Back On Track

All my blogs came under attack from the European Union about something. I do not have anything to do with Europe. However, I am very much interested in supporting the social dance scene on Oahu. Finally got this cleared away on Tuesday. This blog is now part of the bottom two along with Latin Rhythms in average hits per day. All the blogs need just enough feedback from our fellow dancers to make them into the best blogs in the Pacific. Not possible?

"Social dancers have memories of walking and romping all over the place. Trust your feet, and don't look at them to see if you are doing it right. Just move and dance to that music.”

Yes it is true, parking problems on Oahu are increasing all over as more people are leaving public transportation. The bus system has continued to deteriorate. Auto sales are going up, naturally and the traffic in town on a weekend, day or night is terrible. Da Rail gonna fix that? Dumb Dodos. We needed comfortable buses, simple, articulated (one trailer) or bi-articulated (2 trailers) and each one could take 60 to 100 cars off the road. When you have comfortable seating, many countries are finding it easy to get people off their cars and on to public transportation. Not Honolulu, Easy Money for the Fat Cats.

Less than 100 thousand dollars a piece.

The New York Times Opinion Section, Opinion Columnist David Leonhardt writes: Every one of the last 4 Republican presidents has increased the deficit. Every one of the last 3 Democratic presidents has reduced the deficit. Not the way, the Trump Fake News Agency states. And they always state the truth, don't they?

Back On Track

All my blogs came under attack from the European Union about something. I do not have anything to do with Europe. However, I am very much interested in supporting the social dance scene on Oahu. Finally got this cleared away on Tuesday. This blog is now in last place in average hits per day. All the blogs need is just need enough feedback from our fellow dancers to make them the best blogs in the Pacific. Not possible?

“Social dancers believe that when the melody plays, footsteps will move,

the heart will sing and the spirit begins to dance.”

The two bottom blogs differ - Latin Rhythms is mainly covering Latin music and dance, whereas Dancing Nights will cover mainly the night club action. At the moment both are in the single digit average per day hits. So I must make the effort to go out wherever they have no cover and try to make a connection to blog'em. It will be a lot easier when I get a good steady guest blogger. And by example get more guest bloggers and make my best blog independent.

"We are all here because we are not all there" Howzat again?

 

Back On Track

All my blogs came under attack from the European Union about something. I do not have anything to do with Europe. However, I am very much interested in supporting the social dance scene on Oahu. Finally got this cleared away on Tuesday. This blog still in fourth place which is just fine. Now we just need enough feedback from our fellow dancers to make this one of the best blogs in the Pacific. Not possible?

"Social Dancers may not dance your dance or speak your language.

But they will try to help and be a blessing to somebody."

I do get around a little on my walker and I am using a helmet in case I fall. Sometimes I can get the help of the Handi Van. I am meeting more people with open minds on the definition of social dance. I don't know the answers but I listen. Many of the seasoned dancers in the West have their own ideas of social dance without the constraints of the big dance associations. Their own opinions are forming from what is being danced at present in our dance environment. Sounds good to me. Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Tango and Swing are the primary dances of the social classes. More? Of course.

“The truth is always an insult or a joke, lies are generally tastier. People love them.

The nature of lies is to please. Truth has no concern for anyone's comfort”

Back On Track

All my blogs came under attack from the European Union about something. I do not have anything to do with Europe. However, I am very much interested in supporting the social dance scene on Oahu. Finally got this cleared away on Tuesday. This blog still in fourth place which is just fine. Now we just need enough feedback from our fellow dancers to make this one of the best blogs in the Pacific. Not possible?

"Social Dancers may not dance your dance or speak your language.

But they will try to help and be a blessing to somebody."

I do get around a little on my walker and I am using a helmet in case I fall. Sometimes I can get the help of the Handi Van. I am meeting more people with open minds on the definition of social dance. I don't know the answers but I listen. Many of the seasoned dancers in the West have their own ideas of social dance without the constraints of the big dance associations. Their own opinions are forming from what is being danced at present in our dance environment. Sounds good to me. Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Tango and Swing are the primary dances of the social classes. More? Of course.

“The truth is always an insult or a joke, lies are generally tastier. People love them.

The nature of lies is to please. Truth has no concern for anyone's comfort”

Back on Track

All my blogs came under attack from the European Union about something. I do not have anything to do with Europe. However, I am very much interested in supporting the social dance scene on Oahu. Finally got this cleared away today. This blog is now in second place behind Town Dance but still remains way ahead of the others.in spite of all the doo hickeys that get in the way. Now we just need feedback from our fellow dancers to make this the best blog in the Pacific.

“Social dancers think less about the steps - there are few steps in dance,

only movement. Just listen to the music and move with it,”

This blog was in first place when we had Wahiawa Ballroom Dance Club and Aiea Ballroom Dance Association, but not any more. Perhaps one of the other blogs will show more promise. The reader/dancers are the ones that will make those decisions and of course, the feedback we can offer will make a big difference. Facebook gets 50 million photos daily. Somebody missed yours? These are meant to be "your" blogs. you can use them or not, as you please.

“Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.”
― Voltaire

Back Again.

I lost almost a week. My main computer, and then my back up computer went on the blink. That can be very disappointing. Then my swollen legs were not getting better and I got into Tripler Hospital for three days. I should be OK in a week. The person who told me, "That Life was just a bowl of cherries," may have been wrong.  I just got a laptop working but it is not easy.  Disappointing? Yes, but now I know the difference from depression.

“Social dancers dress the part - invent and pretend to their heart’s content -

and don't mind if everyone’s watching.” 

I just read about the Present Rail Party still in the game with millions to spend on lying. And we all know what they did to Cayetano. At present they are making millions and millions of dollars daily. The original estimate was to be five billion dollars total cost. Then they found out that this was much Easier Money than they thought. The Dumb people don't know from nothing. After they got working the estimates went to 10 billion dollars. And no one knows who got the first Billion dollars and they ain't gonna let anyone know. New estimates going to 15 Billion. The Dumb people still don't know from nothing.

 The Business or Industrial Park has been one of the

best things to develop in the state of Hawaii.

 Just two, one in Waianae and one in Nanakuli.
"I  coulda been home in twenty minutes."

Many of us know that we can get the #93 in Makaha at 6:00 AM and be in town at 7"30 AM. When the time comes and you are forced to take the Rail disaster, it will take over two hours to get there. That is why no one mentions "Rapid Transit" anymore because it will take longer and cost more to get there. So many people got suckered into this thing. Tough. Now they got to pay the piper. Dumb Dodos. Property Taxes going up? Foodland got to pay more rent? Price of eggs, milk, bread will double. Who gonna pay for dis Rail mess? Guess.

 “Social dancers, dance while they can move their being and still rekindle the soul.”

The West

We are getting some good men line dancers in the West. And they all realize that a line dance will have a certain number of counts, meaning the number of beats in one complete sequence of the dance. For example, a 64-count dance would contain 64 beats. The number of beats does not necessarily equal the number of steps, however, as steps can be performed between two beats or over more than one beat. Line dances are made up of a certain number of steps, with each step identified by a catchy name. And we are all having fun learning.

"Social dancers believe that when they dance, they forget all the bad things and

 only remember the good things. That is the best thing about dancing.”

Central Valley people seem to be holding back a little, possibly in a tendency to Private Clubism or they just accepted that everything must be done in town. We can all remember, last century, the Fat Cats in Honolulu were still holding the outskirts back. "Keep the country, country," No streets, no schools, no libraries, no shoe shores, and plenty bars. This century because of the Rail Disaster people want to "live" in the West, and work in the West and play in their own kuleana.

"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho

But there are facts in the West that seem to be arising that Line Dancing is the best trainer for the wannabee social dancer. Aside from learning the music which is usually used in partner dancing and the timing according the different music styles. A very important factor is developing your own unique comfortable styling that goes with social dancers. From there, Partner Dancing is a skip and a jump. It seems to be coming out clearly, that the best developing dancers are coming into the partner dancing world from the line dancers. It used to be the club dancer that evolved from "street" dancing, but that is becoming scarce nowadays.

"Try to cultivate good habits - the bad ones grow wild."

Oahu

From the Internet

In most of our dance clubs, all decisions should be made as low as possible in the organization. The Charge of the Light Brigade was ordered by an officer who wasn't looking at the territory. There are two kinds of decisions: those that are expensive to change and those that are not. A decision to build a new transit method should not have been made hastily; without plenty of input from operating people and specialists. In Hawaii, the immediate greed was there. Easy Money.

“Social dancers don't talk about dance? They think that dance
is not something to talk about. Dance is to dance.”

But the common garden variety decisions in a dance club - like when to start the music and when to the dance or what brand of coffee to buy - should be made fast. No point in taking three weeks to make a decision that can be made in three seconds - and corrected inexpensively if wrong. The whole dance group may be canceled while you oscillate between baby-blue or buffalo-brown coffee cups.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

In Honolulu, the Present Rail Party made the decision for "Rapid Transit." They stated flatly that the rail and the bus rates will remain the same. They are not really lying as per usual. They have only failed to inform everyone that the rates will go up to six dollars per, for both the rail and the bus. So how do you like them potatoes? Did somebody say ten? He He He. But the prices are going up all over just to pay for the Rail Calamity. And the original estimate was at five Billion dollars, which is an awful lot of money. Easy Money calls for cost overruns and other excuses that the ordinary tax payers do not understand.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

The Bi Articulated Bus for real Rapid transit in commuting from Makaha to Honolulu.

The estimates went steadily up to ten Billion dollars. What the hell does the taxpayer know? They are paying more attention now that it may hit fifteen Billions. Aren't we lucky? Property taxes are going up already. And if Foodland has to pay a higher rent, they have to pass it on and the prices on all goods must up. Just think of all the shopping centers in Hawaii.  Milk headed for Seven dollars per gallon, eggs will go to five dollars per dozen. All Rents will go up, naturally. The entire state will see the meltdown. And you thought the rich were going to pay? Ha!

"In the new GOP government, the rich enjoy the ultimate in power,
but the lower classes carry the ultimate responsibility."

The Central Valley

By Jake Miller, Waipio

Looking good where I live in the Central Valley and the most solid group of social dancers seems to be Wahiawa Ballroom Dance Club. I am tied up in the evenings but I hear good things. That same group does attend some of the new Night Clubs in the area specially those that have the right music. Dot's in Wahiawa and Just Tacos in Mililani are good bets. Many social dancers in the area still attend dance in town. The Central Valley with about ten Community Centers is just waiting for some dance organization to make contact. And if they don't have a Web site I am sure this blog can give them some help.

"Social dancers can break patterns of pessimistic thinking. They can find it joyful

to dance and bring pleasure into their lives deliberately.”

How about a another dance venue in Waipio? Wow! that would really do something for the entire Valley.We do know that the Rail Disaster is going to cancel the Dance Pavilion at the Patsy Mink Recreation Park. But there is nothing we can do. We cannot do what one person tells us to do, but we can certainly hear what many of you say and then we "must" move accordingly. It should be all right for those that the would rather not bother with a blog site. As long as everyone understands that it is their decision.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

Meanwhile, in the Central Valley, in spite of the prices going up, because of the Rail Catastrophe, many seem to be focusing on having something close to home. In this case it covers Waikele, Waipio and all the way to the North Shore. There seems to be a lot of dancers in this territory. The two night spots do good, but they have Web sites and believe that's enough. The new night spot without a Web site may find that we can help and it will do very well. The Rail Crisis will cancel the Dance Pavilion at the Patsy Mink Recreation Park, but "We Will Survive."

 “Every kind of language is... a specialized form of bodily gesture, and in this

sense it may be said that dance is the mother of all languages...

an original language of total bodily gesture."

Our Kine Dancing

Dances in the primitive cultures all had as their subject matter the changes experienced by their people throughout their lives. Changes that occurred as people grew from childhood to old age. We can be certain that they evolved. In the last century, many fad dances have evolved. They can be a popular craze, like break dancing, the Twist or ballets that feature superstar performers. They can be folk dances that have been handed down through generations, such as the square dance, or ethnic dances that are primarily associated with a particular country,

“Social dancers accept that the real dance is a spontaneous body movement
that is in harmony with the beats of the music in their hearts.”

Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Puerto Ricans.. They can be modern dance or musical comedy dancing, both fields that were pioneered by American men and women. The original ballroom dances were a set of partner dances, which were enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of their performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dances were also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television. The age distinctions remain and the over thirty is our game. The original ballroom dances may refer, at their widest, to almost any type of social dancing as recreation.

"Young At Heart" by Frank Sinatra

However, with the emergence of dancesport in modern times, the term has become narrower in scope.
It usually refers to the International Standard and International Latin style dances. These styles were developed in England, and are now regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC). "Ballroom dance" is the term most often used interchangeably with the five International Ballroom dances. Ballroom is now synonymous with International. They have seized the name as their own and they are right - they dance in ballrooms. While us "low class" are dancing in Parks, Beaches, Streets, Gas Stations, Malls, School cafeterias, District Parks and Community Centers.

“Most social dancers are grateful to those regular keepers of our dance environment.The young men and women and the grandmas and the grandpas who hang on to it and help us all remember when we forget that any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all.”

Where?

by Jonathon Wright, Maili

I am a single man and I want to go Night Clubbing on Oahu. Just anywhere? No of course not, we all have our preferences. I live on the Waianae Coast so a night club on the Coast would be ideal. Those that live near the North Shore would prefer that location too. I can only go to the Central Valley, you don't want anything near the Rail Tragedy, so Kapolei and Waipahu are out.

 “Social dancers say that the feeling may be less of alcohol and just being drunk on life. Moving to the music and experiencing absolute bliss — unadulterated and unconfined.”

Next is price and most places are reasonable, however there are definitely high price night clubs and they intend on making the money in liquor sales as in the old days. But these would be mainly in Town or the Waikiki area. The cover charges may also vary and may also be affected by live or DJ music. Most Night Club fans seem to prefer live music and we are so fortunate to have so many good musicians on Oahu.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Next is music and let us face it. DJs have a bigger variety and the most up to date music available. This music is for the more youthful dancers and their dance movements. Live bands are well appreciated for playing the oldies but goodies and their fans are the more experienced dancers. There are over one million songs released annually in the US. So reducing them to the ten best every year will give you some masterpieces that you can enjoy for as long as you live. If it is one of my favorite Rumbas, I can consider myself very fortunate indeed.

“Social dancers will dance together and be joyous, but they let each one alone,

as the strings of a guitar are alone though they quiver with the same music.”

Line Dancing in Makaha

Line dancing today in West Oahu is developing better than elsewhere. More men are getting in and enjoying it. The steps are simple and don't involve dancing with a partner, so that line dancing is ideal for singles and nondancers just starting out. One can learn the basics very well in rhythm, timing and the different kinds of music that is used in regular Ballroom and Latin dancing.

"Social dancers learn that dance is like life, we become experienced instead

of always remaining just a bunch of beginners at it”

Line dancing is taught and practiced in country and western dance bars, social clubs and dance halls around the world. We are fortunate to have classes in some of the most popular line dances performed today in the Central Valley. This is at the Wahiawa Recreation Center. taught by Carol Kohagura of the Wahiawa Ballroom Dance Club.  Though the only problem on the Latin dancing is that they usually not quite Latin moves to the music. Nobody stays dumb, most of these people usually learn very well indeed.

"Have you ever seen the Rain?" by Amy Hanaialii

Of course they do have a duo line dances and it is just for fun to dance with long time partners. It is cute and fine for the couple dancing. But if you want partner dancing the social clubs have got it. The usual is based on American Style and we have been fortunate that we have had some of the best teachers of American Style dancing in Hawaii. Not very strict and the results have been some of the best dancers in the Pacific.

 “Social dancers believe they can be the change that

they wish to see in our dance world.”

DownTown

The most advertised dancing on Oahu seems to be Salsa & Bachata and coming up Zumba and Kizomba - African dances. All well and good for someone interested in African dances. And they are heavy in Twitter, Facebook and Web sites. So they have plenty of public relations working for them. They definitely have no use for a blog and we mustn't blame them. But there many other venues on Oahu. And they do not have extensive public relations programs working. What is the purpose of going to a club, anyway? For some, it’s just to experience dancing. If that’s your aim you’ll have fun no matter what happens. Just dance and be happy.

“Social dancers sometimes focus too much on the lyrics that they forget to dance to
the music. And sometimes they dance to the music and don't listen to the lyrics.
Let the rhythm guide you. Let the lyrics inspire you.”

For the rest of us, dancing can help us achieve other goals, such as meeting new people. When our goal is to become more social, dancing is the ultimate ice breaker. Instantly impressive, dancing can convince people to give you that all important chance to show them how nice you really are. So what do you do when you get that chance? You have to strike! When the dance ends and your partner is smiling, out of breath and leading you off the floor you have a few moments to use your advantage.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

Compliment them (if they haven’t complimented you already) and ask a few general questions about them, Ask where they learned to dance. If Latin Dancing is what you both have in common, use it. Try to clarify, slowly what you like about Latin dancing which is not from Europe or Africa. It is from Latin America from Mexico all the way down to Argentina and Chile. An ice breaker is simply a topic you know you can connect on. Listen and add your own input when asked. Next thing you know you’ll be chatting the night away! A night club does not have to be a rowdy place.

"God give me work, till my life shall end - And life, till my work is done."

Cruising The Tango Scene.

By Franklin Coiner, Makaha
Looking in through the internet, Argentine Tango features other vocabulary that is foreign to ballroom, such as the parada (in which the leader puts his foot against the follower's foot), the arrastre (in which the leader appears to drag or be dragged by the follower's foot), and several kinds of sacada (in which the leader displaces the follower's leg by stepping into her space). And Finnish tango is closer to the Argentine than to Ballroom in its technique and vocabulary.

 “Social dancers know that dancing can be addictive if you like it.”

Other regional variations are based on the Argentine style as well. to enhance individual, family, and community life. The tempo is medium; 120 - 128 beats per minute (30-32 mpm at 4/4) is recommended for exhibitions because of the way most of the syllabus figures are configured, the best music should have steady, predictable two-measure (8-beat) phrases with a strong cadence. There are many in Argentina that are paying attention. And in the US, the different styles exist only in the big cities and as a peripheral exclusive dance.

"La Comparsita" by Yoichi Sawaguchi

In Hawaii, I would personally like to see those two in fusion with the Filipino Tango. That would be a Tango. The Tango continues on today as a romantic dance for couples, although there are many forms of the dance. The main styles vary from Argentine, Finnish, International, and American.  The Americanized version has been made very popular through its display in various movies, including the 1998 film, Tango. There are countless other films displaying the Tango, such as Take the Lead, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, True Lies, Shall We Dance, and Frida.

 “Social dancers know that the truth does not change according to their ability to stomach it.”

 

Cinco De Mayo in Waipahu

Information received from Maile and we all thank you.

Come Join Us at Dance Appeal Studio
for Cinco de Mayo!
Saturday May 5, 2018 6:00-10:00pm

Enjoy an Evening of Mexican Flare with a Tasty Salsa Bar and Mexican Buffet!!!
Dance the night away!!!

"Adoro" por Armando Manzanero

Cost: $15
Reservations recommended. (Limited seating). Oh: 808-284-3619
94-307 Farrington Hwy. Waipahu, HI 96797
(Located in the Waipahu Medical Center)

"In West Oahu, we shall worship at the altar of openess and truth

and let the tropical flowers of opinion bloom."

Paso Doble Anyone?

Translated from the Spanish:

The Moment of Truth

In Haro, a small city in Spain. Eighteen year old Julian Lopez Escobar (El Juli) inches slowly, carefully towards the bull, unmindful of his chest covered with blood from letting the bull get too close as it goes by. The boy matador’s face is filled with tenderness as though approaching a child who has hidden under a table in tears: gentle, coaxing, head tilted to one side.

El Juli, in all his glory.

The bull is heaving for breath and drops its head in a gesture that appears to say: I understand, I am ready, proceed. El Juli draws back his sword and calls one last time, “VENGA, TORO!”

The bull charges, and the young matador strikes faster than a cobra — there is a flash of gold, and then he spins away graceful as a ballet dancer and opens his arms to his fans. His sword is buried in the back of the bull’s neck down into its heart. The young matador’s face is respectful as the bull buckles to the sand, folding gracefully into death.

There is an awed silence. Then cheers, the waving of handkerchiefs (symbolizing the audience’s respect,) the cascade of flowers (expressions of their love), the awarding of the bull’s ears to the smiling matador (to honor the boy’s excellence.) Finally El Juli is carried in triumph from the bullring on the shoulders of the very strongest men of Haro, lifted like a true hero.

This is not Paso Doble.