What do we dance?

World War I, introduced many of the middle class in Hawaii to partner dancing. The military officer's clubs in Hawaii increased in attendance. And small ad hoc groups made bigger inroads during the roaring twenties. Later in the thirties the trickle down theory came into effect and even on the big island, teenagers were dancing the Jitterbug.

"What a world this would be if we just build bridges instead of walls!"

Other loose social groups developed during WWII, when so many were arriving from the Mainland and the standardization began in earnest. The mainlanders, (young men) would teach the girls and they in turn taught the local boys.

It slowed down after the war even though the Professionals were defining it as Ballroom Dancing because it had been danced in Ballrooms. It was not until 1959 that Aiea Dance Club was formed followed almost immediately by Wahiawa Ballroom Dance Club. But the dancers with advance thinking in regards to ballroom dancing were definitely in the West.

"Yesterday" by the Beatles

Later on HBDA was established in Honolulu and the rest of the clubs evolved mostly as Spin Offs of HBDA and from the other Spin Offs. And yes there may be a new dance club in this coming year. I would like to see it in the Salt Lake area. Specially now, with the increase in commercial dancing at the Palladium, but, it could be in Waianae.

In this century we are in the process of definition. Three separate groups have evolve and naturaly most dancers are involved in only one category. However many are involved in two and even the three. The main intent to to enjoy oneself moving to music. And they all know that we must find more places where we can dance.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughful and committed dance enthusiasts can change our dance world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.