Sugino Christmas Party

The Sugino Dance Academy Christmas Dance was held this past Saturday evening at Sugino's Dance Studio. What a delightful evening it was. I was reminded of the weekly Saturday evening social practice dances that Ron Bennett, Albert Franz and I held at Danceland II Studio in Washington DC in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. The three of us, with partners, Glenis Dee, Beverly Donahue, and my sister Pamela Eggleton would plan each weekly event with a wonderful buffet dinner (usually cooked by one of the three guys). Incidentally Danceland II Studio is still in existence and is now known as The Chevy Chase Dance Center under the direction of Ron Bennett.
So why the reminiscence? Well, the Sugino Studio was decorated for the season. The crowd created a wonderful ambiance. The buffet was superb thanks to Grace Nohara. She gave me the recipe for her baked salmon - delicious! (It was suggested that she should take charge at the Pacific Beach!) There were small tables around the studio that attendees could eat at and not have to sit outside. The studio floor is, of course, excellent. The lighting for the exhibitions was bright and for general dancing it was soft using a mirror ball for a warm effect. The Mistress of Ceremonies, Yvonne Jorge-Cuan did a really nice job and George Odo handled the music for the exhibitions.

After the buffet was a surprise announcement. Mr. Sugino recognized a student couple after being with him for 40 years! (They must have begun as keiki!) That couple was George and Lillian Odo.They received lei and a framed photograph of them in a Contra Check that had been taken at the Sheraton Waikiki. This photograph will be put up in the Studio on the "Hall of Fame" wall next to photographs of dancers such as David Sycamore and Denise Weavers, Bill and Bobbie Irvine, Richard and Janet Gleave, Peter Maxwell and Lynn Harman, Marcus and Karen Hilton, Akiyoshi and Joanne Sugino, among others. What a nice tribute to a wonderful and respected couple. George and Lillian then danced an impromptu Slow Foxtrot much to the delight of the attendees.
So onto the exhibitions for the evening.
First on Steven Sambrano and Sherline Yuen dancing a Waltz. I have always admired Steven's top line - he posses that 'god-given' quality that so many male dancers work so hard for. The first half of their performance was musical with good movement and technique and Sherline complimenting Steven with good posture and movement. The second half was not consistent with some minor upsets due, I think, to tension through their arms and bodies. However a good presentation.

Next was a performance by a senior couple visiting from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This was their first visit to Hawai'i. Yvonne and Candido had met this couple while they were competing at some event in Canada. Nigel and Betty Rutter have placed high in Senior Events in Canada and this evening they performed an International Cha Cha Cha and later on an International Rumba. They were a delight and they truly enjoy their dancing and it showed. I was pleased to see a senior couple doing Latin so well even though I saw some heel leads from Betty and I felt that their arms were sometimes a little overdone and stiff.
Ed and Matilda Felix were next performing an International Slow Foxtrot. Matilda looked stunning in her gown. Her top line was good and she tried to use her head weight effectively. Ed was consistent throughout this performance but he needs to work on his backward movement, especially the Reverse Wave. I was concerned at the tempo of the music that I felt was a little too fast.
Stanely Munesato and Karen Miyahiro then gave their interpretation of the International Waltz. An excellent entry to their performance was marred by their transition to closed position. However the rest of the performance was good without being excellent. I was hoping for a much-improved performance from the one they did for "Memoirs Showcase". To improve I think Stanley should not use his arms to lead his lady - the man's right hand should move with the lady's back and not move the lady's back! Karen needs to slow down and use her feet more.They are both a well matched couple with lots of potential. Keep working and try for more Rise and Lowering in the Waltz!
Last on was the highlight of the exhibitions - Mr. Aki Sugino himself with student Grace Nohara. How great it was to see Mr. Sugino in performance once again. Grace has such a beautiful presence on the floor with lots of personality and a wonderful expression - her smile lights up the whole studio. One could not but enjoy their performance. They danced an International Slow Foxtrot to a Christmas Carol, "Let It Snow" - a fitting finale to the evening exhibitions. There was one little "oops" toward the end of the performance but Grace, smiling as always, handled it beautifully.
When I left the party people were still dancing. I would like to thank Mr. Sugino and his students for allowing me to attend such a delightful evening. Merry Christmas to one and all.