The Caribbean

Much of the Latin music and dance in the world comes from the Caribbean. The basics were there long before the first illegal aliens arrived. All the islands had some sort of walking dance, just step, step, step. But they also had something like the Rumba-Mambo, and it contained a rock step and a slow step and they broke wherever the accent was. And it was quick, quick, slow, which are really the same for all of the other dances too, except for the different names on the different islands. In Cuba it even had different names in the different sections.

"When you start dancing you will see many things that will startle you.

You will feel things you never felt before."

Sailors traveled all over the Caribbean, and they were the ones that spread and unified the dance. The sailors would see the different but similar dances and in describing them, they would say, "por ese rumbo" which means in that direction, that kind.

"Moliendo Cafe"

por Azucar Moreno

It became the name of the dance and the only thing that changed was the gender to La Rumba and it remained strictly an indigenous dance, better danced out in the sticks. But the name is Spanish not any of the mumbo jumbo that it comes from Africa. It acquired the name long before the African slaves arrived.

"Mi Son Maracaibo" por Rene Touzet

The influence of the Caribbean has been naturally great. First into Mexico, then into the US, and the rest of Latin America. However late in the 20th century the money makers manufactured new dances almost every day. Some made it for a while and some just never made it. Remember the Lambada? Ha! Live music at present predominates in Salsa and will also be into Bachata. It is shaping up into a more recognizable Latin music and dance for the younger dancers.

 "I was drinking at the bar last night so I took a bus home. May not sound like

a big deal to you, but I had never driven a bus before in my life."   

Basic, Basic

By Franklin Coiner, Enchanted Lake:
Dancing Nights is looking better all the time. The older dancers seem to be more aware of what they are doing. The slow, quick, quick or the quick, quick, slow. Either way is just fine and is the second most common movement in all dancing, starting from maybe 8 thousand years ago, so it is relatively new. At least humans were no longer walking on their knuckles.

"The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it,
but in the end, there it is."

Using the "rock step" for the quick, quick and then a slow. Breaking forward on the first quick, it is the Rumba - Mambo basic, and similar to 100 other dances in the Caribbean and environs.This includes the US., Mexico, Central and the northern part of South America, dances like the Calypso, the Beguine, the Son, Guaracha, Montuño, Guajiro etc. Probably another 3 or 4 hundred others throughout the world. Breaking backwards and you have American Swing.

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

If you do it just one forward pattern and back one backward pattern, you have a very distinctive movement and the basic of all these dances. You can of course go for three patterns forward and three patterns back which is very danceable, looks nice, feels nice, needs little room but it takes practice by the leader to do this. The ladies on Oahu are just wonderful and can usually follow easily and still look good.

"Til I Waltz Again With You" by Theresa Brewer

The slow step does not really mean anything unless it in conjunction with another movement. The rock step may be done in different ways. The left foot forward and the right back. Or the right foot forward and the left back. Side wise, the left foot left and the right foot right. or left foot right and the right foot left. Or backwards, the left foot back and right forward, or the right foot back and the left forward. There are others which are considered unnatural step patterns. And dance teachers can get quite complicated specially if they have LAGS.

“Dance for yourself. If someone understands, good. If not, no matter.

Keep right on doing it your way and learning all the time.”

Live On Oahu

We have on Oahu some of the best DJs in the Pacific. Not many dancers complain about the music except those the are not interested in LAGS. (the latest and greatest syndrome) which is part and parcel of being a good DJ. Keeping up with the latest. There are DJs in all in our neighbor islands.

"Fortunately in our dance world, there is no time limit to make changes. We can start whenever we want. We can change or stay the same - there are no rules."

For the artists in our midst, live music is the way of the future and they have many fans on Oahu. Just that most of the fans keep it a secret and will not tell us. The music industry, as a whole, continues its slow implosion, revenues from live music festivals continue to break records. That’s in part because many listeners and dancers just like live music.

"I'll Remember You" by Don Ho

Many musicians give splendid performances when they perform in front of an audience, And specially when they know many of the customers personally. This idea contradicts some research in music performance studies, in which the presence of the audience has often treated as a distractor or noise. Not on Oahu.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Psychological theories suggest that people prefer average faces, voices, and melodies because they’re easier to process. While some studies show that listeners like mundane music, others demonstrate that both listeners and dancers value individuality when it comes to our musicians. And the oldies but goodies are still coming out ahead.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

Just Keeping Up

The Rail Disaster should be stopped but they cannot because there are millions and millions of dollars in profits more to be made and the Fat Cats want it. The prices of goods and services — whether they are essential such as housing, food, and medical care or luxury items such as tobacco and sports equipment — vary widely across the nation and within states. Yes, night clubs in town will dwindle.

"The personal nature of our blogging on Oahu is what
the reader/dancers find most appealing."

Based on recently released price level data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Wall St. reviewed the most expensive metropolitan areas in each state. Across all metro areas, Urban Honolulu, Hawaii has the highest cost of living, and it is due to get much worse because of the Rail Catastrophe. Charles Djou seemed to be the only one that could see the mess Caldwell was going to make in Honolulu with the Rail Disaster, Meanwhile Danville, Illinois is the least expensive place to live in the country.

"Flying Home" by Lionel Hampton

Our two bottom dance blogs, Extrava Danza and Ritmo Mestizo. will just keep on struggling and all they need is a couple good information contributors. The blogs will be keep on a slow but steady upswing. The totals for all the blogs will still keep comfortably even  and our communication with the reader/dancers will remain strong.

"Molokai Waltz" by Loyal Garner

From Actual Court Records:
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.

The Latest

Live Music and Dance is really coming into its own lately and without our help. But some are sooner or later going to realize what a blog can do. But first they have to know what counters do. Then we can find more people willing to share their music and dance experiences with their fellow dancers. And fortunately, most musicians on Oahu are some of the best.

"Dancers may discover for themselves that all they have read and all they

have been told are lies, lies, lies; and each discovery may be another

nail driven into the body on the cross of life.”

Most Live Music groups have Web sites and for sure, none of them having been leading the way in Public Relations. Most have Web sites simply because it the thing to have. There are groups that one never hears of because they would rather remain private, or something. So blogs offer free Public Relations and fortunately we have plenty of blogs on Oahu. And many people are beginning to understand "Blogging," and "Social Media." No, our blogs do not have Advertising.

"Stranger In Paradise, by Jimmy Borges.

We use Blogger which is owned by Google, and they are not going to be pushed around by Microsoft. Of course, Apple is getting to be that way too. Tough. With the forcing of Windows 10 on the hapless computer users, Linux is the only alternative and they have got a whole slew of choices. They are open source which means free and you are not forced into anything like in Windows.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

Hooray, it is a beginning for our two way street. Live Music will be featured in this blog in the very near future. Our readers will find it easier to send in opinions which are worth their weight in Gold. That will in turn send the hits even higher. We don't need contributions of money. We need contributions of social dance information and photos to share with our recreational reader/dancers. That is our raison d'etre.

"Laissez Le Bon Temps Rollez"

Night Clubbing

Many people just drop in when they feel like it and that is quite alright. But most of us do not go night clubbing every night. It is usually an occasion and we get dressed up. OK? The better we feel about ourselves, the more fun we will have on the dance floor. Let us put on our favorite outfit, and be sure to wear something that we can actually move in. Stay away from clothes that are too tight or short, and wear comfortable shoes. We could also take into account the dress code at the nightclub; some clubs are more strict than others.

“When we despair, we should remember that all through history

the way of truth and love have always won."

We could go with a group of friends. The more people we are with, the less self-conscious we will feel on the dance floor. In addition, having friends around to talk to will serve as a distraction so that we are not constantly focusing on being watched by strangers. We could hit the club with an upbeat group of friends who we enjoy having fun with and we can actually have our own party within the outer group.

"Young At Heart" by Frank Sinatra

Scope out the scene. Before heading to the dance floor, do a lap around the club to check out what's going on. Take in your surroundings, watch other people dancing, and get a feel for the kind of music that is playing. Getting comfortable with your surroundings will cut some of the nervousness you may feel upon entering the club. If you need to head to the bathroom to touch up your makeup or check your hair, do it before hitting the dance floor so that you're not distracted while dancing.

'This island dancers listen to this music, played with loving fingertips, reflected

in our moving to their music and finding it more enjoyable than ever” 

Live Music?

We are gradually getting there. Thousands and thousands of dances out in the world from the beginning. The Mexican Civilizations developed over 3000 different dances. And you got something new? Yeah, Man. Music has been accepted as a must in dancing but now there is something else. The modern social aspect of the dance environment which includes eating.

"Yes, we can love everything that's old, - old friends,

old times, old manners, old books, old wine."

Huggo's is doing very well, however the posters could be a little less info
and clearer colors for posting to a computer in anything.

Of course I do get some made in Microsoft app with a "lock in" which forces anyone to buy Microsoft to open it. Cute. Fortunately, I have a work around that works sometimes. If I cannot open it with Photoshop, I try Paint. If I can open it and close in JPG, then I can open in Photoshop and tidy it up there.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Then there is good dancing action coming up in October and West Hawaii
is becoming a true second city on the Big Island. 

"Wine is not just an object of pleasure but an object of knowledge;
and the pleasure depends on the knowledge."

 

Let's Dance

Dancing in the evening is going on pretty good throughout the island of Oahu. Waikiki and downtown are doing just fine with a few rearrangements still going on. The Moanalua Corridor has been completely devastated by the Rail Disaster. But the Waianae Coast and the North Shore are looking good. Specially if they get some business Parks in the areas. "I coulda been home in 20 minutes."

"Failure will never overtake us if our determination to succeed is strong enough."

The North Shore of the Island of Oahu, refers to the north-facing coastal area of Oahu between Kaena Point and Kahuku Point. The largest settlement is Haleiwa. This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe.

"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho

The North Shore only houses one large commercial hotel, the Turtle Bay Resort, which also has 2 world-class golf courses. Other accommodations are available in privately run condos, house rentals, and a youth hostel. None are favorites of the locals.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

You really only have 2 places to go for "night life" on the north shore. Neither are stunning, they are just nice places to enjoy. There's Turtle Bay Resort and there's Haleiwa. No real nightclubs to speak of, but you can hang at the bar at Cholo's, a mexican place that isn't half bad and they now have Salsa dancing on weekends.

The Waianae Coast must have at least 500 dancers living there. They dance in town and the Moanalua Corridor. What about a nice night club on the Coast in Makaha or Maili? Then there are now two very good dance floors in the West. The one at the Waianae District Park that has never been used for dancing and the new one in Aiea - the HBDA Studio. Wow, just beautiful.

Rhythm:
Every 7 years our body cells are renewed, concluding a section of life. There are definitely cycles from the planets and from the far outer universe, yet this is scientifically still mainly ignored, although scientist have gained proof of it. Saturn makes us listen inside; Uranus furthers new things; Mercury gives us a business sense; etc.

Blogger's Law #41: All gossip at the Palladium is true. Do not be misled by facts.

Music

Music is everywhere. We can’t escape it. We listen to it on the radio while driving around doing errands. We hear it in the background sound effects at the movie theater or on the television. Commercials use (or abuse, depending on your perspective) music to catch your attention and try to make a sale. Music is in grocery stores, public buildings, work-out facilities, recreation centers, and schools.

"A foolish person may seek happiness in the distance;

but the wise may grow it under their feet."

Perhaps the only place you might be able to escape it is in the library. Do we really want to escape music? Have you ever thought about abolishing it? Is it possible to eliminate it from our lives? It has been embedded into our psyche since the day we were born. It soothes, relaxes, inspires, controls, and manipulates – all that and much more. Music is a part of our lives. So, when did music begin?

"Stranger In Paradise" by Tony Bennett

In our early lives as humans, the young would jump for joy or just run for the fun of it. Then Agriculture was discovered about ten thousand years ago, all over the world and people settled down in groups. Drumming and humming began and new instruments were used. They were soon moving to the rhythm of  "live music" and "we" became dancers. Some to this very day on Oahu, prefer to dance to Live Music. Yeah, but where?

"The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" by Les Paul and Mary Ford

About the only one that gets this kind of information is Richie Fun of Dancing Nights blog and the blog gets the hits. I am going to attempt a few excursions into the night club scene, now that my foot is better and I can walk a little more even though I must use a walker. Then I have good arrangements now with the Handi Van and it is much better than switching buses.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated

through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time,

this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through

any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it."

May Start Moving

I have to get back in again even though it will be slow. I had been pulling back on my levers of blogging consistency. Then due to circumstances beyond my control I had to reorganize my blogosphere and change the chosen independent blog from Town Dancer to another.

There may b e three sides to every story we hear in our dancing circles:
yours, theirs and the truth.
 

 

So for the month of July I must get out and do some personal blogging perhaps I can post more relevant dancing blips  Then hopefully we can get a few write ups from the attendees and that should tell us the story of what's happening. Fortunately Richie Fun has his good information contributors and Social Media insists that I cannot do these things all by myself.

"Tiny Bubbles' by Don Ho

From my home sweet home in Pearl City

I'm not grouchy - I just don't like traffic - waiting - crowds - barking dogs -

I'm sure everything that I can't find is in a secure place.

I'm wrinkled, saggy and lumpy, and that's just the left leg.

I'm having trouble remembering words like - - - um.

I'm sure they are making adults much younger these days.

I'm a walking storeroom of facts -- I've just misplaced the storeroom.

I am so glad that so many of our readers are taking part in dance lessons which is a good method to pass the time specially if we live on Oahu. We can have almost as much fun as dancing in a club atmosphere. It certainly can be a more productive way than relaxing in the sofa watching TV or gossiping over the phone. We are evolving for the better.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

Everything we master in the social dance club can be applied in other places too, like our favorite night club, exuding poise and elegance every time. Whenever we decide to take up social-recreational dancing courses, we don’t have to end up having a headache looking for the right dance club. We got enough connections. And maybe some of us can share a little more information.

Blogger's Law #18C: If dancers review their problems close enough

they will recognize themselves as part of the problem. 

Caribbean Music and Dance

Humans have always been adventurous and in Florida they were not any different. About ten thousand years ago at the same time as the extinction of the Sabre Tooth Tiger and two thousand years before the emergence of Agriculture, the Indians having been in Florida over a millennium began to travel to the Caribbean, mainly to Cuba being the largest land mass close by and only 90 miles away. About two thousand years later, the Indians from Yucatan in Mexico traveled to the Western part of Cuba which is about the same distance as Florida to Cuba.

"If there is no wind, Row!"

With the discovery of Agriculture, they began to establish villages and rhythms by beating on anything and humming along. This was a human trait and developed all over the world right about the same time. Soon enough, they had other instruments for music and singing and dancing. Much as we can see in modern day Africans dancing up and down in an even rhythm.

"Por Un Amor by Linda Ronstadt

Then about 3 or 4 millenniums later, the Indians from South America also traveled to the Caribbean up through the Lessor Antilles islands and dispersed throughout the southern part of the Caribbean. Naturally they all brought their own music, rhythms and dances, and there must have been a little borrowing from each other and learning as they went along.

"Contigo A La Distancia" por Lucho Gatica

However, the biggest influence of their music and dance in the Caribbean must have come during the big empires in Mexico, mainly the Mayan influence in Yucatan, some two or three thousand years ago. There were metal maracas in Mexico (circa 300 AD), so it is reasonable to accept that the Indians of the Caribbean had maracas long before the illegals arrived. And let us have none of this mumbo jumbo about coming from Africa. This was mainly to the Western end of the Island of Cuba but it eventually established Cuba as the center of all Latin Dancing with Puerto Rico firmly in second place. Cuba is also the largest island in the Caribbean so it stands to reason.

"Moliendo Cafe" por Azucar Moreno

So that by the time of arrival of the first illegal aliens in 1492, the music and dance throughout the Caribbean was pretty well established. There were of course many different rhythms and different dances. There also happened to be many that resembled the rumba of today and - that is now danced throughout the world.

"We may dance a little less in motion to our favorite music and just a little

more in spirit and perhaps we can awaken the dreamer within.” 

Latin Music and Dance

by Richard Rosenberg, Lualualei

The Clavé, pronounced (klah-veh) is the basic rhythmic pattern of all son (rumba-mambo) music, including the Cha Cha Cha. Clavé sticks (or a percussive instrument) strikes 3 beats in one measure and two beats in the next measure. For the cha cha cha and mambo-son dances, the break is on the regular conga beat two.

"Do not aspire to immortal life, but exhaust the limits of the possible"

In contrast, most typical Salsas are not written for son clavé rhythm. So, Salsa dancers usually break on the one or the three, perfectly good interpretations of this music - even if they use the basic Mambo structure. Boleros are not sons and usually not arranged around clavés, and they break naturally on beat three with the "slow" over beats one and two.

"Frenesi" by Artie Shaw

Many mystified musicians have wondered why so many dancers have gone against the grain with bolero music. But it has been quite evident that the merging of the two styles has been in merely defining the Rumba as faster than the Bolero, but basically they have remained very similar.

"Green Eyes" by Jimmy Dorsey

A Latin Singer records a beautiful bolero in rather fast time and it becomes perfect to enjoy a nice Rumba dance to it. There is an American rendition of "From Here To Eternity" that is almost a Rumba and it is most beautiful to dance Rumba to it. But of course, most of us dance to music. Sooner or later we will have a more standardized Social Rumba. Then we can dance with each other all over this island and we will not have to worry about nitpicking details.

"Friendships double your joys and divides  your grief."

Coming Around The Mountain

Dancing Nights, the Oahu dance blog for Night Clubs is just holding on to its own. Moving up very slowly. Just one steady additional Two Center would do wonders sharing more dance news for the reader/dancers. I have seven blogs on this Island and they are much too close together in average hits per day. When we get that one person, watch it. I am getting more physically limited every day and can only do so much.

"I used to be indecisive now I don't know."

Competitions are such great artistic shows and appreciated by so many. Why is it that the best competition organizers can do to identify participants is to pin a numbered cloth on the back of an expensive, custom made tuxedo in stark violation of all known aesthetic principles in an activity devoted to elegance, grace and beauty? If you say they got a good reason I will accept it. They are still beautiful to see.

"Psychedelic Shack" By the Temptations

To anyone and me it may be little, but to a person in need whatever we do could be a lot. To a person in need our small gestures could make all the difference. And for a brief moment, it could make those people feel like someone is actually for them ... at a time when they feel that everything, and everyone, might be against them. We can help and not destroy our fellow humans.

"La Golondrina" composed by Narciso Serradell Sevilla in 1862

My dream is still intact - two or three regular Two Centers in this blog and two or three regular Guest Authors all sharing the night club news with their fellow dancers. The hits would go through the ceiling and I could phase myself and finally resign. The blog would belong to them because they deserve it, they did it. The Junk Blogs will remain mine and I can still enjoy myself in my final days.

Not drunk just a few drinks: "I'm just a bowl in a gold of fish!" - "You mean

a fish in a bowl of gold" - "That's what I said, a bowl in a goldfish"