Photos

Our dance blogs will have much writing which of course is the gist of the matter. When we get going we will have much information to share with our readers. Most of us are not a photographers but many of us do take photos. So why do we need to add photos to our blog posts when our words should be enough to entice our readers and persuade everyone that our content is so great? The truth is, it’s not enough. Especially when writing a dance blog on Oahu. What we need to understand is that our fellow dancers are lazy. They want information as fast as they can get it.

"Social dancers try not think of all this lock down misery,
but of the fun times that still remain."

They don’t want to struggle to read and digest our content.They want to be able to understand it quickly and easily to ascertain whether it’s going to be of any value to them. "Photos Are Great." But just because images are important doesn’t mean our words aren’t too. That’s why you don’t have a blog post full of only images. Photos are a supporting tool that can take our content from bland to exciting. So we can understand, then, that some us don’t know the best practices for including images in our blog posts,

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

Basic is that two people in a photo are better than one. Three people in a photo are better than two. Four better than three. However 14 is not better than 13. And the entire decision should be made by the photographer for whatever reason. No Rules. Then the Peas in a pod line up not a good as group picture of loose crowd. Whatever, photos are better than just icing on the cake. Email them in and I will blog'em.

"Social dancers believe we can still help each other. Sure, the people
have to do the heavy lifting. But when their hands are full,
it’s helpful when someone opens a door."

Coming Soon

Mainland Studio Rules:
Private Practice: Private practice outside of designated practice times is not allowed – this includes before and after a private lesson – unless permission is expressly given. Private practice will be limited to only those students who are currently taking private lessons at the Studio. If the floor is too crowded for personal practice, or should a private lesson begin during a practice session that would make the floor too crowded, any student not currently engaged in a private lesson shall wait at their “home base” for their lesson to begin or space to open up on the dance floor.

"Social dancers believe that the hope of a more secure and livable world lies just ahead of us."

Social Distancing on the Dance Floor: Masks will be worn at all times. At most studios, there shall be no more than 10 students and 4 teachers, or 14 total dancers, on the floor at any one time. Dancers shall make all possible attempts to maintain 6 feet of separation between themselves and all other dancers (except their partner/teacher).

"Molokai Waltz" by Amy Hanaialii Gilliom

There will be the usual, small, medium and large divisions. The strict Studios will be thinking of the health of their students and look forward to many years of happy dancing. The mediums will be a little more relaxed and let you get away with some things. Then there will be Trump style studios, no masks and no respect for social distance. You have seen the Trump rallies. Most of us can respect the Trump people and keep away from there. And from the records on the mainland, we can make some effort to avoid them at our private socials.

“We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly because there

are few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it." 

 

Almost Free At Last

Some rules we spotted on mainland studios opening up.

No Changing Rooms: We apologize for the inconvenience, but the changing rooms will be off limits to all students at this time. Please wear your training attire to the ballroom, and bring your own towel with you to the studio. Wash Your Hands: Immediately upon entering the ballroom, please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Also, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer again at the end of the lesson. Our teachers will be doing the same. Home Base: Having washed your hands, go immediately into the ballroom and choose an unoccupied chair. Place all your personal items on, under, or beside (but not in front of) the chair. Do not move the chair. This chair will be spaced and serve as your “home base” throughout the length of the private lesson or private practice session.

“Social dancers may live in a world as it is, but they can always

work towards creating a world as it should be.”

Meanwhile any studios, night clubs or social dance clubs that are opening and would to share information with the readers, please feel free to email it in and I shall post. Not too long please. Just to give the reader/dancers an idea. Most of us just have to continue as we have and hope for the best. I have heard that we have been developing some very good cooks. And many, including myself have discovered the pleasure of just taking a walk.

"Sweet Someone" by Don Ho

The huge bulk of the rest of us are social dancers and that can make a big difference in our point of view. When we get going, I expect that the peripherals, Tango, Swing, Line, Salsa, Bachata.will continue to grow before they fade or are accepted as part of Social Dance. Traditionally we have been partner dancers but we probably accept line dance as a half time deal in social dance programs. I cannot make any decisions. Those will be done by the social dancers. That is, anyone's personal and unique opinion is very valuable in these blogs. Email it in and I shall blog it.

“Never let what you cannot do, stop you from doing what you can do!”
 

Coming Up Roses

The dancers on Oahu are well aware of the cancelling of group classes and social dance parties on this Island. And the results have been very good. Hawaii is showing some of the best results in the US. Many of the neighbor islands have had zero deaths. On Oahu we are beginning to reopen for business, but there will be a few changes to our business model. Most of the teachers and wheels in dancing on Oahu have been educated as to the symptoms of COVID-19 and are practicing safe hygiene. There have been no group classes or social dances scheduled yet. We are slowly accepting that every dancer stepping foot in any dance floor on Oahu has a responsibility to help protect the health and well-being of their fellow dancers, in spite of Trump.

“Social dancers believe that a word of hope, a smile, and experienced

advice can help us expect a better life.” 

  

Prior to returning to the studio or district parks for lessons, your clubs may send you a notice of possible signing to adhere to the studio’s reopening policies. Return these to your club before your first lesson so they can log it into the system. You will only be required to do this once. There may be specials provided to us by the Governor, students over the age of 65 or others who may be considered to be “high risk” and particularly vulnerable at this time. Any “High Risk” client may be required to sign a separate waiver of liability before returning to the studio or parks.

"Walk Through Paradise" by Melveen Leed

Could you be considered “High Risk”? All dancers, teachers and staff will be wearing masks for every ones protection. Students will wear a mask while on studio premises and have it on prior to entering the studio. Any student who arrives without a mask may purchase one from club or studio. In order to promote social distancing, a limited number of private lessons will be allowed at any one time. There will be few group classes or social dance parties. Private practice will be strictly limited. We should appreciate all the dancers understanding, patience and flexibility during this time. We are coming out of it before the vaccine.

"Social dancers believe that if you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure,

you may fail above everyone else's success."

Coming Up Roses

The dancers on Oahu are well aware of the cancelling of group classes and social dance parties on this Island. And the results have been very good. Hawaii is showing some of the best results in the US. Many of the neighbor islands have had zero deaths. On Oahu we are beginning to reopen for business, but there will be a few changes to our business model. Most of the teachers and wheels in dancing on Oahu have been educated as to the symptoms of COVID-19 and are practicing safe hygiene. There have been no group classes or social dances scheduled yet. We are slowly accepting that every dancer stepping foot in any dance floor on Oahu has a responsibility to help protect the health and well-being of their fellow dancers, in spite of Trump.

“Social dancers believe that a word of hope, a smile, and experienced

advice can help us expect a better life.” 

  

Prior to returning to the studio or district parks for lessons, your clubs may send you a notice of possible signing to adhere to the studio’s reopening policies. Return these to your club before your first lesson so they can log it into the system. You will only be required to do this once. There may be specials provided to us by the Governor, students over the age of 65 or others who may be considered to be “high risk” and particularly vulnerable at this time. Any “High Risk” client may be required to sign a separate waiver of liability before returning to the studio or parks.

"Walk Through Paradise" by Melveen Leed

Could you be considered “High Risk”? All dancers, teachers and staff will be wearing masks for every ones protection. Students will wear a mask while on studio premises and have it on prior to entering the studio. Any student who arrives without a mask may purchase one from club or studio. In order to promote social distancing, a limited number of private lessons will be allowed at any one time. There will be few group classes or social dance parties. Private practice will be strictly limited. We should appreciate all the dancers understanding, patience and flexibility during this time. We are coming out of it before the vaccine.

"Social dancers believe that if you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure,

you may fail above everyone else's success."

Edging Our Way Back In

Wow, it is amazing that with no dancing and what little I can write up, a blog is published every day. And the average hits per day are going up. Of course, a lot of it is scam, spam robot hits that come in once or twice a month. I really don't know what they are getting from me, but they must have some reasons of their own. And then I get some search engine hits which is nice though it is still not like the reel teeng. When the dancing comes in, there will be more dancing to publish and more photos to share with our fellow dancers. And we will get much more Feedback and hits that will be the real thing.

“Social dancers can believe that hoping is how the impossible can be possible after all.”

I can start looking around for Guest Bloggers. I can help them get their own blog within any of my blogs. You choose. You can get in, write, get photo in, edit, delete, or publish and get out. All without saying boo to anyone. No registration and no registration fees. No monthly or yearly meetings. No fees or dues. And you can publish whenever you damn well please. Seems pretty simple to me. Many think I am selling something that was going to cost them money. We cannot blame them, that is what gangster selling has evolved into.

"Molokai Waltz" by Amy Hanaialii Gilliom

At midnight on Friday, the security guard opened the door of a Los.Angeles warehouse. Familiar sounds of late poured out, music, laughing and dancing. “Inside,” the guard commanded, and slammed it shut behind a small line of wary but elated party goers in paisley-print face masks. A pink neon light beckoned them to a pair of masked ushers, who checked tickets for what was likely L.A.’s first underground club night since the coronavirus lock downs began. Anything like that on Oahu yet?

"Those who seriously attend, pointedly ask, calmly speak, coolly answer

and cease when they have no more to say are in possession

of some of the best requisites of our dance society."

Photos

On Oahu, one of the first things that we all learn about dance blogging is that images are crucial. That’s a rule of thumb that’s true no matter what subject is the focus of our writing. Including images with our blog posts makes them more attractive to the average blog reader. It breaks up blocks of texts and helps hold the readers’ interest. Since readers’ attention spans when perusing the internet are notoriously low, having photos to block up sections help give our blog post a more professional appearance that simply looks better. Visitors to our site are more likely to read our post if it is accompanied by a picture.

“Social dancers believe that we can quite easily hope

but darkness may not leave us that easily."

In fact, blog posts that have images are attractive to more people who often feel more compelled to look at a page that has an interesting picture. Once they have clicked on our blog post, we can keep their interest by supplying riveting content. What kind of pictures? On Oahu it is all very personal. A photo of Mary and Fred at the local cafeteria dance is very pleasant to our fellow readers. How about Sandra, Robert, Ruth and George. Evan mo bettah. Why? Mo People. However, 26 people is not better than 25. But you are getting it and we need photos right now, since we don't do much dancing.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Because of my "butterfingers" I can no longer take photos but all our readers can. And there is wealth of photos that you can take just anywhere for now as long it is "our" people. Your choice. Email one or two photos and later on you can send in more if you wish. And another good thing is that anyone can copy your favorite photo right off the blog. I will eventually leave the biggest photo album in the Pacific in five independent blogs. And I got "Butterfingers."

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen

or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."

Photos

On Oahu, one of the first things that we all learn about dance blogging is that images are crucial. That’s a rule of thumb that’s true no matter what subject is the focus of our writing. Including images with our blog posts makes them more attractive to the average blog reader. It breaks up blocks of texts and helps hold the readers’ interest. Since readers’ attention spans when perusing the internet are notoriously low, having photos to block up sections help give our blog post a more professional appearance that simply looks better. Visitors to our site are more likely to read our post if it is accompanied by a picture.

“Social dancers believe that we can quite easily hope

but darkness may not leave us that easily."

In fact, blog posts that have images are attractive to more people who often feel more compelled to look at a page that has an interesting picture. Once they have clicked on our blog post, we can keep their interest by supplying riveting content. What kind of pictures? On Oahu it is all very personal. A photo of Mary and Fred at the local cafeteria dance is very pleasant to our fellow readers. How about Sandra, Robert, Ruth and George. Evan mo bettah. Why? Mo People. However, 26 people is not better than 25. But you are getting it and we need photos right now, since we don't do much dancing.

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

Because of my "butterfingers" I can no longer take photos but all our readers can. And there is wealth of photos that you can take just anywhere for now as long it is "our" people. Your choice. Email one or two photos and later on you can send in more if you wish. And another good thing is that anyone can copy your favorite photo right off the blog. I will eventually leave the biggest photo album in the Pacific in five independent blogs. And I got "Butterfingers."

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen

or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."

With all our differences we are ONE.

“Social dancers believe we should hang in there. It is astonishing how

short a time it can take for very wonderful things to happen.”

You want to write about your club? Fine with us, everyone should be welcomed. We can and should accept the promotion of any dancing groups on this Island. As long as we are promoting dance.You can just send in a couple of sentences, just a photo or two. Who? Preferably, our people on this island but do your thing. Anyway, you can test it on your own grounds and have it evolve from there. You may want to get more in. With Pandemic close down, we are starting anew and we can make it anyway we like. This is Oahu.

"The Music Of Hawaii" by Melveen Leed

Hawaii health officials reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 on Oahu on Thursday. There are now 10 cases at Hale Nani, the state’s largest nursing care facility, including two staff members, according to the Department of Health. One of the 18 cases reported Thursday was someone working at the state Capitol, according to state officials. This spike in cases and other recent daily spikes have been expected as people begin to move around more freely and more businesses are reopening, Health officials said Hale Nani has implemented aggressive infection control measures and was conducting repeat testing.

“Perfection is not attainable - but if we chase perfection,
we can catch excellence."

Evolving Very Nicely.

In our blogosphere, with experience and thoughtful study, some facts have emerged even if we have not done much dancing lately. And many are still in process of developing, because we have had time to spend at home. Everyone knows a picture is worth a thousand words, but of course it is not that easy. Our blogs have few conditions but the amount of photos can be too much or too little. And at present we don't have to worry about too much. Come on folks, email them in.

"Social dancers have been prepared for the worst, we have always hoped for the best."

What good the photos do in Twitter, Facebook, Flicker etc is not well known. They receive millions and millions of photos daily to spread all over the world. And they seem to be doing a good job, I don't know. Your photo did not get to Nigeria? We don't know either. We have several dance blogs on Oahu and they get a few photos now and then. Most people are pleased even though this a small island of a million people. But here is every one's chance on Oahu.

"Sweet Someone" by Don Ho

Meanwhile Trump is spending millions and millions of dollars trying to stop two books. John Bolton and Trump's niece Mary Trump. Many of us already know he is a gangster and many of us already suspect he is a first class liar. The entire world knows for sure that he is stealing from the lower classes and giving the money to the Billionaires. The problem is that the Cult is beginning to recognize a rat and is losing members. The Never Trump Movement and the Lincoln Project getting bigger. All real Republicans. None of this shit like we have in Ewa Beach.

"Social dancers believe that when we have lost hope,

life becomes a disgrace, and death could be a duty." 

 

Slowly but we are coming through.

Trump States opening up on the mainland at the beginning of the month. Well, here we are in the middle of the month, and Covid-19 hospitalizations are rising in Arizona, the Carolinas, Utah, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. Those states are also seeing higher numbers of positive Covid-19 tests, as well as increases in the percentage of tests that come back positive. This indicates that the higher case counts aren’t simply due to more widespread testing finding milder cases.

"Social dancers believe that if we will be quiet and ready enough,

we can hope and we shall find the good times again."

Call it a reopening backfire. But really, No expert thought that reopening this quickly was going to work in the first place. Trump knows more than the experts and has managed to disrupt our economy and skyrocket unemployment, - and we didn’t control the damn Trump Plague at all. Lucky we live Hawaii and we are ahead of most States with a big slowdown in cases and no deaths for a week. Hopefully we can keep some people out of Hawaii. Those from bad states on the Mainland for instance. Taiwan has zero deaths. Welcome to Hawaii, Taiwan.

"Molokai Waltz" by Amy Hanaialii

I asked Finland readers if they knew these people. NOBODY. I asked,

Nigeria, Argentina, North Korea and nothing. Maybe Oahu?

For outsiders that have a potential trip to Hawaii for June or July, you’ll need to readjust your expectations. Governor David Ige issued a statewide order extending the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for arriving passengers -- tourists and residents -- through July 31. So a visit to see Hawaii’s incredible beauty and natural wonders is ever-appealing. Hawaii and its residents, that traditionally embrace responsible travelers, are more than willing to share their little piece of paradise -- and are just asking that you stay home for just a bit longer.

"Social dancers believe that wherever there is a human in need,

there is an opportunity for kindness to make a difference."

Oahu Not Too Bad.

Well many of us are just about ready to dance again. Most "Leaders" in the above average group will tell you the view from there is very different than being the new kid on the block. It's worth all the effort and being your personal best is an ideal goal. But once you get a little beyond the average in your area, the joy is multiplied and the effort seems like it was trivial compared to the fun.- Then - you have to be careful, that you don't get that "hubris." You begin to tilt your head back, lower your eyelids a little and look down your nose at some of your fellow dancers. You then expect to make statements that should be engraved on stone. It is part of the "Hazards of the Trade." Watch it!

"Social dancers believe that we got more yesterday from dancing than

just about anybody. We hope for a nice kind of tomorrow.”

We can see all over the country that Rumba has not been forgotten. The young ones are going for Bachata and Salsa only because it is "in." And of course, they both seem to be fine dances. Salsa has been the more solid, for 30 years but Bachata is catching up pretty good in this century. They are doing great on Oahu. Both of them are losing some of the old Latin sound in the music and the old Latin body movement of the last century. An awful lot of arm, head and shoulders moves and tricks. I'll take a good old fashioned American style rumba using the Alternative Basic and mostly in the Bronze level.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

On Oahu we are getting indications that a number of businesses aren’t going to reopen — ever. Businesses that were only doing marginally during the best of times don’t want to go through the costly and lengthy process of trying to rebuild their business. If your business was not flourishing in February, it’s hard to justify putting more money into it. Post COVID-19 business changes that reduce customer capacity and require investments in new safety protocol and equipment are squeezing already narrow margins. - We dancers don't have it as tough as others.

“Social dancers believe that they may stop hurting when they stop hoping.”

The Hits are moving?

I have been pleasantly surprised that the average hits per day are slowly increasing this week. Most are from referring URLs from Twitter and Google. A referring URL is the URL of a web page that links to a page on our blogsite, thus sending traffic to us. I really don't know how they do it but for now it may be getting us some legit hits.

“Social dancers believe that the problem with hope, is that it gets your hopes up.

But hopelessness is worse. we shall dance again.”

Meanwhile we can continue to get as much information from our social dance world on this island. I get a little bit from Waianae now and then and a tiny bit from the North Shore but outside of that nobody knows from nothing. I see a little Oahu stuff on Twitter and Facebook but those are mostly International. Facebook gets 50 million photos per day. I missed sending my five photos last week and completely devastated their expectations. So, you got something we can share with our fellow dancers? Email it in and I can blog it.

"Moliendo Cafe" por Azucar Moreno

Our blogs could each strive to create their own social media voice, while also attempting to optimize their social media efforts by avoiding the common pitfalls. The Two Centers and the Guest Bloggers will be crucial and make the big difference, Social media has the ability to be an effective and a cost controlled method for reaching out to potential reader/dancers, engaging with current fans and helping increase interest in dancing. Then I want my best blog to go independent.

“Social dancers believe that the chief beauty about time is that

we cannot waste it in advance, tomorrow we will dance."

We are beginning.

During the lull, there has been much discussion on Latin Dancing. The young can usually find it easy to get in and easy to get out of a fad. 100 million dollars was spent on the Lambada which came and went in less than ten years. Latin dance is popular the world over for its flair, drama, and sensuality. Latin music is bright, passionate and soulful, and has an infectious beat that invites everyone to the dance floor, regardless of skill. Great Latin dancers are a joy to watch, and Latin dance has become a popular category of competitive ballroom dancing.

“Freedom in a capitalist society always remains about the same as it

was in the ancient Greek republics: Freedom for slave owners.”

― Vladimir Lenin

Meanwhile back at the ranch, we are still trying to get some Feedback, information (photos too) for publication in our blogs. Waianae and the North Shore still dozing. We just have to be patient. The happiest reader/dancers and the unhappiest reader/dancers will be our most valuable Two Centers. And their tremendous value will be the fact, that they have their own unique opinion. Come on, folks, email it in and I can blog it.

"My Molokai Woman" by Willie K

Speaking of photos, most are beautiful and we believe that everyone is worth the money. However we all know that they are not the same in a blog. Two people in a photo is much more than one person in the photo. Why? Three people in a photo is much better that two people. And so on? However, fifteen people in a photo are not better than fourteen. Think that one over, email them in and I'll blog'em.

"Social dancers believe that every moment and every event in a

person's life on earth plants something in their soul."

West Oahu is waking up.

We have been moving slowly (awakening) and steady which is just fine for now. Masks and social distancing has proven to work. We have been patient and Hawaii is coming out clear. Many of us in dancing are doing much planning to get things going again. We are becoming more aware now that there are a lot more dancers on Oahu than we thought. 300 thousand? Unbelievable. Waianae and the North Shore are going to get into dancing? Just rumors.

"We may start believing that no matter what we have done or not done,
the best days are still out in front of us."

The beautiful Industrial Park that was to be built in Kapolei. Voted down by the Present
Rail Party. Hundreds of cars would have been missing to, from and in Honolulu,
and "I coulda been home in 20 minutes." Paradise.

"With A Song In My Heart" by Mario Lanza

I don't believe they have ever had a line dance club in this part of the West but there are many line dancers that live in Kapolei, Makakilo and Honokai Hale. They are now becoming aware and may make their own group close by where they live. Then if they get men, it will be solid. Remember we have many tools for marketing a dance organization's services and products. Newsletters, Web and Blog sites, Newspapers, Magazines, Radio and Television and the Internet. Use them with restraint. The benefits are many but pick the most efficient for you.

"Social dancers believe that mistakes may not be all that bad if we learn from them." 

The Agonizing Reappriasel

I have five blogs and the hits have decided which one we can do without. Oahu Dancer will cease to be a regular blog. For now I will use it as a Sunday blog. It will have general information of the state of all Island dance communication and gradually fade into extinction. The other blogs will establish their own niche when we get some information contributors with their feedback. That will be most important factor when the lights go on again. We have 300 thousand potential social dancers on Oahu, we should be able to do something.

“Social dancers believe that everyone must dream.

We dream to give ourselves Hope." 

The analysis of my blog counters show a very low total of average hits per day from this shut down. This is with my five blogs plus two others on Oahu with hit counters. Those other without counters could be running about the same. Now I am certain that it will take a few volunteer "Two Centers" willing to share their two cents of good dance information with our fellow dancers, occasionally. Perhaps a photo of their dance gang to flower it out. Email it in and I could post it in the next blog due or you can pick the blog of your choice.

 "Waikiki" by Amy Hanaialii

With time one or two might be willing to take over as Guest Bloggers. The hits will go through the roof and it will make all the difference in the world. Together the Guest Bloggers and myself can make this best blog into an independent. This means I will resign and it is all theirs. I will be busy with the remaining blogs. By the time I get rid of it my days will be less busy and I can have more time to relax. I am getting old and we can work on getting rid of the next one.

“Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow is only a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”

 

Some Progress

We are making some contact with the mainland just to find out how it is going over there with the shutdown. And our blogs on Oahu have been losing readership simply because there has been no dancing. The average hits per day hit a low last month and now seems to be gaining a little. So the biggest thing lacking at present is the feedback from any reader on any subject. Our readers are dancers and they are all interest in eating. Hint? Email it in and I will blog it. We are for the dancers first so our blogs are intended to be social media.

"Social dancers believe that to hope and to act

are our duties in misfortune.” 

The Web sites are different organizations and they have the perfect right to their agenda. And which they do excellently. Our blogs have the proposition of being "additional" and not "instead of," whatever you have for public relations. This is all coming about gradually and the Feedback we get can pick the blog of their choice. Meanwhile, what ever happened to the new dance club dedicated to American Style of dance. There would be no "correct" way to dance the basic. There would a lot less comments on "Ala Wai dancer" and "junk dancer."

"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho

Dancers on Oahu may socialize on a more friendly basis, have fun dancing on the same floors and be able to minimize the negative commentaries. While fair competition is good there is also much to be gained from cooperation specially among the smaller clubs. Dancers have a right to feel free to go where they please and spend their money and time as they see fit without having to justify this to anyone. They should not be made to feel guilty or fear criticism. Let's all try to make it easy for everyone. We shall dance again.

"Success in life, in anything, may depend upon the number

of people that one can make ourselves agreeable to."