Must Be The Drinking Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tonight, Wed, No Cover! Ballroom-Latin@Honolulu Club

FYI for those dancers with midweek dancing feet. Sharon has some good stuff going on tonight. So if you're a smooth dancer or a swinger, go give her a buzz for more info. (Left click on poster to zoom in)

Pan Pacific Ballroom Dance Society 36th Anniversary Ball

Here's a late FLASH. FYI: Pan Pacific Ballroom Dance Society is hosting their 36th Anniversary Ball this Saturday (4/9) at the Palladium from 6-10PM. Admission: $8.00 at the door. General dancing, Exhibition Dancing, and Refreshments.

More Dance Venues In April

WOW! Just when I thought I had covered the whole month of April on dance venues, another two pops up to add to the more. Yeah! Honolulu is "Dance We Dance" community and the Windwardside Pali Lanes and Aiea's Ige's are cooking up, too. WASABI 50's & 60's Oldies Band is still Hot on the trail. Get a load on the e-mail I received from Doreen, the leader of the band...

Saw War & Doobie Brothers in concert this past Saturday, and boy, they were GREAT! Milton & I had pretty good seats on the floor...only junk part was when everybody stood up, then we ended up staring at their butts! ha ha ha!!!

Here's are our April public gigs:

Thu. 4/14 - St. Louis Alumni (7-10 p.m.)
Fri. 4/22 - Ige's (8:30-11:30 p.m.)
Sat. 4/30 - Pali Lanes (8-11 p.m.)

Hope you all can join us.
Love from me & da boyz,
d
-------------------------------------------

And just when I thought I could press Shut Down on my computer, new gal professional dance teacher Sharon Liu has some surprising news for enthusiastic dancers. I gotta admit that I don't know anything about Sharon and her dance activities except meeting her for the first time at the Ilima 28th Anniversary Dance. She's got more plans and a dance schedule. So it's best you call her for more info. Here's excerpts from her e-mail........

Dear dance friends,
Thank you very much for your support, help & enthusiasm for dancing!!
We've got some good news for April:

The much anticipated Ilikai dance will resume activities this week with 3 nights per week Wednesday through Friday! I am to host the Friday night party from 6:30 to 11:30pm starting this Friday, April 8th!

Sunday pm ballroom program at Ilikai are expanded to 4 hours program with 3 hours of group instruction and 1 hour ballroom practice. 3) Wednesday Ballroom Lounge (a social dance mixer) at Honolulu Club
* April promo: NO COVER
* Run by club in late hours: Salsa dancing on most Wednesdays
* Run by club in late hours: coming soon live band in late April
* Expended wood flooring will be done in late April (hoorey!)

3 new Ladies (small group) classes at Manoa Studio are taking sign-ups:
* Standard Syllabus & Technicque
* Latin Styling & Technique
* Ballet Conditioning – a prerequisite for dancing, tailored for ballroom dancers

.. that's all for now until next update .. Happy Dancing!
Sharon
489-8200

Dance Moanalua Community Social

Here's another HOT TIP for midweek dancers along the Moanalua Corridor. Got this e-mail from Jill Kunimoto about a Thursday night dance at the Moanalua High School cafeteria. If you got dancing shoes and will travel, dat's da place to swing to for some hot trotting. Read on...........

Hi Everyone,

Dance Moanalua (the Moanalua High School Dance Club) would like to cordially invite you to a community social. Here is the information on this event:

Event: Dance Moanalua Community Social
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011
Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Place: Moanalua High School Cafeteria (2825 Ala Ilima Street, Honolulu, 96818)
Cost: FREE

Let me know if you have any questions.
Mahalo!
Jill

Need more info? you can contact Jill at: mrstengan@yahoo.com

Dance Classes @Hale Ikena Soaring Like An Eagle

Moanalua Corridor is soaring with new dance classes at Fort Shafter Hale Ikena. Spearheaded by the excellence of Richard & Lynn Nakamura, and Andy & Monica Pascua, these top notch International style, and American Style Ballroom Teachers have registered a large base of faithful followers during the first week. The dance classes are still in its infancy stage and registration is still open. So if Tuesday and Thursday nights are your free nights and you find yourselves cruising around the Moanalua Corridor, com'on and buzz in to the Hale Ikena. If you're early enough, you can catch a bite at the adjoining Mulligan's Restaurant before the class starts. For more info call 438-1974. (Left click on poster to zoom in)


Photo of Thursday night's International Tango and Quickstep students by Stan Da Man.

FYI: USA Dance 18th Anniversary This Month

Another block buster of Exhibition Dancing and Social Dancing coming up this month. It's the USA Dance 18th Anniversary at the Palladium on April 23rd. Prez Glenn sez that all proceeds will be donated to the Japan Disaster Relief Fund. Thanks to my friend Debra Ota for sending this poster concerning the USA Dance 18th Anniversary and for a worthy cause. If you plan to support this effort, you can contact Debra for tickets at e-mail: debra@lyslaw.com or cellphone: 224-9033, or Prez Glenn Okazaki at 428-1704.

April 2011 Schedule of Events @The Palladium

(Left click on poster to zoom in)

After wrapping their brains around the American Social Rumba and Swing Jitterbug the past five weeks, our students have started on the American Social Foxtrot and Salsa tonight at Ali'iolani CSA. We have some returning students but most are brand new to social dancing. Eleven of our students and three of their friends came to the Ilima Ballroom Dance Club 28th Anniversady Dance at the Palladium last Saturday and they were very much impressed with the caliber of dancers and the dance exhibitions. Tonight at the class during the break, they asked about dancing at the Palladium for this week end. So I've posted the April schedule for their benefit and also for the benefit of dancers who are reading this blog. A big MAHALO to Ki who makes each month's Palladium schedule available on his Website. So if you see him at the Palladium or at shopping malls, giv'um da SHAKA sign to show your appreciation. COOL!

Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy

They say, "Maui No Ka Oe!" And lucky you live on Maui, you lucky dancers. Thanks to Professional Ballroom Dance Teacher Rita O'Connor there is a surge in young people taking up Ballroom and Latin Dancing on the Valley Isle. There's a dance program coming up in April for you young adults and never-too-old-to-learn seniors but first take a gander at what's in store for this Wednesday (3/30).

Maui, HAWAII – The Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy, a charitable 501 (c)(3) non-profit featuring Maui’s ONLY Professionally-Instructed Ballroom & Latin Dance classes, hosts their FREE GUEST NIGHT on Wednesday, March 30th to introduce Latin & Ballroom dancing to adults on Maui! This evening will feature a FREE Newcomer Level Dance Class as well as a social dance party and everyone interested in learning to dance is welcome to join this Guinness World Record-Holding class; Cha-Cha & Tango classes will be taught that night, too!! Maui's only trained Latin & Ballroom Dance Professional Rita O’Connor, N.D.C.A., will instruct students April - June in the Foxtrot, Hustle, Cha-Cha & Rumba Wednesday evenings at the Kihei Community Center from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. The total 3-month course is $50 per person; Special Discount if registered by April 6th is only $40 per person! Classes begin April 13th – students can join anytime! Open registration throughout the course. No partner necessary! Singles and couples welcome! Teens through adults! Beginners through advanced dancers take the floor! Kama'aina & visitors welcome! The Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy (“Academy”) is also the state of Hawaii’s largest Latin & Ballroom group dance class.


(Photo of Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy Students courtesy of Rita O'Connor. Left click on photo to zoom in)

Here's what's happening starting in April.

Maui’s ONLY Professionally-Instructed Ballroom & Latin Dance classes, hosts their Registration Night on Wednesday, April 6th to kick off their new dance series for April - June featuring Rumba, Hustle, Foxtrot & Cha-Cha! This evening will feature a pupu potluck as well as social dance and free dance lesson! Everyone interested in learning to dance is welcome to join this Guinness World Record breaking class! 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 $50 per person with a 20% OFF Special Discount if registered by April 6th (only $40 per person - 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 April 13th – students can join anytime!

Visit www.AlohaBallroom.com or call 879-0055 for more information.

Wednesday Ballrooom Dance Party

Just when I thought I had my thumb on the pulse of midweek dancing, another venue pops up. Lani and I had the pleasure of meeting Professional Dance Teacher Sharon Liu as we were calling it a night after the Ilima Ballroom Dance Club 28th Anniversary Dance at the Palladium. Thanks to Deanie Bates and Bert who introduced Lani and me to her. Anyway, if you find Divino Ritmo's Mardi Gras at the Cupola this Tuesday evening very exciting and fun and you want to continue the tempo and fun trip to Wednesday evening, here's a hot tip. Sharon Liu is hosting a Ballroom Dance Party at the Honolulu Club from 5:30 to 9:30PM. For more info you can e-mail her at sharon_liu@hotmail.com or better yet call her at (808) 489-8200.

Mardi Gras Tuesday @The Cupola

Night Club Social Dancing at the Cupola on the last Tuesday of each month is still thriving. This time with a Mardi Gras theme hosted by Divino Ritmo Dance Studio. Check out the announcement sent to Lani and me from our good friend Marie Laderta......

Hi Frank & Lani!

Here is the announcement about Mardi Gras Tuesday at the Cupola next week!
Lucas & Yanna want me to extend a special invitation to you and your students! We would love to have them come and so honored! The more the merrier!
-------------------

Mardi Gras at the CUPOLA


Hey hey, Tuesday, March 29th, 7-10pm is Divino Ritmo's social dance and celebration of Mardi Gras 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!

The Mardi Gras has its origin from the French Catholic who celebrated with great fanfare prior to the fasting season, typically with dancing, singing, parades, costumes, and opulent masks. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" referring to the practice of eating foods rich in fat in prepartion for the religious obligation of fasting during Lent. It is basically the "FEAST before the FAST."

So, come feast with Lucas & Yanna at the Cupola in true Divino Ritmo style...

"Down at the Cupola
Where the blues will flow
It takes a cool cat
Like Lucas to show
How a mean mambo will go
Yanna's there with the mambo beat

The Mardi Gras, mambo, mambo, mambo
Party Gras, pambo, mambo, mambo
Mardi Gras, mambo-ooh
Down at Cupola

Cupola
Where the dancers all meet
There's a Mardi Gras mambo
With a beat
Join Divino Ritmo's gang
And truck on down Where the mambo's swing..."

(Sung to the tune of the "Mardi Gras Mambo," by the Hawketts,
YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1fBDVNn1pU)

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

New Dance Classes @Fort Shafter Hale Ikena

Aloha Students of Dance,
My good friends, Richard & Lynn Nakamura, and Andy & Monica Pascua, will be teaching International and American style Ballroom and Latin dances at Fort Shafter Hale Ikena starting on Tuesday, March 29th. The dance classes are open to all military personnel & their families, and also to all civilians. Line Dancing will be taught by another good friend, Elsie McGrew. For more info about the dance classes, please read the accompanying e-mail and poster sent to me by Richard & Lynn Nakamura..........

(left click on poster to zoom in)

Hi All,

Please let us know if you would like to attend our classes at Ft. Shafter at Hale Ikena. The classes will be held in an air-conditioned banquet room with a dance floor. The cost is $6 for 6 classes (1 session) and the monies will go to DFMWR. The facility is a MWR (morale, welfare, recreational) for the military.

Soldiers, their spouses, retired military, civilians, guests, and our friends are invited to attend the classes. Monies will be collected by Hale Ikena. We just need a headcount and which classes you would like to take.

We are limiting the number of students in a class to 30 but may add a little more, it depends on the room size.

Please let us know right away if you would like to attend the classes and which classes you would like to take. You can just take one class session.

We will have free line dancing from about 6:15pm for about 20 - 30 minutes which will be taught by Elsie McGrew.

Classes are Tuesdays and Thursday nights since those are the nights we are available. On Tuesday nights, Andy & Monica Pasuca will also be teaching.

Hale Ikena is already taking dance class reservations and are willing to block off space for our students but I need to let them know right away so that they'll know how many spaces they have left to fill.

We look forward to seeing some of you in at least one of our classes.

Mahalo,
Richard & Lynn
cell 372-2256 (Lynn)

USA Dance 18th Anniversary Ball

Maybe a bit early to post April's event and maybe not. But it should give our dancing community some time to think about Kokua for Japan Disaster Relief. Thanks to my friend Debra Ota for sending this poster concerning the USA Dance 18th Anniversary and for a worthy cause. If you plan to support this effort, you can contact Debra for tickets at e-mail: debra@lyslaw.com or cellphone: 224-9033.

A Special Dance Lecture/Presentation by TALIAT TARSINOV

Just got this HOT SCOOP from good friend Marie Laderta. Something brewing this coming Friday the 25th for all dancers. Here's the spill from Marie........

Hello Frank:
I hope you can help us out by posting this on your Blog:

This is a rare opportunity for Hawaii Dancers to benefit from a face-to-face lecture, question & answer session with one of the most sought-after choreographers and coaches in the dance world!

World renowned Adjudicator, Choreographer and Coach not only for amateurs, but also to Professional dancers, TALIAT TARSINOV is the Coach of many Dance Instructors and professionals in the U.S. and world-wide. He coaches all styles - International, American, as well as Theater Arts.

TALIAT, who now lives in New York but who formerly came from Russia, is involved in many dance competitions not only here in the US, but around the world. Just to name a few, he has been involved in the event-organizing and choreographing of professional performances at events such as the Philippine Star Ball, the highly acclaimed & respected "Tokyo Superstar" in Japan, and the annual Moscow competition.

Upon invitation from my instructors Lucas and Yanna, TALIAT will be here in Honolulu to share his expertise and knowledge of dance.

Whether you are a social dancer, competitive dancer, exhibition dancer, amateur or Pro, you will be sure to take away with you solid and helpful information from TALIAT's professional and personal insights about organizing, choreography and technique.

TALIAT's lecture will be held at 8pm on Friday, March 25th at Sugino's Studio on Kapiolani Blvd.

You don't have to go to Blackpool for this lecture - it is right in our back yard!!! Sign up now and pay at the door!

I forward to you below, the official Invitation from Lucas and Yanna regarding this opportunity:
-------------------

Divino Ritmo Dance - Lucas and Yanna proudly present Lecture/workshop by Mr. Taliat Tarsinov

Mr. Tarsinov is an Acclaimed Adjudicator and has had the distinction of representing the US in all major international competitions including the World Championships. As a Coach and Choreographer, he is highly sought after and widely used by all the top Professionals,including The United States Champions in each division respectfully. He is so versatile, that he brings this same expertise to the Pro-Am and Amateur divisions with great success as well. In 2007, and since, he has had the distinction of being one of the featured speakers at The Blackpool World Ballroom Congress.

Divino Ritmo Dance is honored to have him as our coach and proud to announce he has accepted our invitation to come to Honolulu the weekend of March 25th thru March 28th. We are offering a unique opportunity to hear, for the 1st time in Hawaii in person, one of his lectures on Friday March 25th, 8PM at Sugino Dance Academy. Cost is only $20 per person- payable by cash or check at door, light refreshments will be served.
Thank you for your support.

To reserve or for more info, please contact us.

Divino Ritmo Dance
Lucas Jaime 917-568 3173
Yanna Samkova 732-499 0407 or yannajs@gmail.com

Villa Roma Spring Break Event

Ilima Ballroom Dance Club 28th Anniversary

IBDI Inaugural Ball This Friday

Just a reminder if you're thinking of dancing at the Pacific Beach Hotel this Friday (3/4).

WASABI's Public Gig Schedule for March

Never a dull moment when you are in striking distance with Doreen and the WASABI 50's & 60's Oldies Band. When you're HOT, YOU'RE HOT! And these guys never rest. So if you've got the rage to burn the floor, check out the WASABI platter for the month of March.......


We're at Ige's this coming Friday, March 4th, so put on your dancing shoes, or prepare to be a "voyeur" if you don't dance. Music starts at 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., so us old folks gotta make sure to take a nap so we can stay up after 9:00 . Come early to enjoy the good food & check out the drink specials. The Heineken girls have been coming out on Friday nites, so maybe they'll be there to play games & give out little prizes.

Next week Thursday, March 10, we'll be back at St. Louis Alumni from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Don't forget, "Da Kitchen" has reserved the parking stalls in the front and on the side for their customers, so don't park there unless you were planning on skipping out on us, picking up your food, and running!

We still don't know when we're going to be going to Pali Lanes. I'm still waiting to hear from the owners to confirm cause the room's been booked...Will keep you posted...

We're also playing at Mililani Rec 3 on Friday, March 18, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. for Mililani Town Association's "Oldies Night". If you belong to the Mililani Town Association, you can purchase tickets for a very nominal fee (something like $3) from the MTA Office, or if you're not a member, but would like to go, let me know & I can sponsor you. The price is slightly higher for non-members...MTA will send me the ticket info tmrw, so standby...

Smooches,
Doreen

Furlough Friday Dance @The Radford (2/25)

FURLOUGH FRIDAY SOCIAL DANCE

Friday, February 25, 2011
Radford High School Cafeteria
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Music DJ:Michael Chinen

Donations will be accepted to benefit Radford High School Athletic Program. Please bring a side dish to share with everyone. Serving Utensils, Paper Goods, and Drinks will be provided.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT THE CUPOLA!!!!

Got this e-mail from good friend Marie this morning. WOW! The Cupola is still alive and swinging for mid-week dancers. Not Hard Rock music but true Ballroom, Latin, and Swing danceable music. Spacious dance floor and air conditioned and admission is free.


Hello Frank:
I wonder if you would post the following announcement for us regarding Tuesday's social dance at the Cupola. As always, thank you so much for your support and consideration.

-------------------
LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT THE. CUPOLA!!!!


Lucas & Yanna welcome you to a romantic evening of dance at the Cupola!
Divino Ritmo's social dance this Tuesday, February 22, from 7-10p at the Cupola will be a celebration of love and lovers....

Cupola is located on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center, corner of Piikoi and Kapiolani, at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

Admission is FREE and it's open to the public! Pupus and drinks are available for purchase all evening.

You know the story: A beautiful woman meets a charming man. They eye each other shyly from across the room. He asks her to dance, or she asks him to dance. Three rumbas and two waltzes later, they walk off into the moon light hand-in-hand.

On the dance floor, love is a many splendored thing. But off the dance floor, life can be as equally romantic....Let us celebrate life's best romances at the Cupola this Tuesday!

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

Dance Hawaii Social Dance Feb.19th

It appears Line Dancing will be on tap at the Palladium this Saturday and Sunday. If you haven't been keeping up with Ki's Dance Fever Oahu website for this month of February, here's the lowdown. For you cool ballroom dancers Rudy Luat's Pan Pacific Ballroom Dance Society got the whole Ballroom this Friday (2/18) from 5-10PM. So if you've got the shoes and the spirit to trot, dat's the place to go this Friday. On Saturday, the 19th, The Scottish Festival takes shape in half of the Ballroom. The other half will be occupied by Line Dance, Inc. Don't let the name misguide you. Line Dance, Inc. does have some ballroom and West Coast Swing dancing. You might want to check it out with Head Gal Carolyn Noah fo' sure. On Sunday, the 20th, there's more line dancing hosted by Square Wheelers (1/2 of the Ballroom), and the other half by Aloha Line Dancers.

Another venue is at the Aliamanu Middle School this Saturday (2/19). Dance Hawaii is hosting a Social Dance from 7 to 10PM. Nice dance floor and good danceable music by DeeJay Paul Lee. Read on the message from Dance Hawaii's Prez Maurice Morita.............


DANCE HAWAII "COME DANCE WITH US" SOCIAL DANCE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2011

ALIAMANU MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

7:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.

MUSIC DJ: PAUL LEE

DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED TO BENEFIT ALIAMANU MIDDLE SCHOOL
BRING A SIDE DISH TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE
PAPER GOODS; SERVING UTENSILS; AND DRINKS TO BE PROVIDED BY DANCE HAWAII

Two Venues To Enjoy Dancing This Weekend

Dance Hawaii continues with hosting Social Dancing this weekend in the Moanalua Corridor.

FURLOUGH FRIDAY SOCIAL RETURNS ON FEBRUARY 11TH: "COME DANCE WITH US!"

Join Dance Hawaii at Radford High School Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dance to the music of DJ Mike Chinen or Andy Pascua
Donations will be accepted to benefit Radford High School
Bring a side dish to share with everyone
Dance Hawaii will provide all the paper goods; serving utensils; and drinks

Thanks to those who attended our Social Dance at Aliamanu Middle School this past Saturday, Feb. 5th, approximately 60 to 70 people.
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2011 SENIOR VALENTINE'S BALL

This is an annual thing with lots of fun dancing
and some exhibition dancing sponsored by Makua Alii
and the Bank of Hawaii this year.

Ala Wai Palladium
Saturday, February 12th
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $8.00 Bento dinner (with presale ticket) / Dance
Music by Tad Fukumoto
Sponsored by Makua Alii Dances and First Hawaiian Bank

Richard & Lynn Nakamura of Dance Hawaii will be dancing a solo dance exhibition

***For tickets, contact Lynn Nakamura at 372-2256

WASABI Gigs

Good to hear that the WASABI Band is still igniting the dance world with their HOT 50's and 60's Oldies but Goodies. Got this short preview of what's happening for this month from da leeda of da band Doreen........


We have (3) public gigs in February:
- Thu. 2/10 @ St. Louis Alumni: 7-10 p.m.
- Fri. 2/11 @ Ige's: 8:30-11:30 p.m.
- Sat. 2/19 @ Pali Lanes in Kailua: 8-11 p.m.

Hope to see you all there. Please feel free to share this information with everyone you know. Thank you very much for your support, and Kung Hee Fat Choy!

Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen

Big Band Ballroom Valentine's Dance

Got this e-mail from Valeria by way of the grapevine. Sorry, I didn't get a contact number but many of you on the Westside might know her from this photo. She's a dancer, and a member of Dance Hawaii Formation Dance Force. You might want to contact her for pre-sale tickets. It's a worthy cause for the Waipahu High School Band program............



Waipahu High School Band's Big Band Valentine's Dance
If you could spread the word about the event that would be much appreciated
Event: Big Band Ballroom Valentine's Dance
Held By: Waipahu High School Band
Purpose: Fundraiser for the Band Program
Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011
Location: Waipahu High School Cafeteria
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Cost: $8 pre sale - See me
$10 at the door
Featuring our Jazz band. There will be Food, Prizes and more.
Thank you!

Come Dance With Us

Aloha Students of Dance,
If you feel that you are not ready for the hard floor at the Palladium then "Come Dance With Us" this Saturday at the Aliamanu Middle School. Dance Hawaii provides this venue for all students of dance to practice their new skills in Ballroom, Latin, and Swing dancing regardless of whether you are a member of Dance Hawaii or any other dance clubs.
The DeeJay Paul Lee has a good selection of danceable music. So for those students of Dance Hawaii Kai who are learning Night Club Merengue, and Argentine Tango, please ask Paul to include Merengue and Argentine Tango tunes on his list of dancing music. Main thing is to have fun and enjoy the dance. So com'on down and Come Dance With Us.

DANCE HAWAII SOCIAL DANCE: "COME DANCE WITH US"

Saturday, February 5, 2011
Aliamanu Middle School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Music DJ: Paul Lee

Dance Hawaii to provide all serving utensils; paper goods; & drinks
Monetary donations to benefit Aliamanu Middle School
Please bring a side-dish to share with everyone

IBDI Inaugural Ball & Dance Las Vegas

Not too late to get tickets to the IBDI Inaugural Ball. But I wouldn't wait too long in contacting Roy to get on the list for the Dance Las Vegas Travel Package. Good Deal at $641! And no forget to contact Lynn for tickets to the Dance Las Vegas event.

Hawaii Gardenia Circle With The Pros

Hi Frank & Lani,
Fantastic article in your blog regarding Dance Hawaii's Anniversary Dance......and the pictures were great. Such talent.

Could you make an announcement in your blog regarding Hawaii Gardenia's dance March 11, 2011 (see attachment-hope you receive it). It is not mentioned in the flier but before the Professional show we will be showcasing our local Latin dancers in a mock Latin style competition and Dance Hawaii instructors -Richard & Lynn Nakamura have graciously accepted to participate. Program for the Latin show will start approx 7:30 pm and the Professional show will start at 8 pm. Tickets are $20.00 presale and $30.00 at the door. And yes there will be refreshments....

Also you could also mention that the Professionals will having private lessons on Thursday and Saturday from 9 pm to 6 pm. Anyone interested can call me at #223-8052 (cell) or send me an email.

Thanks,
Gayle

(Left click on poster to zoom in)

A Big Treat For Dance Hawaii Kai

Dance Hawaii Kai students got a big treat this past Tuesday. Some of our students couldn't make it to the Dance Hawaii 2nd Anniversary and Charity Ball at the Pacific Beach Hotel. So our Argentine Tango instructors Robert and Vanelle asked if it would be alright to perform the Argentine Tango that they had showcased at the "Ball", during the break after their first hour class. It was a good gesture and also gave our students a glimpse of how the Argentine Tango is danced. Dressed in the authentic Argentine Tango costumes Robert and Vanelle wore at the "Ball" showcase really added impact to their performance. The students were very quiet throughout the performance as they watched every movement of the dancers. It was only at the conclusion when the music stopped that the cheers and applauses were loud and clear that the students appreciated the dancers and the dancers' performance.

Robert and Vanelle will be with Dance Hawaii Kai for another 4 weeks teaching the Argentine Tango. (Photo of Robert and Vanelle by Calvin Ota). Their dance class starts at 7PM with a demo of previous dance steps and followed with a new pattern.
At 8PM, the Night Club Merengue class starts with a demo of previous dance steps by Frank and Lani and continues with a new Merengue syllabus.

Got Dance Fever This Saturday?

The Palladium will be reserved for Square Dancing and Circle Dancing tonight (Saturday). So if you're hunting for a venue to do some Ballroom, Lain, and Swing Dancing, you might want to swing over to the Radford High School cafeteria.

DANCE HAWAII SOCIAL DANCE

"COME DANCE WITH US"
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011
RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
7:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.
MUSIC DJ: MR. PAUL LEE

DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED TO BENEFIT RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

BRING A PUPU DISH TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE
DANCE HAWAII WILL PROVIDE ALL SERVING UTENSILS; PAPER GOODS; & DRINKS

YEAR of the RABBIT at the CUPOLA!

Looking to get an early jump in fun dancing? Well, my friend Marie Laderta has got just the venue for all you HOT "I like to dance on Tuesday night" Dancers that will get you hopping and dancing. This is the first Divino Ritmo social dance at the Cupola for 2011, so I'm not about to take the carrot away from Marie. Just go on and take a bite of her "What's Up, Doc?" e-mail..........

Hello Frank!
It's that time for our studio party again! Appreciate very much if you can get the word out for us by posting the following announcement on your blog! Thank you as always!
-------------------

So, "What's Up Doc?" It's CUPOLA time again!

Come do the "Bunny Hop," the "Roger Rabbit," the "Rabbit
Dance," come shake your booties at the CUPOLA this coming Tuesday, January 25,
2011, from 7-10pm on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd (corner of Kapiolani & Piikoi).

Come help Lucas and Yanna kick-off the "Year of the Rabbit" at the CUPOLA with
their Divino Ritmo ohana and other dance friends! There will be lots of boogying to the special hand-picked ballroom and "harey" tunes by Maestro Lucas Jaime and DJ
Jesse Gonzales. Ono pupus and wine are available for purchase all evening. Carrot
sticks will be complimentary!

As usual, admission is FREE and Divino Ritmo's monthly social dance party is open to the public! You never know, you may even get to meet Mr. Roger Rabbit or Bugs Bunny in the flesh...how can you beat a night of fun and dance with your friends!!!!

Hop, hop, hop.... to the CUPOLA this Tuesday!!!!!! See ya!

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

Dance Your Heart Out!

WOW! IT's FREE! So if you're fortunate to be on the Valley Isle on February 9th, I hope you'll take full advantage of this offer. As the saying goes.."It's an offer you can't refuse". Please read on the e-mail from Rita.......

FREE February Dance Event Hosted by Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy - "Dance Your Heart Out!"


Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy hosts a FREE Valentine's Dance Event open-to-the-public (adults only) on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the Kihei Community Center, featuring FREE Professionally-Instructed dance classes, FREE performances, FREE light refreshments & FREE dance party! Singles & couples are welcome! Brand new dancers & never-danced before dancers are welcome to check out the Academy's charitable event to the Maui community! Red, Pink, White & Purple "Appropriate" Attire Required; donations graciously accepted, but not required.

Former New York City Professional Dance Instructor, Rita O'Connor (Co-Founder) is the inspiration for Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy, which is County Co-Sponsored by the South Maui Parks & Recreation Department. Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy is a World Record holder and Maui's largest, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational Ballroom & Latin dance organization!

For more information about the Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy contact Rita O’Connor, Dance Professional at ritaoc@hawaii.rr.com or call 879-0055!
(Left click on poster to zoom in.)

Dance Hawaii Furlough Friday Dance

Forty lashes with a wet noodle for almost forgetting to post the Furlough Friday Social Dance at Radford High School. Thanks to Dance Hawaii Prez Maurice for the reminder.............


Furlough Friday Social Dance (means no dance at the Ala Wai Palladium)
January 14, 2011
Radford High School
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Music DJ: Andy Pascua

***** Special Guests: Approximately 40 members from the Big Island Ballroom Dance Club & Kauai Ballroom Dance Club (Lihue Chapter & Hanapepe Chapter)

***** Donations will be accepted to benefit Radford High School Athletic Program
***** Bring your favorite pupu dish to share with everyone

***** DANCE HAWAII to provide all paper goods; drinks; and serving utensils

Star Light, Star Bright, I Wish............

There was this couple in their 60's celebrating their 40th Anniversary. A fairy appeared and granted them one wish a piece because they had stuck together these many years and they were good Rock & Roll dancers, too. Little wifey wished for a trip around the world with her husband. Whoosh! Quick as a flash two round trip cruise ship tickets popped in her hands. Now the fairy turned to the husband and asked what he wished for. Husband said, "I wish for a female companion 30 YEARS YOUNGER." Whoosh! Quick as a flash he turned NINETY!!!! AUWE!


Speaking about the 1950's, got an e-mail from Doreen, da leeda of the 50's and 60's Oldies but Goodies WASABI Band. True to their name, the Band is still Hot to Trot at the Saint Louis Alumni Clubhouse on Isenberg St. and at Ige's in Aiea. So if you're in the mood to burn the floor with those Happy Days kine music, lend an eyeball to Doreen's e-mail.......

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Hope you had wonderful Christmas & New Year's celebrations with family & friends. Milton, the boys,& I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your love & support this past year, and look forward to more happy, fun times together again this year!

We only have (2) public gigs this month:
- Thu. 1/13 @ St. Louis Alumni. 7:00-10:00 p.m.
- Fri. 1/14 @ Ige's. 8:30-11:30 p.m.
Hope we get to see you there!
Love from me & da boyz,
Doreen

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As a reminder to the dancers who enjoy the friendly atmosphere and ono buffet at the Pacific Beach Hotel, Dance Hawaii hosting their 2nd Anniversary and Charity Ball on Saturday January 15. For available tickets, please contact Maurice Morita at 225-0326.

Dance Hawaii Kai Introduces ArgentineTango

It's a new season and Dance Hawaii Kai opened the 2011 1st Quarter at Koko Head School with the Argentine Tango this past Tuesday. We are very fortunate to have instructors Robert and Vanelle Hirayasu volunteer to teach the Argentine Tango to our students. They are excellent instructors and their method of "no rush" teaching should be appealing to the students. They covered the Basics (Tango hold, body position, Lead & Follow, and Footwork & Timing) very well and moved on to the first beginning "8 Step Pattern" of the Tango. When the music came on, everyone was dancing the Argentine Tango during the first hour.


Margie Ching is our new Dance Hawaii Kai Registrar. Margie came to us as a student during the 4th Quarter of 2010. She did a good job in registering the returning students as well as the newer ones while the class was in session. She deserves a lot of mahalos for volunteering to help Dance Hawaii Kai.

Lani and I taught the easiest to learn of all the Latin dances during the second hour...the Night Club Merengue. It's a fun dance with an enticing upbeat rhythm that causes the Meregueros to spice up the Latin movements. After absorbing the Basics of this dance and dancing them to music, the students were taught the "Underarm Combination" which in combination with the basic patterns kept them practicing the Merengue with music till it was time to close.


Our newest students Ken and Karen got so turned on to the Night Club Merengue that we had to have them dance for the class. Ken showed good leading and Karen moved with that eye-catching Latin motions very well.

A Healthier New Year & Mahalo