Social dancing on Oahu was until the 60s pretty much only seen at social events like gatherings at clubs. weddings, cruises and holiday parties. Social dancing had no standardized teaching or learning curriculum. Some dance teachers taught steps and techniques they had come to prefer or what they hunch their students would prefer.Then in the 60s came Aiea Ballroom Dance Club and things have not been the same since. The American Style of Dance evolved and we have our own unique style of social dancing based on that "Style" in Hawaii.
Even in the new clubs that evolved, the steps and techniques taught by one instructor could vary considerably from those taught by someone else. Some teachers would even introduce their own unique version of a movement. Social dancing is dynamic and developed slowly, mostly at local house parties, night clubs and other small social functions. Then in the 70s the International style of dance arrived in Hawaii, They did tend to be more dressy and the Night Club Dancers thought they were somewhat snooty. Besides the dress, the main difference between International Ballroom and American Ballroom in the U.S. was that International tends to be taught to be performed in competition and exhibition dancing. More strict in the dance rules but with good reason.
International style established a more closed connection with your partner. Dancers stick close together and lead and follow and move around one common center as they dance. The open position of American ballroom is not acceptable in the International style. The types of social dances and styles keep slowly changing with the times and most people associate social dancing with ballroom dancing. And yes indeed, this form of dancing quite dominates the images people make in their minds. But, circle dances, line dances, novelty dances, or just club dancing in solo can also be considered social dancing. We are having some time to think things over.
"Social dancers believe that once we choose hope, anything is possible."
Even in the new clubs that evolved, the steps and techniques taught by one instructor could vary considerably from those taught by someone else. Some teachers would even introduce their own unique version of a movement. Social dancing is dynamic and developed slowly, mostly at local house parties, night clubs and other small social functions. Then in the 70s the International style of dance arrived in Hawaii, They did tend to be more dressy and the Night Club Dancers thought they were somewhat snooty. Besides the dress, the main difference between International Ballroom and American Ballroom in the U.S. was that International tends to be taught to be performed in competition and exhibition dancing. More strict in the dance rules but with good reason.
"Molokai Waltz" by Amy Hanaialii
International style established a more closed connection with your partner. Dancers stick close together and lead and follow and move around one common center as they dance. The open position of American ballroom is not acceptable in the International style. The types of social dances and styles keep slowly changing with the times and most people associate social dancing with ballroom dancing. And yes indeed, this form of dancing quite dominates the images people make in their minds. But, circle dances, line dances, novelty dances, or just club dancing in solo can also be considered social dancing. We are having some time to think things over.
"Social dancers know that it may take courage to let go of the familiar
and try to do the best we can with the new."
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