Dine And Dance

By Richard Sing, Fernandez Village
Dining and Dancing have been part of life in most societies for ages. It is nothing new for us living on Oahu. How we dine and how we dance, of course, differs in the different sectors according to the participants. And I believe we could respect the different preferences. Generally in the social club gathering the accepted method is the potluck. And it has been a very successful part of a social shindig, at school cafeterias, private meeting halls, district parks and community centers.

"Social dancers believe that opportunity dances

with those already on the dance floor."

The only negative is the overbearing presence of a hard clique. Then all is lost, it loses it's public acceptance. In our available night clubs they try make expenses with the bar tab and that is extinct as far as our type of dancers. They must have a cover charge and make juices and snacks easily available. Then you have more "Dine and Dance." It use to be called "finger food" but it cannot be in a dancing situation where there is frequent touching of the hands.

"Waterfall" by Willie K

In Hawaii, we have the perfect set up, all pieces of whatever sold in small morsels. Our people are geniuses when it come to making chopstick food. The one's that find it easy to accept the outsiders, are the most successful because the outsiders tell their friends and it goes around and around and every one meets new people. That extended friendship is what makes it an Ohana. Fortunately we are not doing too bad in spite of the Rail Disaster.

 "Social dancers believe that truth is mighty and will prevail.

There is nothing the matter with this, except that it just ain't so."

Competition

At one time, (before the Rail Disaster) there was a Dance Pavilion in the plans at the Patsy Mink Recreation Center in Waipio. That would have been the perfect place and half the size of the Palladium would have been the perfect size. Not only for dancers of all kinds of fun dancing but for competition dancers in West Oahu. But unfortunately the Big Bucks in profits from the Rail come first and it has been cancelled. The competitive dance industry could have helped but they ignored the entire shebang. They are strictly a money making industry.

"Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost."

But we certainly can build our own keeping the cost down without allowing outsiders the control. Dancers who compete at these regional competitions on the mainland are usually young dance students ranging in age from about six to eighteen years old. Whereas our competition dancers are over 40 with many over 50. But you and I are still talking "good" dancers. Dance schools sometimes arrange for their classes to compete as groups. Advanced dance students often compete solo or in small groups (e.g., duo, trio, quad) in addition to competing with their dance class groups.

"Shores Of Haleiwa" by Loyal Garner

Competitive dancers must be physically fit because even short dances can be physically demanding. Also, dancers must continuously train to maintain and improve their technique, balance skills, strength and flexibility. Fortunately, we have many places on this island available to practice and hone their skills. The Palladium has been used frequently because of the large dance floor. Competitive dancing requires dedication as many months may be spent practicing dance and developing dance routines. A good dance club can help you a long way to conform to the rules.

"It is strange -- but it may be true; for truth is always strange - stranger than fiction."

Competition

At one time, (before the Rail Disaster) there was a Dance Pavilion in the plans at the Patsy Mink Recreation Center in Waipio. That would have been the perfect place and half the size of the Palladium would have been the perfect size. Not only for dancers of all kinds of fun dancing but for competition dancers in West Oahu. But unfortunately the Big Bucks in profits from the Rail come first and it has been cancelled. The competitive dance industry could have helped but they ignored the entire shebang. They are strictly a money making industry.

"Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost."

But we certainly can build our own keeping the cost down without allowing outsiders the control. Dancers who compete at these regional competitions on the mainland are usually young dance students ranging in age from about six to eighteen years old. Whereas our competition dancers are over 40 with many over 50. But you and I are still talking "good" dancers. Dance schools sometimes arrange for their classes to compete as groups. Advanced dance students often compete solo or in small groups (e.g., duo, trio, quad) in addition to competing with their dance class groups.

"Shores Of Haleiwa" by Loyal Garner

Competitive dancers must be physically fit because even short dances can be physically demanding. Also, dancers must continuously train to maintain and improve their technique, balance skills, strength and flexibility. Fortunately, we have many places on this island available to practice and hone their skills. The Palladium has been used frequently because of the large dance floor. Competitive dancing requires dedication as many months may be spent practicing dance and developing dance routines. A good dance club can help you a long way to conform to the rules.

"It is strange -- but it may be true; for truth is always strange - stranger than fiction."

Old Music

It is generally understood on Oahu, that musical tastes shift as we age and are in line with key "life challenges." Teenage years are defined by "intense" music, then early adulthood by "contemporary" and "mellow." Then as the search for close relationships increases, with "sophisticated" and "unpretentious" allowing us to project status and family values later in life. Studies have used data from more than a quarter of a million people over a 20 year period. The explosion in music consumption over the last century has made "what you listen to and dance to" an important personality construct.

"Social dancers believe that life may not be the party we hoped for,

but while we’re here we could dance."

This is true as well for many people in Hawaii, their self-perception is closely associated with musical preference.We would perhaps be reluctant to admit that our taste in music alters -- softens even -- as we get older. Now, these new studies suggests that -- while our engagement with it may decline -- music and dance may stay important to us as we get older, but the music we like adapts to the particular "life challenges" we face at different stages of our lives. It would seem that, unless you die before you get old, your taste in music will probably change to meet social and psychological needs.

"My Molokai" by Willie K

One theory put forward by the experts, is that we come to music and dance to experiment with identity and define ourselves. Then we use it as a social vehicle to establish our group and find a mate, and later as a more solitary expression of our intellect, status and greater emotional understanding. It may become a study to comprehenhend the ways people engage with music and dance from adolescence to old age. On Oahu we are gradually moving away from the old welcome to all Night Clubs. In this century, the DJs will have all the up to date hits for the young crowd that is very much interested. The Live bands will have a few of the thousands of classic hits of yesteryear for the more experienced dancers.

"Social dancers hope you will see things that startle you. They hope you feel

 things you never felt before. They hope you meet people with a different

point of view - and you will have a better understanding of life."

 

Lead And Follow

By Jeffery Lau, Turtle Bay

"Lead and follow" is the secret to getting two partners dancing smoothly together. It's simply impossible for two people, dancing in close contact, to move seamlessly if each person is making their own decisions, choosing their own timing and doing their steps independently. The lead decides and usually has less to do than the follow and the ladies are on Oahu are very good and do their part very beautifully.

The dance frame is the most important thing in lead as it helps the man maintain the connection between you and your partner. Your frame should be firm and steady all time. "Noodle arms" or a weak frame will hinder the connection to your partner. Fortunately, the men on Oahu are very good. When you have a good connection/frame, your partner will feel like she is part of your body. Learn the signals, wherever you go, she can sense the movement from your body instantly.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

 Every woman agrees that what she needs from a man is for him to be a strong leader. But if that’s true, then what is it exactly that the man needs from the woman? You guessed it; a strong follower. They are two totally different sets of skills, and two totally different mindsets. One requires immediate action, commitment and confidence, while the other requires patience and willing submission to the will of another. But how can a woman be patient and submissive to a leader who is not quite confident and assertive (At least not yet)?

"Sweet Someone" by Don Ho

When a man wants to dance with you, he will first extend the invitation to dance. Once you accept, he will create his frame. And once his frame is created, it is the woman’s job to step into his frame and stay there. But what if his frame is wavering, as it might, what do you do then? It has been said that when a man steps on a woman’s feet it is usually the woman’s fault for not getting her feet out of the way. But why would a woman be thinking about getting her feet out of the way when the man hasn’t moved yet, or worse, is too busy “waddling” around her feet? With practice they will both learn very nicely.

"Social dancers hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not,

we can hope you have the courage to start all over again."

Do's and Don'ts

From the Dancer's Delight, San Francisco.
Do: Respect other dancers as you would like to be respected. Encourage everyone to dance, no matter what their level/quality/style of dancing. The idea is to share the joy of dancing with the world. Apologize for a collision on the dance floor, even if you are not at fault. Maybe the rude one will learn from you. Follow the line of dance, allowing the faster dancers the outside lane. Smile, you'll enjoy dancing more and others will enjoy you. Applaud the band, they are trying to please. And if they please you with a particular dance, let them know. It may assure that you get more of the ones you like. This applies to the Disk Jockeys too.

"Social dancers think that the thing to do, is to prepare themselves

so they can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud."

Don't: Criticize other dancers. No two couples are alike and since the main objective is to have fun, it doesn't matter if other dancers are not as "perfect" as you. They just might be having a little bit more fun than you. We can accept that we are not clones, but individuals with unique preferences.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

Received from Maile Yagi

Our biggest need for all our blogs is some Information and/or Photo Contributors (the Two Centers) willing to share their two cents of dance info for the good of the reader/dancers.

"Social dancers know that if you really want to live your life to the fullest and realize your greatest potential, you must be willing to run the risk of upsetting some people."

Our Dance Kuleana

By Jason Kogami, Sunset Beach
Wow, I have been looking over dance blogs, danced web sites, dance clubs, dance advisories, dance schools and I sometime wonder how we can enjoy dancing with each other. There are so many viewpoints and styles and music to choose from. I think a repertoire of six to eight dances would be sufficient for an evening of fun. But there are more than a dozen good dances out there and a couple more waiting in the wings. Most of us just want some of our favorite music and an opportunity to dance with someone. Wow, talk about gimmicks and theories. Hey You, you are suppose hold the arm up at 45 degrees and you had it at 46. Dancing is just loaded down with rules like that, many which do not apply to us the social dancers.

"Social dancers believe that poetry may be an echo, asking a shadow to dance, -

and dance may be a poem of which each movement is a word."

Then there is the usual, small, medium and large to differentiate anything. In the disciplines they have Bronze, Silver and Gold divisions which is fine. In social dancing they have beginners, intermediates and advanced which is also just fine and easily understood. But generally different goals. In the disciplines the goal is the Gold. And many attain it fast with "hard work." That is "Hard Work" The social dancers just cruise along having fun and learning of course. Gradually in their fun dancing they will feel comfortable when they are a little bit better than average. They have arrived - but they never stop learning.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Now that we are developing such good dancers in the West Oahu, it is only proper that some are thinking of getting into competition dancing, just for the sport. Hey, there is nothing wrong with that. Competitive dance is a popular, widespread activity world wide. in which competitors perform dances in any of several permitted dance styles before a common group of judges.  And we had a large crowd of these at one time and then they began to fizzle out when they took over the Palladium and got a little too "deluxe." The terms "Ala Wai Dancer" and "Junk Dancer" arose and applied to the "lesser" dancers, and then the decline began. The "Rootzi Tootzis" have never known why.

"The ease and appeal of blogging on this island is inspiring a new group of

writers and creators to share their voices with their fellow dancers."

Our Dance Kuleana

By Jason Kogami, Sunset Beach
Wow, I have been looking over dance blogs, danced web sites, dance clubs, dance advisories, dance schools and I sometime wonder how we can enjoy dancing with each other. There are so many viewpoints and styles and music to choose from. I think a repertoire of six to eight dances would be sufficient for an evening of fun. But there are more than a dozen good dances out there and a couple more waiting in the wings. Most of us just want some of our favorite music and an opportunity to dance with someone. Wow, talk about gimmicks and theories. Hey You, you are suppose hold the arm up at 45 degrees and you had it at 46. Dancing is just loaded down with rules like that, many which do not apply to us the social dancers.

"Social dancers believe that poetry may be an echo, asking a shadow to dance, -

and dance may be a poem of which each movement is a word."

Then there is the usual, small, medium and large to differentiate anything. In the disciplines they have Bronze, Silver and Gold divisions which is fine. In social dancing they have beginners, intermediates and advanced which is also just fine and easily understood. But generally different goals. In the disciplines the goal is the Gold. And many attain it fast with "hard work." That is "Hard Work" The social dancers just cruise along having fun and learning of course. Gradually in their fun dancing they will feel comfortable when they are a little bit better than average. They have arrived - but they never stop learning.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Now that we are developing such good dancers in the West Oahu, it is only proper that some are thinking of getting into competition dancing, just for the sport. Hey, there is nothing wrong with that. Competitive dance is a popular, widespread activity world wide. in which competitors perform dances in any of several permitted dance styles before a common group of judges.  And we had a large crowd of these at one time and then they began to fizzle out when they took over the Palladium and got a little too "deluxe." The terms "Ala Wai Dancer" and "Junk Dancer" arose and applied to the "lesser" dancers, and then the decline began. The "Rootzi Tootzis" have never known why.

"The ease and appeal of blogging on this island is inspiring a new group of

writers and creators to share their voices with their fellow dancers."

Club Dancing

By Jonathan Chang, Whitmore Village

Social dancing is almost like ballroom dancing, done in a friendly environment. It’s strictly social and not at all like a performance or competitive dancing. For this reason, some dances lend themselves to social dancing better than others. Most of the Night Clubs for experienced dancers have a pretty good playlist. Foxtrot is foremost, the granddaddy of social dancing. It forms the basis for all partner dancing. And of course Rumba is a handy little social dance. It is adaptable to almost any pop music and a heavy Latin beat is not required. Box step basic in the American style is easy to learn.

"For some social dancing has taught them many skills to dance - a work ethic that takes practice to master and the confidence to persevere through any challenges."

East Coast Swing is a great dance that's used with lots of different types of music. Big band, rock, pop, 50’s, country - you name it, if it is swingy you can dance EC Swing to it. West Coast Swing is the one if you’re looking for something a little sassier, this is it. Although it can be danced at just about any tempo, it’s particularly suited to slower bluesy songs. Then there is Cha Cha Cha, the Latin version of EC Swing, this dance is great for any music that has a good beat and it does not require a heavy Latin sound.

"Molokai Waltz" by Amy Hanaialii

Thanks to Maile Yagi

Salsa: A favorite of everyone who loves Latin music. Its fast tempo makes it a great dance for getting fit and Bachata is coming in heavy with Salsa dancers. Merengue is the easiest social dance to lead and follow. Great dance to do with people who don’t know how to dance. Includes a lot of turns and spins. Nightclub Two Step, NC 2 Step is the dance to do to a slow love song or ballad. It’s more sensuous than just doing the “prom rock” and sometimes there is an extra dance, the Hustle, a superfun dance that originated in the ‘70’s and is danced to classic disco, rock, or hip hop songs. Relative of EC Swing, using many of the same turns and spins.

 "Social dancers believe we could have a little Courage - Seek - Explore -

Adventure - Achieve - Fly - Dance and Dream."

Dancing in Honolulu.

Wow, the entire enchilada of dancing is doing very well in Honolulu. Some groups have had to hire people to shovel the money as it comes, into the safe. The social dance clubs are getting increased membership and the Studios are making it hand over fist. Of course, the Night Clubs are getting new clubs every month with increase of teaching dance in the Night Clubs. We have had about 35 thousand dancers on Oahu, and now headed definitely to 40 thousand.

“Social dancers believe that if you hit a wall, - climb over it, -

crawl under it, - or dance on top of it.”
 

The biggest overflow of dancers will be to the outskirts of the island because they live there. Many are discovering the beauty of this island from the seashore which is far different than from a downtown club. They have a good reason. Not only that but the population of the outskirts is getting greater everyday when they find they can get jobs near home. Many are having a ball, living, working and playing in the Outskirts. And "I coulda been home in 20 minutes." Never no need for the Rail Disaster. The Waianae Coast and the North Shore are looking very good. I live in the Central Valley. Anything there? Let me know.

"Sweet Someone" by Don Ho

The Dance Studios are morphing very nicely into dance studios, five days a week and into a beautiful dance party on Friday and Saturday evening. It seems to be gratifying for all those involved. Then some Night Clubs are morphing into having dance classes at any time for many functions. Of course no one teaches any students that there are three very natural divisions in most dance disciplines under different terminology. Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced.

West Oahu

Social dancers in Honolulu are not doing bad. They have their regulars and a few extras all the time. The results are a very pleasant evening of social dancing. West Oahu is really trying but most everyone knows the Rail Disaster is definitely not the answer to our problems. Some people can see it and Hawaii is already losing many people to the mainland. We can only do the best we can for the ones who stay, For sure the Waianae Coast and the North Shore will evolve and "I coulda been home in 20 minutes."

"Come Social Dancers, take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with 

you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame."

The social dancers seem to be appreciating the music much more and we are fortunate to have some terrific DJs in West Oahu. In dancing, for the older more experience dancers, the classics are very much appreciated, The distinctions between the young and the ? are becoming clearer and no hu hu. You want rock and roll, go for it, none of us want to stand in your way of having fun. But if I want the classics, may I have the rights too? Let us get along and dance our lives away, the way we want to. Trump methods gotta go.

"Music Of Hawaii" by Melveen Leed

Received from Maile Yagi

I will certainly try to be there and blog'em, I can write my viewpoint and I try to get a few more viewpoints to post in the blog and make it more "Social." I get three or four, nice but not enough. A couple more would be nice and maybe a couple "sentences." Makes it Feedback and that is our dance Blogging.

"Social dancers know that some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished
by people not smart enough to know they were impossible."

West Oahu

Social dancers in Honolulu are not doing bad. They have their regulars and a few extras all the time. The results are a very pleasant evening of social dancing. West Oahu is really trying but most everyone knows the Rail Disaster is definitely not the answer to our problems. Some people can see it and Hawaii is already losing many people to the mainland. We can only do the best we can for the ones who stay, For sure the Waianae Coast and the North Shore will evolve and "I coulda been home in 20 minutes."

"Come Social Dancers, take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with 

you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame."

The social dancers seem to be appreciating the music much more and we are fortunate to have some terrific DJs in West Oahu. In dancing, for the older more experience dancers, the classics are very much appreciated, The distinctions between the young and the ? are becoming clearer and no hu hu. You want rock and roll, go for it, none of us want to stand in your way of having fun. But if I want the classics, may I have the rights too? Let us get along and dance our lives away, the way we want to. Trump methods gotta go.

"Music Of Hawaii" by Melveen Leed

Received from Maile Yagi

I will certainly try to be there and blog'em, I can write my viewpoint and I try to get a few more viewpoints to post in the blog and make it more "Social." I get three or four, nice but not enough. A couple more would be nice and maybe a couple "sentences." Makes it Feedback and that is our dance Blogging.

"Social dancers know that some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished
by people not smart enough to know they were impossible."

The Young Crowd

From the Internet:
What to do if you don't dance: Going to nightclubs would be a lot more enjoyable if people knew how to behave properly. Following a few simple yet important rules and you'll make life easier for everyone. The best part about going to nightclubs - especially on the weekends - is that you are surrounded by strangers who might become new friends, give you a bump, or go back to your place to have sex. The worst part about being in nightclubs - especially on the weekends - is that you are surrounded by strangers who may be unruly, annoying, get in the way, thereby ruining the very venue you're trying to enjoy.

"Dance has always been the center of who social dancers are. It has given them the inspiration to help other people find a hobby, passion, and activity that fulfills them."

For those of you who don't go out that often—or those of you that do, but are just uncouth animals who don't know how to behave—there are a few things that you should not do in a club ever again. Follow this advice and you'll be a model club goer in no time at all. First is the non dancer. "I never really cared to learn how to dance, always thought it was a waste of time? What do I do if I get asked to dance? I think I'll just say OK and then guide her over to the bar before we get to the dance floor, and get her drunker. LOL"

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Don't go to clubs... go to bars... If you don't dance at a club it is very hard to hook up because the music is very loud plus you will look like a dumb ass standing with your drink in your hand while the girls are dancing with the guys that know how to dance. Just dance... many guys at clubs can't dance. Hell, many girls at clubs can't dance. Stand in the back with your arms folded and look at the dance floor. You might learn something, those dancers are having a ball.  Pound a few back... get up and dance.

 

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen."

Latin Waltz

By Valentin Hernandez, Waipio
The count of the original Viennese Waltz is 1, 2, perhaps 3.” Huh? The beat values change only slightly but the second beat is anticipated, in other words the time between beats 1 and 2 is shorter than between beats 2 and 3. The count of “1 – 2 – 3” is therefore misleading. We have been very fortunate to have had some of the best teachers of Viennese Waltz on Oahu. Many have used the most appropriate method of counting the Viennese Waltz: “Om–pa – pah”, thus creating a feeling somehow close to “quick – quick – slow” rather than just an even “1 – 2 – 3”.

“Social dancers feel that when the Waltz melody plays, footsteps move,

the heart sings and the spirits begin to dance.”

This feeling is essential to create the right balance between swing and turn as it was meant to be typical for the original Viennese Waltz. The feeling of a “slow” on the third step would prevent the ever so many competitors (of ALL grades unfortunately!) from the mostly rushed and “hoppy” closing or crossing action. The “quicks” at the beginning of each bar would encourage couples to pick up their swing earlier instead of trying to push a far too long and heavy step on “1”. But in order to do this, they must be aware of the rhythmical character of the music they use for practicing and of course competing.

"Cuando Escuches Este Valse" por Xavier Solis

The three count measure was danced in the Indian Civilizations of Mexico two millenniums ago. And Then the Spanish version arrived and partner dancing was introduced to the natives of Latin America. The professionals in the native populations took to it easily and modified it into a natural dance which is danced to this day. However it is danced with a rock step and a chassé. Just beautiful but just beginning to move in this century. It was never picked up because the favorite beats have always been the two and the four count measure, as in Samba and Rumba.

"Life is like dancing. If we have a big floor, many people will dance. Some will get angry

when the rhythm changes. But life is changing all the time. – Don Miguel Ruiz

Shaping Up Good

Our blogs on Oahu are shaping up very nicely. Not enough feedback so they have remained pretty much the same. They will differ from each other much more in the next couple months to give every one a better choice. The best of course are the ones that kokua, and try to help us share with our fellow dancers. They have convinced us that they are "pro" us. We will continue to carry on our obligation of giving all of these people and their friends the best of public relations. Fortunately, they are increasing, and there are many ways to establish their intent. Feedback being number one.

"Many social dancers believe that some of the benefits of dancing include

physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional stability."

The second group is not exactly with us. They merely accept us as perhaps another necessary evil in the dancing environment. There are many that have communicated to me that there are plenty of newsletters, web sites and even blog sites out there. True and many are very good. Some people have prior commitments with others micros like Twitter or Facebook, no hu hu. Some want a particular advantage for their club and we just help all those reader/dancers that will accept it.

 "I Will Dance For You" by Willie K

Then many think they have done very well in the last fifty years without our help. "Why do we need you now?" They can come up with quite a few reasons, valid or not and some can sound reasonable. I personally think they should do as they damn well please. No hu hu. But they do occasionally furnish information and photos so we can accept them for as long as we can share the information with our readers. Why not? Then we are fortunate to have a Web site such Dance Fever Oahu with a wealth of information available for the dancers on this island.

"Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn’t burn up any fossil fuel, doesn’t pollute. Neither does song, neither does love, neither does the dance."

Beginners

I hear of them every day even if I don't see them. Social dancers that have had a very limited interest and knowledge of partner dancing. Now some people, even over fifty have shown some interest in getting into "Ballroom Dancing" somewhat more deeply. There are no age limits and everyone can decide for themselves. If you are interested in ballroom dance but don’t know where to begin, a good place to start is in a beginner dance class at your nearest dance club. Most dance clubs are in Honolulu but there are some in West Oahu. Look around and ask your friends and neighbors.

"It may be possible that social dancers dance to the beat of a different drummer"

Learning the most widely known partner dances can make you a good guest in any social gathering, and bring some fun and culture to your life at the same time. When you sign up for ballroom dance lessons, the information from your fellow students can also help you understand more about the various types of ballroom dance. When someone refers to “American or International” styles of dance for example, they may be talking about different dances. Social dancing on Oahu is amalgamated dances based mostly on the American style.

"The Hukilau Song" by Amy Hanaialii

International is well known as a exhibition and competition style of dance. And there are many excellent dancers in this discipline. An adjudicator in competition dancing is a person qualified by the Dance Societies to judge dancers in a competition. With good reason, they must apply the same principles to each competitor to be fair, an increasing requirement throughout the world. However, it does not apply to us, the social dancer/viewers.  We know what we like without anyone else's rules.

"Social dancers really believe that dance is not only a wonderful

way to express yourself but also a fantastic spare time

activity you can  enjoy with your dance partners."

Beginners

I hear of them every day even if I don't see them. Social dancers that have had a very limited interest and knowledge of partner dancing. Now some people, even over fifty have shown some interest in getting into "Ballroom Dancing" somewhat more deeply. There are no age limits and everyone can decide for themselves. If you are interested in ballroom dance but don’t know where to begin, a good place to start is in a beginner dance class at your nearest dance club. Most dance clubs are in Honolulu but there are some in West Oahu. Look around and ask your friends and neighbors.

"It may be possible that social dancers dance to the beat of a different drummer"

Learning the most widely known partner dances can make you a good guest in any social gathering, and bring some fun and culture to your life at the same time. When you sign up for ballroom dance lessons, the information from your fellow students can also help you understand more about the various types of ballroom dance. When someone refers to “American or International” styles of dance for example, they may be talking about different dances. Social dancing on Oahu is amalgamated dances based mostly on the American style.

"The Hukilau Song" by Amy Hanaialii

International is well known as a exhibition and competition style of dance. And there are many excellent dancers in this discipline. An adjudicator in competition dancing is a person qualified by the Dance Societies to judge dancers in a competition. With good reason, they must apply the same principles to each competitor to be fair, an increasing requirement throughout the world. However, it does not apply to us, the social dancer/viewers.  We know what we like without anyone else's rules.

"Social dancers really believe that dance is not only a wonderful

way to express yourself but also a fantastic spare time

activity you can  enjoy with your dance partners."