HBDA FUNDRAISER

This past Saturday, at the invitation of Mike & Lori Chun (Kaimuki Chapter), we attended the HBDA fund raiser dance at the Palladium. It was a particularly interesting and entertaining event for me because I didn’t have my camera with me. So, I actually got to see all the performances, with both my eyes - pan-a-vision. I’m usually looking through the viewfinder on my camera and I didn’t realize how much I was missing - particularly with the formations.

In true HBDA style, the various Chapters put on their formation exhibitions. As I watched one Chapter after the next, I began to appreciate the thought and effort that goes on behind each formation performance. The first thing that catches your eye is the costuming. Certainly, it takes time and effort on the part of the costume designer and everyone involved in the final decision on a group design. The costuming has to fit the character of the dance and it plays a big role in the expression of the dance. And, someone has to pay for all the costuming and it’s probably not cheap, and some of the costuming was pretty elaborate - impressive!

Then, there’s the choreography. How to get 5, 10, or more couples to move synchronously and portray a character of a dance in a pleasing manner. When it’s done well, it’s almost like looking through a kaleidoscope - couples moving in, through, around, away from, toward each other, often separating and changing partners only to reunite later in the choreography. As I sat there and watched each Chapter put on their performances, I was quite impressed with their creativity and I could only imagine and chuckle thinking of the many hours of practice and frustration it must have taken to get everything right. Chuckle, only because I can relate to many hours of practice and frustration Debra and I go through to get a dance somewhat presentable - and it is never ever perfect - not even close. :-)

When we watch the formations, we can’t help but look at the individual couples. It’s only natural. And, sure, we can catch a glitch here and there - I’m sure that happens even among top competitive formation groups. But, if you look away from the individuals and focus on the formation and look at the formation as one moving entity, you begin to appreciate the performance even more. I think each Chapter did a great job and I did enjoy just watching for a change.

HBDA had a couple of guest performances highlighting the end of their show. First up was Renna Villanuaeva dancing with Robert Schiff performing a sexy Rumba. Closing the show was an entertaining amalgamation show dance put on by Yanna, Lucas, Marie and Paul of Divino Ritmo.

I’d like to thank my friend, fellow dancer, and photographer, Jackson Cho, for providing me with some pictures of the event to share with you. Thanks for sharing your pictures Jackson. It was a particularly enjoyable event.

With Aloha,
Calvin & Debra