Academy Dance News 2005 - Latin and Ballroom Dancing on Maui

<strong>Academy</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>2005</strong> 

ALOHA BALLROOM DANCE ACADEMY – 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~ 808-897-0055 ~ hibnb@aol.com 

Editor: Allison Crumpton 

Vol.3 No. 1, 4-6/<strong>2005</strong> 

Editor-At-Large: Rita O’Connor 

Al Yniguez takes Francine Kamimoto for a whirl 

on the Spring Fever dance floor! 

SPRING FEVER DANCERS BLOOM 

By Brian Thomas 

On Wednesday February 16 th , 

the Spring Fever has come <strong>and</strong> gone. It 

was an evening filled with great food, a 

fabulous time, <strong>and</strong> some great dancing. 

The first glance people see 

when they enter the room is usually the 

five or so tables filled with a large 

variety of pot luck masterpieces. Then 

one may glance to the stage area where 

full size paper flowers adorned the wall. 

The tables had the Spring colored 

tablecloths <strong>and</strong> requisite floral 

arrangements. These are the tangible 

things. 

The intangibles, which may 

matter more, were manifest in the broad 

smiles that were abundant throughout 

the night <strong>and</strong> in the pride of dancers 

who, having worked for weeks to refine 

<strong>and</strong> learn their moves, get to practice 

them in "real life". The radiance of the 

sharp dressed women combined with 

their grace <strong>and</strong> poise qualifies as an 

intangible high on the list. The mention 

of "family" by both Mr. Souza <strong>and</strong> Charlie 

Ridings at the invocation was fitting as a 

group of super people with similar 

interests devoted week after week of 

getting to know one another <strong>and</strong> 

experiencing the feeling of “ohana.” 

The Cha-Cha, being my second 

dance to "learn" (my dance partners may 

smile at me using that word) <strong>and</strong> the 

Waltz the first, I am amazed at the 

number of dances <strong>and</strong> more so the 

dancers who know them. Granted I need 

to actually practice, at least one time, 

outside of regular class. 

Art Sumabat dances with his favorite dance 

partner, Flossie, his wife of over fifty years. 

It is an inspiration to see all 

the various dancers of various age groups 

that are so proficient. Our illustrious 

leader Rita O’Connor, had all the ladies 

line up at the stage end <strong>and</strong> all leaders 

form a line to walk up <strong>and</strong> dance with the 

first in the line. This provided the 

opportunity to dance with a unique 

partner each time. For me, it is often 

helpful to dance with different partners 

as they can provide feedback to point out 

things you may have missed or other ways 

(the proper ways) of a move etc. 

On the subject of helpful, I 

think the unsung heroes of the <strong>Academy</strong> 

are the volunteers who take the time <strong>and</strong> 

1 

make an effort to show more in depth 

the moves or specific steps, motivate <strong>and</strong> 

dance with students to offer individual 

help. The Marty Jeans, Julies (Claire 

Holmes <strong>and</strong> Katz) <strong>and</strong> others I may have 

forgotten. 

Treasurer, Marty-Jean Bender enjoys a smile 

<strong>and</strong> a Swing with Keoki Sousa, who does our 

traditional Hawaiian blessings. 

The Spring Fever is a great 

event that can be remembered by the joy 

of the dancers <strong>and</strong> the corresponding 

smiles of everyone there without regard 

to dancing levels or, in fact, any matter 

at all. 

Longtime dancer, Jack Terry smiles for the 

photographer while leading Janet Jennings in 

the Foxtrot.

<strong>Academy</strong> Students fill up the Main Hall at KCC 

as they hold h<strong>and</strong>s for the Spring Fever dance 

event’s blessing. 

ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT 

“Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> 

is a charitable 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.” 

Maui’s <strong>Dance</strong> Professional, Rita O’Connor 

dancing in the arms of her husb<strong>and</strong> & 

partner, Brian instructs over 200 students 

each quarter at the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> 

<strong>Academy</strong>. 

The Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> 

<strong>Academy</strong> boasts the largest <strong>Ballroom</strong> & 

<strong>Latin</strong> dance classes in the State of 

Hawaii <strong>and</strong> the monies collected stay 

within the Maui ohana! 

’TEENAGE PERSPECTIVE ON DANCE 

By Kai Johnson 

Teenage <strong>Academy</strong> Student Kai Johnson with 

Mom Cindy Johnson, his Spring Quarter <strong>Dance</strong> 

Partner at the <strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball. 

Photo by Dan Cunningham 

Hey, my name is Kai Johnson, <strong>and</strong> I am 14 

years old. I have been dancing for 4-1/2 

months now. I began class half way 

through the beginning Waltz <strong>and</strong> 

intermediate East Coast Swing. I think 

the dance classes here at the Aloha 

<strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> have been 

extraordinary. It has been exciting 

<strong>and</strong> challenging trying to learn the Waltz 

<strong>and</strong> the Cha-Cha. I remember st<strong>and</strong>ing 

on the dance floor puzzled, trying to 

figure out the greater workings of the 

Left Right Turning Combination, which is 

a Waltz move. But after about 3 weeks 

of getting the step drilled into my head, 

it eventually worked (kind of). The many 

steps we learned have been challenging 

but extremely cool; for instance, the 

Traveling H<strong>and</strong>-to-H<strong>and</strong>, the Waltz step 

that we learned last, is one of those cool 

moves. Now that classes are starting up 

again, I can hardly wait to see 

what's going to happen next. 

STUDENT NOTES 

Keoki Sousa with dear friend, Marie at the 

<strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball. Photo by Dan Cunningham 

Aloha Rita: 

I want you to know that I find 

great joy in dancing for you as well as 

dancing for the sheer joy of it. My 

experience is that you are the best 

teacher anyone could ever hope to have, 

<strong>and</strong> I am honored <strong>and</strong> feel privileged to 

be your student. I am forever grateful to 

you for your kindness, support <strong>and</strong> great 

skill as a teacher. That's why I keep 

volunteering to dance. 

Keoki Sousa 

Aloha Rita & <strong>Academy</strong> Officers: 

Thank you to all of you for 

contributing your “piece” toward making 

the <strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball an outst<strong>and</strong>ing 

evening of enjoyment! Things flowed 

seamlessly, which we all know requires 

much forethought, planning, preparation, 

<strong>and</strong> effort but all went delightfully! I 

hope each of you had as much fun as I 

did! 

Rita, the Showcase of your 

private students as well as the group was 

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superb! As a teacher (albeit of another 

subject...) I know the joy when your 

students succeed...you were busy dancing 

your solo performances for the most 

part, so you may not have been able to 

see how well your students did, but their 

mastery of your teaching showed clearly 

to the delight of all of us in the audience! 

Thank you for sharing your talents with 

each of us! LOVED the scheduling of the 

performances... Each min-segment left 

me wanting more, as well as providing 

short rest breaks which most of us 

dance-o-holics wouldn’t have taken! 

Marty-Jean Bender, Treasurer. 


I can’t imagine how the evening 

could have possibly been improved in any 

way! I’m already looking forward toward 

the Holiday Ball!!!! (I should have caught 

up on sleep, home chores, etc by then!) 

Thanks to each of you again for 

your contribution to the evening! It would 

never have worked had your part not 

been done so well! 

Aloha, Marty-Jean 

Rita <strong>and</strong> Brian … 

Mahalo nui loa for ALL that you 

do to inspire our community <strong>and</strong> keep us 

on our feet! 

Adele Rugg, <strong>Academy</strong> Student & Mayor’s 

Assistant. Photo by Dan Cunningham 

ACADEMY STAR BALL 

By Allison Crumpton 

<strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball <strong>2005</strong> at the Fairmont 

Kea Lani

'<strong>Dance</strong> is a very powerful drug 

... if embraced judiciously, it can exorcise 

demons, access deep-seated emotion, <strong>and</strong> 

colour your life in joy shades of brilliant 

magenta" - Marilyn Hotchkiss’ <strong>Ballroom</strong> 

<strong>Dancing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Charm School (movie) 

As a newcomer to both the 

world of dance <strong>and</strong> to the Valley Isle, my 

husb<strong>and</strong> Scott <strong>and</strong> I were certainly 

unprepared for the gem that Brian <strong>and</strong> 

Rita O’Connor have created among us – a 

community of dance as rich <strong>and</strong> vibrant 

as the isl<strong>and</strong> itself. 

This gem has many brilliant 

facets – one of them being the annual 

<strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball. As we walked into the 

Fairmont Kea Lani <strong>Ballroom</strong> bedecked in 

our finery on this sultry June evening, we 

were met with the swirling sights of 

silver, black, gold under the Decoration 

Direction of Shelley Ting, S<strong>and</strong>y Hook & 

Anne Elaine Johnson. An ordinary room 

had been transformed before us 

resplendent in color <strong>and</strong> charm. 

The usual “slippahs” <strong>and</strong> shorts 

were replaced with Julie Holmes’ twirling 

turquoise dress, Jenifer Goss’ shimmery 

tangerine gown <strong>and</strong> Rita O’Connor’s 

striking black <strong>and</strong> gold lame column ball 

dress. The men’s board shorts had been 

stripped off in favor of Brian O’Connor’s 

long, black tails, Eric Roberts’ brilliant 

sapphire blue vest <strong>and</strong> my husb<strong>and</strong>’s 

debonair crème dinner jacket. 

Allison <strong>and</strong> her “date,” husb<strong>and</strong> Scott put on 

the ritz at the <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball. 


Because I had missed my senior 

prom so many years ago, I was hoping for 

an enchanted evening. As we walked into 

the ball, Dan <strong>and</strong> Br<strong>and</strong>i Cunningham had 

set up a photographer’s studio, with a 

backdrop of shiny silver <strong>and</strong> blue, to 

capture the beauty of each couple 

attending. Servers scurried about 

preparing for the nearly 200 attendees 

who would become a part of this night. A 

no host bar <strong>and</strong> dancing were already 

underway as we found our way to our 

table. 

Upon sitting down, we noticed 

our program for the event <strong>and</strong> a very 

convenient “dance card,” Brian’s idea. For 

those of us new to dance, the <strong>Academy</strong> 

created a sequence of dance from which 

the music would flow. Kimo Bailey, music 

director, made sure each dance 

corresponded beautifully with our card. 

First, a Foxtrot, then a Mambo/Salsa, a 

Waltz, a Cha Cha, West Coast Swing or 

Samba or Merengue, then a Tango, 

Hustle, Rumba <strong>and</strong> finally an East Coast 

Swing. 

For Scott <strong>and</strong> I, who knew only 

the basics of 5 dances, were able to 

confidently glide onto the dance floor 

with the more experienced. Unlike my 

fellow school classmates from years ago, 

everyone on the floor moved with the 

grace, passion <strong>and</strong> fluidity of those 

serious about the study <strong>and</strong> pleasure of 

dance. I was inspired by them, knowing 

that after some time, Scott <strong>and</strong> I could 

do the same. 

Soon the announcements 

begun….<strong>and</strong> in the soft, melodic language 

of the Hawaiian Isl<strong>and</strong>s, Keoki Sousa 

imparted a traditional Hawaiian 

Invocation welcoming <strong>and</strong> blessing all of 

us to the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong>. Charles Riding, 

who gave the Contemporary Invocation, 

followed him. Mr. Ridings’ words 

resonated truth in my heart as he 

expressed to all of us not to live in the 

past, or in the future but to embrace the 

now. He told us, “God is not in the past or 

the future – He is the Great I Am.” He 

encouraged us to move boldly forward in 

life. 

And, any of you who have 

stepped onto the dance floor for the 

very first time underst<strong>and</strong> this 

trepidation! Lastly, our beloved 

founders, Brian <strong>and</strong> Rita O’Connor, came 

forward to thank the many <strong>Academy</strong> 

3 

volunteers who made the night possible 

<strong>and</strong> to remind us “all of our dreams can 

come true if we have the courage to 

pursue them.” From this dream have 

come the largest ballroom dance academy 

in Hawaii <strong>and</strong> the 2 nd annual <strong>Academy</strong> 

Star Ball. In fact, Brian remarked that 

the <strong>Academy</strong> gave back $5,000.00 in 

donations which helped make the 

<strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball possible! 

Once again, the lights 

dimmed…dinner was announced <strong>and</strong> the 

dance floor sprung to life. The 5 star 

dinner buffet was spectacular replete 

with salmon, tri tip, an array of beautiful 

salads <strong>and</strong> an amazing dessert buffet! 

Those who could still move after this 

feast made their way to the dance floor 

as the music continued to play, under the 

direction of Jim “Kimo” Bailey…foxtrots, 

mambos, waltzes…Scott <strong>and</strong> I jumped up 

every chance we got to take part in the 

festivities! However, as dinner was 

digesting, the excitement really began to 

take shape… 

Students Dennis & Jenifer Goss showcase their 

fancy footwork in a high-stepping Swing! 


Exploding onto the dance floor 

in a flurry of black <strong>and</strong> pink, Dennis <strong>and</strong> 

Jenifer Goss performed to the song, 

“Whadaya Want” – a lively, vibrant East 

Coast Swing dance choreographed by the 

two master performers themselves! 

Their obvious enjoyment of the dance 

brought us all to our feet as Jenifer 

flung off her costume revealing a sexier 

<strong>and</strong> fun outfit underneath!

Eric Roberts shows fine form in the dramatic 

Tango with partner Julie Claire Holmes. 


Eric Roberts <strong>and</strong> Julie Holmes 

followed with a dramatic tango about a 

man wanting to win the favor of a lady 

who is resisting. Their movements 

skillfully interpreted the tension of this 

passionate dance. Julie Claire was 

wearing a one-of-a-kind gown created by 

Maui designer, Tristan Fong which was 

perfect for their tango! 

Terry Hans <strong>and</strong> his teacher Rita O’Connor 

dance a Foxtrot to “Unforgettable.” 


After their stellar 

performance, the lights dimmed <strong>and</strong> 

strains of “Unforgettable” began to fill 

the air. On the dance floor in a 

scintillating white gown, Rita O’Connor 

emerged; ready to begin the slow fox 

trot with dance partner, Terry Hans. Rita 

<strong>and</strong> Terry glided body to body across the 

dance floor in smooth, continuous 

movements to this romantic <strong>and</strong> lingering 

dance, leaving us all in a dream-like state 

as we watched poetry in motion. 

Hustle Showcase Performance Team dazzles 

audience at <strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball! 


Then, the moment Rita had 

been eagerly awaiting. Frank Hook, this 

evening’s Lighting Assistant, lowered the 

lights, as the excitement grew! The 

women <strong>and</strong> men of The Hustle Showcase 

Performance Team emerged rocking to 

the beat of this New York Style 70’s 

dance – The Hustle. They moved to the 

song, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” 

The Showcase Team (who had only been 

practicing together for the past 3 

months) wowed the audience <strong>and</strong> 

certainly brought joy to their teacher’s 

heart! Rita could be proud of the 

performance from this talented group. 

The team included: Steve Castagnola <strong>and</strong> 

Cherry Domingo, Eddie <strong>and</strong> Kitty 

Guerrero, Terry Hans <strong>and</strong> Pamela 

Cendana, Milam Pender <strong>and</strong> Lynann Nicely, 

Dennis <strong>and</strong> Jenifer Goss, Rod Gemberling 

<strong>and</strong> Kimberley Day, Keoki Sousa <strong>and</strong> 

Barbara Flowers, Eric Roberts <strong>and</strong> Julie 

Holmes <strong>and</strong> Andreas Laurin <strong>and</strong> Andrea 

Giamettei. 

As the thunderous applause 

died down, our Guest of Honor, the 

Mayor Alan Arakawa <strong>and</strong> his wife Anne 

were greeted with traditional Hawaiian 

Leis <strong>and</strong> the admiration of all of the 

attendees of the <strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball. 

With great enthusiasm, our Mayor 

reminded us that we live in the best place 

in the world <strong>and</strong> that we all enjoy the 

highest quality of life. 

And, our Master of Ceremonies, 

Charles Ridings let us all know that the 

Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> has 

logged more than 16,000 hours of 

dancing! With the night still young, we 

once again took our places to enjoy the 

final two showcase performances. 

4 

Milam Pender & Lynann Nicely heat up the floor 

with a playful West Coast Swing! 


Onto the dance floor Milam 

Pender <strong>and</strong> Lynann Nicely strode to 

perform a vibrant West Coast Swing to 

the song “Still Be Loving You.” Lynann’s 

infectious smile <strong>and</strong> their obvious 

enthusiasm for the dance were evident to 

us all! 

Rita O’Connor <strong>and</strong> her student Kimberley Day in 

a sizzling Vive Las Vegas Cha-Cha! 


Then, as their number was over, 

we all held onto our seats for the final 

performance. Rita O’Connor <strong>and</strong> 

Kimberley Day rocked the house with 

their Vegas-style Cha Cha. Their hot 

performance <strong>and</strong> super sexy silver 

costumes brought us to our feet! 

From the first to the last 

showcase performance, the audience was 

not to be disappointed.

After wild applause, the 

showcase dancers all gathered together 

to present Rita <strong>and</strong> Brian with roses <strong>and</strong> 

love. Rita shared how even though she 

<strong>and</strong> Brian have no children, that “her 

babies are all around.“ Each of us were 

certainly grateful for the opportunity to 

have known <strong>and</strong> loved her. 

Slowly, everyone returned to 

their seats, the lights dimmed <strong>and</strong> the 

strains of a waltz began to play. As the 

last dance came to a close, so did this 

magical evening <strong>and</strong> the people of the 

Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> left to 

enjoy another balmy Maui night. 

Mayor Alan Arakawa has his h<strong>and</strong>s full with 3 

beautiful ladies at the <strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball 

(Kimberley Day, his wife Ann, Rita O’Connor). 


THE MAUI NEWS – CURRENTS 

“LET’S TALK…” 

By Liz Janes-Brown 

Sunday, June 19, <strong>2005</strong> 

“There’ll be some high stepping at the 

<strong>Academy</strong> Star Ball at the Fairmont Kea 

Lani, Saturday (June 25, <strong>2005</strong>). Students 

of dance professional Rita O’Connor will 

be strutting their stuff, among them Eric 

Roberts <strong>and</strong> physician Julie Claire 

Holmes doing the tango. (Now we know 

where Julie’s son, Christian, gets his 

terpsichorean talent).” 

THE MAUI NEWS – CURRENTS 

“LET’S TALK…” 

By Liz Janes-Brown 

Sunday, July 3, <strong>2005</strong> 

“<strong>Dance</strong> fever: The Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> 

<strong>Academy</strong> put on a show to rival “<strong>Dancing</strong> 

with the Stars” at their <strong>Academy</strong> Star 

Ball at the Fairmont Kea Lani last 

weekend. Rita O’Connor, looking smashing 

in a strapless column of gold <strong>and</strong> black, 

noted that about 240 people are signed 

up for the Wednesday classes in Kihei 

from 14-year-old Kai Johnson to 92year-old 

Jack Condy. Both dapper 

gentlemen cut fine figures on the dance 

floor, but it was the performances from 

swing to cha-cha that really brought out 

the razzle dazzle. The glamorous gowns 

<strong>and</strong> tuxes turned the ballroom into a 

swirl of light <strong>and</strong> color. And in an only-in- 

Hawaii moment, the opening invocation 

was a traditional Hawaiian chant 

beautifully delivered by Keoki Sousa 

resplendent in a tux accessorized by a 

jaunty red bow tie <strong>and</strong> cummerbund.” 

Dapper Jack Condy <strong>and</strong> radiant Anne Elaine 

Johnson enjoy an elegant evening at the Ball. 


FREE ADVERTISING FOR ACADEMY 

STUDENTS’ BUSINESSES! 

The <strong>Academy</strong> has a designated 

bulletin board prominently displayed near 

the water cooler on the back wall <strong>and</strong> 

would be happy to post <strong>Academy</strong> 

students’ business cards for over 200 

fellow dancers to see! Please see Vice 

President, Les Grimes. 

UPCOMING…would you like to 

have your business card size 

advertisement appear in the <strong>Academy</strong> 

<strong>Dance</strong> <strong>News</strong> for a small fee? See Rita 

for more details! 

DANCING THROUGH MY EYES 

By Barbara Flowers 

I’ve always been blessed with 

good rhythm <strong>and</strong> natural dance ability. 

(My Mom <strong>and</strong> Dad both had natural dance 

ability). But, I had very little formal 

5 

dance training <strong>and</strong> mainly danced disco 

free style because it allowed me latitude 

for creative expression. 

I’ve always been enthralled with 

well executed ballroom dance, but 

considered the expense for lessons, 

privates, shoes, clothes, etc., to be out of 

my league. One day I went to a hole-inthe-wall 

night club where the seniors 

were ballroom dancing. An older 

gentleman who had been an instructor on 

a cruise ship, quickly took me under his 

wing <strong>and</strong> taught me what he knew right on 

the dance floor. 

I started formal lessons but 

found them to be tortuous <strong>and</strong> slow, <strong>and</strong> 

I did not like dancing with beginners. I’m 

a quick learner <strong>and</strong> while out dancing 

always seemed to attract instructors or 

ex-instructors who wanted to train a 

partner, so I got most of my training 

right on the dance floor. The drawback 

is that the nuance of the dance cannot be 

addressed while socially dancing. I 

wanted to take lessons <strong>and</strong> privates to 

improve my skills, but my dance partners 

usually were interested in more than just 

dancing. Sometimes free is just too high 

of a price to pay. 

When I moved to Maui I quickly 

realized that the soul of the dance 

experience in Maui is at the community 

center in Kihei. With dread I signed up 

for classes fearing that I would be bored 

stiff in beginning classes <strong>and</strong> get 

manh<strong>and</strong>led by beginning dancers. I was 

surprised <strong>and</strong> delighted to find that you 

are excellent instructors <strong>and</strong> address 

each dance on different levels to give the 

beginners as well as the more 

experienced dancers personal challenges 

<strong>and</strong> insights to honing their dancing skills. 

I quickly found a partner who was at my 

level. 

One of the most delightful 

surprises is that we get the best dance 

instructors I’ve ever experienced for 

about $1.25 a class. Phenomenal! Even 

better news (for me) was to find out that 

Rita offered private lessons for almost 

half of what it cost on the mainl<strong>and</strong>, yet 

the quality was better than most 

instructors who teach! 

But I’ve got to tell you what 

impresses me the most. While attending 

class I found that many of the more 

experienced dancers joined in with the 

beginners in rotation. Several of them 

expressed to me the gratitude they had 

to you for your commitment <strong>and</strong> 

dedication to the art of dancing <strong>and</strong> 

helping others, <strong>and</strong> one way they have of

showing their gratitude to you is helping 

the beginner dancers. 

At first I was dumb-founded 

then amazed <strong>and</strong> humbled. As I have 

observed your dedication <strong>and</strong> willingness 

to share your passion with us, I realized 

that it is a love of excellence that moves 

your soul <strong>and</strong> you radiate that love to 

those whose lives you touch, inspiring 

them to dance with excellence, shine with 

excellence give with excellence, <strong>and</strong> love 

with excellence. 

In gratitude, Barbara Flowers 

<strong>Academy</strong> Student & Hustle <strong>Dance</strong> Performer, 

Barbara Flowers 


HOT STUFF: 3 rd QUARTER SUMMER 

REGISTRATION, POTLUCK, SOCIAL 

DANCE, PERFORMANCES…OH MY! 

What’s hotter than Kam III 

beach s<strong>and</strong> at 12 noon? Tastier than Roy’s 

chocolate lava cake? More fun than 

catching a wave? More exciting than 

“<strong>Dancing</strong> With The Stars?” The 

<strong>Academy</strong>’s Third Quarter Registration 

event on July 20 th , of course! 

The evening began with an 

enthusiastic <strong>and</strong> almost electrical 

excitement in the air as many Newcomers 

to ballroom <strong>and</strong> latin dancing eagerly (<strong>and</strong> 

anxiously) registered for dance classes 

outside, under the Maui stars, alongside 

the <strong>Academy</strong>’s veteran students who 

were ecstatic to see familiar faces <strong>and</strong> 

have their feet touch the very dance 

floor they missed during the <strong>Academy</strong>’s 

Summer Break! 

Our dance instructor Rita was 

all smiles, trying to learn as many new 

students’ names as possible, as she noted 

that the <strong>Academy</strong> must be “moving up” in 

the world of dance society as the 

<strong>Academy</strong> had a Greeter (ever-smiling 

Francine Kamimoto) <strong>and</strong> a polite “Door 

Man” (Kai Johnson) for Registration eve. 

Smiles, hugs <strong>and</strong> kisses were 

exchanged <strong>and</strong> the stories of how the 

dancers “survived” three weeks without 

dance class buzzed throughout the hall at 

the Kihei Community Center. Current 

Students introduced themselves to the 

newly registered students <strong>and</strong> told them 

how much fun the classes are <strong>and</strong> how 

friendly a group of people the <strong>Academy</strong> 

had! 

With almost 200 people in 

attendance a huge circle of dance h<strong>and</strong>s 

joined together in respect for the 

blessing. Our dance teacher, Rita 

O’Connor introduced herself <strong>and</strong> her 

husb<strong>and</strong> Brian <strong>and</strong> then asked Keoki 

Sousa <strong>and</strong> Charlie Ridings to do the 

blessing in both Hawaiian <strong>and</strong> 

contemporary words respectively. 

The evening’s volunteers, who 

helped with the set-up of the room, floor 

maintenance, registration, <strong>and</strong> more, 

were recognized <strong>and</strong> were honored to get 

in the potluck table lines first! 

The potluck tables seemed to 

be overflowing with delicious homemade 

foods which ran the gamut from sushi, 

shrimp, salads, casseroles, pasta, 

homemade desserts <strong>and</strong> much more! 

Mahalo to everyone who took the time to 

make something special for our event; 

your efforts were deliciously 

appreciated! 

The Assistant VP of Themed 

Parties, Mrs. S<strong>and</strong>y Hook (<strong>and</strong> her ever 

present <strong>and</strong> devoted husb<strong>and</strong>, Frank) 

created another spectacular indoor party 

while the <strong>Academy</strong>’s Secretary & 

Treasurer, Ms. Julie Katz <strong>and</strong> Ms. Marty- 

Jean Bender respectively oversaw the 

Registration outside! 

A special mahalo to all of the 

volunteers who gave of their time for 

this evening’s event both indoors <strong>and</strong> 

outside! 

Throughout the evening’s event 

Rita played ballroom <strong>and</strong> latin music with 

a contemporary choice in songs. Young 

<strong>and</strong> older alike asked their favorite 

partners to join them on the dance floor 

for waltzes, cha-chas, tangos <strong>and</strong> more! 

After dinner, the students 

from the previous quarter’s Cha-Cha 

Beginner class did an outst<strong>and</strong>ing 

demonstration of what they learned in 

class during the months of April - June 

as Rita called out the steps! Congratulations 

to the dancers who gave it their 

best <strong>and</strong> showed the new students just 

how much they could learn in 3 months! 

After the crowd settled down 

from the student demonstration, there 

was more social dancing <strong>and</strong> then “Emcee” 

6 

Charlie Ridings asked everyone to take a 

seat for a special treat! 

Four of the six performers who 

graced the dance floor at the <strong>Academy</strong> 

Star Ball in June gave a “hana hou” 

repeat performance at the <strong>Academy</strong>’s 

Registration festivities! Rita O’Connor’s, 

Private Image <strong>Dance</strong> Studio students 

Dennis & Jenifer Goss, Eric Roberts & 

Julie Claire Holmes wowed the audience 

with their Swing <strong>and</strong> Tango solos. Rita 

also danced a Foxtrot with her student 

Terry Hans <strong>and</strong> a too-hot-to-h<strong>and</strong>le Cha- 

Cha with her student Kimberley! The 

audience was mesmerized by all four 

entertaining performances <strong>and</strong> costumes! 

After all the dancers 

performed <strong>and</strong> came out for one final 

collective bow, Rita told the audience 

that with a lot of practice, they too could 

take the stage <strong>and</strong> do a solo 

performance! All it takes is practice! 

No one wanted the evening to 

end! New friendships were made, former 

friendships reacquainted <strong>and</strong> our dancing 

feet were happy to be out on the floor! 

But, the evening did end <strong>and</strong> through the 

many h<strong>and</strong>s of the attendees <strong>and</strong> 

volunteers, the “ballroom” was quickly <strong>and</strong> 

neatly restored to the cinder-block 

8,000 square foot community center it 

was earlier! 

Already the <strong>Academy</strong>’s third 

quarter (Summer) Registration from July 

20 th , combined with students registering 

on July 27 th , has brought the <strong>Academy</strong> 

over the 200 student mark <strong>and</strong> a new 

younger group of students (starting at 

age 12) are stoked about ballroom <strong>and</strong> 

latin dancing! 

Approximately 250 people were 

registered students during the April – 

June dance quarter at the Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> 

<strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>, once again making our 

501-c3 educational non-profit the largest 

dance class in the state of Hawaii! 

It’s not just the numbers that 

make the “<strong>Academy</strong>” so outst<strong>and</strong>ing. Our 

students last quarter ranged from 14 

years old (Kai Johnson) to 92 years young 

(Jack Condy). They are multi-cultural, 

varied in lifestyle <strong>and</strong> levels of living <strong>and</strong> 

come not only from all walks of life, but 

from all corners of our beautiful isl<strong>and</strong>! 

How awesome is that? 

As Liz Janes-Brown, of the 

Maui <strong>News</strong> recently wrote to Rita <strong>and</strong> 

Brian O’Connor: “You <strong>and</strong> Brian have made 

a real impact on Maui <strong>and</strong> provide a 

wonderful service to the dance 

community.” 

MAD HOT BALLROOM

THE PIERRE DULAINE & RITA 

O’CONNOR CONNECTION 

Pierre Dulaine & Yvonne Marceau 

<strong>Dance</strong>r & Teacher 

extraordinaire (New York Times), Pierre 

is the co-artistic director <strong>and</strong> founder of 

the American <strong>Ballroom</strong> Theater Company. 

He has been on the faculties of the 

School of American Ballet (New York City 

Ballet) <strong>and</strong> the Juilliard School at Lincoln 

Center for many years. Pierre is also the 

four-time winner of the World Exhibition 

Championship, the Astaire Award winner 

for "best dancing on Broadway" in the hit 

musical GRAND HOTEL. Pierre & Yvonne 

Marceau formed the most successful 

partnership of adagio <strong>and</strong> ballroom 

dancing. And it was Pierre Dulaine who 

contacted Rita O’Connor (then “Casper”) 

to join his Professional Teaching Staff at 

his New Jersey studio! Delighted <strong>and</strong> 

honored, Rita accepted Pierre’s offer & 

began her <strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> teaching 

career in the 1980’s. 

'Mad Hot <strong>Ballroom</strong>' tells the 

story of eleven-year-old New York City 

public school kids <strong>and</strong> their journey into 

the world of ballroom dancing. Told from 

the c<strong>and</strong>id, sometimes hilarious 

perspectives of the children, the film 

illuminates how the kids are transformed 

-- from reluctant participants to 

determined competitors, from typical 

urban kids to "ladies <strong>and</strong> gentlemen" -- on 

their way to compete in the final citywide 

competition. 

Providing unique insight into the 

incredible cultural diversity that is New 

York City, '<strong>Ballroom</strong>' profiles several kids 

from three schools. As they struggle 

with becoming "cool" teenagers while 

holding onto a shred of their childhood 

innocence, the kids learn how to express 

themselves through the merengue, 

rumba, tango, the foxtrot <strong>and</strong> swing. 

WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE 

Check out our website! 

www.alohaballroom.com 

TREAT YOUR DANCE “TOOTSIES” 

WELL 

A <strong>Dance</strong>rs Check Up on How to 

Beat Developing Bad Feet - From bunions 

to blisters, to shin splints, muscle cramps 

<strong>and</strong> tendonitis - how much are you putting 

your body through to do what you love? 

Now is your chance to learn 

how to stop beating <strong>and</strong> start treating 

your feet with a little extra dose of 

tender lovin' foot care while you dance. 

Learn from podiatrist (<strong>and</strong> dancer from 

New York) Dr. Andy Fortuna as we ask 

him to unleash his advice on how dancers 

can prevent <strong>and</strong> deal with common painful 

symptoms that occur from overuse. 

1. Change your shoes 

regularly. 

Wear a different style shoe as 

much as you can because if there are 

pressure points in certain areas that 

become persistent <strong>and</strong> chronic then you 

can develop tendonitis or bursitis. 

Changing your shoe style <strong>and</strong> type will 

vary these pressure points to prevent 

one area from taking a beating all the 

time. You should have at least two pairs 

of practice shoes to best care for your 

feet <strong>and</strong> prevent symptoms of Overuse 

Syndrome, which occurs when there 

is constant pressure placed on the same 

area of the foot over time. 

7 

2. Vary your exercise. 

<strong>Dance</strong>r’s feet are normally 

strong anyway but flexibility <strong>and</strong> 

strengthening exercises can be helpful. 

Try to avoid doing the same move over 

<strong>and</strong> over again, especially if it requires 

unordinary amounts of pressure, leaning 

or stretching on particular areas of your 

body or feet. 

3. Seek 

help as soon as you 

experience 

symptoms of pain. 

If 

something persists 

to the point where 

you have chronic pain in an area it pays to 

get somebody to look at it because it 

could be something as simple as the shoe 

that you are wearing. An ounce of 

prevention really does pay off. 

4. Don't practice too much in 

your heels. 

Do not practice too much in 

your heels unless it is right before a 

competition <strong>and</strong> you want to get use to 

the height of your heel. That is why 

Capezio sneakers are so popular for 

practice sessions <strong>and</strong> dancing on nonwood 

floors (such as the Kihei Community 

Center – Rita). 

The muscle memory with the 

routine is basically what you are really 

practicing, whereas your technique with 

the height <strong>and</strong> style of the shoe may only 

vary slightly. The higher the heel is, the 

more restricted the hip action is for 

women. It puts them too far forward, 

restricts a lot of what you can do <strong>and</strong> 

gives you a lot of toe <strong>and</strong> ball of the foot 

pain, especially if you practice in that

height consistently. I recommend 

practicing in a two inch heel <strong>and</strong> only 

practicing with your extreme high heels 

(3 or 3 1/2 inch heels) a week or two 

before your competition to get used to 

the height. Don't beat up your feet in a 

three <strong>and</strong> a half inch heel for months <strong>and</strong> 

months before your special dance event. 

5. Ice or heat to treat aches 

<strong>and</strong> pains? 

These are two philosophies, but 

I recommend icing. Heat will soothe you 

<strong>and</strong> make you feel good while you have 

the heat. It brings superficial circulation 

to the skin area but it can only penetrate 

as far as the dermis, which is the 

underlying tissue. For heat to penetrate 

any further, you would actually have to 

'cook' your foot. 

Ice on the other h<strong>and</strong> can get 

to bone. The benefit of ice is that it has 

an analgesic effect because once it gets 

to the bone it numbs the area up. It also 

keeps the swelling <strong>and</strong> inflammation down 

<strong>and</strong> then when you remove the ice, the 

benefit is that the blood vessels 

immediately dilate to bring a lot of blood 

to the area to warm it up again <strong>and</strong> that's 

where the healing begins. Ice 

will penetrate through muscle to the 

bone. 

Psychologically, people also use 

creams to treat aches or pains <strong>and</strong> if it 

makes them feel great, then Dr. Fortuna 

recommends to use it if it makes you feel 

good, but physiologically speaking, ice is 

the way to go for any healing, swelling, 

aches, pains, tendonitis or bursitis. 

6. Shin Splints. 

If you experience shin splints 

then you are basically pronating <strong>and</strong> you 

most likely need a support. A shin splint 

occurs because when the foot pronates 

(is flattened) there is a muscle that is 

supposed to hold the arch up that is 

attached to the shin <strong>and</strong> because it is 

pulling so hard to hold the arch up at the 

foot level it is also pulling at the origin of 

the muscle which attaches to the 

anterior edge of the tibia where 

inflammation occurs. Get yourself a pair 

of orthotics, ice down the area <strong>and</strong> 

usually your shin splints will go away. 

7. Muscular Cramping. 

If you get them at night, it is a 

result of over working them during the 

day. If you get them while you are doing 

things, you are probably just fatiguing 

the muscle to the point of cramping. 

Muscle cramps can also be a result of 

dehydration <strong>and</strong> you may need calcium or 

phosphorus in your diet, but more than 

likely they are a result of what exercise 

you put your body through in your daily 

routines. 

Your <strong>Academy</strong> Officers (back row from left to 

right): Marty-Jean Bender, Cheri Ridings, Julie 

Katz, Les Grimes, (front row from left to right) 

Julie Claire Holmes, Shelley Ting, S<strong>and</strong>y Hook. 


KIHEI CHAPTER <strong>2005</strong> Officers 

PRESIDENT, Cheri Ridings; 

VP THEMED PARTIES, Shelley Ting; 

VP MAINTENANCE: Les Grimes; 

VP VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, Julie 

Holmes; 

TREASURER, Marty-Jean Bender; 

SECRETARY, Julie Katz; 

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT 

THEMED PARTIES: S<strong>and</strong>y Hook 

DANCE NEWS & UPDATES 

During the break between the 

Beginner & Intermediate dance classes, 

Cheri Ridings, Kihei Chapter President 

<strong>and</strong> other Chapter Officers make 

pertinent announcements regarding the 

<strong>Academy</strong>. Out of respect to those 

making the announcements <strong>and</strong> those 

around you who are trying to listen to the 

announcements, please give your full 

attention during this time. 

Sometimes, there are dancerelated 

events on the isl<strong>and</strong> or special 

news releases or other such information 

that are too lengthy, so the <strong>Academy</strong> 

posts them on the Events Bulletin Board 

alongside the Business Card Bulletin 

Board for the general information of the 

students. All flyers MUST be approved 

<strong>and</strong> signed by an Officer; otherwise, they 

will be discarded. 

<strong>Academy</strong> Student Terry Hans 

hosts Saturday evening <strong>Dance</strong> Socials at 

the Maui Arts & Cultural Center from 

5:30 – 9:30 pm. Please contact Terry at 

terry@mauialliance.com or 875-1142. 

<strong>Academy</strong> Student Milam Pender 

has created another great source for 

dance events on Maui: check online at: 

http://calendar.yahoo.com/mauidanceeve 

nts 

M.V.V.P. – MOST VALUABLE 

VOLUNTEER PARTY 

8 

The Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> 

<strong>Academy</strong> honors the efforts of its 

student Volunteers <strong>and</strong> (volunteer) 

Officers who contributed substantial 

financial or outst<strong>and</strong>ing Volunteer-time 

to the success of The <strong>Academy</strong> during 

the preceding dance quarter by hosting 

an exclusive Potluck <strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> 

<strong>Dance</strong> Party called the “M.V.V.P.” (Most 

Valuable Volunteers Party). 

The “Guests of Honor” are 

invited to this event by “Invitation Only” 

where they can dance for three hours to 

non-stop <strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> dance music 

while enjoying a scrumptious potluck! 

Dinner is enjoyed under the 

star-studded South Maui skies of Kihei 

<strong>and</strong> inside there is dancing under the 

disco ball glitter! 

It is through the efforts of 

these Volunteer students & those who 

have volunteered in previous dance class 

quarters that the <strong>Academy</strong>’s vision is 

becoming a reality for the ohana of Maui 

to enjoy! 

The MVVP events honor those 

who have helped at Registration Evenings, 

themed-party events <strong>and</strong> assisted the 

<strong>Academy</strong> Officers & The O’Connor’s, in 

the many varied facets of the <strong>Academy</strong>’s 

successful operations! Those students 

who made financial donations of $25 or 

higher are also included in the special 

MVVP event! 

Would YOU like to be invited to 

the next exclusive MVVP event? Then 

you should meet Julie Claire Holmes, the 

Kihei Chapter’s Volunteer Coordinator/ 

Vice President (878-3056 or 

JulieClaire@hawaii.rr.com). 

Julie can match your talents, 

skills & time availability with the right 

area of Volunteering with the <strong>Academy</strong>! 

Areas of assistance are needed in: Sound 

system Set-up/Breakdown, Floor 

Maintenance, Decorations, Event Set-up, 

Potluck Organization, Special <strong>Dance</strong> 

Events, Registration, Social Activities, 

Ticket Sales, Guest Registration, 

Website, Photography, Fundraising, 

Hostess/Greeter, Publicity, <strong>News</strong>letter, 

Office Work, Legal Assistance, 

Accounting Services <strong>and</strong> more! 

The <strong>Academy</strong> Recognizes These Students 

For Their Outst<strong>and</strong>ing Contributions 

During the Second Quarter of <strong>2005</strong>: 

Rosie Alex<strong>and</strong>er 

Anarug 

Kimo Bailey 

Diana Baker 

Melissa Bantilan 

Marty-Jean Bender

Willy Bennett 

Shel Braidman 

Steve Castognola 

Pamela Cendana 

Scott & Allison Crumpton 

Dan & Br<strong>and</strong>i Cunningham 

Cherry Domingo 

Kimberly Day 

Holly Davis 

June Delany 

Mike & Jeanne Doerr 

Daniel Eastman 

Sunya Echternach 

Gary Eckert 

Kitty Edwards 

Fames Furumizo 

Barbara Flowers 

Valerie Fukuda 

Michael Garaganza 

Rod Gemberling 

Andrea Giammattei 

Patrice Goodermont 

Dennis & Jenifer Goss 

Les Grimes 

Eddie Guerrero 

Erol Guney 

Terry Hans 

John Hew 

Julie Cliare Holmes 

Snady & Frank Hook 

Laura How 

Alice Inouye 

Annie & Phil Johnson 

Cynthia Johnson 

Kai Johnson 

Francine Kamimoto 

Bonnie Kanae 

Julie Katz 

Patricia Kelly 

Barbara Lauridsen 

Andreas Laurin 

Nancy & Mike Mateja 

Norm Mattson 

Todd Meadows 

Terri Mister 

Will Moriales 

Kimberly Nguyen 

Lynann Nicely 

Brian & Rita O’Connor 

Bea Okuda 

Kachina Palencia 

Milam Pender 

Tamara Perkins 

Rita Perry 

Carol Pratt 

Melissa Prince 

Charlie & Cheri Ridings 

Eric Roberts 

Andreas Romer 

Barbara Singer 

Steve Slater 

Keoki Sousa 

Gerald Stewart 

Art & Flossie Sumabat 

Etsuko Taomoto 

John Tattsuke 

Brian Thomas 

Shelley Ting 

Geneva & Gary Thornton 

Watsana Unadu 

Charles & Annie Yane 

Carol Yamamura 

Al Ynigez 

Janet Yokoyama 

BE PART OF THE MUSIC 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 <strong>Academy</strong> classes as often as 

possible! 

For the third quarter, in 

particular, Rita is looking for 

HAWAIIAN music that might lend itself 

to ballroom <strong>and</strong>/or latin dancing; she 

would like to put a special collection of 

music together for the August “Luauthemed” 

dance. 

For future dance events <strong>and</strong> 

classes, 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 <strong>and</strong> By The Students…” of the 

<strong>Academy</strong>! 

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! 

MUSIC TO DANCE BY 

There are many songs created <strong>and</strong> refashioned 

to fit <strong>Ballroom</strong> tempo. Even 

popular musicians sometimes have songs 

that are in appropriate rhythm & speed. 

While the East Coast Swing tempo is 

intertwined in our contemporary music 

genre, Waltz is less prevalent. Below are 

a few suggestions for the Waltz & the 

East Coast Swing classes: 

FOXTROT: “I’ve Got You Under My 

Skin,” Frank Sinatra, “A Wink & A Smile,” 

9 

Harry Connick, Jr. (Sleepless in Seattle 

Soundtrack), “Come Fly With Me,” 

Michael Buble. 

CHA-CHA: “Corazon Espinado” – Santana, 

“Smooth” – Rob Thomas with Santana; “I 

Need To Know” – Marc Anthony; “Cuban 

Pete” – Tito Puente, “Guantanamera” – 

Celia Cruz. 

DID YOU KNOW…? 

Your DONATIONS to the 

Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>’s 

“ALOHA FUND” are 

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE? 

See Kihei Chapter Treasurer, Marty- 

Jean Bender for more information! 

EARN $5.00 TOWARD YOUR NEXT 

ACADEMY DANCE 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> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>? Be 

rewarded for your efforts with the 

<strong>Academy</strong>’s Referral Program! 

The <strong>Academy</strong> is offering a 

“Referral Discount:” 

Current <strong>Academy</strong> students who 

refer an individual/solo man, who, in turn, 

registers as an <strong>Academy</strong> 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 <strong>Academy</strong> 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. 

BALLROOM DANCE PROTOCOL 

To experienced dancers, the 

following guidelines of <strong>Ballroom</strong> dance 

protocol <strong>and</strong> etiquette are usually well 

known, but not often discussed. Also 

following these guidelines sets a good 

example for other dancers. For new 

dancers, it's good to know what's what to 

help avoid embarrassing, awkward, or

unsafe situations. In any case, following 

these guidelines can help to maximize 

your dance experience. 

1. At a dance party, couples 

dance smooth dances (waltz, foxtrot, 

tango <strong>and</strong> others) in a "line-of-dance" 

fashion, counter-clockwise around the 

dance floor. The faster "lanes" are those 

toward the inside (toward the center) of 

the counter-clockwise line-of-dance. The 

slower "lanes" are on the outside. As you 

dance, refrain from cutting across these 

lanes, cutting through the center, <strong>and</strong> 

dancing backward to the line-of-dance, 

especially on a crowded dance floor. 

2. If you are not dancing, show 

respect to those who are by not walking 

through the busy dance floor <strong>and</strong> by 

staying clear of the dance space. For 

example, while others are dancing, do not 

st<strong>and</strong> in the dance lanes <strong>and</strong> talk. On the 

dance floor, real estate is always in 

dem<strong>and</strong>. First priority goes to the dance 

<strong>and</strong> the dancers. Give them room. 

3. If you are trying to show 

your partner a new step, move to a 

distant corner or non-dance area for your 

demonstration <strong>and</strong> discussion. It is the 

mark of an inexperienced or inconsiderate 

dancer to stop <strong>and</strong> attempt to 

teach a partner a new step at a dance 

party during a dance on the dance floor. 

Avoid doing this. Save your show-<strong>and</strong>-tell 

for a dance practice session. 

4. The safety of your partner, 

yourself, <strong>and</strong> the surrounding dancers is 

your first concern. Both leader <strong>and</strong> 

follower should always be alert to the 

presence of other dancers in front, to 

the sides, <strong>and</strong> in back to help avoid 

collisions. If a collision occurs, try to 

soften the collision by bringing your arms 

in <strong>and</strong> stopping movement. Afterwards be 

polite <strong>and</strong> friendly, make eye contact <strong>and</strong> 

acknowledge the collision even if it was 

not your fault. To a large extent, dancing 

on a crowded dance floor is an exercise in 

avoiding collisions in a safe, creative, <strong>and</strong> 

fun fashion. Be alert to the safety of 

your partner <strong>and</strong> other dancers. As a 

dancer at a social event this is part of 

your responsibility. 

5. No one likes being kicked, run into, or 

stepped on, so on a crowded dance floor, 

avoid aggressive movements, high kicks, 

hard-hitting arms, <strong>and</strong> leg extensions. If 

you feel you are about to step on 

someone, hopefully not your partner, try 

to not follow through with the stepping 

action to soften the blow of your foot 

l<strong>and</strong>ing on another's. 

6. On a crowded dance floor, stopping in 

the outer lane to do a dance pattern is 

frowned on since it usually stops the 

forward progress of the dancers coming 

from behind <strong>and</strong> many times it usually 

involves steps that are not safe to the 

surrounding dancers. Remember, it's not 

the Olympics or "show time", it's a social 

dance, so relax <strong>and</strong> have fun. If you feel 

the need to stop forward movement to do 

a couple of patterns, move to the center 

of the floor where you can stop <strong>and</strong> do 

<strong>and</strong> not stop forward line-of-dance 

movement. 

7. For the leaders, if you 

absolutely must step backwards to the 

line-of-dance, look back first. For the 

followers, as a dance pattern unfolds, be 

alert to dancers potentially in the way 

<strong>and</strong> let the leader know of a possible 

collision verbally, pressing your left h<strong>and</strong> 

to the leader's back, by a h<strong>and</strong> squeeze, 

or by pulling your partner closer, or all of 

these, especially on a crowded dance 

floor. 

8. If a dance couple in front of 

you stops, then either dance around 

them, mark time or use a step that would 

act as a “holding pattern” to continue 

dancing until they move. 

9. Followers, do not backlead. 

Not only does it make leading more 

difficult, but it also makes it more 

difficult for the leader to avoid 

collisions. 

10. It's ok to smile <strong>and</strong> have 

fun on the dance floor. You are learning 

American “social” with ALOHA!. 

11. For more experienced 

dancers, set a good example for 

beginners: be patient, polite <strong>and</strong> 

sensitive. It is acceptable to give advice, 

provided it is asked for first, or provided 

you first ask permission to make an 

"observation" or a "comment". Remember 

you were once a beginner. A harsh or 

insensitive, but well intended "comment" 

can still ruin someone's evening <strong>and</strong> even 

discourage someone from continuing 

dance classes or attending socials. 

12. Partnership dancing is 

intimate, elegant <strong>and</strong> sensually playful at 

10 

times. For a pleasant experience, good 

hygiene is essential; bathe before lessons 

or dancing <strong>and</strong> use deodorant. Use breath 

fresheners frequently <strong>and</strong> avoid heavily 

spiced or scented meals before dancing 

classes or events. No or minimal talking 

while taking dance class. While socially 

dancing, focus on dancing <strong>and</strong> floor 

traffic. Hold off on the heavy 

aftershaves <strong>and</strong> perfumes; some people 

are sensitive to them. If you perspire, 

use a towel or h<strong>and</strong>kerchief often. People 

as a rule don't like dance partners that 

are walking wet towels (in the literal 

sense.) So men, if you perspire heavily, 

use a towel, take a break <strong>and</strong> cool down, 

bring an extra shirt, <strong>and</strong> change into it at 

halftime. 

13. Life is fragile <strong>and</strong> none of 

us really know if we will be putting on our 

dance shoes again tomorrow. Make 

someone’s day by asking them to dance 

(someone who might not otherwise have 

many dances during an evening), accepting 

a dance (from someone you might not 

usually do so from), smile while dancing 

(because that dance may not mean much 

to you, but to your partner it might be 

the highlight of their evening) <strong>and</strong> always 

remember to thank your partner! 

Remember, without partners, you would 

not be ballroom dancing! 

ACADEMY STUDENTS’ BIRTHDAYS 

TO CELEBRATE! LET’S DANCE! 

JULY: Carla Angel, Kimo Bailey, Ron 

Baybayan, Heather Bejenarn, Dorothy- 

Ann Burton, John Comte, Ana Geng, 

Nancy Goode, Annie Heffner, Eric 

Manssen, Michael Mateja, Marie Miner, 

Ted Norton, Cia Salter, Judi Shelton, 

Keither Shibuya, Rosanna Singarella. 

AUGUST: Marc Alvardo, Dean Arashiro, 

Victor Bantilan, Colleen Burggraph, Philip 

Burton, Olivia Chiesa, Kimberley Day, 

Edith Deigert, Sunya Echternach, Kitty 

Edwards, Mary Jo Flanigan, Mary Jo 

Frye, Patrice Goodermont, Lisa Lappe, 

Barbara Lauridsen, Kat Lui, Patrick 

McClure, Brian Nakano, Linda Nicoletto, 

Andreas Romer, Eileen Saeks, Octavio 

Sanchez, Mike Scarborough, Eric 

Seibert, Cindy Smith, James Stephen.

SEPTEMBER: Ana Bl<strong>and</strong>, John Davis, 

Jennifer Drout, Gina Enzweiler, Pamela 

Flattidi, Erol Guney, Marc Hammer, Lori 

Hannigan, Kai Johnson, Troy Meader, 

Shawne Mulloy, Pamela “Kachina” Palencia, 

Kathy Pennington, Rick Pennington, Allen 

Petinas, Patrice Rouse, Karina 

Scargourough, Christine Shokorian Dan 

Sythe, Etsuko Taomotoo, Brian Thomas. 

UPCOMING ACADEMY EVENTS 

“LUAU” Themed BALLROOM DANCE, & 

Potluck, on Wednesday, August 31 st , Kihei 

Community Center, 6:30 – 9pm. Dress in 

Traditional Hawaiian, Hawaiian-themed or 

florals to add to the Luau-themed 

festivities! Current <strong>Academy</strong> Students – 

No Charge. Guests - $10.00 per person. 

HAWAII STAR BALL COMPETITION – 

Oahu, September 22-24, <strong>2005</strong>. Aloha 

<strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> & Private Image 

<strong>Dance</strong> Studio students, along with their 

teacher, Rita O’Connor, travel to Honolulu 

to compete in Pro-Am, Amateur <strong>and</strong> Solo 

divisions in an internationally recognized 

competition. See Rita or check the 

<strong>Academy</strong> Bulletin Board for information 

on events <strong>and</strong> pricing for you to join as 

spectators <strong>and</strong> cheer on your fellow 

dancers! 

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER ACADEMY 

DANCE CLASSES 

Beginner Mambo/Salsa <strong>and</strong> 

Intermediate Foxtrot. Registration in 

October – to be announced. Register 

online www.alohaballroom.com! 

“HOWL-O-WEEN” Themed BALLROOM 

DANCE, Social <strong>Dance</strong>, Potluck, on 

Wednesday, November 2 nd , Kihei 

Community Center, 6:30 – 9pm. Be Scary, 

Be Incognito, Be Beautiful or Be Funny, 

but BE THERE in costume! Fourth 

Quarter <strong>Academy</strong> Students – No Charge. 

Guests - $10.00. 

OTHER MAUI DANCE EVENTS 

Monday Evenings – “Martini Mondays 

with Rita & Brian” at Bamboo Chi, Wailea. 

Foxtrot, Swing, Rumba <strong>and</strong> Soft <strong>Dancing</strong> 

to Sinatra-Style music & dancing. 

Thursday Evenings – <strong>Latin</strong> & Swing 

Sounds at LULU’S, Kihei 

Saturday Evenings – <strong>Ballroom</strong> & <strong>Latin</strong> 

<strong>Dance</strong> at Maui Arts & Cultural Center 

(MACC). Contact: Terry Hans, <strong>Academy</strong> 

Student, 875-1142. 

JULY or AUGUST 2006 

BALLROOM DANCE CRUISE with Rita 

& Brian to ALASKA on Princess Lines. 

More details to come (or contact Rita, 

891-2949) 

GUIDELINES FOR DANCE ETIQUETTE 

The <strong>Academy</strong> offers dance 

etiquette guidelines & strongly 

encourages all students to follow them 

for the maximum comfort & enjoyment of 

all dancers. 

The <strong>Academy</strong> 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 <strong>Academy</strong> 

Officers <strong>and</strong> Instructors are here to 

help. It is the <strong>Academy</strong>’s practice to 

maintain confidentiality. The <strong>Academy</strong> 

will try to help so everyone is free to 

learn, dance <strong>and</strong> enjoy! 

The complete <strong>Dance</strong> Etiquette 

Guidelines are on the bulletin board at 

the <strong>Academy</strong> or request a copy from 

Julie Katz, Secretary. 

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS 

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 <strong>Academy</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> 

<strong>News</strong> extra special! 

If you would like to contribute 

an article, thought or an idea to the 

“<strong>Academy</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>News</strong>,” 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 “<strong>Academy</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> 

<strong>News</strong>” for publication <strong>and</strong>/or gift them 

to the “Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>” 

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 

11 

gifted to the <strong>Academy</strong>! 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 “<strong>Academy</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>News</strong>.” 

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 <strong>Academy</strong>! 

<strong>Academy</strong> Co-Founders, Rita & Brian O’Connor. 


© <strong>2005</strong> Aloha <strong>Ballroom</strong> <strong>Dance</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>

Academy Dance News 2005 - Latin and Ballroom Dancing on Maui

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