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Thursday, September 13, 2018

Ballroom Dancing

By Jason Lombard. Mililani

Ballroom dancing has been the most practiced form of social dance on Oahu in the last century just like the rest of Hawaii. And ballroom dancing has gradually divided itself into groups. The first when the American style discipline was introduce on Oahu in the 50s and somewhat different than the street or social dancers. And in the 60s the Peripherals, the Swing dancers and the Argentine Tango dancers. Shortly thereafter arrived the first Internationals. By the 80s we had the Social dancers at about 20%, the Peripherals at 10%, the American at 40% and the International dancers at 30%, and all under the description - Ballroom Dancers.

“Social dancers learn quickly that life doesn't always go the way they want it to,
and that's okay, they still dance on.”


Then came the Palladium in the old style of the Big Ballrooms. And the Internationals were on the rise and there was much printed matter advising the dancers. Even suggesting they should have some lessons and experience in American before taking International classes. Clearly an implication that International was on a higher plane than American. In the Palladium, arose terms "Ala Wai Dancer" and "Junk Dancer," to describe the non International. We can plainly see that International Style of Dance peaked shortly thereafter.

"I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith (1998)


Meanwhile the social dancers on Oahu were increasing and dancing in small intimate groups, in Gas Stations, Malls, Parks, School Cafeterias and if lucky, in a District Park or a Community Center. There were more Social Clubs forming and the type of dancing remains in the American Style but readily interchangeable with the Night Club and the Social Club environment. In this century it is the Social Dancer that will prevail socially. You have a different view of it? Your welcome.

"Social dancers believe that the stupid neither forgive nor forget;
the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but never forget."