Aloha,
Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association, (HBDA), “Where Dancing Begins”, was founded in 1959 by Eugene and Harriet Ichinose, has grown into one of the largest ballroom dance organizations in the State of Hawaii. There are eight (8) chapters throughout the islands of Oahu, Big Island and Maui with an aggregate membership of approximately 600 members. HBDA is a non-profit, 501C3 tax-exempt, organization dedicated to the promotion, teaching and encouragement which foster motivation and development of ballroom dancing for the people of Hawaii Nei. The Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association (HBDA) offers both American and International style of ballroom dance. HBDA has been nominated as the “Best Ballroom Dance Lessons” for the Honolulu Magazine 2009 Best of Honolulu Awards.
HBDA’s dance program emphasizes a relaxed and conversational American Social dance style. There are eight (8) chapters that teach the American Social Bronze I/II, four (4) chapters that teach the American Social Bronze II/Silver style of Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Fox Trot, Peabody, Jitterbug and Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Swing Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, Cuban Rumba, Bolero, ChaCha, Samba, Merengue, Bachata, Mambo and Salsa.
International style is taught only one (1) chapter: Wednesday; Studio 3 in Aiea. Although the technique for dance styles is similar, the International style is more disciplined and technical. The International chapters teach Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Fox Trot, Quickstep, Tango, Paso Doble, Rumba, Samba, ChaCha and Jive.
Classes run for eight (8) weeks and one (1) social per quarter. Each quarter begin the months of April, July, October and January. Two dances are offered in each session. Dance classes are taught by trained Telemark instructors. All dance students are required to be members of HBDA. Membership dues are $20 per year ($15 if joining in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year). All membership expires on March 31. Class Fees are $35 per quarter, for two classes per student. Students are required to sign up for a minimum of two (2) classes per quarter.
Our review nights are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday in the first two months of the quarter at the Dance Studio. Review nights were developed for currently enrolled students to review the steps learned in class. There is a voluntary potluck and it’s a fun night with dance and fellowship you don’t want to miss. So, whether you are new to ballroom dancing and want to learn a few steps or looking to socialize or exercise, there’s something for everyone here at HBDA.
Benny and Faith Agbayani, HBDA Dance Director/Associate Dance Director