What do you think of when you hear the word, “Hawai’i”? Glistening beaches of clear ocean, stunning sunsets, and towering mountains of green. Hawai’i is seen as a paradise, and for good reason. There even happens to be a hidden treasure trove in Hawai’i—the Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, my little paradise in paradise.
My Ballroom journey started when a couple of classmates, who were already members of the club, invited me to join. After much convincing, I decided to try it out. I mean, heck, I had free time and I knew I would have just been scrolling on my phone anyway, so what was the harm? That said, I immediately committed all the time I could to the club. Each dance practice was split into two sessions: a beginner session during the first half of practice and the advanced session in the second half, all of which totaled to roughly three hours of my Tuesday. The advanced session was meant for performance/competition preparation for those on the club’s Ballroom dance team. While most beginners initially take a month or two before joining the advanced session, I did so right away. I spent every Tuesday evening in the same studio from 6-9 p.m., messing up and laughing with everyone.
A month later, one of our two instructors, Ravi Narayan, asked me a question that would unexpectedly change my life (although that’s a bit corny). Ravi asked, “Are you on O’ahu on May 19, 2023?” It would be summer break, and during that time I would probably just be playing video games. Without much thinking, I just replied, “Yes.” It turns out, we actually had a performance on that date, so without much of a choice, I was made to perform with the team. From then on, my Tuesday evening practices were accompanied by Sunday performance practices. A week before the actual performance, our dance instructors, Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti, had to talk to the dance team. It was what one would expect, basic know-hows of preparation for the performance, such as costumes and hair, inviting people and classmates, and general logistics. However, what I certainly DID NOT expect, was that they appointed me, the newest club member, as the dance team’s Dance Captain.
A week passed, and the performance day, when we did our formation dance, finally came! I definitely made my own mistakes but it was too much fun being with everyone to let it get to me. We had line dances going with families and friends, along with a Professional American Smooth performance. I was absolutely hooked on Ballroom dance. The atmosphere of the ballroom was unique, to say the least, and coming from a background of 14 years of soccer, it was definitely a nice change of pace. The performances, moving forward, were even more spectacular, managing to outdo my expectations each time with how enjoyable they were. Maybe it’s because of the weight of being Dance Captain that I tried a lot harder to set a solid example, and I definitely felt as though that weight helped me improve that much more every week. Our Ballroom dance club even performed for the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in one of their ballrooms and it was exhilarating knowing that the people I knew were seeing a different side of me.
Aside from performances, I think what really changed how I viewed Ballroom were the competitions. I’ve been through three competitions in my one year of Ballroom dance, and they were all different and special. I remember my first Ballroom event at the Hawaii Star Ball competition; the first time stepping on the floor in front of many people, I couldn’t feel my legs. While competing, it was pure muscle memory carrying my legs and I honestly didn’t know how exact my movements were since I couldn’t feel them. Even though this applied to both styles of dance that I competed — American Smooth and American Rhythm — what I remember the most was how alive I really felt (which is, again, very corny). It was like having my personality split between the academic side of school, the elegance of the Waltz, the seriousness of Tango, the joyfulness of Foxtrot, the exciting appeal of Cha Cha, the romance of the Rumba, and the swing of…well…the Swing. I did manage to get a first place with my partner but I couldn’t think about the medal or the trophy at all, only that I wanted to be on the floor again.
Soon after, I competed in the Aloha Ball that was held in February 2024. Although we were typical college students procrastinating on our homework in the back room, we were also Ballroom dance competitors rehearsing what we know, getting a good meal, and stretching in. Looking back at my Hawaii Star Ball videos, it’s really funny to see how I used to dance. During Aloha Ball, I felt like I knew what I was doing a bit better. I knew where my feet had to go, my turning, and my form (which we call our “hold”). It was great! My partners and I managed to get first place in our events (both American Smooth and Rhythm) and it felt amazing on the floor.
As one would expect, competitions are a lot different than performances. You spend months with another person (or multiple people) to do your best, and everyone’s interpretation of “best” is different. Ballroom is special. It isn’t a large teamsport like American football or soccer, nor is it an individual sport, like wrestling or cross country. It’s a sport between two individuals — a duet. You aren’t “playing a game” in competitive Ballroom dance, you are a performer, showing everyone who you are and telling them your story. The beauty of Ballroom dance comes from intertwining the couple’s two individual stories. This intertwining reflects who they are. This is the part of Ballroom dance that I fell for, and I imagine many other dancers have as well.
Then came the USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships where the University of Hawaii at Mānoa’s Ballroom Dance Club represented both the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and the State of Hawai’i for the very first time in history. I don’t think words can do enough justice for such a grand experience, and if you are ever considering starting Ballroom dancing, definitely go to USA Dance Nationals at least once. Our team did a formation dance that we have been performing for quite a while, and did very well. We were also the only team from all the other colleges to do a formation. Our team also competed in different events.
Supporting and being supported was a feeling that made the experience even more enjoyable. With both of my dance partners, the feeling of being alive on the floor without a doubt, topped the previous time I competed. I couldn’t help but think, “Look at us. This is who we are.”
After an exceedingly long amount of competing, approximately 88 rounds for me, we were given our results. My partners and I managed to receive 17 finalist ribbons out of 20 events, and became a National Champion in one of them.
Aside from the dancing aspect, the people at Nationals were amazing. Many colleges from different states and professionals from across the nation came together for this competition. Since it was in Pittsburgh, we had to get a hotel and being roommates with the other male team members was a very wild and interesting experience. The bed arrangements were a little cramped and difficult (perhaps due to a bit of snoring), but gave me a memory that I’ll never forget. Getting dinner with them on those evenings, even following our competition days, was something that I looked forward to every single night.
Then came the Final CollegiateAwards Event on Sunday, where the top eight teams received certificates based on their placements. When it came to the awards for the “Highest Point Average,” the 8th top team was called, then the 7th, and so on until the 2nd. We watched as the very strong Ballroom dance colleges were called. Certainly, 1st place was not in our reach. Or was it? Then, University of Hawaii called for the 1st place award! It didn’t feel real!!
As the representative, I picked up our certificate, turned around and saw everyone coming to me. We all celebrated on the spot, and I couldn’t wish to win with any other team than this one.
Well, that’s my eventful one-year story, following my one-year anniversary with Ballroom dance this past March 21, 2024. Ballroom dancing at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa was an incredible adventure I embarked on this past year, and one I plan on continuing. It is undoubtedly the highlight of my college career, and the people I have encountered and worked with have been remarkable.
Ballroom, as a partner-sport, has naturally changed my perspective on collaboration. Dance helps me deal with stress. Communication and honesty certainly play strong roles in a couple’s performance. Understanding everything will be alright, while enjoying yourself, is key to a successful Ballroom dance experience. Yet, treating everything as though it were your last dance is a mentality that sticks with you, both on and off the floor.
I look forward to living on the dance floor once again. Let’s plan to see each other there soon.
