ACADEMY DANCE NEWS - Latin and Ballroom Dancing on Maui

Academy Dance News 2005-2006
ALOHA BALLROOM <strong>DANCE</strong> <strong>ACADEMY</strong> – A non-profit, charitable organization whose purpose is to educate the
Public about <strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> dancing through professionally instructed group classes <strong>and</strong> public performances.
780 Mahealani Place, Kihei, HI 96753-7318~ 808-891-2949 ~hibnb@aol.com
Editor-At-Large: Rita O’Connor
E d i t o r : K a r i n a S c a r b o r o u g h V o l . 3 / 4 N o . 1 , 1 0 - 1 2 / 2 0 0 5 + 2-4/2006
HOLIDAY BALL
By Kitty Edwards
The Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance
Academy’s Holiday Ball was an event that
surely was a highlight of the holiday
season. With the gift giving to the
homeless, it became a way of combining
my two passions: dancing <strong>and</strong> children...
actually, my 3 passions: dancing, children
<strong>and</strong> (my husb<strong>and</strong>) Eddie.
Thank you Charlie (Ridings), for
giving us the opportunity, once again, to
support one of your passions (Charlie
Ridings is the Executive Director of the
Ka Hale A Ke Ola <strong>and</strong> Na Hale O Wainee
Homeless Resource Centers. Annually,
the Academy gives both donations of
gifts to the homeless children <strong>and</strong>
monetary contributions).
mixes – we appreciate how hard that is to
do. The Academy also gave each guest a
complimentary <strong>and</strong> elegant portrait, in a
gold embossed photo frame card with
engraved holiday greetings.
The Holiday Ball was the
fanciest of the balls on the isl<strong>and</strong>. I
noticed some wonderful cummerbunds
<strong>and</strong> tuxedos <strong>and</strong> many glittery dresses
<strong>and</strong> shoes (even slits to the thigh.) I can
count on one h<strong>and</strong> the number of high
heeled shoes I owned before I started
dancing. Known as my “Barbie doll” shoes,
they now out-number even s<strong>and</strong>als, <strong>and</strong>
continue to perplex my family.
With the subject of shoes,
brings up the subject of feet. There are
many of us who arrive at these semiformal
balls at the beginning, <strong>and</strong> dance
all the way to clean-up time. I heard the
women comment on how the men are lucky
not to be wearing heels. But if you listen
carefully you will find that the men’s feet
can hurt, too. Two days later, at another
dance, Eric (Roberts) told me his feet
had recovered, although his legs still felt
like mush, but not to worry, it wasn't
going to hold him back.
2005 & 2006 President, Cheri Ridings & Master
of Ceremonies Charlie Ridings enjoy the
Holiday Ball at the Fairmont Kea Lani!
Photo by Dan Cunningham
The Fairmont Kea Lani did a
great job, as they always do. We were
fed like royalty in the most elegant of
settings. The large dance floor was
great, <strong>and</strong> even the parking was close
by. Thank you Jenifer (Goss) for your
help as our Fairmont contact. The
efforts by the multitudes of volunteers,
the Officers <strong>and</strong> all the pleasant,
attentive workers of the Fairmont did
not go unnoticed. The music was nicely
balanced; a special note to Rita from
those of us who have put together dance
“Barbie Doll” Kitty Edwards & her husb<strong>and</strong>,
Eddie Guerrero take time out to pose for their
complimentary holiday portrait at the
Academy’s Holiday Ball!
Photo by Dan Cunningham
As we walked out of the
Holiday Ball this season, Jack (Condy)
noticed I was limping. And actually, I
didn't think you could limp with both
feet. Funny, how they never hurt until
it's over, <strong>and</strong> then you forget about it
until next time. The next Ball? I can't
wait. “Barbie” would be proud.
<strong>DANCE</strong> <strong>NEWS</strong>
Announcements made at the
Academy’s Wednesday evening classes
are posted at a large board at the
entrance. Pre-approved dance flyers are
posted weekly on the bulletin board by
the kitchen area. Please check these
venues for updated information about
Academy events, Maui dance happenings
<strong>and</strong> other pertinent dance news!
1

DID YOU KNOW…?
<strong>Dancing</strong> began with the
advantage of little cards on the tables
detailing the order of the dances. So if
you wanted to ask that “special someone”
to dance the one <strong>and</strong> only dance you were
confident in, you knew well in advance
when it was going to happen, <strong>and</strong> could
prepare.
Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy is the
State of Hawaii’s Largest Dance Class!
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA <strong>DANCE</strong>
By Eric Roberts
Academy Officers & Corporate Board Members
organize the New Year’s Eve Gala (back row:
left to right): Les Grimes, Cheri Ridings, S<strong>and</strong>y
Hook, Rita & Brian O’Connor; (front row, left to
right): Marty-Jean Bender, Julie Katz, Shelley
Ting, Julie Claire Holmes.
Photo by Ron Rinaldi
Dashing & Dapper Dancer Extraordaniare, Eric
Roberts.
Photo by Dan Cunningham
New Year’s Eve dawned warm
<strong>and</strong> bright on Maui. Because it was a
Saturday, there was no problem getting
volunteers to come to the Kihei
Community Center at noon to set up for
the evening’s festivities. About 20 people
swarmed in for two hours to clean <strong>and</strong>
organize the room for the party to come.
We hung icicle lights all around
the room, <strong>and</strong> a gold sparkly curtain at
the back of the stage with the year
‘2005’ prominently displayed. Twin disco
balls above the stage would add swirling
lights throughout the evening.
The tables looked like the
banquet planners from one of the major
hotels had prepared them. Black starry
tablecloths were laden with hats,
noisemakers, streamers, <strong>and</strong> little
bottles of bubbles in anticipation of that
magic moment to come. In between were
groups of champagne glasses <strong>and</strong>
battery-operated c<strong>and</strong>les (I do like the
ambience of c<strong>and</strong>les, but can do without
the wax drippings <strong>and</strong> the hazards of
open flames.)
Sparkling cider was placed in
the refrigerators to chill, <strong>and</strong> the room
was ready for the caterers to bring in
the food. Oh yes! No potluck dinner this
year. The Academy chipped in, <strong>and</strong> New
Year’s Eve guests paid a little extra for
tickets, but we didn’t have to worry
about preparing food while we were
frantically dressing <strong>and</strong> primping.
As we all left the set-up
operations, concentrating on err<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong>
plans for later that evening, no one
thought that there could be a problem
with something as basic as the facility. It
was a Saturday night, on a holiday
weekend, <strong>and</strong> everyone wanted to party!
Including, it appeared, the KCC staffer
who was supposed to supervise that
night.
When early arrivals tried to get
into the parking lot that evening, the
gate was closed <strong>and</strong> locked. With her cell
phone in h<strong>and</strong>, Rita started calling her
Parks & Recreation contacts, <strong>and</strong> only
after reaching one of the managers, who
happened to be in Arizona at the time of
the her phone call, was Rita able to get to
a Maui-based person with a key to let us
in!
Then, after getting inside the
main hall, the closet where the sound
system is stored was locked, too! Can you
imagine a dance party without music?
As searchers scoured the
grounds of the facility looking for anyone
working who might have a key to the
closet, Frank Hook went home to grab
the equipment that he <strong>and</strong> S<strong>and</strong>y use at
the MACC on Saturday night practices.
It wouldn’t be as impressive as
the Academy sound system, but at least
we would have music. Fortunately, as
Frank arrived with his equipment in tow,
the key was located <strong>and</strong> the closet was
opened.
2
Shel Braidman wishes Andrea & Cliff a “Happy
New Year” while Jack Condy dances a foxtrot
with a guest!
Photo by Ron Rinaldi, Academy Student
We did a Foxtrot mixer again,
which drew predictably mixed reviews. I
overheard comments ranging from “Do we
have to do this again???” to “Thank
goodness – I finally got to dance with
some of the better dancers!”
I guess it depends on your
situation. My opinion is that, like some of
the forced mingling at a high school
dance, it helps to get everyone in the
dancing spirit early in the evening.
Speaking as a male, I remember high
school dances where it took me 2 hours
of indecision to get up the nerve to ask
the first girl onto the floor, <strong>and</strong> then,
when I had finally conquered my fears,
the dance ended 30 minutes later. What
a disappointment!
The Academy’s caterer, Café
O’lei provided a marvelous spread. It was
all that more marvelous because I didn’t
have to bring anything. Pupus like chicken
satay skewers <strong>and</strong> pot stickers were
accompanied by incredible desserts. They
were so tempting that I was glad that
any resolutions to start losing weight in
the New Year didn’t take effect until
after midnight. My personal favorite was
the chocolate cake……drool.
About 10:00 it began to get
noticeably warm inside the room, <strong>and</strong> I
remembered that the A/C at the Center
is on a timer. All the doors were opened,
<strong>and</strong> cool breezes began to blow through –
but not before one elderly dancer had
fainted. Medics were called, but
fortunately the guest revived <strong>and</strong> walked
out to greet them under his own power.

Academy Co-Founders, Rita & Brian O’Connor
welcome in another year of <strong>Latin</strong> & <strong>Ballroom</strong>
dancing on Maui!
Photo by Ron Rinaldi, Academy Student
Midnight approached. And
accompanied by the popping of sparkling
cider corks, streamers, bubbles <strong>and</strong> lots
of noise, a big countdown led to the
‘2005’ sign on the stage transformed
itself to ‘2006’.
A new year of dancing had
arrived. I know that by next New Year’s
Eve, empowered by another entire year
of fantastic instruction from Rita <strong>and</strong>
Brian O’Connor, the crowd will be twirling
<strong>and</strong> swaying even more gracefully. Hope
to see you there to ring in 2007!
MESSAGE FROM AN OFFICER
Hello Rita, Brian <strong>and</strong> Julie Claire
(Corporate Board):
I have very much enjoyed being
on the Board <strong>and</strong> look forward to this
year as Secretary once again. I am glad
that I didn't "retire" after all. I really
do enjoy the participation.
Our Dance Academy gives so
much to so many people. It's really a
wonderful experience to be a board
member.
So thanks for having me again,
<strong>and</strong> thanks for the thoughtful gifts &
perks you give the officers.
Aloha, Julie Katz
Returning Officer, Julie Katz
Photo by Brian O’Connor
ACCOLADES for 2005 OFFICERS
Inauguration of New Officers
Every year there is a new slate of
Officers nominated for the following
year by the current group of Officers.
Some current Officers chose to stay on
<strong>and</strong> serve the Academy for another year
– sometimes in the same position <strong>and</strong>
sometimes in a different position.
Throughout the year, the
current Officers are looking for
outst<strong>and</strong>ing Academy students who
possess the necessary enthusiasm, skills
<strong>and</strong> commitment to become an Academy
Officer.
Not sure if you “have the right
stuff?” You must be an Academy
Student, a team player, hard-worker,
creative thinker, eager to help, kindhearted,
<strong>and</strong> love to dance.
“Perks” include PRIVATE
LESSONS each month, FREE admission
to the BALLS (Academy Star Ball – July
<strong>and</strong> Holiday Ball – December; semiformals),
<strong>and</strong> FREE Academy CLASSES.
If you think you have what it
takes to make a difference in the Maui
dance scene through the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong>
Dance Academy, under the professional
guidance of Rita O’Connor, please see an
Officer today!
OUTGOING OFFICERS
“OUTSTANDING”
On February 15, 2006, Rita &
Brian O’Connor, on behalf of the
Academy acknowledged <strong>and</strong> thanked the
outgoing 2005 Kihei Chapter Officers
for their dedication, efforts <strong>and</strong>
accomplishments during the past year.
Each outgoing Officer was
presented with a floral lei <strong>and</strong> a Macy’s
Gift Certificate (from the Academy), as
well as a Private Lesson Gift Certificate
(from Brian & Rita O’Connor, Private
Image Dance Studio).
3
2005 Academy Officers (back row: left to
right): Marty-Jean Bender, Cheri Ridings, Julie
Katz, Les Grimes, (front row, left to right):
Julie Claire Holmes, Shelley Ting, S<strong>and</strong>y Hook.
Photo by Dan Cunningham
OUTGOING OFFICERS FOR 2005
Cheri Ridings – President
Julie Claire Holmes – Vice President-
Volunteer Coordinator
Les Grimes – Vice President-Maintenance
Shelley Ting -VP-Themed Parties
S<strong>and</strong>y Hook – Assistant VP-Themed
Parties
Marty-Jean Bender – Treasurer
Julie Katz – Secretary
2006 Academy Officers (back row: left to
right): Daryl Polansky, Cheri Ridings, Julie Katz,
Tamara Perkins, Rosie Alex<strong>and</strong>er, (front row,
left to right): Marty-Jean Bender, Shelley
Ting. (Not Pictured Above: Brian Nakano)
Photo by Dan Cunningham
INCOMING OFFICERS
“INSPIRING”
Rita O’Connor announced the
new Officers of 2006 <strong>and</strong> on behalf of
the Academy Board of Directors, they
were each presented with a floral lei.
NEW OFFICERS FOR 2006
Cheri Ridings – President
Shelley Ting – Vice President-Volunteer
Coordinator
Daryl Polansky – Vice President-
Maintenance
Tamara Perkins -VP-Themed Parties
Rosie Alex<strong>and</strong>er – Assistant VP-Themed
Parties
Marty-Jean Bender – Treasurer
Brian Nakano – Assistant Treasurer
Julie Katz – Secretary

CORPORATE BOARD of DIRECTORS
Julie Claire Holmes, Brian O’Connor &
Rita O’Connor
DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES
By Jack Condy, 92 years old
It’s hard to believe, but the
first professional dance lesson I ever
took was here on Maui in 2005. I started
dancing when I was about 8 years old
with my Mother in Brooklyn, NY in 1921.
The first dance I ever learned was an
Irish Wheel, which was originally called a
‘Stack of Barley’. I would stop to the
count of eight with the music <strong>and</strong> then go
back eight steps. You then did a box
turn <strong>and</strong> started it all over again,
repeating it throughout the song. It
wasn’t a difficult dance, <strong>and</strong> I picked it
up fairly quickly. My mother commented
on just how quickly I had gotten it.
the rest. But to this day - only 80 plus
years later, the Foxtrot is my still my
very favorite.
As I grew older during the late
‘20's we used to go to the Basketball
games on Fridays <strong>and</strong> Sundays, after
which they always had dancing for a
couple of hours. At the time, double
breasted suits were all the rage. <strong>Dancing</strong>
was very popular, particularly while
Prohibition was in effect. When
Prohibition ended we switched direction
<strong>and</strong> spent more of our time dancing in the
road houses. During the Depression,
though, dancing was the most enjoyable
<strong>and</strong> most economical past time.
During the 30's, before I got
married in ‘36, we would go to night
spots. My wife <strong>and</strong> I danced a great deal
together. We seemed to be able to follow
each other naturally <strong>and</strong> luckily for us,
the dance trends as well.
One evening at one of the dance
halls we were approached by someone
who wanted to know if we‘d like to
become professional dancers. Because of
the situation of the times we had to
refuse. But we continued to dance, this
time at the Fire Department, which was
where most of the dances were held.
However, it wasn’t too much
later that our first baby arrived <strong>and</strong> it
wasn’t too much longer after that I left
for the War. During this period I learned
how to Polka.
While I was in the Army I was
able to dance in some of the most
beautiful dance halls in Europe, <strong>and</strong> that’s
where I learned to do the Viennese
Waltz. It was also about this time that
the Jitterbug became popular. When I
finally got home from Europe we ended
up doing most of our dancing at the
American Legion.
Here it is, all these years later,
<strong>and</strong> now I live on Maui. I like watching
Hula at the MACC <strong>and</strong> I don't know what
I'd do with my time if I wasn't part of
the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy. At
the young age of 92 I'm attempting to
learn the latest steps (for me at least)
like the Cha Cha, Mambo <strong>and</strong> Salsa.
I enjoy dancing as much as I
ever did, but due to my shortness of
breath <strong>and</strong> the fast moving steps, I can't
always keep up with everyone. After my
wife passed away I had joined a Bowling
Team only to find out a few years later
that I'd rather hold a soft woman in my
arms than a 12 pound bowling ball in my
h<strong>and</strong>.
Thanks to Rita <strong>and</strong> Brian <strong>and</strong> all
my new friends in the Dance Academy
that keep me going AND keep me dancing.
<strong>ACADEMY</strong> MISSION STATEMENT
Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy is an
educational, nonprofit 501-c3 corporation
whose purpose is to educate the public
about <strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> dancing through
professionally instructed group classes
<strong>and</strong> public performances.
MVVP <strong>DANCE</strong> REFLECTIONS
By Gary & Geneva Thornton
Academy Student, Jack Condy
Photo by Dan Cunningham
A few years later we moved to
Floral Park, Long Isl<strong>and</strong>, NY where I was
able to start attending the ‘block parties’
that were held occasionally during the
summer. My sister, Ethel, who was 6
years older, taught me the dances that
were popular during the time. The first
one I recall was the Foxtrot, then I
progressed to the Black Bottom, the
Charleston, the Peabody, the Waltz <strong>and</strong>
It was also during the beginning
of WWII that I learned how to roller
skate <strong>and</strong> eventually learned how to
dance <strong>and</strong> roller skate at the same time,
which included the Waltz <strong>and</strong> a Conga
line. This was a great exercise in balance.
The Conga line required me to kick each
foot forward alternately as I was skating
backwards. Luckily I never was injured.
Now if you were able to do that with no
mistakes the prize was free admission to
the skating rink the following week.
4
Academy Students & Dance Lovers, Gary &
Geneva Thornton.
Photo by Rita O’Connor
March 25 th 6 pm, the night of
the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy’s
“Most Valuable Volunteers Party.” The
guests began arriving at the home of
Brian & Rita O’Connor. The red carpet
was unfurled. The cameras flashed! We
were ushered into the stylish front room
by our hosts Brian & Rita. Brian as always

was his suave, urban self <strong>and</strong> Rita
dressed in a cropped asymmetrical
shoulder top of a chic intarsia animal
pattern <strong>and</strong> wearing club slacks with a
dropped waistline reveling cascading
diamonds, as the side of her leg in peeka-boo
style presented a picture of casual
classic elegance.
A multi-tiered domed étagère
holding an exquisite collection of fine
bone china crystal stemware <strong>and</strong> several
beautifully sculpted crystal dancers
filled one side of the room. Dual outsized
shadow-boxes holding faux banyan
topiaries completed the poised symmetry.
Our buffet dinner began with a
selection of wines: a frosty Merlot, a
tangy Riesling <strong>and</strong> a sparkling apple cider.
Then tomatoes, avocado, deviled eggs,
olive, pickles <strong>and</strong> a variety of cheeses <strong>and</strong>
meats were next. Turkey casseroles,
chicken & pasta dishes, baked salmon,
tarragon chicken <strong>and</strong> tomato-glazed
meatloaf were just some of the entrees.
The dessert table was an
absolute wonder. Pineapple upside-down
cake, apple cobbler, pies & cookies filled
the table. At the center was the piece de
resistance: a multi-tiered chiffon cake
topped by strawberry mousse was a visual
delight. Thank you Joe [Faiella],
Wolfgang [Puck] would have been proud.
We receded in the outer
gardens with tables lit with c<strong>and</strong>elabra
centerpieces. The sibilant sounds of a
dozen conversations filled the air; “I
loved Wicked”…”I can’t believe Brokeback
didn’t win”…”Reese was terrific, but how
about Charlize”…”George Mason?”….”How
could U. Conn. Lose?”…”go UCLA!”…”when
will dancing with the Stars return?” Our
dinner party could only be compared to a
balzacian cenacle.
A light rain brought the party
indoors, <strong>and</strong> now the conversation turned
to our latest salsa step taught at the
Academy. Mike [Mateja], Frank [Hook] &
Les [Grimes] took Geneva [Thornton],
Cheri [Ridings], <strong>and</strong> S<strong>and</strong>y [Hook] onto
the floor <strong>and</strong> led them through a dazzling
array of double h<strong>and</strong> holds, head wraps,
shadows <strong>and</strong> traveling “CBLs” (crossbody
leads).
Rita & Brian thanked all of us
for our dedication, but it is we who give
thanks to them for introducing us to a
world of developes, ruedas, cortes,
showcase dancing <strong>and</strong> Star Balls.
Rita & Brian, you have brought
to us a touch of star quality.
HOW TO BECOME AN MVVP
Would YOU like to be invited to
the next exclusive MVVP event? Then
you should meet Shelley Ting, the Kihei
Chapter’s Volunteer Coordinator/ Vice
President. Shelley can match your
talents, skills & time availability with the
right area of Volunteering with the
Academy! Areas of assistance are
needed in: Sound system Setup/Breakdown,
Floor Maintenance,
Decorations, Event Set-up, Potluck
Organization, Special
Dance
Events, Registration, Social Activities,
Ticket Sales, Guest Registration,
Website, Photography, Fundraising,
Hostess/Greeter, Publicity, Newsletter,
Office Work, Legal Assistance,
Accounting Services <strong>and</strong> more!
SPECIAL MVVP RECEIPIENTS
The Academy recognizes the
following Academy students for their
outst<strong>and</strong>ing contributions during the
Fourth Quarter of 2004:
Gera Anderson-Diaz
Rosie
Alex<strong>and</strong>er
Dave Archambeault
Diana Baker
Ron Baybayan
Marty-Jean Bender
Willy Bennett
Gary & Ana Bl<strong>and</strong>
Shel Braidman
Ni Made Budiani
Kyra Cadorna
Cosco Carlbom
Jack Condy
Deanna Craig
Daniel Cunningham
Mike & Jeanne Doerr
Cherry Domingo
Diane Dunn
Sunya Echternach
Kitty Edwards
Tom & Micki Ewing
Joe Faiella
David & Nancy Fairclough
Steve Frayer
Valerie Fukuda
James Furumizo
Andrea Giammattei
Patrice Goodermont
Dennis & Jenifer Goss
5
Les Grimes
Eddie Guerrero
Terry Hans
Bunny Harding
Ken Hayo
John Hew
Julie Cliare Holmes
S<strong>and</strong>y & Frank Hook
Alice & Richard Inouye
Annie & Phil Johnson
Cindy Johnson
Kai Johnson
Francine Kamimoto
Jeanne Keating
Bobbie Kopelman
Gary Lite
Mike & Nancy Mateja
Patricia Mayfield
Karen McGinnis
Terri Mister
Burnham Moffat
Brian Nakano
Lynann Nicely
Brian & Rita O’Connor
Kachina Palencia
Milam Pender
Tamara Perkins
Rita Perry
Lucas Peterson
Carol Ann Pratt
Grace Provost
Steve Quigley
Charlie & Cheri Ridings
Ron Rinaldi
Eric Roberts
Daniel Sanchez
Venassa Senkaya
Lee Shapiro
Barbara Singer
Steve Slater
Keoki Sousa
Susan Starkey
Art & Flossie Sumabat
C<strong>and</strong>le Summers
Francis & Etsuko Taomoto
John Tattsuke
Geneva & Gary Thornton
Shelley Ting
Jim & Sue Van Blarigan
Jade Wagner
Colie Warren
Maggie Wong
Carol Yamamura
Charles & Annie Yane
Al Ynigez
Janet Yokoyama
Larry Zolezzi
MAHALO TO ALL OUR
VOLUNTEERS!!

<strong>DANCE</strong>SPIRATIONS
Osho-Sufis: The People of the Path Vol.1
Submitted by Diana Baker
"<strong>Dancing</strong> is an experiment to bring your
body, your mind <strong>and</strong> your soul, in tune.
When, through the movement, the body
<strong>and</strong> the mind are flowing <strong>and</strong> melting into
each other, when the two become one, a
certain alchemy starts happening. That's
why you see a new kind of grace on the
face of the dancer, it is alchemical - the
body-mind meeting, merging, becoming
one rhythm, one harmony. When this
harmony has happened then the third,
the soul, starts entering into it. The soul
can enter into your existence only when
your body <strong>and</strong> mind are no longer in
conflict, when your body <strong>and</strong> mind are
deep in love, embracing each other....
that's what happens in dance. Then
immediately you will find the third
entering also."
STUDENT THOUGHTS
Rita, your dance instruction is
excellent <strong>and</strong> very exciting. It has made
me love to dance <strong>and</strong> keep in shape
health-wise. Thank you so much for your
level of sharing with us astounding dance
moves.
Thank you Brian for being
willing to dance with us students who are
no where near as polished as you are in
dancing. It allows us to have an
experience of "gliding" across the dance
floor in perfect step with the music like
the experienced dancers. You encourage
us to carry on.
I love seeing you <strong>and</strong> Rita
dance. It lifts my heart!
Mahalo Brian & Rita for your
high level of commitment.
Academy Student, Violet Schindler
A <strong>DANCE</strong>R’S JOURNEY
By Lynann Nicely
My friend Wayne Ballard
"dragged" me into dance lessons because
he was having so much fun <strong>and</strong> thought
I'd be able to learn, too. Boy did he have
another thought coming! I'll never
forget the glazed eyes of the teachers,
Kathy <strong>and</strong> Lynn Moore, after my first
official 2-hour nearly private lesson! I
don't think they'd ever seen anyone as
klutzy <strong>and</strong> uncoordinated as me!
I hated to put Kathy <strong>and</strong> Lynn
Moore through it again, but Wayne
dragged me back week after week to
their home dance floor on Friday nights
for West Coast Swing lessons! Around
the same time, I signed up for group
salsa classes with at Makawao Union
Church on Monday nights, <strong>and</strong> at South
Maui chapter of HBDA ballroom classes
taught by Rita <strong>and</strong> Brian O’Connor on
Wednesday nights. The concentration
required as I stared at their feet <strong>and</strong>
tried to approximate the same steps had
me literally dripping with sweat.
Academy Demonstration Assistants: the everfashionable
Lynann Nicely dances with her
boyfriend. Milam Pender.
Photo by Rita O’Connor
There wasn't a real
rotation on Wednesday nights at that
time, so people just paired off as they
arrived <strong>and</strong> you tended to want to get a
partner quickly lest you be left without
one. So I had the same partner for
several weeks in a row until he was offisl<strong>and</strong>
one week <strong>and</strong> Milam Pender asked
me to be his partner that night. And as
they say, the rest is history.
Even though I'd known him
before from living in the same condo
complex, <strong>and</strong> had even avoided him at
dance class because of some unpleasant
past involving me leaving several notes
asking him to keep the noise down in his
condo above mine, as soon as we danced
the first waltz around the class, I was
hooked. Coincidentally, my parents were
visiting Maui at that time <strong>and</strong> my mother
had come to class with me, <strong>and</strong> she took
several pictures of us dancing that first
dance.
With a wonderful dance partner
<strong>and</strong> with love blooming, we embarked on
dance lessons <strong>and</strong> classes to the point
that we were dancing 6 <strong>and</strong> sometimes
even 7 nights a week! Once a week we
went to Kathy <strong>and</strong> Lynn's condo for West
Coast Swing lessons, twice a week we
went to Bada Bing where Kathy <strong>and</strong> Lynn
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hosted a dance party, in addition to salsa
class in Makawao <strong>and</strong> HBDA class on
Wednesday night in Kihei, plus various
short classes that would be offered at
Hapa's or other venues, <strong>and</strong> other social
dances. Whew! I was getting exhausted!
We kept that pace up for at
least a year, if not two. Any time there
was an opportunity to take a class, we
took it. Rita often has extra workshops
during the year on Saturdays or other
nights besides Wednesday, <strong>and</strong> we tried
to take all that we could.
One year a small group of us
flew to Honolulu <strong>and</strong> attended a 4-day
salsa convention , taking the salsa
workshops offered during the day <strong>and</strong>
dancing at the salsa dances at night.
. We found we really had a
special love of West Coast Swing, so
after Kathy <strong>and</strong> Lynn moved back to San
Diego, we decided to attend the annual
West Coast Swing event called
“SwingDiego.” During the day we'd
attend the workshop classes, <strong>and</strong> watch
competitors <strong>and</strong> performers the rest of
the time, as well as dance a lot ourselves.
We went to “SwingDiego” two years in a
row, <strong>and</strong> also went to “Boogie by the Bay,”
in San Francisco, a similar event.
Lynann Nicely & Milam Pender perform a West
Coast Swing solo at the 2005 Academy Star
Ball.
Photo by Rita O’Connor
Rita brought several dance
professional colleagues from the
Mainl<strong>and</strong>, including Lucas <strong>and</strong> Yanna
(Professional Rising Star Rhythm
Champions throughout 2002-2004), <strong>and</strong>
Paul Pellicoro (whose New York City
studio Rita instructed at <strong>and</strong> who is
considered the “Dance Instructor to the
[Hollywood] Stars”) who taught classes
through Rita’s “Private Image Dance

Studio” <strong>and</strong> we signed up for all that we
could. We discovered we could learn a
certain amount from dance instructional
videos as well <strong>and</strong> ordered quite a few of
them.
I remember my first hustle
lesson was on the dance floor at Bada
Bing's from a California visitor who had
his own studio. He showed us the basics,
<strong>and</strong> we kept his card <strong>and</strong> when we were in
California months later, we called his
studio <strong>and</strong> booked a one-hour private
hustle lesson with him.
At some point we started
taking private lessons from Rita
O’Connor, which really catapulted our
learning ahead. We worked mostly on
Hustle, West Coast Swing <strong>and</strong> Samba <strong>and</strong>
eventually trained under Rita to do a solo
West Coast Swing performance in 2005.
I guess I have finally learned
how to dance! Sometimes I get such a
rush as I'm gliding around the dance
floor to a waltz or foxtrot, <strong>and</strong> I just
can't believe that it's really me doing
this, that I have really learned how to
dance <strong>and</strong> can follow the lead of partners
I have never danced with before. My
inner klutz still makes an appearance
from time to time, but I try to ignore
her.
It has been so much fun
learning to dance, <strong>and</strong> the learning never
stops! I've met <strong>and</strong> come to know many,
many wonderful people through dancing.
It seems to me that dancing is a
wonderful skill <strong>and</strong> activity to enjoy the
rest of your life!
If you are new at dancing, I
hope you will stick with it because the
rewards are many <strong>and</strong> are just ahead as
you master each new skill <strong>and</strong> step! If
you keep coming, AND take every
opportunity to learn <strong>and</strong> practice, you
CAN learn to dance! Recently Milam <strong>and</strong>
I volunteered to be demo assistants
because the class has become so big that
sometimes it's hard to see, <strong>and</strong> I
remember how much I depended on
seeing Rita as I learned. If you have a
question or need help with a step, we're
always available after each class <strong>and</strong>
would love to help if we can.
I was inspired to tell my dance
journey because I really enjoyed reading
Eric Roberts' article "<strong>Dancing</strong> Through
Life" in the last newsletter. If you've
enjoyed reading about my path, maybe
you'll be inspired to tell your own story in
a future newsletter!
MUSIC TO <strong>DANCE</strong> BY
There are many songs created
<strong>and</strong> re-fashioned to fit <strong>Ballroom</strong> tempo.
Even popular musicians sometimes have
songs that are in appropriate rhythm &
speed. While the Salsa & Rumba tempi
are intertwined in our contemporary
music genre, the genre of American
Tango is less prevalent. Below are a few
suggestions for the Tango, Salsa &
Rumba music:
SALSA: “Mambo No. 5”–Lou Bega,
“Tequila”–The Champs, “Montuno”–Floria
Estefan, “El Camino”-Buena Vista Social
Club.
TANGO: “Hern<strong>and</strong>o’s Hideaway”–variety
of musicians, “La Cumparsita”–Julio
Iglesias, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”–
Tony Bennett.
RUMBA: “I Just Called to Say I Love
You”-Stevie Wonder, “Hello Stranger”-
Queen Latifah, “I Just Wanna Dance
With You”-George Strait, “Something
Stupid”-Frank Sinatra.
BE A DJ FOR THE NIGHT – Special
Request from Rita: If you have music
that you think might be appropriate for
<strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> dancing, please share it
with Rita O’Connor. She loves to update
the music for the Academy classes as
often as possible!
For future dance events, Rita
would like to use the music YOU love to
dance to – she can’t wait to make the new
social dance mix “…For The Students, By
The Students…” of the Academy!
Not sure if a particular song is
suitable for <strong>Ballroom</strong> or <strong>Latin</strong> dance (if
any)? Rita would be glad to offer her
insight!
Aloha
<strong>Ballroom</strong>
Dance
Academy
DID YOU KNOW…?
Your DONATIONS to the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong>
Dance Academy’s “ALOHA FUND” are
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE!
For more information, see Kihei
Chapter Treasurer, Marty-Jean Bender.
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EARN $5.00 TOWARD YOUR NEXT
<strong>ACADEMY</strong> <strong>DANCE</strong> CLASSES!
Are you excited about <strong>Latin</strong> &
<strong>Ballroom</strong> dance? Don’t you just want to
tell everyone about this great class
you’re taking on Wednesday nights at the
Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy? Be
rewarded for your efforts with the
Academy’s Referral Program!
Many times there are
individuals who do not have a steady
dance partner, so they dance in the
Academy Rotation section. Usually, there
are more women than men who sign up for
group classes. In an effort to encourage
more individual men to learn how to
dance, the Academy is offering a
“Referral Discount.”
Current Academy students who
refer an individual/solo man, who, in turn,
registers as an Academy Student, will
receive a $5.00 discount coupon good
toward the next quarter’s group classes
if the solo man indicates so in the
“Referred by” section of the Registration
Form.
A “current student,” might be a
woman, a man or a dance couple (who
refers an individual/solo man). The
Referee will receive the discount coupon
when the individual/solo man registers as
an Academy student. Only one (1) person
will receive the coupon. The Referee’s
name must be listed on the individual/solo
man’s Registration Form to be eligible.
SURVIVAL <strong>DANCE</strong>: HOW HUMANS
WALTZED THROUGH THE ICE AGE
By Heather Whipps, Special to LiveScience
Some people are naturally
graceful on the dance floor, while others
seem burdened by two inept left feet.
Blame it on the Ice Age.
According to new research, the
ability to dance may have been a factor in
survival for our prehistoric ancestors,
who used their moves to bond <strong>and</strong>
communicate with each other when times
were tough.
A study published in a recent
issue of the Public Library of Science's
genetics journal, suggests that, as a
result, today's creative dancers actually
share two specific genes. Both genes are
associated with a predisposition for being

good social communicators.
Scientists believe this gave
early humans who were well coordinated
<strong>and</strong> rhythmic a distinct evolutionary
advantage.
<strong>Dancing</strong> genes
"Dance, like music, is an activity
dating to prehistoric times that is
sometimes a sacred ritual, sometimes a
form of communication, <strong>and</strong> sometimes an
important social <strong>and</strong> courtship activity,"
wrote the researchers, who were
psychologists based primarily out of
universities in Jerusalem. "We
hypothesized that there are differences
among individuals in aptitude, propensity,
<strong>and</strong> need for dancing that may partially
be based on differences in common
[genes]."
DNA was obtained from 85
elite dancers <strong>and</strong> their parents to
compare with a group of people lacking
any distinguishing characteristics, as well
as a group of athletes. The genes studied
don't control a specific physical ability,
but they dictate two well-known social
<strong>and</strong> behavioral chemicals in the body:
serotonin <strong>and</strong> vasopressin.
As researchers suspected, both
chemicals were found in much larger
quantities among the dancers. In other
words, while the elite dancers couldn't
be put in a different physical category
from everyone else, they all shared genes
that made them more social.
The survival dance
This innate ability was crucial in
prehistoric times, according to Steven J.
Mithen, an archaeologist at the
University of Reading in the United
Kingdom.
"Cooperation would have been
essential for survival during the last Ice
Age <strong>and</strong> this would have been facilitated
by the social bonds that develop through
communal dancing <strong>and</strong> singing," Mithen
told LiveScience.
In his new book "The Singing
Ne<strong>and</strong>erthals: The Origins of Music,
Language, Mind, <strong>and</strong> Body" (Harvard
University Press, 2006), Mithen contends
that because of their communication
powers, dance <strong>and</strong> music likely became an
important tool of social interaction as
soon as humans could walk <strong>and</strong> talk.
"It has been argued that the
specific nature of human anatomy
suggests that it evolved for endurance
running as much as walking. As such it
could have also been used for dancing, as
bipedalism requires high degrees of
muscle control, balance <strong>and</strong> flexibility,"
he said.
Dance like a Ne<strong>and</strong>erthal
Mithen's research focuses on
the Ne<strong>and</strong>erthals—our prehistoric
cousins—as opposed to Homo sapiens'
direct ancestors. But he believes the
importance of dance was widespread <strong>and</strong>
probably practiced by early humans, too,
as far back as 1.5 million years ago.
And, as it is on modern dance
floors, their prehistoric moves had a lot
to do with hooking up.
"In many societies today
dancing is used as a form of display for
attracting a mate," Mithen points out.
"<strong>Dancing</strong> is a means to show off one's
physical fitness <strong>and</strong> co-ordination,
qualities that would have been useful for
survival in prehistoric hunter-gatherer
societies."
A FRIEND GOES TO
”<strong>DANCE</strong>R’S HEAVEN”
By Lynann Nicely
We are very sorry to report
the passing of Kathy Moore, wife of Lynn
Moore, who was a big part of our
ballroom <strong>and</strong> swing dance ohana until they
moved back to San Diego in 2003.
Kathy <strong>and</strong> Lynn taught West
Coast Swing classes both privately <strong>and</strong> as
instructors for HBDA in Kihei before the
formation of Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance
Academy.
Tall <strong>and</strong> graceful, with a ballet
background <strong>and</strong> the carriage of a true
dancer, Kathy was a sight to behold on
the dance floor. She loved all styles of
dancing, but especially West Coast Swing,
<strong>and</strong> she was a very patient teacher who
seemed to really enjoy sharing her love
of dancing with others.
Kathy first met Lynn in Honolulu at
Nashville Waikiki, when she was on a
stopover on a cruise. She reluctantly
returned to the cruise ship <strong>and</strong> on to
Kauai, but she <strong>and</strong> Lynn kept in touch <strong>and</strong>
eventually she moved to Hawaii <strong>and</strong> they
were married.
They bought a unit at Gr<strong>and</strong>
Champions & turned half of their condo
into a dance studio <strong>and</strong> offered West
Coast Swing lessons on Friday nights to
anyone who was interested. They also
hosted twice a week dance parties at
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Bada Bing in Kihei where many of us
honed our skills <strong>and</strong> enjoyed many
wonderful evenings of dancing. They
performed a wonderful WCS solo at the
Winter Ball in January 2001.
Dance Lovers, Lynn & Kathy Moore.
Kathy's love for her children <strong>and</strong>
gr<strong>and</strong>children back in San Diego led them
to return there, <strong>and</strong> they continued to
enhance their WCS skills with classes
<strong>and</strong> workshops most days of the week.
She was unfortunately diagnosed with
cancer last year, <strong>and</strong> passed away in
March 2006. Those who knew her will
forever remember her <strong>and</strong> how she
touched our lives.
*** UPCOMING <strong>ACADEMY</strong> EVENTS ***
<strong>ACADEMY</strong> STAR BALL Saturday
Evening, July 8 th , Semi-Formal.
Fairmont Kea Lani Wailea. Cash bar,
Dinner <strong>and</strong> dancing throughout the
elegant evening with special dance
performances scheduled.
Tickets: As part of the
Academy’s charitable contributions
stated in their mission statement, the
Academy will once again subsidize a
portion of the ticket price to make it
more affordable to the public. Price:
TBA.
Tickets will be available at
Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy’s
Wednesday evening classes in June,
Topaz Jewelers, Kihei <strong>and</strong> If The Shoe
Fits, Wailuku.
2006 APRIL – JUNE
<strong>ACADEMY</strong> <strong>DANCE</strong> CLASSES
Beginner Rumba & Intermediate Tango.
REGISTRATION, POTLUCK DINNER &
SOCIAL <strong>DANCE</strong> April 5 th .
MARDI GRAS PARTY
Wednesday, May 24 th at Kihei Community
Center, 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Feathered

Masks, Streamers, New Orleans-style
decorations! Plain, colored <strong>and</strong> feathered
masks will be available for a nominal fee
weeks prior to the event. Potluck dinner
& dancing throughout the evening!
See VP Tamara Perkins or Assistant VP
Rosie Alex<strong>and</strong>er to assist at this festive
event!
2006 <strong>ACADEMY</strong> <strong>DANCE</strong> CLASSES
July – September: Beginner
Waltz & Intermediate Rumba.
October – December: Beginner
East Coast Swing & Intermediate Waltz.
REGISTRATION, POTLUCK
DINNER & SOCIAL <strong>DANCE</strong> to be
announced.
More details to be sent via
email.
EMAIL NOTICES
Are you receiving emails? Do
you know a friend who would like to
receive dance event information?
Contact Rita: hibnb@aol.com
For more information contact Rita
O’Connor, 891-2949. Limited availability!
GUIDELINES FOR <strong>DANCE</strong> ETIQUETTE
The Academy offers dance
etiquette guidelines & strongly
encourages all students to follow them
for the maximum comfort & enjoyment of
all dancers.
The Academy wishes to provide
a fun <strong>and</strong> comfortable environment for
everyone. Sometimes this can be tricky
in <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Latin</strong> dancing as
partnership dancing is a ‘contact sport.’
We hope that no one takes any choice
made by another personally because it is
simply each person’s unique comfort level
<strong>and</strong> acceptable boundaries.
No one should be made to feel
uncomfortable, so if for any reason,
there is a concern, the Academy
Officers <strong>and</strong> Instructors are here to
help. It is the Academy’s practice to
maintain confidentiality. The Academy
will try to help so everyone is free to
learn, dance <strong>and</strong> enjoy!
The complete Dance Etiquette
Guidelines are on the bulletin board at
the Academy or request a copy from
Julie Katz, Secretary.
with over 300 students registered in a
given quarter! The Academy’s growth has
been possible because of contributions of
time, talent <strong>and</strong> money by the Academy
Students themselves.
Throughout the years, this
newsletter has truly been a collaboration
of great writers, photographers <strong>and</strong>
dancers! A special “Mahalo” to all of the
contributors in making this issue of the
Academy Dance News extra special!
If you would like to contribute
an article, thought or an idea to the
“Academy Dance News,” we’d love to hear
from you! You need not be a Pulitzer
prize-winning writer, but just a lover of
dance <strong>and</strong> the desire to share our
thoughts with others just like you!
A Picture is Worth
Everything! We encourage students to
submit photos to the “Academy Dance
News” for publication <strong>and</strong>/or gift them
to the “Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy”
for our photo board collages <strong>and</strong> website!
Digital <strong>and</strong> hard-copy prints are welcome!
This newsletter was such a pleasure to
create because of the bevy of photos
gifted to the Academy! Mahalo for all
your submissions <strong>and</strong> keep them coming!
Tell us About Yourself! We’d
like to know how dance classes have
affected your life! How did you start?
What inspires you in dance? Do you have
an amazing “dance moment”? How has
dance changed your life? Submit your
thoughts to “Academy Dance News.”
Your Opinion Counts! Tell us
what you think of this newsletter. You
can direct your comments in writing to
hibnb@aol.com or anonymously mail your
thoughts to the address on the header of
the newsletter.
Mahalo for your generous
Volunteering <strong>and</strong> financial support of our
vision at the Academy!
LIMITED TIME OFFER for BEST
PRICES!
7-DAY ALASKA CRUISE JULY 23,
2006 with Rita & Brian on Princess
Cruise Line. Seattle to Seattle roundtrip,
3 ports of call, glacier cruising, dance
classes, evening dance events <strong>and</strong> more!
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Co-Founded in 2002, the Aloha
<strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy has grown to be
the State of Hawaii’s largest dance class
Academy Co-Founders, Rita & Brian O’Connor.
9

Wishing
You
Elegant
<strong>Dancing</strong>
Throughout
the Year!
Please Patronize
These Dance Supporters
Mahalo!
From Your
Dance Friends,
© 2006 Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> Dance Academy, Inc.
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