Friday, July 28, 2017

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

IBDI 56th Anniversary Dance

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Monday, July 10, 2017

Palladium July 2017 Schedule

Aloha Students of Dance,
     Thought you'd like to know what's on tap at the Palladium for the month of July
     You might need to left click on the poster to zoom in.




USA Dance, 12th Annual Mock Competition
Saturday, July 22, 2016
Dance starts at 6:30pm and ends at 9:30
Best Music in town.
ONO BENTO
$10.00 Pre-sale includes Snack

$10.00 @ The Door no Snack

Monday, July 03, 2017

Saturday, July 01, 2017

Saturday Salsa Social @Aloha DanceSport Center


2nd & 4th Saturday Salsa Social has CHANGED LOCATION to a much bigger and better dance floor at the ALOHA DANCESPORT CENTER  located at 350 Ward Avenue. Starts July 8th at 8 PM.

DJ Rod spinning the best Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, and Bachata that he's got!
Pot Luck Style food. grad and dance. Drinks will be available as well.
Bring your kids, grandpa, grandma...everybody! Family friendly.







Friday, June 30, 2017

Moiliili Summer Fest



USA Dance Mock Comp

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Wednesday, June 07, 2017

Just Musing Blast From Da Past Dancing In The Islands 2

It was a big thrill for Lani and me when we performed the WALTZ/RUMBA Medley as amateur  dancers on the TV show "Dancing In The Islands" some years back. As I mentioned in my other blog "The Dance Connection," our professional dance teachers, Mr. Carmelo Baysa and Mr. Albert Franz were also on the program. I have a short video clip of my teachers on my Frank Sierra Jr. FaceBook that you can view at your pleasure.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

IBDI 2017 3rd Term Dance Class Schedule

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Sunday, May 21, 2017

Just Musing A Blast From Da Past "Ballroom Dancing"

Okay guys and gals, without admitting how far I am into my senior years, I'm gonna sum up what got Lani and me into this grand sport of ballroom and Latin dancing and why we are still dancing.

Many moons ago, my main squeeze and I thought that dancing; any kind of dancing was a good form of exercise to keeping our bodies young and energized. There were at least two professional dance studios that were advertising on television at that time; Arthur and Katherine Murray were demonstrating some basic steps on their Arthur Murray Show, and Hawaii's own Harry Kanada and Lois Takeuchi (I think that was her name) were also demonstrating dance steps for the Harry Kanada Dance Studio. There was another dance studio that was demonstrating  "Round Dancing" on television. They were good incentives for anyone looking to learn ballroom dancing.

So here we are, a young (ahem) couple looking to start our lives with the grand sport of dancing. HBDA was still  not quite into their 10th anniversary, when we started our first step with Eugene and Hariet Ichinose at the Kalani High School cafeteria. It was good going until they opened a chapter at Hawaii Kai and we transferred to that chapter.

The professionals during those early years were Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Kalaukawa Avenue in Waikiki, and Harry Kanada Dance Studio on Beretania Street. Gradually, other professional dance studios started to pop up. Mr. and Mrs Sugino opened a studio at Ala Moana Blvd which now stands the Ward Center. Then there was Norman Short who had a studio on Bishop Street, and Haruko M. opened a dance studio in the Professional Building in Aina Haina Shopping Center featuring Carmelo Baysa, a young Filipino professional dancer from the Philippines. I think Albert Franz and Geoffrey Fells came to Honolulu about the same time. Mr. Franz held classes at the Pumehana Elementary School and Mr. Fells classes were at the Jodo Mission in Makiki. Mr. Doug Kessler was teaching for Arthur Murray Dance Studio and eventually opened his own dance classes. Local named dancers became professional dance teachers after a few years. Christopher Bayot, Leo Tomas, Jim Prado, and Chris and Vicky Visario to name a few. Late comer was the Fred Astaire Dance Studio that opened in Waikiki and held on for a little while. (Lani was training to be a teacher under the Astaire system.)

The "wolf pack" was slowly running thin but we stuck with the leader of the "pack" Harold and is mate Harriet until Harold joined the other older "wolf pack" to roam the hunting grounds in the sky. At least we did one "dances with wolves" stint together for the Mormon Tabanacle New Years Celebration on Beretania Street before Harold joined the older "wolf pack" in the sky. Harold and Harriet exhibited the Tango, and my mate and I performed the Disco Cha Cha. It was a bit of controversy because few of the older lady members did not like the costume that Lani was wearing. However the younger generation approved of the costume and the show went on.

(Photo taken at the HBDA Masquerade Ball)
HBDA offered us our first opportunity to dance solo in a dance exhibition when Lani was asked to represent Hawaii Kai Chapter as Princess Cha Cha at the HBDA Masquerade Ball. The dance was choreographed by Rotating Dance Instructors Arthur and Joan Oda. If you have ever relished those onolicious pastries that were served during refreshment time at the Palladium, you'll know Arthur and Joan, owners of New Aala Bakery fo' sure.

Although, after many moons of dancing socially and doing a bit of solo and group dance exhibitions, I gotta admit that my main squeeze and I have kinda slowed down a bit but fo' sure dancing has been our life line to keep us healthy and energized. And that's a good reason to keep on dancing!

Hasta la vista fo' now!

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Monday, May 15, 2017

Just Musing: A Blast From Da Past @UH

DANCES WITH WOLVES part 4

Social Dancing at Carmelo's Dance Studio
It was one of those weekends of roaming the circuit where Lani and I met Judy Allen, the Dance Director of the University of Hawaii. We were with friends at one of our favorite hunts (Carmelo's Dance Studio) on Kapiolani Blvd. having a good time social dancing to some good CD music. During a short break for refreshments, our host Carmelo introduced Judy Allen. Actually, Judy Allen was on a recruiting mission to get ballroom dancers to perform at the University of Hawaii  Kennedy Theater 25th Anniversary Dance Concert. She needed at least 25 couples who are willing to put some time in to learn and practice the routine and finally perform on stage in front of an audience for one week.
Judy Allen

There were more than 25 couples (all senior teenagers) that showed up for the first practice. Judy Allen was the choreographer and Tommy Nakamura was the Dance Consultant. Eventually, some dancers dropped out but the dedicated ones stead fast. Practice of the routine went on for a couple of weeks, five days a week and at the end, Judy Allen had her final 25 couples to perform in the Dance Concert.










  

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Just Musing A Blast From Da Past

Dances With Wolves part 3



Although, my main squeeze and I ran with the new "wolf pack", we still remained with HBDA as Standing Instructors at the Hawaii Kai Chapter and at the Waialae Chapter, and as temporary Rotating Instructors at the Manoa Chapter, Aliamanu Chapter, and Nuuanu Chapter. We were young and full of energy and with the desire to teach ballroom dancing. As I mentioned earlier that the Hawaii Kai Chapter performed some kinky skits at HBDA events. Besides "The Evolution of Rock" and "Flash Dance" performances, the chapter went into another hilarious mode and performed a rib tickler Ballet called "The Nut Cracker Suite" choreographed by Darlene Yap. Guys dressed in Ballerina costume were George Ogata and Harold Kim, along with Jean Ogata. The pole bearers were Christy Ammons, Maryann Yokoyama, and Patsy H. Playing the part of the Prince was Lani Sierra, and the Ballerina Princess was played by Gilbert Ammons.

The following year at the HBDA Masquerade Ball, George, Harold, Gilbert, along with Bill Young,  David Shimogawa and Don "brought down the house" with another hilarious performance called "The Bargin Basement". The ladies participated in that skit, too, while Lani went on to join the Can Can Gals, the Rock 'N' Roll Escapade, Hula Exhibition with Zula Zachodni and Dottie Wilde of Hawaii Kai Chapter.

It was the summer of 2000, when martial arts instructors and students were invited to perform a demonstration of their art....Tai Chi Chuan, Kung Fu with weapons, and Bagua Zhang.

Monday, May 08, 2017

ILIMA BALLROOM DANCE CLUB 34th Anniversary Dance

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

Sunday, May 07, 2017

Just Musing A Blast From Da Past

DANCES WITH WOLVES part 2

"The Pack" grew older in age and many of the "wolves" slowed down going to social dancing and no more group exhibition dancing. Instead their main interest was going bowling, playing tennis, and golfing. Lani and I kept in touch with the old "pack" but we eventually joined another "wolf pack" that was headed by Harold and his mate Harriet. They were much older than Lani and me and so were the other members but they were always hungry for social dancing. We were still the "pups" of this new "pack" but they were a fun "pack" and we headed to every weekend dance venues including night clubs such as the Bavarian Garden in the Royal Hawaiian
Shopping Center, the Warriors Lounge at the Hale Koa Hotel, the Elks Club, and Carmelo's Dance Studio on Kapiolani Blvd. Since Lani and I were still members of HBDA, there was opportunity to join certain elite groups. One group was Eugene and Harriet Ichinose's Can Can which Lani joined and did several performances in HBDA Showcases. The other was Evelyn Cummings' Rock & Roll Escapade which was comprised of guys and dolls. They were Terri Chun, Jane Hongo, Faye Martinez, Ann Ramelb, Diane Umeda, Kathy Uyehara, Calvin Pang, Joe Ramelb, Yvvone Miyamoto, Jerry Sueda, Lani Sierra, and Patsy Tsukamoto. As HBDA staff reporter Sim Redona wrote in his column, "Slightly diverting from the norm, the 29th  Anniversary Ball will present a show biz number called "A Rock 'N' Roll Escapade. Choreographed by Evelyn Cummings, a Rotating Instructor, this action packed special is composed of hard core Rock 'N' Rollers...ten sexy chicks and only three foxy dudes.."Gutsy Thirteen"..assembled from Ala Wai, Kaimuki, and Hawaii Kai Chapters. If "Rock 'N' Roll Escapade" can exude the magic of "Can Can," then we're going to be in for a treat this "Anniversary Ball. Join the pack and watch the foxes and chicks gyrate, swivel, twist and shake. (TO BE CONTIiNUED)







Thursday, May 04, 2017

Just Musing "A Blast From Da Past"

DANCES WITH WOLVES part 1
POPPING

I guess you could called them "wolves"; those guys and gals that run in packs to dance venues every week end. The "wolves" in "the pack" were somewhat older than Lani and me. So I guess since we were brand new to "the pack", we were like pups. But none-da-less, we ran with "the pack" to places like Rumours, Cest Si Bon, Sheraton Waikiki Ballroom, Prince Kuhio Ballroom, Hawaiian Village Balroom, the old Ala Wai, Betty Riley's Copacabana, Pearl Harbor Officers Club, Hickam Officers Club, Warriors Lounge at the Hale Koa, Chinese American Club, even as far as Wheeler Army Airfield Non-Com Officers Club in Wahiawa. Leader of "the pack" at that time was Dicky and his mate Patsy. Since "the pack" were members of the Hawaii Kai Chapter of HBDA, we performed a lot of group exhibitions together for nearly every event that was cooked up by the HBDA Dance Director Eugene. Those were the FUN YEARS and Comrade' our motto. We performed the "straight kine" dances. You know da kine like Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Bolero, Swing, etc. And sometimes we went to the deep end and performed kinky dances like FLASH DANCE JAZZ (choreographed by Salome), Rock & Roll (choreographed by Evelyn Cummings), BALLET (choreographed by Darlene Yap), Evolution of Rock which included CHARLESTON (choreographed by Lani), DISCO SWING (choreographed by  Bob), COMICAL HULA (choreographed by Jerry), Argentine Tango (choreographed by Roy), and POPPING (choreographed by me).  I guess we were a radical bunch looking for innovative changes to show more entertainment in group demonstrations.. One thing we noticed is a change in costumes worn by ladies in solo Latin dance exhibitions after Lani wore a "show more legs" dress when we performed the Disco Cha Cha for HBDA Masquerade Ball. Now the ladies are showing more legs in Latin exhibition and competition dance performances at the Palladium. (TO BE CONTINUED)
"EVOLUTION OF ROCK"


(Stay tuned for more).

Friday, March 24, 2017

Monday, March 20, 2017

Saturday, March 18, 2017

What's Cooking In March 2?

My apology for the late posting of tonight's DRD Monthly Social Party but there's still time to contact Yanna for more info.

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Friday, March 10, 2017

What's Cooking In March?


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That's Dancing Back Online



Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Friday, January 13, 2017

Keiki Workshop With Ron Montez


Ron Montez Workshop

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RON MONTEZ  WORKSHOP FOR USA DANCE – TOMORROW, SATURDAY 14!!!
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE, 2ND FLOOR
See  attached poster:   Ron.pdf

Aloha,

Ron Montez will conduct a group class for USA Dance on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm.  Class is 1 ½ hours on Rumba & Cha cha cha.  (45 min each)


Mahalo,
Glenn Okazaki
USA Dance Honolulu

Monday, January 09, 2017

Saturday, January 07, 2017

Thursday, January 05, 2017

Sunday, December 25, 2016

IBDI 2017 1st Term Dance Schedule

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Orchid Isle Ballroom Dance Club New Year Dance

Orchid Isle Ballroom Dance Club in Hilo Celebrates New Year in style!


Featuring Ron Montez and Guest performances by Oahu Studio, Dance Appeal dancers... Professionals Renna & Sergio Villanueva and their Fabulous keikis!

DRD Hosts International Latin Workshops

Divino Ritmo Dance 
hosts
two International Latin Workshops
with visiting Professional Couple
Evgeny Likhachev
&
Mariya Levina

on Sunday January 15th, 2017 
at Aloha Dancesport Center

2pm International Samba
3pm International Cha-Cha

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

IBDI Inaugural & Christmas Ball 2016

It's been a long but enjoyable journey with IBDI during this 2016 year for Lani and me. IBDI started the year with three officers who also served as Directors (Arnold Lee, Diana Vo, and Dana Morey). A few months ago, Dana passed away and Dean Sierra stepped in to fill that position. Going into 2017, IBDI will have a full complement of Officers with Arnold Lee (President/Director 1), Diana Vo (1st Vice President/Treasurer/Social Chair), Thomas Campbell (2nd Vice President/Director), Kathy Uyehara (Secretary/Ticket Chair), and Dean Sierra (Music/Equipment Chair).  IBDI is happy to announce that Professional Albert Franz will serve as Dance Advisor.

This past Saturday, IBDI celebrated Christmas with a Christmas Ball dance, and the installation of Officers/Directors for the 2017 year. My main squeeze and I got to the Palladium about 4:30 to help with the setup before the doors opened at 5:30. Most of the setup was already in place except for a few tables that needed to be in the foyer thanks to the volunteers from other danced organizations that came early to help IBDI. Chairs were already in place along the walls of the Palladium, thanks to David Carvalho. Some of the dance exhibition participants were practicing on the dance floor while Don, Cindy, Kathy, and Joe Lee (IBDI sergeant-at-arms) worked on decorating and setting up the Reception Table. Henry Lee was the Music DeeJay for the evening and his selection of smooth and upbeat music kept the dance floor filled with dancers.

As more guests trickled into the Palladium, the line at the Reception Table kept Don, Cindy, and Kathy mighty busy. Just as busy were the servers at the bento counter with a long line waiting. Thanks to the volunteers from other dance organizations who helped handing out the bento. There were many that jumped in to help but I was only able to get a snapshot of three of them since it was like a revolving door of helpers in the kitchen. (Left click on photo to zoom in).


General dancing was in full swing before the program started with calling of lucky numbers for door prizes. Renna Villanueva from Appeal Dance Studio presided over the evening program as EmCee and kept the program moving along smoothly. She's always been a faithful supporter for IBDI during her tenure as Vice President and Dance Director for IBDI and even after she left IBDI. After Renna introduced the VIPs from other dance organizations, she introduced IBDI Prez Arnold Lee and 1st Vice Prez Diana Vo, Arnold gave the Welcome Message, a short history of IBDI and the direction he will lead this organization during the 2017 year.   


It's becoming the norm having someone sing a song or two at sporting events and I guess ballroom dancing is a sporting event in some way. Linda Batt was introduced and I got to tell you for a little lady, she's got an amazing strong vocal chords. She belted out the Star Spangle Banner, Hawaii Pono'i and The Little Drummer Boy. Wow! what a treat. Then it was time for the installation of Officers and Directors. VIP guest Joe Magaldi presided over the installation and swore in the 2017 Officers and Directors. General dancing resumed with a short break for the second calling of lucky numbers for door prizes. Then it was time for the Showcase part of the program. Since Renna was also to perform in the Showcase, her husband Sergio took over as EmCee to introduce the dance exhibition performers. 



The Showcase included dance performers from Fuego Y Aqua Dancers, Appeal Dance Studio, and Kokohead Dance Studio. Fuego Y Aqua Dancers performed in three exhibition dances. Dario Garcia and Yuki Komiyama taught New York style Mambo and Cha Cha for IBDI during the 4th and 5th Term of 2016. Appeal Dance Studio performed in four exhibition dances which included two exhibitions from Appeal Dance Studio children program.  Concluding the Showcase program were Joe Shorba and student Hami Draper of Kokohead Dance Studio performing the Mambo. It was a fun filled Latin Showcase with colorful costumes, dynamic movements of forms, speed, and balance and the display of playful connection with partners.  





More general dancing resumed after the Showcase with spot time allowed for calling of lucky numbers for door prizes, and picture taking with Santa a.k.a. Joe Magaldi. The Officers and Directors thank everyone for coming to the dance and helping to make this event successful.
Merry Christmas, everyone and Hasta la Vista!