Dancing in West Oahu

By Franciso De La Torre, Aiea
As an old and decrepit Latino that I am, I can still enjoy a good Cha Cha Cha. I am also very happy to see the new interest in music and dancing in the Kapolei area and up the Waianae Coast.

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

Forty some years ago when ballroom dancing began to lose some fans, the English style of dancing gave the studios a badly needed lift, throughout the nation. Ten new styles of dances and a vast network of prestigious competition possibilities. At first the American Style was not abandoned or discredited in any way.

"Vaya Con Dios" By Les Paul and Mary Ford

Most studios insisted on two full years of American style and the passing of at least the first half Silver American before students considered crossing over to the International (the new name for the English). In this fashion they inadvertently placed the International style at a higher level than American style.

Even the early televised competitions featured both styles including some Pro-Am finalists. Up until the late '80s, most studios had a place for both styles and used them hand in hand to their great mutual benefit. Duriing the nineties it phased into a completely different scenario.

"Kiss of Fire" by Georgia Gibbs

Many teachers found they could make a name for themselves via the international competitions without having to rely on the backing from big chain studios. New clubs and studios sprouted up that only featured one style. On Oahu, the term "Junk Dancer" emerged out of nowhere.

The competitions only televised one style and students want to study that one style they see on TV. Even today many people really believe there is only one valid style and those "other styles," - barely mentionable - akin to silly folk dancing ready for extinction. Or are they?

"Maria Elena" by Placido Domingo

The Internationals try to recognize the difference in ordinary ballroom from the Latin, in the environment, time space between both divisions and the costumed differences. However, the music producers are not that aware and making the music less Latin and more European, and it has been losing its unique quality as "Latin."

Our first Micro that is going good. Just need a few

willing to share four lines of their own.

Amid all the competition hype, and as hard of hearing as I am, I can clearly hear the sound of distant congas drumming louder and louder, the comparsas, the conjuntos and the spirit of the Hispanic people rising up and getting ready to reclaim their beloved national music and dance. There is a lot more to Latin music and dance than the Caribbean. ****

"Siboney" By Placido Domingo

One of the most important figures in Cuban popular music was Ernesto Lecuona, the composer of the classic 'Siboney'. Although lots of artists have recorded this tune, it really needs a big voice for full effect, so the version by tenor Placido Domingo is a terrific change of pace.