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Hawai'i Star Ball
Hawaii Star Ball -2010 - by: Jo Ellen JarvisFor five days, Dave and 12 students/friends of Ballroom Parkrose enjoyed dancing in paradise. The Hawai’i Star Ball has to be one of the best run competitions in the US. The organizer, Geoffrey Fells, takes care of every detail, provides incredible dinners and evening dances, and arranges for shows including an outdoor welcome party with local entertainment, Chinese Lion Dance Teams, Hula one night, Taiko drumming the next, local singers and a pro-show the next. Everyone is draped in leis as they dance around the floor at the evening festivities. Oh, and did I mention, the shores of Waikiki are just steps away. Unfortunately, our ocean bobbing was a little less than when we were there three years ago, as the Pacific rains “blessed” the island most competition days. Still, we were in Hawaii, and there wasn’t a minute that wasn’t enjoyed. Raining? Oh well, I guess we’ll have to go shopping….
Ballroom Parkrose dancers also competed really well that week. Scholarship divisions were only available at the highest levels, so many of the dancers were unable to try their luck. However, of those that gave it a go, all came in “in the money”. Julie Vincent came in 3rd in the Open Rhythm scholarship (as well as being called back for a Supreme Award honor dance for her “Peace, Love, Rock ‘n Roll” solo routine). Marlaine won the American Smooth, Nancy Yie took 3rd in the Latin, Katherine King got 3rd in her Standard scholarship competition, and I came away with a gold in my division.
Pat McCrary had many golds in the THREE styles of dancing she did over the week, and was moving really well. Miranda Willis danced Smooth and Standard, and debuted her Latin at this competition. Great new blue dress too. Rita was also debuting a new style of dance for her; American Smooth. She’s began her competition career with Latin, added Standard a year or so ago, and has now added Smooth to her repertoire. Everybody watching seemed to think this will be a good style for her -- the judges seemed to agree.
Some of the Amateur divisions were really exciting and fun to watch. Lots of great dancers from the US, China, Canada, the Philippines and Japan were there. Candy and Terry Nicholson and Warren and Marlaine Magee were there representing us in the Amateur Standard and Latin, and both couples held their own in the Novice and Pre-Champ divisions.
With all that, Ballroom Parkrose came home with 2nd in the Top Studio race. A local studio with many teachers, and way more students just barely beat us out. Dave also brought home 2nd in Top Teacher.
Victor and Michelle joined us for the week long adventure. Both are great to have along. And we got to meet Victor’s Aunt at the final dinner dance. Now we know where Victor gets his grace. Gail Lund and Mari Schartz were also on the island with us, and we got to see them in between their island frivolities.
All in all, Hawai’i was a great success, both on and off the floor. Aloha
