Members of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association (HBDA) East Hawaii chapter invite the Big Island community to their 25th Silver Anniversary Ball at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Hilo Elk’s Lodge. ADVERTISING Members of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance
Members of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association (HBDA) East Hawaii chapter invite the Big Island community to their 25th Silver Anniversary Ball at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Hilo Elk’s Lodge.
Tickets are $20, and can be reserved by contacting Owen Nishioka at 935-8974. The cost of the ticket includes admission to the ball and a home-style dinner with dessert prepared by Hilo Elk’s Lodge staff. Semi-formal attire is requested. A no-host bar also will be available that evening.
The dance chapter was started in 1989 under the guidance of Mildred Kaneta and her late husband, Robert. With the Kanetas, Hisao and Hagie Kaya played an important role in organizing and promoting ballroom dancing in Hilo.
Kaneta and the Kayas, who are 80-plus years young, remain active in numerous dance organizations in the community.
Highlights of the evening will include the presentation of the Kaya Award.
The award honors the most enthusiastic new chapter member.
Chapter members and instructors also will perform a romantic rumba routine.
The routine was choreographed by rotating instructors Joyce and Andrew Iwashita.
Joining the celebration from Oahu will be HBDA’s dance director, Benny Agbayani, and associate dance director, Faith Agbayani, Oahu telemark instructors and members. They will perform various dance exhibitions at this milestone anniversary.
Officers of the chapter for 2014 are Marie Roberts, president; Owen Nishioka, vice president; Becky Mitchel, secretary; and Lynn Otsubo, treasurer. Classes are hosted Wednesday evenings at Waiakea High School. Throughout the year, the chapter offers classes such as cha cha, waltz, rumba, samba and fox trot in the American social style of dance.
