About HBDA
Where dancing begins, since 1959
The Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been teaching the people of Hawaii to dance for over 60 years.
Our story
Eugene and Harriet Ichinose founded HBDA in 1959 to make ballroom dancing fun, affordable and available to everyone in Hawaii Nei. More than six decades later, HBDA is one of the largest dance organizations in the state, with around 300 members and chapters on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island.
Everything HBDA does is run by volunteers: the council, the chapter officers and the instructors, most of whom came up through HBDA classes themselves. That keeps dues low and the atmosphere friendly. HBDA was nominated for Best Ballroom Dance Lessons in Honolulu Magazine’s Best of Honolulu awards, and the weekly classes have never stopped.
How we teach
American Style, taught patiently
HBDA teaches American Style ballroom: relaxed, social and made for real dance floors rather than competition. Classes move at a conversational pace, everyone starts with the basic step, and assistant instructors circulate to help.
The dance program is led by Dance Director Romeo Quemado and Associate Dance Director Miriam Quemado. Instructors train through the Telemark program and teach as volunteers at their home chapters.
The people
Who runs HBDA
HBDA is governed by an elected council, and each chapter is run by its own officers. Meet the people behind the dancing.
Council and chapter officers
The HBDA Council and the volunteer officers who run each chapter.
Have a question? Just ask.
Call, text or email and a real HBDA member will get back to you. Or come to a class and ask in person.
Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association
Oahu
Call or text (808) 781-2076 or (808) 282-9888, or email romeocquemado@yahoo.com
Maui
Call (614) 975-9127 or (808) 385-8881
East Hawaii (Hilo)
Call (808) 756-3184
