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."