Oahu And Beyond

Cube night club, just add ice!

2012-03-08T00:42:00.000-08:00

The trend for outdoor entertainment has gone one step further, with the alfresco bar and night club. Could there be one in Ewa for a weekend? Then maybe on the beach in Nanakuli for another weekend.? Portable dance floors are easy to set down once you get the knack of it.

A portable bar and night club. This anywhere, anyhow, anytime club comprises of inflatable cubes to create the overall effect of a chill bar or coolzone ! Nothing is cooler than ice, it's not all just aesthetics, as the club has to be waterproof as well as wind resistant, and hold a large number of cool hunters. It's translucence allows for amazing light laser shows at night - just add ice or mix your own lightning juice!

Too many in the West have downtown thinking. We are changing and we are going to get dancing on the Waianae Coast sooner or later. And we should try to make it sooner. We will find out that dancing for fun does not exclude us and "I coulda been home in twenty minutes.".

"Because Of You" by Frank Sinatra

Pub's Side Note: Through blogging we are sharing data including photos and so we are shaping the future of our dance society in ways that cannot be entirely predicted. Specially that so many stumbling blocks still remain in the way.

If recent economic history suggests anything, it's that humans are poor at risk assessment. Can we hope to comprehend these risks until at least some of us have experienced them in their worst form? Quite possibly not – not least because of the intuition- defying divide between the daily delights of social networking and its potential repercussions in the form of invasion of privacy and much else besides.

Ohana night, Dot's March Calendar and da haps...

2012-03-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

What a pleasant surprise Ohana night was at Dot's on Saturday.

Dots

Audissey was the host band. I like Audissey and was looking forward to some great music. Little did I know I was in for a surprise treat and a half.

When we arrived Susan, Lile, Roland and Bill already had a table and the music was just starting. We all got up and danced having a great time.

Audissey finished their first set and rather than canned music we saw new faces setting up on stage. When they started w/ "It's too late" we all smiled. The group's name is "Woodrose." Their music was a nice change and a lot of opportunities for West Coast Swing as well as Samba and Latins. Music to die for. Another group flaked out for this Friday so there is a chance that Woodrose will fill in if things work out. I'll let you know.

Dance Hall entrance

Susan lit up and started raving about what an amazing venue Dots is, "better than anything in town!" How she plans to let all her friends in on this well kept secret. She even made suggestions like renting a party bus and bringing a bunch of dancers out. She is a joy.

So as if 2 bands weren't enough another bunch of guys sat in and did some wonderful local covers. What a night! For those of you that missed this... snooze, you lose. Probably the best all around dancing last Saturday.

The rest of this month Koolinspiration is packing in top groups. We all know Wasabi and The Oldies and Goodies Band but most of you have not heard of "808Easystreet." Absolutely the best Kalapana covers I've heard. They sound like a CD. If you can't make it to Dot's they play the first Saturday of each month at Terry's place in the Chinese Cultural Plaza.

Found "Kona Winds" on Youtube and they were tight and polished. Not missing any of these groups.

FYI: If you are free tomorrow AKA Tuesday 3/7/12 6-9 PM. Professor Bob & Candy will be performing at the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 46 aka "Fleet Lounge" at 891 Valkenburgh St., 808-423-0873. Da Spin Doc will be there the first Tuesday of each month.

Restaurant Entrance

You might want dinner before dance. Been eating at Dot's since small kid time. Onolicious local comfort food menu with daily specials. I like the sizzling Hamburger steak when I'm really hungry. Oh, man, my mouth just started watering.

"Dot's Restaurant" 130 Mango St. Wahiawa, HI 96786 (808) 622-4115

MARCH 2012 Live Music Line up!

Weekend Dance Music 7:30-10:30pm

Saturday 10

"WASABI"

Friday 16

"EASY STREET"

Saturday 17

"OLDIES & GOODIES"

Friday 23

"WASABI"

Saturday 31st

"KONA WINDS"

"OHANA JAM SESSION" WEDNESDAYS

2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month 6:30-9:30pm

Open to anyone

who enjoys the pleasure of sharing their gift of music!

Mahalo to my mentor Pepe for suggesting taking pics of Dot's. Good ting one of us stay tinking. Now nobody goin' get loss.

Live or Recorded Music

2012-03-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

And the different views go on and all with good reason.
By Anthony S. Natale, Ph.D. 1991

Which is better to dance to, live or recorded music?

One should really examine the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as evaluate the particular band or deejay and keep an open mind on the subject. Clearly, those who are accustomed to live bands prefer them to recorded music while the opposite is true for those used to recorded music.

Significantly, a live band provides a certain ambiance that recorded music can not. And, of course, there is the interaction between the dancers and the musicians. There is a certain spontaneity and excitement.

"Til I Waltz Again With You" By Theresa Brewer

Since recorded music comes from live orchestras, what is the problem? Cost factor and availability is a most legitimate argument for selecting recorded music. Other reasons include indistinguishable beats and rhythms, undesirable dance tempos, unequal variety of dances played, the musical effect derived from the number of musicians and the types of instruments used and musical numbers too long or too short. During band breaks, dancers can’t dance and for many a welcome respite to appreciate the music when it starts.

Ideally, a knowledgeable DJ can plan and select excellent dance tempos and medleys, have balance and variety and overcome criticism of live bands and acquire an excellent sound system to come closer to the sound produced by an orchestra. The music is usually continuous, and the floor less crowded, with most dancers getting their fill and pacing themselves.

"Blogging is best learned by blogging ... and by reading other blogs."

The big problem is many DJs are far from ideal. The very same criticism applied to live bands can be applied to DJs. To find a compromise, some locations are using both live bands and recorded music. Some DJ's are discovering "the pause" that refreshes.

Cost aside, if you were offered either of two bands that played continuous perfect dance music and variety or one DJ that did likewise with excellent sound, which would you choose? Since you won’t be offered this choice very often, you will have to compromise and usually take what you can get! But let’s keep trying to improve the quality of both!

Pub's Side Note: Got my first offer of over 10 millions dollars from West Africa. Hey, it is easy come, easy go. All I have to do is .... yes, send money. Ha!

Today’s Japan Host Club

2012-03-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

For today’s Japan, we shall make a trip not down to the hostess club but to the host club instead, where female customers pay for male company and from there bring us into the world of the male hosts.

" If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old."

Anyway here’s a description taken of Wikipedia that discusses

what these hosts do everyday:

Male hosts pour drinks and will often flirt with their clients, more so than their female counterparts. The conversations are generally light-hearted; hosts may have a variety of entertainment skills, be it simple magic tricks or charisma with which to tell a story. Some host clubs have a dedicated stage for a performance, usually a dance, comedy sketch, etc. A very few are keeping the "catch" a little longer by teaching them how to dance, ala Filipino DI style.

Hosts are often an age between 18 and their mid-20s. They will take a "stage" name, usually taken from a favourite manga, film, or historical figure, that will often describe their character. Men who become hosts either cannot find a white-collar job, or are enticed by the prospect of high earnings through commissions.

While hostess bars in Tokyo often have men out on the streets getting clients to come into their clubs, hosts often go out onto the streets to find customers (referred to as "catch,") but these are usually the younger, less-experienced ones. A common look for a host is a dark suit, collared shirt, silver jewelery, a dark tan, and bleached hair. Recently clubs where hosts wear casual clothes have been increasing, but still the norm is the smart suit look. At these clubs there can be a (shifukud) or "own clothes day" where the hosts can wear their normal clothes.

Pay is usually determined by commissions on drink sales with hosts often drinking far past a healthy limit, usually while trying to hide their drunkenness. Because the base hourly wage is usually extremely low, almost any man can become a host regardless of looks or charisma (depending on the bar). However, hosts who cannot increase their sales usually drop out very soon, because of the minimal wage. The environment in a host bar is usually very competitive, with tens of thousands of dollars sometimes offered to the host who can achieve the highest sales.

Pub's Side Note: "The heart of blogging is linking -- linking and commenting -- connecting and communicating. The entire purpose of the Internet in a nutshell." This blog could be at 80 hits by next week. And when we get another Guest Author. Wow!

The Plateau

2012-02-28T00:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, we have never had a plateau that lasted this long. The average hits per day are staying static or creeping up very slowly. And there are reasons or perhaps I am just looking for excuses. But anyway, dis Da Blog.

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." ~Buddha

First, I had been pulling back on my levers of blogging consistency. Then due to circumstances beyond my control I had to reorganize my blogosphere, revive Oahu - West blog and change the chosen independent blog from Town Dancer to Oahu And Beyond. Then, pull the levers back to get Central Valley on the way out, But Central Valley will not get out of the way that easily. The readers/dancers in March will let us know..

So a couple of good Information Contributors and a couple of good Guest Authors for Oahu And Beyond is guaranteed independence. Calvin understands and he is one of the Administrators, we got Richard back as Guest Author and we will have another administrator for backup. Then I can begin planning my resignation as administrator and for all practical purposes it will then be an independent blog. They will make their own rules.

"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John

I can then phase myself slowly out of it for I have plenty to do elsewhere. The South Shore from Ewa Beach, Kalealoa, around Barber's Point and all the way to Makaha. That is an awful lot of ground to cover. But there will be something brewing there somewhere and I intend to fan the embers of whatever I find.

Downtown will be covered very nicely by Town Dancer and Oahu And Beyond. All the indicators on my stats point upward for both blogs. Many people are just discovering the utility value of blogging. I just have to be patient. You want to communicate? We've got the hits.

Pub's Side Note: "Our blogs are the unedited versions of ourselves."

Dots not in flux for March and Wasabi last night....

2012-02-26T23:26:00.001-08:00

Attended Wasabi last night. Hadn't danced all week dealing with losses. Basically was dragged out of my house by friends who knew what I needed was to get out and dance. They were sooo...right!

Showed up a bit late and the band was pumping. Lots of people already seated and served. Doreen had an asthma issue went home so we didn't get to give her our aloha. Her energy was missed but the band carried on nicely.

New open spaces give a roomy feel.

Because of Wasabi's loyal following the hall was rearranged with a new look and plenty of seating. The partitions were moved to give a very open spacious look. I liked the set up and hope they keep it.

Ordered some edamame, fries and chicken wings for pupus and my usual beverage of choice.

Belly Bump Central

Pretty good sized crowd, over 80 fun people filled the room and dance floor.

Gary Moore did a set and had us rolling with some great patter. He actually had Milton call Doreen at home then put the mic to her cel. He told her things like, "Milton says he's the boss." (Milton cringed!!!) She responded, "For now..." Had us rolling. The last thing Gary told her was, "Make sure all the guys leave before Milton gets home!" This brought the house down. Hilarious.

Shakin' & Bakin'

The great energy of the crowd and Wasabi was another great example of synergy in real life.

Glad that people are becoming more aware and taking advantage of the great live music happening @ Dots.

Spread the word to your friends or anyone who dances and loves great music!!!

Things were pretty fluxed up last month at Dots but looks like the dust has settled and Koolinspiration AKA Bernie has a bunch of dates scheduled for Fridays/Saturdays. The groups include Wasabi, Oldies & Goodies Band, Audissey, 808Easystreet w/special guest (Kalapana covers etc. Excellent band), the Beat Boys and Kona Winds thus far.

“Dot’s Restaurant”

130 Mango St Wahiawa Hawaii 967816

Ph. no.808.622-4115

WEEKEND DANCE MUSIC LINE UP 6:30-9:630PMFAMILY NIGHT” with “AUDISSEY” & DA KEIKIS

Saturday March 3

"BEAT BOYS”

Friday March 9

“WASABI”

Saturday March 10

“EASY STREET”

Friday March 16

“OLDIES & GOODIES”

Saturday March 17

“WASABI”

Friday March 23

“KONA WINDS”
Saturday March 31st

“OHANA JAM SESSION“ 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

With Special Guest :YOU!

Open to anyone

who enjoys the pleasure of sharing their gift of music!

This week March 2 Bernie is helping w/a fund raiser at the Manoa Grand Ballroom for Earth Quake victims in the Philippines. Three great bands and pupus!! Still not too late to RSVP or show up for a worthy cause.

Live at the MGB, Honolulu…
A Concert to benefit the

"Philippines’ Earthquake Relief”

Friday, March 2, 2012

7:30pm-10:30pm

Raffle ticket, Spot Light Dancing,

Door prize Give-Aways!

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii,

Manoa Grand Ballroom

Doors open at 6:30pm $15.00 Benefit Pupu Buffet

$5.00 Parking Featured Guests:

“AUDISSEY” “L E G A C Y”

“NIX PERFORMING ARTS”

a Kool Inspiration promotion Bernadette Ferreira 808.220.6329

Pre-Taping for 'Olelo Community Media Channel 52 "Ohana Jam Session"

to be aired Friday, March 23, 2012 7:30pm with following Tuesdays repeats @1pm

Please RSVP by email no later than February 27, 2012, Big Mahalos to you guys!

koolinspiration@hotmail.com

There, you got plenty of live music options for March so get off your booty and shake it!

The Waltz

2012-02-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

by Rufus Kim, Liliha

Waltz is waltz and though most of us know that there is a Viennese Waltz and an American Waltz, we also know that these two Waltzes may be danced differently by the accepted styles, American, Country or International. But not many know that there are many more different types of waltzes.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."

First of all, the word waltz can refer to both a piece of music in ¾ time meant for dancing as well as to the dance performed to that music. Most of us know the American Style.of Waltz and do not like the Viennese for its Rootzi Tooziness. But both styles are danced throughout the world under different names. So beyond that, the word waltz can be used to refer to a variety of related dances.

Some dances referred to as types of waltzes are not waltzes at all. This is true of the Boston, a slow dance that is related to the waltz, but with two steps to the bar. The Boston was know as valse Boston, or the Boston waltz, in France; as the English waltz in Germany, and also referred to as a "hesitation" waltz.

"The Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page

One of the types of waltzes that really are waltzes is the jazz waltz, a term that is sometimes used to refer to any jazz piece in ¾ time. Examples include the Missouri Waltz written in 1918 by Dan and Harvey’s Jazz Band, the 1928 Mississippi Waltz by the Memphis Jug Band, and 1942’s The Jitterbug Waltz by Fats Waller. Carolina Moon by Thelonious Monk is an example of a bop waltz.

Some works that were not originally jazz have been adapted to become jazz waltzes. And the new versions have been acclaimed internationally. One notable example is John Coltrane’s version of "My Favorite Things," originally from the musical "The Sound of Music." Another is "Someday My Prince Will Come," adapted by Miles Davis from the animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Article by Musician, "Waltzes: Too Beautiful For Dancing?"

Then there are the Latin Waltzes and an entire article could be written on those because the Indians were dancing to 3 count measures long before Spanish arrived in the Americas. They did not have partner dancing but, the 3 count was nothing new to them and when the Waltz arrived in the Americas they took to it like a duck to water. They had already been dancing to the same count for ages.

Most prominent are the Mexican waltzes followed by the Peruvian Waltzes, both derived strongly from the advanced Indian civiilizations in Mexico and Peru. Much of it is danced in a chasse and the musical beat similar to the Viennese.

Another thing we must acknowledge, - this a not a dance for the young and it may never be. Over thirty you just might be able to take it and it can be just about the most beautiful music in existence.

This One For Independence

2012-02-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

Town Dancer was of late being groomed to allow the International people a platform for their style of dance. What I intended to do is give them the best blog that we had, in average hits per day and let them run it up to unheard of heights. However the potential doners of information were just a little too rootzi tootzi for us and still think in terms of who has the best Web site. Counters are out of the question and never taken into consideration. They have spoken and that is the last word.

"Men soon the faults of others learn - A few their virtues, too, find out;

But is there one — I have a doubt — Who can his own defects discern"

I will increase whatever presence I can get for Oahu And Beyond and first goal is to get this blog into the 80s. Then I can be certain it will be viable to beat Town Dancer. They cover a lot more ground so they are just natural to go for it. The Information Contributors for this blog will be crucial. The other blogs will just be worked on as per usual and get the best news for our reader/dancers.

Of course, one good Guest Author would make a big difference in the time element to get there. It may take us a few months but we can do it now that we are getting a better class of readers.

"With A Song In My Heart" by Frankie Laine

Dance for Exercise?

Dancing can be a fun and a productive approach to make use of your spare time. And it can be in a Night Club or a Social Club, take your pick. It’s no surprise that many people are getting more than slightly interested in dancing for the fun of it. And there will be new clubs forming and new places to dance. It may even be possible to someday find a Community Center where they could dance. Yes, I know, not very likely.

If you’re wondering what are the things you can get from learning to dance, continue reading these blogs. You will get plenty of hints from a variety of sources. You may even start with line dancing so that you will not need a partner. It is an excellent kind of aerobics and you learn the music and dance styles of the different accepted dances in Social-Cultural dancing.

Wasabi @ Dots Wahiawa this Saturday

2012-02-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

Things at Dots are in flux at the moment but a ray of light is set for this Saturday. Wasabi hauls the fun back to Dots Saturday 2/25/12 from 7:30-10:30 PM.

Saturday is usually an off night for social dance so this is a great option for people in the vicinity. Some of the townies I saw yesterday at CW's told me they would be swinging by.

Did a blurb on the new CW's @ the old Hard Rock Cafe on Town dancer as well as Augie at SLA this week. Covered the Manoa Grand Ballroom as a new Venue. Don't wanna chew that cud again so check it out.

If you are into Mardi Gras I've been told that the Aloha Tower Market Place has a bunch of offerings on Fat Tuesday (tomorrow night.) Ya know why they call the next day Ash Wednesday? 'Cause that's what I plan to do on Tuesday....make an ash out of myself.

Plaenty of fun options this week and I plan to hit them all!!!

Aloha,

R

The Showcase

2012-02-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a very nice day. And when I got out and ready, the sun was still shining brightly. Not much action on the beaches and only a few fishermen. Got the "C" bus at a little after six and got to the end of the line in a little over an hour. Not bad.

"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans."

Met my friend Gary at the end of the line at the Ala Moana Center. I didn't have the right OS disk with me. He gave me a ride to the Pacific Beach Hotel.

Got in with no trouble and cased the joint. Nice group of people and in my book, they are the important ones. Many from the spectator division which has been taking shape in the last twenty years. It seems to me that some people are beginning to take this into serious consideration.

Got a photo that I had never seen before. The tables full of happy spectators, eating and socializing with their fellow attendees.

Then, made of mistake of mentioning a Web site to Mr. Franz and he got all shook up. Later talking to Jackson, he interfered again, no talk anything but the performance. I must apologize and I will promise that this will never, ever occur again. Most people already know that when I promise, I will keep that promise until the day I die.

Went around casing the joint and got a foto of my favorite group, the Kapolei people. They are the ones that are leading the West into the real Social or Cultural dancing of our entire developing group.

Seated: Iris, Noemi, Patty, Nora and Nancy. Standing: Augusto, Mark, Kevin, Willy and Mac.

I found myself in the jolly situation of taking photos with other cameras. But I am still getting mine blurry. It may be in pushing the button. I have to find a nice camera buff among the readers to consult with. I must be doing something wrong.

Since I had to bring my interference levels several notches down, it was getting uncomfortable. So I thought I would leave early since I am not a great fan of exhibition dancing, anyway. I was able to get a last shot at the Reception desk.

Amber, Mickey, Dawrie, Katherine and Evelynn

Took a nice leisurely walk to the bus stop and sipped on my time solution while waiting. Got the right fast bus, the E, and got to Waipahu at a little after 10:30 then the #40 bus did not get there until past eleven, packed to the gills. So many of the young still have not learned of the privilege of the elderly. They reflect badly not only on themselves but on their ethnic roots. And perhaps it is not that they do not see the signs, they simply Cannot Read.

Got home before midnight and had another drink, and a snack and got on the computer. Conked out after one AM.

Samba Da Coração

2012-02-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

"Samba of the heart" in Portuguese:

This is a samba school as well as a performing company, offering classes and shows in Brazilian dance and percussion year round. The group, directed by Mary Dollar and Fernando de Sanjines, is dedicated to the growth of Brazilian culture in the San Francisco Bay Area, inspired by the many dances and rhythms of Brazil. Needless to say, it is da reel teeng.

"Life is a long lesson in humility.- For hope is but the dream of those that are awake."

Fernando and Mary

As their name implies, the group’s specialty is samba, yet their repertoire is rich and varied and each dance number is brilliantly costumed. And they still blend part of Portuguese chassé into it. From the earthy Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Bahia to the sensuous samba of Rio de Janeiro, you must be prepared to experience the spirit and colorful excitement of Carnaval with Samba do Coração!

Samba do Coração offers a quality "Brazilian Extravaganza" show with dancers and drummers and / or parade for any occasion. The group also offers a show with a six piece Brazilian band and with vocalist.

Since its formation in the summer of 1992, the Samba do Coracao has performed in numerous festivals and events in the San Francisco Bay Area, The have been prominent in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Carnaval

"Manha De Carnaval" by Placido Domingo

The Bill Graham Presents "New Orleans by the Bay" at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. And also in "San Francisco’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Party" at the Embarcadero and Civic Center Auditoriums, The group has also appeared at the California State Fair in Sacramento, La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, Standford University’s Brazilian Dance Week, Sam's Town Casino in las Vegas and Alaska State Fair in Palmer Alaska. Also In adition, Samba do Coraçnao participates in numerous parades, including nine San Francisco Carnaval Parades.

Every year, the group has been honored with top awards, including First Place in dance, music, costumes and overall visuals. For two consecutive years, Samba do Coração has also been awarded San Francisco Carnaval’s, Best Brazilian Group, as well as received Second Grand Prize Overall!

Our Changing Dance World

2012-02-16T00:10:00.000-08:00

By Frank Yanigara, Hawaii Kai

From my small but eclectic reading, I gather that the last two years have been changing our dance world, but not drastically for the splits have always been there. Now they are coming out to the fore front and becoming more clear cut. It is definitely dividing itself into three parts. The club dancers, the Social or Cultural dancers and the International and the other "to be seen" styles.

"You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind."

In the Cultural and the "to be seen: styles, we have amateur beginners, intermediates and advanced. Club Dancers do not have classifications. Amateurs are people with dancing as their hobby. Some amateurs take many lessons, work hard at it and become amateur competitors and many are certainly as good as professionals at that level. And we have the professionals who are those who teach or compete and make a living through dance.

Club dancers and Cultural dancers believe that theirs is dancesport, whereas International people tend to give their dance the interpretation of an art form. They have tended to prefer the proprietorship of the term Ballroom Dance. Most everyone else has accepted that view.

I believe the original concept of the word dancesport is that the term "ballroom dance" was considered to have a negative connotation with old age and old dance style interpretation by young dancers. And since so much of America revolves around sports, having the general public relate ballroom dance as an athletic activity could have very well enhance its growth.

"With A Song In My Heart" by Tony Bennett

In considering the words social, universal, recreational or cultural dancing it can be confusing to pick anyone of them to describe this evolving group of dancers. It will not be decided by a body duly elected or whatever. This group as a whole will decide for themselves.

Whether you think partner dancing in all its styles, (ballroom, Latin, swing, Argentine tangos, cajun, country, contra etc.) an art or sport or both — doesn’t matter. It is important that you enjoy moving to music and to do it, you have to communicate — closely and clearly — with another. You have to share yourself and connect with another human being. And this surely adds spice to our lives.

For all practical purposes, the Club dancers and the Social dancers will merge into the Cultural class. These two groups will not be dancing in ballrooms very much. They will dance at Night Clubs and other commercial locations of the like. And they will also dance at school cafeterias, district parks and community centers and any other place that is available including parks and shopping centers. And the distinguishing commonality will be that they will be dancing primarily for fun. "Dance like no one is watching." ◙ ◙ ◙

Yes, we have different viewpoints;
Ted: I definitely think that what I dance is an art.

Fred: I think that what I dance is a sport.
Red: For me, it's a struggle!

What's doin' in the West?

2012-02-13T00:23:00.000-08:00

As per the records, nothing has been done done in the past. The people in town never went dancing in the West simply because there was little dancing that anyone knew of. No can blame anyone.

No one ever says,"It’s only a game," when their team is winning.

But something seems to be afoot now. A few people from town are showing up at the Fleet Lounge and at the Elks Lodge. Also at the local dance palaces at the local school cafeterias, at August Ahrens School, Radford High School and Aliamanu Intermediate. Dance Hawaii also found a beautiful place to have a dinner/dance at the Golden Coin in Waipahu.

It is brewing in that direction, "EWA" West. And they are dancing up a storm at Dot's in Wahiawa. Then too, Wahiawa Ballroom Dance Club is becoming more well known and finding new places to dance. (Halemano Plantation) Dance Mililani coming up in the future and there is a growing night life in Mililani. The bars are interested in promoting dancing.

For the entire island of Oahu, Ewa has always been a pin point, a direction. Without automobiles the different villages became like neighborhoods with all for one and one for all mentality, not necessarily wrong. But increase facility moving from one place to another in automobiles makes for bigger neighborhoods.

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston.

There have been many attempts at dancing in Ewa Beach and some in Ewa for at least 20 years that I know of but they have never developed into something more permanent. All of this is slowly coming to a head. The unification of Varona Village, Tenney Village, Ewa Beach, Renton Village, Fernandez Village and Honoliuli into one place EWA.

The huge new shopping center to be built this year in Ewa will do the trick. Guaranteed, there will be a night life in the area. From there it follows that a large community center will be built and it will include dancing. The whole smash will be bigger than Waipahu and rival Kapolei.

The new information contributors and guest authors of this blog will certainly find plenty to write up about this year. With a couple of good guest authors this blog will rival Town Dancer and perhaps be the one to make independence first.

Pub's Side Note: Mixer, a special dance during the evening for getting people to dance with one another by several methods, among them the famous Horseshoe which was at one time the one most often used in town.

Da Spin Doctor Speaks

2012-02-09T00:20:00.000-08:00

Fleet Club - 2/7/2012

We had a GREAT time at the Fleet Club! About 25 loyal dancers attended, including two couples who were visiting Hawai'i. Candy had to bow out due to health reasons, and many asked about her. She is fine, and thank you for your concern.

The big room was double-booked. So, we cut the room in half with air walls, dropped our volume for the first hour, and everyone adjusted with Aloha.

Unfortunately, we must cancel our PC Elks performance on Feb. 21, but will be back at the PC Elks on March 20. Our next show at the Fleet Club is March 6th.

The idea for the PC Elks and later the Fleet Club was to play music from our Oldies collections so that Seniors could have some place to drink affordably, relax with friends, dance once in while, and mainly enjoy listening to the tunes they grew up with. We never set out to be a ballroom DJ or anything like it. Continuous dancing was an after-thought because I assumed Seniors would not have the energy to dance for three hours. Boy, was I wrong!

"Green Eyes" by Jimmy Dorsey

Our DJ business is primarily wedding receptions, private parties, theme parties, and corporate events. Back in the day, as you might recall, my old boss Dick Clark on American Bandstand would debut a new song and the teens would vote. Remember "I give it a 5. Great tune, Mr. Clark, but you can't dance to it."? Dance music or listening music...those were the two categories, and that was all.

At our normal paid DJ events, dancing consists of a few line dances, the YMCA, Macarena, Rock Lobster, Twist, Michael Jackson, and sometimes a polka and Disco. Other than that, virtually no one at our paid events knows any structured dances. Mostly, they bounce around to the beats with their feet firmly planted in place, and do the "air pump" until they pass out. If I played a Tango, Fox Trot, or Cha Cha, we would clear the dance floor in a New York minute and everyone would be heading home! The only similarity is the importance of timing and pacing, which is as important in Dj-ing as it is in comedy. But, even that is totally different.

"Be My Love" by Mario Lanza

So, up until recently our music library was generally divided into "listening songs" and "dance songs" by artist and title. Now, because our loyal club dancers have entirely different needs from our clients, I have set up folders for Bosa Nova, Fox Trot, Fast Fox, Jive, Line, Cha Cha, American Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Mambo, Merengue, Polka, Quick Step, Rhumba, Salsa, Ska, Samba, Swing, Tango, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, and a few others.

I know the music by title and artist, and history behind the music, but I am only now learning ballroom dances by type or style. Name a song or an artist and I am fine, but ask me for an East Coast Swing and up until recently I was almost totally ignorant of what to play.

"Mack, The Knife" by Bobby Darin

In order to collect ballroom dances and place music into dance folders I did a lot of research on the Internet, searching for the top 100 or so recommended dance song lists for each ballroom folder from top dance sites. I also ordered appropriate CDs from various ballroom collections and ballroom schools. Many of our loyal group members have provided helpful music lists. I am doing my best to learn and implement the most popular dance tunes by type of dance. I try to note what fills the floor and what doesn't. Our sincere thanks to all who have generously helped educate us in "ballroom and touch dance dj-ing."

Now, our challenge is to better fill our venues so that club managers will allow us to continue offering what we do. We need to add more dancers, particularly at the PC Elks, but also at the Fleet Club for this to continue. A good target would be about fifty dancers, and we are about half way there!

I have heard that most of the Elks members don't attend because they feel they can't dance well enough. One excellent recommendation made recently was perhaps to find a way to offer simple, basic dance lessons for "newbies" who are wanting to listen to the music, and simply have a good time, dancing occasionally, but who may be too intimidated to attend due to more complicated ballroom type dances.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to increase attendance? Anyone willing to offer free lessons?

Mahalo, and Aloha!
Professor Bob, Da Spin Doctor
http://www.daspindoctor.vpweb.com/
808-271-4493

BARCELONA DANCE AWARD

2012-02-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

From 5th to 9th April 2012, Barcelona
International Competition for Dance Schools and Groups:
where YOU ARE the PROTAGONIST!

All the info on http://web.tiscali.it/barcelonadancetour01/

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

The event in which you will participate is the Barcelona Dance Award, a competition that has established itself as the largest and most important amateur dancing event in Europe, divided in to different categories which awards the best groups, talents, choreographers and teachers.

"All Or Nothing At All" by Frank Sinatra

The commission of international experts, critics and representatives from the prestigious Dance Companies will judge the School and Dance Dep. participants. Such an initiative will encourage cultural growth through dance as a universal language and will especially serve to stimulate friendship, solidarity, respect and mutual understanding.

What is "BARCELONA DANCE AWARD"?
The largest Dance Event for Dance Schools, Groups and Companies!

It's the opportunity to offer to your dancers the chance to live a Dance Tournee where you grow up in the Love for Dance with dancers of the same age from all over the World!!

A foreign Dance Tournee where your group is the protagonist, dancing together with dance groups from all over the World, to conquer the prestigious trophies BARCELONA DANCE AWARD!!

WONDERFUL THEATRES in Barcelona and Catalunya are waiting to host your best choreographies to LIVE YOUR EUROPEAN DANCE TOURNEE AS PROTAGONIST!!

Redefining this blog

2012-02-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

I don't really know if the title is correct journalism. I am not modifying, merely reaffirming my intents. We have been getting the info from the regular sources in the center of town and the West. But now we need additional information on dancing on the Windward side of this Island, from Turtle Bay to Waimanalo. Anything that may interest the reader/dancers of this blog.

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."

Second are the neighbor islands and I already know that they are very sensitive as to opinions on their dances, even if they misinterpret our terminology. So we have to go easy and perhaps soon we can make contact for the benefit of all of our reader/dancers.

From there we expect to eventually get to the Pacific Rim. This blog is already there but not by much. The Philippines, who were not in the top ten at the beginning of 2011, are now in seventh place. So all of this takes time. We have dancers that go to dances in the Moanalua Corridor that are not aware of the Moanalua Corridor blog yet. Some are aware, but find it too difficult to get to it. This takes time. That is why the total amount of hits in all the blogs just keeps on going up, very slowly, no flashes of fame and fortune.

"My Life For A Song" by Placido Domingo

Pub's Side Note: This is a Blog site, not a Web site. and perhaps our entire blogosphere's success will be dependent on an island wide Internet structure as open, untrammeled, and transparent as possible. Therefore most of what I do in my own interests will also advanced those aims -- or at least it will not impede them.

Coming up in February, Al Franz Showcase

2012-02-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

I already posted the poster submitted by Debra and now I will make a small reminder to the readers of the usual great Dinner/Dance/Showcase affair that it is.

"Me And My Shadow" by Tom Lewis

From Consumer Reports:
Many users don't realize the degree to which Facebook status updates, wall posts and pictures are accessible through simple search queries. According to a survey by Career Builder and Harris Interactive, more than 50 percent of potential employers check social networking websites, including Facebook, before hiring an individual, and 25 percent admitted to firing an employee for content they posted on social networking websites. The easiest way to maintain your privacy is to simply opt out of having a Facebook profile.

"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery,

guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate.

The world is all gates, all opportunities."

Latest Just In: this an addition to the by-laws in one of the clubs.
"Official authorization will be granted only when none of the authorizers can be blamed if the project fails but when all the authorizers can claim credit if it succeeds."

Pub's Side Note: Sounds pretty good to me.

Sign on water fountain at the UH, West Oahu:

They teach the students good English in the West.

"Do Not Use

Da Buggah Broke"

The Mid Week Pau Hana Dance

2012-01-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

For some reason or another we cannot have a Tea dance in Honolulu. So be it. But rumbling around town is the Pau Hana Dance. This definitely does not involve "Ballroom" dancers now that another group has assumed the responsibility. Sounds to me almost like the original Tea Dance, because it is in the middle of the work week and it starts right after work.

The secret of a happy life is not buried in a treasure

chest ... it lies within your own heart.

It's the little moments that make life big.

Don't wait. Make memories today.

Pau Hana Dance, a Happy Hour but with much more dancing, less alcohol and more juice drinking. The dance floor would not have to be huge because this would be for Social dancers. There are other places for your quick stepping. This would be an amalgamation of the American Bronze and Club Dancing. Whatta Crowd!

Beside the break from everyday work, (specially for Cultural dancers) it is also a respite from the every day freeway headache on the way home. Dancing, a few drinks, a few snacks, a little talk story and it could be a very pleasant interlude in the middle of the work week.

"Stranger In Paradise" by Tony Bennett

The women would find the preparation for the dance, fairly easy and a common thing. The men would also find it easy to freshen up a bit and some would even change to a fresh shirt. There shouldn't be anyone showing up in slippahs. The closest to a Pau Hana dance recently was at the Ilikai a year or so back. They coulda been a contendah!

Down Town would be the best, The working density is heavier and parking would be closer. And there are quite a few places available. The dance could be pau at eight and for the late comers, it could go until nine or even more if the dancers wish. It would be a complete day and the freeway home would be a breeze. Enough time to get a good nights sleep and you would have a very comfortable next day.

You got anything more perfect than that?

Square Dancing and Snow Jade

2012-01-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

Left home early on Friday the 20th and missed the bus. But as per usual the view from the Nanakuli Shore to the ocean horizon was just beautiful and it changes all the time. I caught the next one going to town. In front of the main library I caught the B bus going to Waikiki. A short walk from the end of the line and I was at the famous Palladium before seven and it looked like everyone was having a good time.

"Choose the world that you see, Attitude is everything."

Nice friendly people and I already knew many of them. Got a couple pictures of the general dancing and then waited for the right moment to get Snow Jade.

Not too many people but having fun? Yes!

I had to get my laptop from my friend Gary and he arrived a few minutes later. He was impressed with the dancing. Then gave me a ride to the bus terminal at Ala Moana and I was home before ten.

I emailed Snow Jade the next day and received the following the day after."

Dancing friend and Snow Jade

Okay.. you go by Pepe or Joe? Can I have your full name again?

I found your email in my spam folder. Thank you for coming to our festival.. Really appreciated... Mahalo again!

You can see our festival pictures at www.queensj.smugmug.com

Purpose of my life is doing everything with all my heart whether it's worshipping, loving, working, dancing, emailing, giving, or eating. Life is very rich and so are you! Snow-Jade (S.J.) or Queen SJ

Tel: 808 551-4355

She now knows she can be a regular Information Contributor and when she is ready she can become a full fledge Guest Author. She can then get in, post whatevah, and get out without saying boo to anyone.

Pub's Side Note: Jose is Joseph in Spanish. Pepe is Joe in Spanish. Check out Richie's blogs in Oahu And Beyond and also in the new Central Valley blog. And even more news on the West side, is in Oahu - West blog, just starting up.

HyperBeat Band results @ Dots & Loulens

2012-01-25T01:31:00.000-08:00

At Dots Friday the Hyper Beat Band covered a wide range of material. As usual Bernie's pick was stand up and move your booty great and good to hold someone to. Anything from ballads to Disco.

Willow, Angie, Sarah

Angie the band's front has what we used to refer to as "Sum Lungs" not that kind. Her voice! Whew, talk about projecting I don't think she really needs a mic. Her rap is very polished and professional. The ease with which she brings the audience in shows her down to earth personable side.

Angie getting lucky number pickers

Like Legacy last week they had their followers so the place had a nice hum.

Unfortunately I had to dance with 3 lovely ladies. This was unfortunate because I didn't have 2 clones! But enough whining.

Pat had taken a few pics and gave Angie her card. I told Angie how much I enjoyed the music. The guitarist told me to come to "Loulen's" 9:30 Saturday. Never heard of it so checked it out the next morning. Found a Youtube video from 2009 showing a large dance floor which sold me.

Left for town latish since Loulen's started at 9:30 PM. We were the first ones in there. The band greeted us with big smiles and told us they were starting late 'cause of an accident on the freeway.

I found out later a police officer had been killed in the line of duty. We all have had close calls on the road. We are the lucky ones. Let's all drive like the person in the other car is our mother, father, brother, sister........

When we entered to my chagrin, no dance floor. Tables lined up for listening. Fortunately we had front row seats and were told we could dance in the small area fronting the band. That was good enough for slot dance.

By the time the band started their first song the place was filling fast and eventually was packed. People ordering some ono looking pupus but I was still stuffed and fought back that 300 lb. oriental trying to get out.

My date was the only haole and I was the only slant eye. It was like being in Manila with a younger crowd than I'm used to. Never seen so many good looking people in one place. Being the oldest couple wasn't bad 'cause there were very few other dancers.

Angie

The place was buzzing w/high energy and the music permeated you. Usually I hate music that loud but the energy offset everything. We danced to everything. The repertoire was totally different from the night before which showed the bands versatility and depth. They did a bunch of requests of songs from the Philippines and killed them.

They had guest performers galore and soon were calling last song. I looked at the time...it was 1:30 AM. 4 hours gone in a blink. Likely won't do that very often 'cause it's so late but definitely will go again 'cause it was an over the top refreshing change.

If you're feeling adventerous you can try Loulen's Friday/Saturday 9:30 PM. 1125 North King.

Looking forward to Wasabi @ Dots this Friday 1/27/12 from 7:30-10:30 PM. Gona be a good one, Gary Moore and another special guest are sittin' in!!!

Have fun hun,

R

Who are we?

2012-01-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

By Stanley Nagasato, Hawaii Kai

We all know and have come to accept that International is a unique style of dance. It is taught and danced world wide for competitions. And since it is "to be seen," it just naturally converts into exhibition and other "to be seen" styles.

"Follow your own star and you can blame no one but yourself."

Is "Educative Dancing" a significant style? What about Universal style, or Cultural style.?

Now that the group that considers themselves ballroom dancers have so dictated, we should accept that we are no longer ballroom dancers. We are Community Center dancers, District Park dancers, School Cafeteria dancers, Night Club dancers and any place else we can dance. But as a rule we do not dance in ballrooms. We have evolved into a definitely different type of dancer.

Social dancers have always said it in an apologetic way. No longer, it is now said with a little pride. We know we can dance and pride ourselves on not being "ballroom" dancers. We are not in it for competition. The ballroom dancing group has insisted that they are different from us for years. You remember "Junk Dancer?" And now we can all agree with them and everyone should be happier.

"How High The Moon" by Les Paul and Mary Ford

The official American style of dance is the one closest to our style as long as we are stay in the beginning Bronze and intermediate Bronze divisions. By the time they get to advanced Bronze they are getting into exhibition and competition styles. And that is not us. These distinctions are slowly being accepted by the ones in the know. Social Dancer? Cultural Dancer? Universal Dancer? or even
"Educative Dancer." As we get bigger, all of us that are no longer ballroom dancers will increasingly make the decisions for us.

Now, let's dance.
Stanley

Pub's Side Note: My Congrats to the reader/dancers of Town Dancer and Oahu And Beyond blogs. The Guest Authors had something to do with it too. Town Dancer reached 60000 and Oahu And Beyond reached 20000. Let me tell you, these blogs are on solid ground and headed for full Social Media.

Notice to the Neighbor Islands

2012-01-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

We are getting plenty daily hits on Oahu and we are getting some blogging outside of downtown Honolulu. Now we need to begin getting some information from the Neighbor Islands. Number one is the Big Island for its huge diversity.

"If you have one true friend, you have your share in your world."

Then Maui, and something has been wrong at Kauai for a time because of the lies of us posting personal information on our blogs. Perhaps we can solve that some day soon. It was never true but you all know the power of the Creative Researchers And Producers. No need proof.

So the Big Island is prime for the moment. And we expect to concentrate on the two most important sectors. Kona in the West and Hilo in the East. Anyone know of someone, specially if they don't have a Web site, let them or us know.

Of course, we also need news from the Pacific Rim. Routine flyers are not it. Perhap as an introduction, but not to communicate to our readers. Everyone seems to understand advertising and that is not what we are about, for we seek no money. Communication direct to our reader/dancers is a big, big difference.

Our neighbor islands dancers are very adverse against ballroom dancing for what it has been and that has not been their cup of tea. There are some groups mainly the swing groups that are grouping together so as not to include ballroom dancing.

Gradually especially on Maui, they are considering another group of "social ballroom" dancers dedicated to enjoy the movement to a musical rhythm rather than to study some dancing to participate somehere on a competitive level.

From friendly reports of dancing on the Neighbor Islands, the character of the dances is portrayed differently. American Tango is most common and varies stylistically, but most couples showcase the theatrical quality by having a more Paso-Dobleish or Argentine Tangoish interpretation than the average standard Tango dancer.

There will be fusion as we go along and dancers will be be more acquainted with where they can dance on the Neighbor Islands. Likely we will learn a few refreshing things from them too.

This blog keeps rolling along

2012-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

The total hits on the blogs have been in a plateau for almost a week. The surge is coming., it always does. We always need more Information Contributors and we also look forward to one of them becoming a guest author of whatever blog they wish. If you have something to say about dancing, that's it. And your opinion is valuable.

"There are still some dance instructors infected by it.

LAGS: Latest And Greatest Syndrome."

From Frank Miyashita, Niu Valley

"Smooth" is the American version of Standard in International. American includes every dance except the Quickstep. And there have been various attempts to include the Peabody with no success. In competition, the main difference between Smooth and Standard is that in Smooth, you may make use of the various open positions present in Latin dancing, or even break apart altogether and do side-by-side or interactive stuff. It is similar to International show dancing, but without the lifts.

Since the American smooth has only four dances, one would think that it is slightly simpler, but there is a reason that they left out the Peabody. Of all the styles of Ballroom, the Peabody (similar to the quickstep) is by far the most risky. Not only do dancers fly around the floor at lightning speed like the standard dancers, but they also dance apart with limbs flying in all places, like the Latin dancers.

With these open positions, the couple doesn't have the maneuverability that a standard dancer has, and so floorcraft is a much bigger challenge. They both require large ballrooms, which puts them in almost the same category as Internationals. Our group the Cultural dancers are much different.

"The Impossible Dream" by Jim Nabors

Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.

From Actual Court Records:

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-one-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Well, ... uh, ... he’s twenty-one.

Hold it!

2012-01-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place. Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

Most of us have days when we feel bored, overloaded, or unappreciated; when the dozen balls we keep in the air aren’t noticed, let alone rewarded; when dragging ourselves out of bed requires the determination of Hercules. If you feel like this most of the time, however, you may be flirting with burnout.

Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good - Life is too short to waste time hating anyone - You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree - It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it - When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile - Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up your present - Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about - Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks - Take a deep breath. It calms the mind - Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful - Whatever doesn’t kill you, really does make you stronger. And your good New Year continues.

There are likewise three kinds of dancers:

First, those who consider dancing as a sort of gymnastic drill, made up of impersonal and graceful arabesques,

Second, those who, by concentrating their minds, lead the body into the rhythm of a desired emotion, expressing a remembered feeling or experience,

And finally, there are those who convert the body into a luminous fluidity, - soul. - surrendering it to the inspiration of the music.
~ Isadora Duncan

Pub's Side Note: Can we get Ben Cayetano back as Mayor so we can stop the rail?

Wasabi SLA & Legacy @ Dots

2012-01-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Wasabi groupies already know that they are playing tomorrow, Thursday 1/12/12 at the SLA from 7-10 PM.

Just got a text from Pauline Kim (my cousin's wife...they live in Houston.) I took her to Wasabi on her last visit in October. She ran into 2 old friends. Brian a Waipahu Classmate who asked her to dance and gave her some very positive feedback and Sharon/Bruce. She worked with Sharon at Long's during their college days. She shared this between songs/breaks. Wasabi then played her request "Honolulu City Lights" which had her in la la land which evidently took her over the top.

Anyway thanks to Brian's praise and her experiences that night I am happy to share that she is now taking dance classes and privates back in Houston!!! She would not stop texting about how happy she is dancing. Gees, Ya-ka-ma-shi. Text so much she must have a blister by now. Not me, she'd write 20 lines and I'd reply, "nice, good, no kidding...."

Anyway, grab onto something 'cause hurricane Pauline is hittin' Hawaii next year!

FYI for you Tenderfoots:

Saint Louis Alumni Hall= 916 Coolidge Street Honolulu: is the address for the clubhouse.

Actually the Dance Hall is located across from Honolulu stadium park on Isenberg St. next to the First Hawaiian Bank on the corner. In the same building as "Da Kitchen" fronting Isenberg.  St. Louis Alumni Hall, Bar & Cafe. Food/pupus from Maui ’s own “Da Kitchen”, and FREE parking in their lot which is usually full.

There is also free parking available at First Hawaiian Bank next door, (where I park) but you'll need to get a (free) parking ticket from the St. Louis Alumni staff collecting the $5 admission to put into the "park box" for the corresponding stall number.

Legacy @ Dots in Wahiawa sounds like the best option for this Friday 1/13/12.

Bernie is very excited about this band and a couple of friends have heard them perform before at the Aloha Tower Market Place. Bernie tells me that they take requests and their song list covers a wide spectrum.

FYI for you newbies:

Dots Wahiawa= 130 Mango Street Dot's @ 622-4115.

http://honolulu.citysearch.com/profile/map/3212300/wahiawa_hi/dots_in_wahiawa.html

Where ever you go this week, dance your okole off 'cause there's no promise of tomorrow. Hmmm....on 2nd thought just shake da junk in da trunk 'cause if you dance your okole off and tomorrow shows up u no goin' have sumting fo sit on.

R