Retired dentist Richard Miyaji with KHNL News 8's Mari-Ela David at the Valentine's Day Dance.
"He made my day," she said. "This is my first time doing this and the moment we met, we just clicked."
Instead of doing the waltz, these dancers do the Macarena. They got some help from local students.
"It's really fun because we get to learn new dances and we get to help with these senior citizens who don't know these dances," said Jerilyn Ornellas, a dance volunteer.
"It feels really good to know that I'm helping them dance, learn the dances and let them have a good time," added Alexandra Balgos, another dance volunteer. "It feels really good inside."
That's exactly why Kristine Uyeno decided to come out.
"It's so much fun," she said. "You get out there, you socialize, you get exercise, and you meet a lot of people. It's great."
That's why many make it an annual event. "Are you going to be back next year?" asked KHNL. "Of course, I will be back," said Romuar. And so will Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who will likely serenade his fans again next year with his rendition of Don Ho's "I Will Remember You."
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 WorldNow and KHNL
February 12, 2009
USA: Seniors kick up their heels at Valentine's Day dance
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HONOLULU, HAWAII STATE CAPITAL / KHNL / February 12, 2009
By Leland Kim
Valentine's Day came a few days early at the Neal Blaisdell Center's Exhibition Hall. Some members of KHNL/K5 ohana and others took part in the Senior Citizens' Valentine's Day Dance Tuesday morning.
Remember your first dance? You're dressed to impress and that giddy anticipation fills your heart.
"I feel so happy with you," said Aurora Romuar, a dance participant.
Well, the participants at the Seniors' Valentine's Dance are many decades removed from their senior prom, but it almost seems like yesterday. Two by two, they make their entrance. Their faces say it all.
Richard Miyaji is a retired dentist and a former dance instructor. He doesn't get many chances to put on his dancing shoes.
"That's one of the advantages of being a senior citizen, I guess," he said. "To retire and you can come out and enjoy events like this."
His partner? KHNL and K5's Mari-Ela David.
Retired dentist Richard Miyaji with KHNL News 8's Mari-Ela David at the Valentine's Day Dance.
"He made my day," she said. "This is my first time doing this and the moment we met, we just clicked."
Instead of doing the waltz, these dancers do the Macarena. They got some help from local students.
"It's really fun because we get to learn new dances and we get to help with these senior citizens who don't know these dances," said Jerilyn Ornellas, a dance volunteer.
"It feels really good to know that I'm helping them dance, learn the dances and let them have a good time," added Alexandra Balgos, another dance volunteer. "It feels really good inside."
That's exactly why Kristine Uyeno decided to come out.
"It's so much fun," she said. "You get out there, you socialize, you get exercise, and you meet a lot of people. It's great."
That's why many make it an annual event. "Are you going to be back next year?" asked KHNL. "Of course, I will be back," said Romuar. And so will Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who will likely serenade his fans again next year with his rendition of Don Ho's "I Will Remember You."
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 WorldNow and KHNL
Retired dentist Richard Miyaji with KHNL News 8's Mari-Ela David at the Valentine's Day Dance.
"He made my day," she said. "This is my first time doing this and the moment we met, we just clicked."
Instead of doing the waltz, these dancers do the Macarena. They got some help from local students.
"It's really fun because we get to learn new dances and we get to help with these senior citizens who don't know these dances," said Jerilyn Ornellas, a dance volunteer.
"It feels really good to know that I'm helping them dance, learn the dances and let them have a good time," added Alexandra Balgos, another dance volunteer. "It feels really good inside."
That's exactly why Kristine Uyeno decided to come out.
"It's so much fun," she said. "You get out there, you socialize, you get exercise, and you meet a lot of people. It's great."
That's why many make it an annual event. "Are you going to be back next year?" asked KHNL. "Of course, I will be back," said Romuar. And so will Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who will likely serenade his fans again next year with his rendition of Don Ho's "I Will Remember You."
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 WorldNow and KHNL
