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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Finally

Took four weeks to get my new phone and the internet. But the vacation was good for a lot of people. Also took a couple days to get Windows Update all in. Plenty of emails and I am catching up. Next week should be much better.

"Every second brings a fresh beginning, - every hour holds a
new promise, - every night our dreams can bring hope
and every day gives us a chance to make it."

Meanwhile, Live Music is looking good on Oahu. Many people appreciate the classics which are so well known and loved by most. And there are some 3000 well known hit classics dating back one hundred years. Many will remain for another hundred. We will also have a much bigger choice in the new ones which are being published at the rate of one million per day. Very, very few will end up as classics.

"How High The Moon" by Les Paul and Mary Ford


Meanwhile as interest in Latin Music increases. so is the interest in Mariachi Music which, on the mainland, is now beginning to play music that we can dance to. Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Tango, Salsa. The dancers will decide. And since dancers do not have a reputation of being drunks, the night clubs will have to figure something else to reduce the importance of selling liquor.


The Pau Hana Dance is also showing much interest, with the favorite day being Wednesday to break up the work week. Open at 5 pm, it would go until about 8 or 9. Just like Happy Hour except much less drinking and a hellavah lot more dancing. Chopstick compatible snacks would be just fine. The people living outside Honolulu would have avoided much of the downtown traffic and the freeway home would be comfortable.

"There is no greater feeling in the world than moving to a great
piece of music and just letting the rest of the world go by"

Happy New Year Everyone!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Back In and Running

I haven't blogged here for over a month and the hits have been holding up better than the others because of Richie Fun blogs. That communication to the reader/dancers is of the essence. So we all learn. In taking so long to get my phone and the internet. that point really came across.

"Most of us do not aspire to immortal life but
we can attain the limits of the possible."

The recency and frequency of the blogging are solid factors in what makes a good blog, along with the content. And all we will do is get the information from wherever we can and in blogging it, we give great public relations to the dance organizations in Hawaii. That is those that want it. This is a free blog so we do not charge anyone.

"Young At Heart" by Frank Sinatra

It is becoming more apparent that the readers are more Night Club oriented for this blog. This coming year will determine its fate, when we get more information contributors and Guest Authors. What the reader/dancers want is to do some fun dancing on the dance floor.

"The Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page 


So it becomes better to avoid huge places in favor of smaller, no-frills spots and smaller dance halls where the grooves are infectious and busting a move is the main event. And we will gradually get the best dance clubs on Oahu in this blog.  And they will be out of the way of the Rail Disaster and the heavy traffic. They will fill all of our needs for everything from Rumba and Cha Cha Cha to Salsa and Tango every night.

"Beginning dancers prefer to take "intermediate" level classes. -
Intermediate dancers prefer to take "advanced" level classes. -
Advanced dancers take private lessons to work on their basics."


The Blogs March On

Amazing that this blog is still way ahead of the others in average hits per day. This coming year will make the difference when we get more information contributors and a guest author or two for the other blogs. That will separate them more than anything. Some will go to the front and some will stay back. And I want everyone to know that top blogs in hits will go independent first. The junk blogs will belong to me.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

The first item in our January lottery will be a small 10 inch laptop with Windows 8.1. If the last two numbers of your social security number match it you can come and pick it up. I will not deliver it.There will be more when the time comes on the same basis. Meanwhile the most important people we need are the information contributors. Without that information we do not have much of anything to give the reader/dancers.

"Abrazame" by Julio Iglesias 

I take my camera to the functions where I can get in free and then I ask anyone to take a few pictures. I carefully explain that two people are better than one and three people are better that two. They can usually figure that out. Then, 40 people are not better than thirty nine. From there than can do as they wish. Hopefully they can get duplicate photos so that I can get the best one. I get some very good public relations for some groups.


Meanwhile, we are on the road to developing the best social dancing of any peoples on this earth. I just saw some good Mariachi videos and I can plainly see the Chasse dance step that has been in the Americas for millenniums. It has been sold under different dances but never as a separate distinct dance movement.'

"You don't stop dancing from growing old, you grow old from stopping to dance."


Tuesday, December 29, 2015

A New Beginning

Wow, what a time this has been moving from Nanakuli (paradise) to Pearl City (Paradies 2). Went on my first trip to the VA and left at 9:15 am and got back a little after 12 noon. Half day trip whereas from Nanakuli it had required an entire day. And it is going to get worse when the Rail Disaster is in. Feeder Buses! Auwe!

"We can accept what is gone, appreciate what remains
and look forward to what is coming next."

I will get back to regular blogging in a short while, Just got my phone in (took 28 days) and am on the Internet. Took some time to get all  my window updates.  I am in process of arranging everything in my new home, so I know where everything is and I am still giving away many items that I am not likely to need.

"Siboney" by Placido Domingo

Our original intent remains to unite the entire dance community, in a rather loose fashion, into a more cohesive group for the benefit of all, regardless of their dance club affiliation. Those that have chosen to ignore us will continue to be respected for their honest opinions.

How do you make a tissue dance?
Just put a little bogie on it. 

A New Beginning

Wow, what a time this has been moving from Nanakuli (paradise) to Pearl City (Paradies 2). Went on my first trip to the VA and left at 9:15 am and got back a little after 12 noon. Half day trip whereas from Nanakuli it had required an entire day. And it is going to get worse when the Rail Disaster is in. Feeder Buses! Auwe!

"We can accept what is gone, appreciate what remains
and look forward to what is coming next."

I will get back to regular blogging in a short while, Just got my phone in (took 28 days) and am on the Internet. Took some time to get all  my window updates.  I am in process of arranging everything in my new home, so I know where everything is and I am still giving away many items that I am not likely to need.

"Siboney" by Placido Domingo

Our original intent remains to unite the entire dance community, in a rather loose fashion, into a more cohesive group for the benefit of all, regardless of their dance club affiliation. Those that have chosen to ignore us will continue to be respected for their honest opinions.

How do you make a tissue dance?
Just put a little bogie on it. 

Sunday, November 29, 2015

On Hold

Well, this will be the last blog posting until I set up in Pearl City. Perhaps in a couple, three days. Meanwhile everything is shaping up just fine. A few glitches but it is to be accepted and I just have to do the best I can.

 "Difficult times can help us to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. "


"I'll Remember You" by Don Ho

I sure got rid of a lot of stuff that I am now certain I will never need. I will be setting myself "light" so that I will not have so many commitments. And I hope to get information contributors and guest author take get fresh information to the reader/dancers. SOS is definitely not it and they can gradually take over.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed


Meanwhile this blog continues to be leaning to Live Music and I know there are many out there that love Live Music. Those are the people that can contribute the most to help the Live Music group which gets larger every day. Much of it will be going to the outskirts of the Island to avoid downtown traffic.

Dancer's Law No 13C: If dancers view their problems close enough,
they will recognize themselves as part of the problem.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Wow! Augie Rey added to Divno Xmas Party!

Via Marie:

Thursday, December 3, 2015 –  6:30-9:30 PM.
CUPOLA THURSDAY Featuring a live performance by AUGIE Rey!
 
DIVINO RITMO’s December Dance at the CUPOLA is ushering in this Holiday Season with the finesse and Aloha of the engaging and accomplished local musician, AUGIE REY. Lucas & Yanna invite you to join us for Divino Ritmo’s December social dance at da CUPOLA!  Dance your hearts out to the swinging tunes of AUGIE and DJ Lucas. Come and be engaged by Augie’s special brand of charm….

CUPOLA is an event room located on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center (Inspiration Furniture), 1250 Kapiolani, 6:30- 9:30p. The dance is OPEN to the PUBLIC & Admission is FREE. Food & beverage are available for purchase. Happy Hour/Discounted pupus if ordered by 7pm.
Parking is FREE with validation. The Parking entrance is located on the Street level of the Piikoi side of the building.

For more info, contact:
Lucas Jaime (917) 568-3173
divinoritmo@aol.com
Yanna Samkova (732) 499-0407
Yannajs@gmail.com
Aloha Dancesport Center (808) 200-5540
Web Site:  www.alohadancesportcenter.com
****************************************************************
Saturday, December 5, 2016 -  6:30-10:30pm
Divino Ritmo’s Annual CHRISTMAS PARTY with Augie Rey!


If CUPOLA is not enough, Lucas & Yanna are giving us a very special treat by bringing to Divino Ritmo’s studio Christmas party, local recording artist, musician, entertainer, & nominee of the “Na Hoku Hanohano award,” AUGIE REY! AUGIE will grace us with his presence and infectious charm, singing and playing to tunes that keep you dancing! 

Come join Lucas & Yanna and the Divino Ritmo Dance Ohana on Saturday, December 5th, 6:30-10:30pm.

Place:
Aloha Dancesport Center (Home of Divino Ritmo Dance)

350 Ward Avenue, 2nd Floor
Aloha Dancesport Center [w/a 4,000 square foot wood floor] (808) 200-5540. Parking Options: Across the street @ Sports Authority or Street parking.
  
TICKETS:
$35 pre-sale, $40 at door
children under 18 yr old 50% off, under 12yr old free
Price INCLUDES:  Social Dancing, Buffet Dinner, Dance Performances, Live Entertainment featuring AUGIE REY. Grab Bag (optional participation)  – you bring one, SANTA will give you one from under the Xmas Tree!

RESERVATIONS:
Yanna Samkova (732) 499-0407
Yannajs@gmail.com
Lucas Jaime (917) 568-3173
divinoritmo@aol.com
Aloha Dancesport Center (808) 200-5540
Web Site:  www.alohadancesportcenter.com

Thursday, November 26, 2015

And Down It Goes

Town Dancer now really operating with known controls. Less blogging equals less hits. I may increase the blogging when I get to Pearl City. The big classy dances at the Hotels get the most hits in any blog. Then the lessor ones are at the socials of the Dance Clubs. The drop in hits in our blogosphere is definitely there. Then there are two other control factors. The information contributor and the Guest Author.They will eventually make the difference for all communication with the reader/dancers.

"Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it."


With that in place, I can resign as Administrator and remain as Guest Author just to fill in the gaps while it evolves farther. Then the complete break must happen in order for the blog to have full freedom and they can make their own rules. Meanwhile, the most important people next to the reader/dancers must be recognized. I will have my hands full with the remaining blogs.


Yes, many people are interested and looking. School cafeterias are nice but we cannot change the environment that goes with dancing by too much. So we must find " dance floors" for our environment. When the International people were running things, they had to have a big, big dance floor and the famous Palladium was built. Unfortunately, it had to be designated as a Multi Purpose Facility. As a Dance Center it coulda been a contendah!

"We don't forgive people because we are weak, We forgive them because we are
strong enough to realize that people make mistakes."

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Divino Ritmo Xmas party, Cupola and class updates.

Via Yanna & Marie:

Dear Students, Dancers
Join us for our Annual Studio Christmas Celebration.
Dress to impress and come to celebrate the wonderful time of the year, Christmas Holidays, with us on December 5th at 6:30PM.
See attachment for the details.



DRD GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE UPDATE!!!!

1. Thursday November 26th, Studio Closed, Thanksgiving Holiday

2. Thursday December 3rd Dance Social at CUPOLA , open to the public, free event 6:30pm  NO   GROUP CLASS

3. Other Group classes continue according regular schedule till December 5th. 
 
4. December 6th till 18th, No group classes ( all adult, keiki, teen and youth Classes)

5. Classes resume on December 19th but on revised Holiday Schedule:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays Adult Classes on Dec.22,23 and 29,30 as usual.

6. NO Thursday Classes on Dec. 24th and 31st.

7. Teen class will be rescheduled to another day of the week.

8. NO Friday class after December 5th till January 8th.

Thank you, have a wonderful Holiday season

Yanna and Lucas
Divino Ritmo Dance, LLC
Aloha Dancesport Center
350 Ward Ave. 2nd floor.
Nonolulu Hawaii
www.AlohaDancesportCenter.com
#808-200-5540

Coming Around

By Ray Hanamura, North Shore

For the first 16 years of operation there were monthly dances at Let's Dance L.A. on Main St. Once they moved into the Granada in Alhambra and they focused mainly on Salsa dances but everyone realized that that had left a void for Ballroom dancers in town.

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point.”


Truthfully there are not  many places for people to go social ballroom dancing in the Greater L.A. area. While dance studios traditionally offer social dances, the old way of dressing up going to a nightclub, socially interacting with friends, dancing to a live big band or really good deejay makes for a really special evening.


Why aren't there more social dance events? Many reasons. Most importantly, during the 60's and 70's ballroom dancing took a real hit from the rock and roll era. Ballroom dancing became uncool. After twenty years disco broke through and suddenly everyone was again realizing what fun touch dancing was. Followed very nicely by line dancing, dancing solo.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner


"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho

After disco ran its course, Country Western got hot and a whole new segment of the population started touch dancing. Pretty soon whole new dance genres such as West Coast Swing, Salsa, Lindy Hoppers, Argentine Tango all started surfacing. Today there are too many diversifications with new fads coming in and out regularly.


In the mid 1990s Ballroom dancing started surfacing in colleges and major universities around the US. Around the world ballroom was just under the radar. In the late 1990s there was a huge explosion of ballroom dancing in the former Soviet Republics. Currently ballroom dancing is also huge in Asia. And it is sure waking up in Hawaii.

Dancer's Law No 24B: The optimistic dancer believes we live on the best of all islands. The pessimistic dancer fears that this is true. 

Monday, November 23, 2015

The Night Out

It is pretty definite that in this century there will be more dancing on Oahu and less listening to all the great music out there.  This is specially true of the 40 age group and older night of music and dance. They can start earlier than the young who like to begin their night at eleven PM and run it to the wee hours of the morning,

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth,
not going all the way and not starting."


Remember when we could just go out and dance the evening away? On Oahu we can still arrive alone or with a partner or in a group of friends and just groove to Live Music or professional DJs. And we do not have to conform to dance organizations ideas of dance. We will use our own simple movements and move to the music of our choice the way we wish. Throwing the woman over our shoulders is not considered dancing by us amateurs nor is standing the woman on her head.


And with the Rail Catastrophe almost upon us, a big portion of the Dance Action will be moving West. The residents of the West will do everything in their power to avoid going downtown with the bigger traffic mess almost here. Kapolei and Pearl City already going in the right direction.

Dancer's Law No. 37D: Fact is solidified opinion - Truth is elastic -
Facts may weaken under extreme heat and pressure. 

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Brazil

As a very big country of many states, Brazil’s music is regional, with each section (sometimes specific cities) contributing distinct musical genres. Portuguese influences abound in the country’s rich and lyrical poetry, the exquisite melodies, and the instrumentation which included the accordion, guitar and violin families.

"When we make a mistake, we don't look back at it long. We take the reason of the thing into
our minds and then look forward. Mistakes should be lessons of wisdom.
The past cannot be changed but the future is yet in our power."


"Manha De Carnival" por Placido Domingo

Roman Catholic festivals and pageants remain as seasonal events in various regions in Brazil, and the Portuguese sentimental song forms such as the moda and the fado became staple genres. The European influences are not exclusively Portuguese, of course, as Brazil witnessed the arrival of settlers from Germany, Italy, Lebanon and even Japan and China.

"Moliendo Cafe" por Azucar Moreno


The Samba in Brazil is a different dance than what is danced in the European and American sectors. In Brazil it is almost exclusively chassé, and can be danced to slow, medium and fast music. The body gyrations are distinct. of course. in the different modes. You ever do a cross body lead in Samba? May be illegal or "incorrect" but done all the time in Brazilian Samba.

"La Distancia" por Roberto Carlos


In American and European modes, the basics can be quite complicated and were developed by dance teachers in both sides of the Atlantic. The music is usually fast and the dance is usually progressive. The various Hustles in the US developed from the need of the chassé to slower music and which can be done more beautifully using the Brazilian Samba movements.

"In Blogging, the best way to inspire fresh thoughts is to hit the publish button."

WE 21

My health is holding up and my depression is less. I look forward to moving to Pearl City. I will get out more, they have more sidewalks and a big shopping center. And a beer joint where I can stop by and have a beer. I am getting rid of a lot of my stuff that I don't use and don't expect to use it. I am making good time and should be ready to move by November 30th.

“The belief that there is only one truth, and that we are in
possession of it, is the root of all evil in this world”

Meanwhile I have been neglecting all my blogs and it is showing up in the hits. Way down. I have not been feeling well, and I have had troubles with my computer. I should be in much better shape in December. Going to the VA at Tripler will be half day instead of a full day like now.


Fortunately we start a new month and I will know more by next week. Meanwhile, any of you out there that have been wanting to say something to your fellow dancers, this is your chance. Whatever I write is SOS, but whatever you write is not SOS. Simple?

"Begin The Beguine" by Artie Shaw

The Top Three:


No. 1: Town Dancer is still holding first place with 33 average hits per day. That is equivalent to 1000 hits per month. Not that good but not that bad.

No. 2:  Platinum Horseshoe back up in the big three with 22 average hit per day which is about 660 hits per month.. I have expected that.

No. 3  Dancing Nights, is doing well in third place and very nicely in the top three, because of the good blogging by Richie Fun.

"I Believe" by Frankie Laine


The Ones in the running:

No. 4: The Dance Blog, back in the running but now I am more sure of its value as my own personal blog. It will never be in the top three but it will be close behind.

No. 5: Blogging Hawaii, still dropping and holding up in the number five spot. Patience we should see some change next month.

No. 6:  Latin Rhythms, came up one step because Extrava Danza not doing much. Of course, some dancers are becoming aware of the Latin Rhythm all over Hawaii. Just need a little recognition.


No. 7:  Extrava Danza, dropped down to the bottom of the totem pole. Gotta do something here. It started out to showcase live music but just not getting enough information from those in the know. Patience.

"I'll Remember You" by Don Ho

I would be glad to have any other dance organizations that have counters join in our stats and I would be happy to share the stats. We can compare so as to do what interests the dancers more and do less of what doesn't interest them. Simple! - and we can please the reader/dancers, and that is the name of our game. Mahalo everyone.

Dance Law No. 41B: No matter what goes wrong, there
is always somebody who knew it would.

WE 21

My health is holding up and my depression is less. I look forward to moving to Pearl City. I will get out more, they have more sidewalks and a big shopping center. And a beer joint where I can stop by and have a beer. I am getting rid of a lot of my stuff that I don't use and don't expect to use it. I am making good time and should be ready to move by November 30th.

“The belief that there is only one truth, and that we are in
possession of it, is the root of all evil in this world”

Meanwhile I have been neglecting all my blogs and it is showing up in the hits. Way down. I have not been feeling well, and I have had troubles with my computer. I should be in much better shape in December. Going to the VA at Tripler will be half day instead of a full day like now.


Fortunately we start a new month and I will know more by next week. Meanwhile, any of you out there that have been wanting to say something to your fellow dancers, this is your chance. Whatever I write is SOS, but whatever you write is not SOS. Simple?

"Begin The Beguine" by Artie Shaw

The Top Three:


No. 1: Town Dancer is still holding first place with 33 average hits per day. That is equivalent to 1000 hits per month. Not that good but not that bad.

No. 2:  Platinum Horseshoe back up in the big three with 22 average hit per day which is about 660 hits per month.. I have expected that.

No. 3  Dancing Nights, is doing well in third place and very nicely in the top three, because of the good blogging by Richie Fun.

"I Believe" by Frankie Laine


The Ones in the running:

No. 4: The Dance Blog, back in the running but now I am more sure of its value as my own personal blog. It will never be in the top three but it will be close behind.

No. 5: Blogging Hawaii, still dropping and holding up in the number five spot. Patience we should see some change next month.

No. 6:  Latin Rhythms, came up one step because Extrava Danza not doing much. Of course, some dancers are becoming aware of the Latin Rhythm all over Hawaii. Just need a little recognition.


No. 7:  Extrava Danza, dropped down to the bottom of the totem pole. Gotta do something here. It started out to showcase live music but just not getting enough information from those in the know. Patience.

"I'll Remember You" by Don Ho

I would be glad to have any other dance organizations that have counters join in our stats and I would be happy to share the stats. We can compare so as to do what interests the dancers more and do less of what doesn't interest them. Simple! - and we can please the reader/dancers, and that is the name of our game. Mahalo everyone.

Dance Law No. 41B: No matter what goes wrong, there
is always somebody who knew it would.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Live Music

This blog will eventually lead into many reasons for live music and we may have many aficionados interested. Then we can really get this blog rolling with people that are willing to share their precious information with their fellow dancers.

 “Experience is the name every dancer gives to their mistakes.”

When you think about listening to music, do earbuds and mp3’s immediately come to mind? Some people put their earbuds on when they get up in the morning and take they them off late at night when they go to bed. Bad Stuff. Do you mostly listen to music on your gadgets while traveling from one place to another?


"Maika'i Ka Makani O Kohala" by Carol Kai

If you can’t remember the last time you saw a live performance, this may just be the blog for you! Music doesn’t come out of a machine, a cloud, or a search engine. Take a good look around you on Oahu. Many people make this music, and it takes a lot of energy, dedication, and commitment.

"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho


If you rarely see live music, it is easy to forget how much work goes into that killer beat, sweet riff, or those oldies but goodies. Go to a show and get close enough to see the passion, energy, and yes, sweat, that goes into making music. You will definitely walk away with a deeper appreciation for what musicians do.

The beautiful Articulated Buses: One tenth the cost of the Rail Disaster and five times more efficient.

From the Hawaii Free Press: After Months of Posturing, Council Committee Easily Approves Massive Rail Tax Hike.The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee gave preliminary approval to a bill that would extend Oahu’s 0.5 percent surcharge on the general excise tax through 2027 to help pay for the $6.57 billion rail project.


Business Park proposed for Kapolei and voted down by the
Present Rail Party.  And I coulda been home in 20 minutes.

The vote was 4-1 with Budget Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi casting lone vote opposing the bill. Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga voted yes “with reservations.” The measure is now slated to be taken up at the Council’s Dec. 9 meeting, where all nine Council members will consider giving it the second of three needed approvals. If approved there, it would return to the Budget Committee for another go-around before returning to the Council again for a final vote….

Clue: All the Ernie Martin hype was just hype.

"Nothing is ever so bad that it cannot get worse."