My third competition of the year was one that I had attended last year and enjoyed very much which spurred me to make a last minute decision to attend. Held in a lesser known Hilton in Virginia – medium in price, and medium in comfort, the hotel rolled out the red carpet and made it easy for the competitors and dance organizers to stay content. For example, the casual breakfast restaurant opened at 6AM, early enough to serve the needs of the morning’s 7:30AM competitors, and with breakfast buffet vouchers provided as part of the full package of competition, seemed to start the day by providing enough nourishment to sustain the day’s activities. The staff was friendly and courteous and provided boxes without question to take what you wished from the buffet, realizing that the competitors would not fill their tummy’s to the fullest level, but rather would want to prime to pump and then have more food to feed on to sustain a reasonably stable glucose level throughout the morning and early afternoon. I always judge a breakfast buffet by the quality of its fruit which in this case was excellent, although the scrambled eggs were quite good as well and didn’t resemble the plastic look and feel of eggs sitting lifeless, dried and crusted by intense warming lights from other hotel buffets that I have sampled from in the past.
The hotel lobby was decent, the restaurant clean and inviting, the ballroom on the lower level provided privacy from the general public, ample space for vendors, places to chat, and a large ballroom with a very high quality dance floor to serve the needs of the competition and evening show. Everything was decent, vendors were plentiful and the organizer provided very reasonably priced accoutrements such as garment bags ($10) for those of us who stuffed our clothes into one bag but found we couldn’t fit it all back with the added goodies accumulated during the competition. One of the items was a beautiful dance robe provided by the event organizer John DePalma which he included to all entrants who paid for the full package. Last year we received lightweight jackets adorned by his Capital Dancesport logo which to this day I find the most useful cover for the occasional cool days and nights in Honolulu or when I vegetate in the neighborhood movie theatre.
Divino Ritmo Dance Studio had a small group of students attend this event. In addition to me, Maria Handl danced pro-am with Lucas Jaime, and of course I danced my pro-am heats with Yanna Samkova. Nevertheless, we left the competition happy and with distinction. With this years entrants exceeding 6,500 heats (second hand information), both of the Divino Ritmo students received the distinction of being included in the top best 20 student category, and also won best male and female bronze student awards! I was a little tipsy at the time of the awards, so a day later, I’m just beginning to feel the pride of accomplishment. Clearly this unexpected achievement was not sought but was appreciated, sending a clear message that at the very least, I belonged and was not there as an embarrassment either to myself or to my teacher. While I am reluctant to divulge this kind of “bragging” in my blogs, I cannot help myself in this instance and promise to avoid any further self praise so often present in personal testimonies like these. Still it is quite amazing that with the many dance studios and students represented from around the country, that Divino Ritmo produced such a measure of success with just two.
A few observations and concluding remarks are in order. It was quite evident that Rhythm and Smooth which each occupied the better part of a day in the competition was more heavily contested than Standard and International Latin which were stuffed into half days time periods and seemed over in a flash. Indeed, it seems that American dance styles are taking high priority in events like these and the level of skill that is shown and the variety and creativity that is expressed is making them more and more popular. It was really hard to see a difference in level of effort and skill between American and International. Moreover, I believe that American style dancing inspires a degree of creativity not allowed by the more traditional European variety. I must say that ever since I have been attending these mainland competitions, I have developed an increasingly healthy respect and interest in American style ballroom. Moreover, some American dances like Viennese Waltz are much more fun than International.
Another observation was the large number of professional competitors that were present at the event resulting in the need for quarter final heats to get through all of them and whittle them down in number to the final contenders. The skill level was simply wonderful to witness – in all categories…Smooth, Rhythm, Latin and Standard. A tribute to Michael Jackson ended the event…which was extremely entertaining. Many of the professionals contributed to this tribute which included a rendition of the video “thriller” with man eating zombies ….male dancers dressed in shaggy torn shirts and faked blood on their bodies…..and the ladies also had torn clothes and some were dancing barefoot…it was really fun to watch and very well done.
Finally, we even had a little time to venture from the hotel after the competition was over….we went to Mt Vernon, to learn something about George Washington, what he did, where he lived, his wife of 40 plus years, the bed he died in, and the remarkable courage of conviction in his actions. He was arguably one of the few men in the history of civilization not carried away by power and authority, and put his country’s interest above all else, including any personal agenda.
In summary, the Capital Dancesport Championship is really a decent competition, organized by very popular and gracious hosts…John DePalma and his wife Marianne Nicole, and supported by the best of the best. Already thinking about returning next year for more fun and good competition. You might want to join me……
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
You are Invited to Dance Beneath the Cupola
Lucas and Yanna of Divino Ritmo invite YOU to dance beneath the Cupola, NEXT Tuesday, August 31st, from 7-10pm!
Yes, it's that time of the month again, the last Tuesday, time to shake loose, boogey your heart out, chat with other dancers or just have a glass of wine and some pupu....whatever your reason for coming.....please come again to the Cupola on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd (corner of Kapiolani and Piikoi).
Or if you've never come, please do, give it a try; you will be pleasantly surprised by the friendly, carefree, and social atmosphere. You will experience our mini dance lesson and 3 hours of social dancing to a wonderful selection of dance music, all Lucas' special picks...
Admission is FREE and our dance party is open to the public. On Tuesday nights, bottles of wine are half price and military discounts are available for food and beverage!
So GANG, let's wrap up the month with a BANG!...... dancing beneath the Cupola! See ya!
For more information, contact:
Lucas at: divinoritmo@aol.com
Yanna at: yannajs@gmail.com
Yes, it's that time of the month again, the last Tuesday, time to shake loose, boogey your heart out, chat with other dancers or just have a glass of wine and some pupu....whatever your reason for coming.....please come again to the Cupola on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center at 1250 Kapiolani Blvd (corner of Kapiolani and Piikoi).
Or if you've never come, please do, give it a try; you will be pleasantly surprised by the friendly, carefree, and social atmosphere. You will experience our mini dance lesson and 3 hours of social dancing to a wonderful selection of dance music, all Lucas' special picks... Admission is FREE and our dance party is open to the public. On Tuesday nights, bottles of wine are half price and military discounts are available for food and beverage!
So GANG, let's wrap up the month with a BANG!...... dancing beneath the Cupola! See ya!
For more information, contact:
Lucas at: divinoritmo@aol.com
Yanna at: yannajs@gmail.com
Hawai'i Dancers on Mainland
This past weekend the Nevada Star Ball was held at the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada organized by Brian and Susan Puttock and Hilda Lanza. Now in its 24th year of running this event has become one of the major events on the competition circuit. Hawai'i's only representatives were our Amateur Champions Glenn Okazaki and Anne Ho.
Even though there were only two couple competing in the Masters Over 50 International Standard 4-dance Championship Glenn and Anne took 1st place. In the Senior over 35 International Standard 4-dance Championship there was more competition for them. They made the final and finished in 5th place out of eight couples. Congratulations to Glenn and Anne the Mahalo for keeping Hawai'i on the competition map. On an interesting note Ikaika Dowsett, formerly from Hawai'i danced with his current Professional partner Olga Zhuk in the Open Professional Standard Championship and finish 7th in a seven couple final out of 14 couples.
Coming up this weekend is the Capital Dancesport Championships organized by John and Marianne DePalma at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia. Representing Hawai'i will be Professional Lucas Jaime with Student Maria Handl who will be competing in 110 single dance events and 6 multi-dance events. Also Professional Yanna Samkova will be competing with Student David Easa in 44 single dance events and 4 multi-dance events. Good Luck to Maria and David - do Hawai'i proud and bring home those awards!
Even though there were only two couple competing in the Masters Over 50 International Standard 4-dance Championship Glenn and Anne took 1st place. In the Senior over 35 International Standard 4-dance Championship there was more competition for them. They made the final and finished in 5th place out of eight couples. Congratulations to Glenn and Anne the Mahalo for keeping Hawai'i on the competition map. On an interesting note Ikaika Dowsett, formerly from Hawai'i danced with his current Professional partner Olga Zhuk in the Open Professional Standard Championship and finish 7th in a seven couple final out of 14 couples.
Coming up this weekend is the Capital Dancesport Championships organized by John and Marianne DePalma at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia. Representing Hawai'i will be Professional Lucas Jaime with Student Maria Handl who will be competing in 110 single dance events and 6 multi-dance events. Also Professional Yanna Samkova will be competing with Student David Easa in 44 single dance events and 4 multi-dance events. Good Luck to Maria and David - do Hawai'i proud and bring home those awards!
SHOWTIME 2010
After six weeks of recovering from knee surgery I was finally able to get out and about and attend the 2010 SHOWTIME presented by "Keep On Dancing" at the Pacific Beach Hotel on Friday August 20th. Helping me get there with my walker was Co-MC of the Hawai'i Star Ball Shari Berinobis who kindly took time out from her busy schedule. She is a City Council candidate for District 4 and has the honor of being the Oahu Princess Pa'u Rider in the Aloha Week Parade (because I am not allowed to ride I will be there following the horses!!).
The evening turned out to be a delightful event. The usual buffet food was served and many of us complimented the fact that it was one of the best. Host and Hostess Christopher and Miru Bayot were very attentive to their guests. There were fourteen exhibitions danced in two sets and there was a lot of general dancing which is always welcomed by our local dancers.
I was especially pleased to see that there were several local professionals supporting Christopher and Miru - yours truly, Doug Kesler, Lucas and Yanna Samkova, Akiyoshi Sugino, Reggie Gascon, Gayle Kawahakui, Carmelo Baysa and Debbie Borges who did a delightful American Waltz exhibition with promising student Reuben Lee. In addition to Christopher dancing with his students he did two exhibitions with his lovely wife Miru. Guest dancers Calvin and Debra Ota, representing the Al Franz Dance Studio performed their Paso Doble and Tango and Richard and Lynn Nakamura performed a Foxtrot and Tango Medley.
I am sure that Christopher is very proud of his students for their support and help that they give him especially Kasuma Cooray and Reiko Otake.
Until next year "KEEP ON DANCING"
The evening turned out to be a delightful event. The usual buffet food was served and many of us complimented the fact that it was one of the best. Host and Hostess Christopher and Miru Bayot were very attentive to their guests. There were fourteen exhibitions danced in two sets and there was a lot of general dancing which is always welcomed by our local dancers.
I was especially pleased to see that there were several local professionals supporting Christopher and Miru - yours truly, Doug Kesler, Lucas and Yanna Samkova, Akiyoshi Sugino, Reggie Gascon, Gayle Kawahakui, Carmelo Baysa and Debbie Borges who did a delightful American Waltz exhibition with promising student Reuben Lee. In addition to Christopher dancing with his students he did two exhibitions with his lovely wife Miru. Guest dancers Calvin and Debra Ota, representing the Al Franz Dance Studio performed their Paso Doble and Tango and Richard and Lynn Nakamura performed a Foxtrot and Tango Medley.
I am sure that Christopher is very proud of his students for their support and help that they give him especially Kasuma Cooray and Reiko Otake.
Until next year "KEEP ON DANCING"
Thursday, August 19, 2010
AMERICAN STYLE QUICKSTEP?
Just recently several competition organizers have introduced into their program a Professional American Quickstep.
As you know the Quickstep is an International Style dance and is always the fourth or fifth dance in all International Style Ballroom Championships.
In the American Style the closest dance to the Quickstep would be the Peabody which is truly an all American dance. Several years ago Mr. Edward Simon and his partner Ms Michelle Officer (who were then the reigning US Smooth Champions) tried to introduce the Peabody as the fifth dance in all American Smooth Championships. This would have kept it in line with the American Rhythm as well as the International Ballroom (Standard) and Latin - all of which have 5 dances. For whatever reason the Peabody was not accepted leaving the American Smooth today at four dances - Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.
Who knows, maybe the American Quickstep will become part of the American Smooth Championships. In my opinion this would be a shame as the Peabody, being a true American dance would be more interesting.
However, I did find the American interpretation of the English Quickstep very clever with the choreography in keeping with that dance.
If you would like to see what it is you can find it on the web site of last weeks Colorado Star Ball Championships. To do this go to www.coloradostarball.com and on the Home Page scroll down till you find "Pro Amer Quickstep Step" and click on the link below.
As you know the Quickstep is an International Style dance and is always the fourth or fifth dance in all International Style Ballroom Championships.
In the American Style the closest dance to the Quickstep would be the Peabody which is truly an all American dance. Several years ago Mr. Edward Simon and his partner Ms Michelle Officer (who were then the reigning US Smooth Champions) tried to introduce the Peabody as the fifth dance in all American Smooth Championships. This would have kept it in line with the American Rhythm as well as the International Ballroom (Standard) and Latin - all of which have 5 dances. For whatever reason the Peabody was not accepted leaving the American Smooth today at four dances - Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.
Who knows, maybe the American Quickstep will become part of the American Smooth Championships. In my opinion this would be a shame as the Peabody, being a true American dance would be more interesting.
However, I did find the American interpretation of the English Quickstep very clever with the choreography in keeping with that dance.
If you would like to see what it is you can find it on the web site of last weeks Colorado Star Ball Championships. To do this go to www.coloradostarball.com and on the Home Page scroll down till you find "Pro Amer Quickstep Step" and click on the link below.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
MAHALO NUI LOA
I would like to thank so many people who helped make my knee surgery (second one!) a little less uncomfortable and bearable. I received many personal visits, "get well" cards, telephone calls, beautiful floral arrangements, food, baskets of goodies, even a small bottle of "something" to kill the pain unfortunately I had to give this away!
I also want to thank the Odo's and the Labowski's for continuing to transport me to and from my therapy appointments. All of your help is truly appreciated.
The surgery went well, as did the first knee surgery. However I picked up an infection in the surgical wound and had to be hospitalized for four days to administer an anti biotic. Now I am home and taking an oral anti biotic which cost $2300 for 28 tablets!! Thank goodness for Medicaid.
So, the set back has delayed my plan to get back to teaching. I am hoping that therapy will allow me to use a cane and allow me to drive within the next week so I can try to start teaching the week beginning Monday August 23rd. I will be calling my students to confirm so wait for my call.
Keep On Dancing Showcase is next Friday evening August 20 at the Pacific Beach Hotel. I am hoping to be there so I will see those of you who are also going.
I also want to thank the Odo's and the Labowski's for continuing to transport me to and from my therapy appointments. All of your help is truly appreciated.
The surgery went well, as did the first knee surgery. However I picked up an infection in the surgical wound and had to be hospitalized for four days to administer an anti biotic. Now I am home and taking an oral anti biotic which cost $2300 for 28 tablets!! Thank goodness for Medicaid.
So, the set back has delayed my plan to get back to teaching. I am hoping that therapy will allow me to use a cane and allow me to drive within the next week so I can try to start teaching the week beginning Monday August 23rd. I will be calling my students to confirm so wait for my call.
Keep On Dancing Showcase is next Friday evening August 20 at the Pacific Beach Hotel. I am hoping to be there so I will see those of you who are also going.
Save The Date
DIVINO RITMO DANCE
2nd Annual Grand Ball & Showcase
Do not miss the BIG event of the year!
Friday December 10th 2010
Hotel Sheraton Waikiki
6 pm - 11:30 pm
Divino Ritmo Dance
 | |||||
| 2009 Hawai'i Star Ball - Top Studio |
(917) 568-3173 or (732) 499-0407
Fax (808) 888-5131
email: divinoritmo@aol.com
P.O. Box 2283, Honolulu, HI 96823
Sunday, August 8, 2010
$10,000 Top Teacher Award.
Throughout the dance community on the Mainland the $10,000 Top Teacher Award at the International Grand Ball has become quiet a draw for Pro/Am teachers and their students.
In 2009 this prize was won by Mr. Forrest Vance from Arizona.
I checked with the IGB organizers, Stephan and Denise Krauel and found that in order to qualify for this award the teacher must produce a minimum of 350 entries that have been submitted on time.
In 2010 Mr. Lucas Jaime and his student Ms. Maria Handl competed in 97 entries. Therefore Lucas did not qualify for the $10,000 prize as reported in an earlier blog. I do apologize to Lucas Jaime for this misinformation. He was however the Top Teacher at this event and did win a cash prize.
Ms. Maria Handl did win Top Student Award and Divino Ritmo Dance Studio did win the Top Studio Award.
I was amused by the fact that many people thought me serious when I suggested that Lucas would be celebrating his big win at La Mer. Obviously my North of England sense of humor is not fully understood in Hawai’i!
I do promise to try and check facts more thoroughly before reporting in the future.
Mahalo.
In 2009 this prize was won by Mr. Forrest Vance from Arizona.
I checked with the IGB organizers, Stephan and Denise Krauel and found that in order to qualify for this award the teacher must produce a minimum of 350 entries that have been submitted on time.
In 2010 Mr. Lucas Jaime and his student Ms. Maria Handl competed in 97 entries. Therefore Lucas did not qualify for the $10,000 prize as reported in an earlier blog. I do apologize to Lucas Jaime for this misinformation. He was however the Top Teacher at this event and did win a cash prize.
Ms. Maria Handl did win Top Student Award and Divino Ritmo Dance Studio did win the Top Studio Award.
I was amused by the fact that many people thought me serious when I suggested that Lucas would be celebrating his big win at La Mer. Obviously my North of England sense of humor is not fully understood in Hawai’i!
I do promise to try and check facts more thoroughly before reporting in the future.
Mahalo.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
$10,000 Top Teacher Award
The 2010 International Grand Ball Championships offered a $10,000 Top Teacher Award which makes it the largest Top Teacher prize in the United States.
And the winner was – LUCAS JAIME of Honolulu. I also understand that Divino Ritmo Dance (teachers Lukas Jaime and Yanna Samkova) won the Top Studio Award.
I have heard it rumored (and I am not one to listen to rumors!) that Lucas will be celebrating by taking all of his students for dinner at the La Mer Restaurant at the Halekulani Hotel! How thoughtful of you Lucas!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Doug Kesler's Showcase
"The Greatest Showcase On Earth"
Kesler & Co. announces their annual showcase with
Dinner, Exhibition Dancing, Open Dancing, Door Prizes together with lots of fun and surprises.
PACIFIC BEACH HOTEL BALLROOM
October 22nd 2010 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm
$65 per person
For Reservations/Tickets call: (808) 551-3033
Kesler & Co. announces their annual showcase with
Dinner, Exhibition Dancing, Open Dancing, Door Prizes together with lots of fun and surprises.
PACIFIC BEACH HOTEL BALLROOM
October 22nd 2010 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm
$65 per person
For Reservations/Tickets call: (808) 551-3033
INTERNATIONAL GRAND BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 42nd International Grand Ball Championships were held this past weekend, July 29 – 31, at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel, San Francisco.
This event was originally run by Rhona Pick and Roy Hinton in 1968. Several years ago the event was taken over by Stephan Krauel and Denise Jourdaine. It is now one of the premier events on the West Coast.
Attending and competing from Hawai’i were Glenn Okazaki and Ann Ho. In the Amateur Senior I Standard 5-dance Championship 8 couples competed in the Semi Final. Glenn and Anne made the Final and finished in 4th place. Although they received a mixture of 3rd, 4th and 5th place marks from the panel of 9 judges their Coach Ms. Heather Smith managed to find two 1st places and three 2nd places for them. In the Amateur Senior II Standard 5-dance Championship 3 couples competed and Anne and Glenn finished in 1st Place! There were a possible 45 1st place marks in this event (5 dances X 9 judges) and Anne and Glenn received a total of 42 1st places making them a sure winner. Congratulations to Anne and Glenn who are truly representing Hawai’i in grand style.
In the Pro/Am division Maria Handl once again traveled to the Mainland this time with her Hawai’i teacher Lucas Jaime. She danced in 97 different events in the American Smooth and Rhythm and International Standard and Latin. Maria eventually brought home the International Grand Ball Top Student Award. Congratulations to Maria and her teacher Lucas Jaime.
This event boasts the largest Top Teacher Award in the USA. 1st place Top Teacher received a prize of $10,000.00. I wonder who won that. I will keep you posted!
This event was originally run by Rhona Pick and Roy Hinton in 1968. Several years ago the event was taken over by Stephan Krauel and Denise Jourdaine. It is now one of the premier events on the West Coast.
Attending and competing from Hawai’i were Glenn Okazaki and Ann Ho. In the Amateur Senior I Standard 5-dance Championship 8 couples competed in the Semi Final. Glenn and Anne made the Final and finished in 4th place. Although they received a mixture of 3rd, 4th and 5th place marks from the panel of 9 judges their Coach Ms. Heather Smith managed to find two 1st places and three 2nd places for them. In the Amateur Senior II Standard 5-dance Championship 3 couples competed and Anne and Glenn finished in 1st Place! There were a possible 45 1st place marks in this event (5 dances X 9 judges) and Anne and Glenn received a total of 42 1st places making them a sure winner. Congratulations to Anne and Glenn who are truly representing Hawai’i in grand style.
In the Pro/Am division Maria Handl once again traveled to the Mainland this time with her Hawai’i teacher Lucas Jaime. She danced in 97 different events in the American Smooth and Rhythm and International Standard and Latin. Maria eventually brought home the International Grand Ball Top Student Award. Congratulations to Maria and her teacher Lucas Jaime.
This event boasts the largest Top Teacher Award in the USA. 1st place Top Teacher received a prize of $10,000.00. I wonder who won that. I will keep you posted!
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