to Tuesdays, and Robert and Vanelle Hirayasu will follow with the next class in the American Social Waltz. On Wednesdays, Joshua and Elsie McGrew will start off with the LINE DANCING, followed by Joshua and Stephanie with the NIGHTCLUB 2 STEP. This Thursday (June 9), Richard and Lynn Nakamura continues the session with Part II in the International Tango and International Quickstep. (Left click on poster for more info)

WASABI Hot @The St. Louis Alumni Clubhouse

2011-06-03T14:57:00.002-10:00

For you dance lovers who want to start the weekend a bit earlier, checkout Doreen's e-mail announcement of what's happening on Thursday the 9th of June.
.............................

Hi!

Looking forward to another great night at St. Louis Alumni next week Thursday, June 9, from 7:00-11:00 p.m. Hope you guys can make it!

FYI, St. Louis Alumni will start the $5.00 cover charge from next month. I think that's a good thing bcz they must be taking a loss...not too many drinkers in our crowd...I think only da Kitchen might be making a little money, but the St. Louis bar is not, so let's support this excellent venue. This is such a nice, clean, and convenient place, plus it's air-conditioned, so it's also very comfortable for dancing.

See you all soon!

Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen

Ala Wai Palladium June 2011 Schedule

2011-05-31T14:50:00.007-10:00

Thank you again, KI, for posting the June 2011 Palladium Schedule. Guys and gals, if you want to know more about what's gonna happen this month, then go ahead and surf over to KI's http://DanceFeverOahu.com. He's the go-to guy who has more fingers on the pulse of upcoming events on this island. SHAKA, BRO!
(Left click on schedule to zoom in)

And no forget the big happenings this month........

June 2: Hale Ikena (Ft. Shafter) Social Dance & Dinner

June 25: Hawaii Swings 2011 with Buddy Schwimmer Workshop at the Palladium

For more info, please scroll down to previous blogs.

Another Venue For Tuesday Night Dancers

2011-05-28T23:49:00.004-10:00

Just came off a terrific "dance my a** off" at the Palladium tonight at the Aiea Ballroom Dance Association-Hawaii 56th Anniversary Dance. The Aiea BDA-H is continuing the roll to a Tuesday night dance at the Palladium on May 31st in partnership with Carolyn Noah. If you need more info, please call Prez Deanie Bates.
---------------------------------------------------
Tuesday May 31, 2011
Free night with no place to go? Come to the palladium for some dancing fun and camaraderie with fellow dancers. Come one, come all and practice your favorite moves.......$3. Hosts are Aiea Ballroom & Carolyn Noah with DJ Bert. 6:30 to 9

Please call Mary Ann @ 953-8003
Deanie Bates, Pres. @ 282-8430
Bert Burgess @ 292-1400

Divino Ritmo's Social Dance at the Cupola, May 31st!

2011-05-28T22:19:00.003-10:00

Aloha to all end-of-the-month-midweek dancers. Just got this e-mail from dear friend Marie Laderta. If you got dancing shoes and will travel, Divino Ritmo is hosting their last Tuesday of the month dance at the Cupola on the 31st.
Frank

-------------------------------

Hi Frank!

Michael Yap will be guest DJ-ing for us at next week's social dance at the
Cupola!

Appreciate if you can post our brief announcement. Big Mahalo! :
------------------

Dance to the tunes of Michael Yap who will be guest DJ at Divino Ritmo's
social dance next Tuesday, May 31st at the Cupola, (2nd floor, Honolulu
Design Center, corner of Piikoi & Kapiolani), from 7-10pm.

Admission is FREE.
Food and beverage are available for purchase.

Those of you who know Michael's music know that he plays only da best!!!!
Come join us!

Lucas & Yanna
divinoritmo@aol.com;
Yannajs@gmail.com

An Open Invitation To Social Dance @Hale Ikena

2011-05-27T15:47:00.002-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
I have forwarded to most of you on my mailing list an invitation to a social dance at Hale Ikena (Ft. Shafter) from dance instructor Lynn Nakamura. Please contact Lynn if you plan to attend. Security at the military location is strict. So if you are going to the social dance, please bring your Driver's License (for ID including ID for all occupants on your car) and automobile insurance card.
Frank

Hi All,

You are invited to a social dance on June 2. We want to thank our instructors and students for making our first dance session so successful and we want to make it a fun night for social dancing, eating and just socializing. We are inviting some of our friends from the other clubs too. You can invite your friends too.

Date: Thursday, June 2, 2011
Time: 5pm - 8:45pm
Place: Ft Shafter, Hale Ikena (golf course banquet rooms)

Thursday night, Hale Ikena has a Mongolian Bar-B-Que dinner for 65 cents an ounce which starts from 5pm. You select the items you want and the chef will cook it. It comes with either white rice or brown rice, or noodles, and ice cream.
If you prefer, instead of the dinner, you can purchase a salad or sandwiches, etc. from Mulligan's (adjoining to Hale Ikena).

The banquet room will be open from 5pm so you can just pick a seat (table of 10) and go into the next room to purchase your meals if you want to eat. You don't have to purchase anything since it's just a social dance. We plan to have 2 - 3 very short exhibitions and will introduce our instructors. There will be general dancing & socializing & eating. It's going to be very casual & fun.

Let me know if you plan to come and if you plan to eat. We are trying to get a headcount so we can be sure to have enough table seating for those that want to eat and chairs for those who are not eating.

You can either email, call, or text me.

Hope to see you on June 2.

Mahalo,

Lynn
cell 372-2256

Aiea Dance Club 56th Anniversary This Saturday

2011-05-19T12:12:00.001-10:00

56th ANNIVERSARY DANCE
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE - PALLADIUM
SATURDAY MAY 28, 2011
5:30 - 6:30 PM BENTO DINNER
6:30 - 9:30 PM DANCE & PROGRAM
DONATION: $8.00 (BENTO FOR TICKET HOLDER ONLY)

Please call Mary Ann @ 953-8003
Deanie Bates, Pres. @ 282-8430
Bert Burgess @ 292-1400

Hawaii Swings 2011

2011-05-17T22:12:00.005-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
If you're longing to learn the HUSTLE, or NIGHTCLUB 2 STEP, or WEST COAST SWING from the "King of Swing", here's an early tip. Buddy Schwimmer, better known as the "King of Swing" is headed our way for a two-day workshop at the Palladium in June. For the younger generation, he's better known as the papa of Benji (So You Think You Can Dance), and Lacey (Dancing With The Stars). Carolyn Noah is spearheading this event. So if you got the hots for these Club Dances, bettah give her a jingle for more info before they close the registration for the workshop. Left click on accompanying poster to zoom in. You can also get a Registration Form by contacting Carolyn via e-mail. One more important thing; you gotta have the recommended level of dance experience before you enroll.

Must Be The Drinking Water

2011-05-15T23:03:00.028-10:00

Lani and I just got back from Las Vegas and I gotta tell you...people don't sleep in that town. Not since my college days cramming for the next day's exam in the wee hours of the night and early morning that I saw people.. a whole bunch...are in the streets, in the hotels at the game tables and machines, and in cars way pass the midnight gong. We stayed in downtown at the California Hotel and there were lots to see, especially at the Fremont Street Experience. GOGO Dancers on the large screen above and Hip Hoppers dancing near the stage. They got the largest video screen about 60 feet high overhead that stretches for three long city blocks with a terrific Video Light Show goin' on every hour from 8 at night.
Three stages of musical talent provided the entertainment and never ending music to hype the crowd into dancing.
Even got my main squeeze Lani to dance the Electric Slide with some of the crowd. Got me in a spell, too, another night. Didn't think it could be done, but Gail Kawahakui and I got spellbound and danced the Salsa Merengue to Hip Hop music.
It must've been Western Night at the other side of the Street 'cause guys and gals in western garb were dancing some kind of cowboy swing.
And some distance down the Street Salsa dancers were cutting some great moves.

A lot of big screen impersonators, and Marvel SuperHeroes roamed the Street. Of course the "King of Pop" was a big attraction for Lani and Gayle.
Reggie and I got a take with a "Marilyn Monroe" but I think she got tickled and we all moved out of focus. AUWE! I think what drew the biggest attraction was a gal with boobs that could choke an elephant.
One night, Richard and Lynn Nakamura took Lani and me, and Robert and Vanelle out to the Strip for a joy ride. Again more people in the streets, in the hotels at the game tables and machines, and in cars. People are all over the place...must be the drinking water that's keeping them bright eyed and bushy tail. Kalumongai soup used to do that to me when I was growing up on the plantation. Now don't go looking for that popular Filipino greens at the nearest supermarket 'cause you not goin' find any there. You can only find those greens in the backyard of a Filipino family house. But with a big Rothwieler roaming the yard, bettah stick to the drinking water.

Richard and Lynn took us to Ceasar's Palace and the Bellagio. Richard, Robert and I kinda hammed it with the replica of boxing great Joe Louis just for fun.
Lani and I never walked so much since treking the Great Wall of China back in 2001. Even in China, people never sleep. Must be the drinking water, again. Anyway, we went further away from the Strip to a hotel with the funny name, "M". Herbert Omizo told me about the place and how far away from town it was...no walking distance fo' sure. Lani and I were in Vegas since Tuesday and never so much as got the temptation to participate in the sporting game of gambling at least not until we got to "M" Hotel on Wednesday night. Yeah! Lani and I got our first lesson on the "One Arm Bandit". But it was no longer the "One Arm". Everything was "push da button", now, and see the bright colors and numbers roll. Was it fun? Well, we didn't leave "M" until after 2AM. The fever of the sport got to us the rest of our stay in Vegas. The temperature rose to 92 degress, we got thirsty and we drank a lot of water. Now, I guess we'll be making the pilgrimage to Vegas each year to visit our money fo' sure. It's no wonder that a gallon of pure drinking water sells for a buck ninety nine in Vegas.

Summer 2011 Session @ Kaimuki CSA Complex

2011-04-30T01:34:00.005-10:00

Our Ballroom Dancing classes on the Rumba, Swing, Foxtrot, and Salsa at Kaiser CSA and Ali'iolani CSA concluded the Spring Session this week. It was an enjoyable experience for Lani and me during the 10-week session teaching students very new to ballroom dancing. Kudos to our returning students who were generous in helping the newer students get on board in this new venture. It was an uplifting spirit to see those new students venture to the Palladium for the first time also and were courageous enough to dance without feeling out of place.
For the Summer Session, Lani and I decided to slow down the tempo a bit with the Social Waltz and Tango.

Palladium May 2011 Schedule of Events

2011-04-30T00:57:00.006-10:00

Two Furlough Fridays in a row but no huhu! There's still a lot of dancing going on in the month of May. Aside from the norm, Star Dancers hosting one on the 1st, International Salsa hosting on the 8th, Kapiolani Lions Dance Club on the 22nd, and the Aiea Dance Club 56th Anniversary Dance on the 28th. Other than that Dance Hawaii Fundraiser featuring WASABI 50's & 60's Oldies Band at Aliamanu Middle School cafeteria on May 7. Anyway, go ahead and check out the schedule for the weekend dance club giants courtesy of Ki of Dance Fever Oahu ..............
(Left click on poster to zoom in)

Nifty 50's & 60's Oldies Bash 2011

2011-04-27T13:30:00.010-10:00

Gotta hand it to Wendell Kwan and Diane Yoshida for spearheading this REUNION event for 2011. Last year's BASH was Lani and my first time experience in reuniting with high school classmates. Yeah! There were graduates and students from high schools way back when Hawaii was still a Territory all the way to the last decade. If you can still ROCK & ROLL, still have that LEATHER JACKET and the FONZI HAIR-DO, and for the gals..com'on down with your BOBBYSOCKS SHOES and POODLE DESIGN SKIRT to the Pacific Beach on October 14.
Yeah, I know it's a bit early to register but take a tip....it was a SOLDOUT last year 'cause you dancers know fo' sure that the Pacific Beach Grand Ballroom can hold only so many people like bursting at the seams. Anyway, take a gander at the announcement that Diane Yoshida sent to me and Lani. And no forget, there's more info at www.Niftyoldiesbash.net..............
(Left click on the poster to zoom in)

Spring Fling @The Cupola

2011-04-23T10:54:00.009-10:00

Aloha Students of Dance,
Spring is in the air and Lucas and Yanna are hosting a Spring Fling Social Dance this coming Tuesday at the Cupola. Now if you have ever been to their previous "last Tuesday of the month social dances at the Cupola" you'll know it's always gonna be a funfest. Last month it was a Mardi Gras theme. Will it be an Easter theme this time complete with Bunny? No pun intended, Paul. But it's anybody's guess 'cause the surprises have always been good fun ones. So here's the spill from my good friend Marie Laderta that will lead you on the yellow brick road to the Cupola.
.......................

DIVINO RITMO welcomes Spring with its social dance at the CUPOLA, on Tuesday, April 26th, 7-10pm, on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center. (1250 Kapiolani Blvd, corner of Piikoi & Kapiolani.)

Admission is FREE and it's open to the public, with pupus and drinks available for purchase!

"I have a yearning for beauty, a yearning for Spring, and finally it's arrived. Sunshine, birdsong, cherry blossom in the park - it's beautiful and I want to soak it up! And I want to MOVE, DANCE somewhere beautiful .." A dance prayer.

Spring is a time for celebration and many see it as a time of growth, of renewal, and of new life being born. It is a common metaphor for the start of better times and new beginnings.

In line with the meaning and spirit of Springtime, Lucas & Yanna invite you to join them in welcoming Spring in the Divino Ritmo style of aloha and hospitality...

Come dance or lounge to the notes of music floating through the Cupola, amidst butterflies, dragon flies, and exotic blooms strewn across the room...dance the night away, close your eyes and imagine all the possibilities....

For more info:
Lucas: divinoritmo@aol.com, ph: (917) 568-3173
Yanna: Yannajs@gmail.com, ph: (732) 499-0407

Divino Ritmo Dance Workshop by Frank Regan

2011-04-16T10:34:00.008-10:00

Aloha students of Dance,
Got this e-mail from friend Marie Laderta on a dance workshop coming to Honolulu featuring Frank Regan. There's more bio and photos of Frank and Dance In Time at his Website that's posted near the bottom of this publication. Read on for more info...........

Hello Frank!
Divino Ritmo Dance is proud to present dance workshops featuring another "Blackpool Great," world renowned choreographer, ajudicator and educator, FRANK REGAN.
Lucas & Yanna appreciate if you would kindly post the following announcement:
-------------------

"Blackpool in our Backyard"
Lecture and Dance Instruction WORKSHOPS by FRANK REGAN, brought to you by Lucas & Yanna of Divino Ritmo Dance

Two Workshops,
1 Lecture & 1 International Standard Group Technique Class by Professional Choreographer and Ajudicator Frank Regan! ONLY $20 per workshop!

THURSDAY, April 21, at 8:00p, Sugino Dance Academy
[770 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 406]
A Lecture by Frank Regan: Mr. Regan's topic will touch upon the influence of musicality on dance. Soft drinks and refreshments will be served & are included in the $20 fee.

SATURDAY, April 23, at 3-4p, Aloha Activity Center
[725 Kapiolani Blvd, Street Level]
Group technique Class in International Standard. $20 per person.

Don't miss out on another rare opportunity brought to us by Lucas & Yanna! Whether you are a social dancer, exhibition dancer, competitive dancer, Instructor, Pro or amateur, you will be sure to enjoy & find value in what FRANK REGAN has to offer.

Come and attend both or at least one of the two workshops featuring FRANK REGAN, a winner of many awards including the "Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Dance Council of America," the "World Dancing Hall of Fame Award," and the "Legends of Dance Award." He has excelled in a wide array of stage and ballroom dance forms, and is a former US, Canadian and North American Professional Dance Champion. He has directed and/or choreographed literally hundreds of productions of all kinds and is recognized as one of the most eclectic horeographers in America with a background in Ballet, Jazz, Flamenco, Musical Theater, and BALLROOM! Bottom line is Mr. Regan's accolades and talent run the gamut!

You may not know who Frank Regan is or even care about his multitude of accolades. But this doesn't matter. What matters is that you have an opportunity to learn and hear from a giant in the dance world, to interact in a lecture environment and also in a separate group instruction environment. Click on this link for more information about Frank Regan: www.danceintime.com/reganbio.htm

For more information, contact:
Lucas Jaime divinoritmo@aol.com ph: (917) 568-3173
Yanna Samkova Yannajs@gmail.com ph: (732) 499-0407