Oktoberfest in Wahiawa

I began planning the excursion to Wahiawa early and I had made the arrangements the day before with the Handi Van. They were to pick me up at six and take me to the WBDC shindig in Wahiawa. They got me to the Wahiawa District Park before seven, good people. There were a few people there already doing a bang up job of setting things up. And I was lucky enough to say hello to all these nice  people. And in no time at all, Leland Yagi has his beautiful music floating in the atmosphere.

There was little picture taking and I asked a young lady that was there for the first time, if she could help with photos. She quickly discovered that the batteries in the camera were dead. I gave her some new ones and away she went and most of the photos in this blog are hers - terrific job. There was some transfer in photographers but all to the good. As per usual some people did not want to get involved. No Hu Hu. I got enough pictures for two blogs.

People kept coming in and plenty of hugging and kissing. It was party time and the dancers were beginning to feel it. The music and dance of this club is Social Dancing, so that the DJ is not tied down the music of the disciplines. And in this Oktoberfest, there was plenty polkas.  And I saw a lady moving to the music the way she wanted to. A sideways rock step, back and forth, and she needed no instruction from anyone.

"Beer Barrel Polka"

The music was written sometime in 1927, then in 1934 with lyrics, the Will Glahé recording sold many copies in its German version. But it was not until 1939 did this polka become famous around the world. "Beer Barrel Polka", as recorded by Will Glahé, was number one on the Hit Parade in the US. It is possible the reason for the rapid spread was due to the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany, and subsequent emigration of thousands of Czechs to other parts of the world, bringing this catchy tune with them.

Nice to see two Ladies get out on a polka, and dance going around and alternating arm hooking. Then joined by more ladies, and even the spectators were having fun watching. Dis is Social Dancing to Da Max. Kau Kau right after and Maile got me some goodies. I left shortly after, my Handi Van was due at 8:30. Ten minutes late, not bad, they are good people. Got home before 9:30. Checked the camera and I got enough pics to make another blog tomorrow.

Social dancing is more casual and informal, it is more of an intuitive dance. Although there is structure to social dancing just like international ballroom, social dancing welcomes musical interpretation, experimentation, imagination, improvisation and spontaneity. And we can witness this in the Central Valley, - Wahiawa for example.