About Us

Mission Statement

The Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy is a charitable, nonprofit, educational corporation whose purpose is to educate the public about Latin & Ballroom Dancing through Professionally Instructed Group Classes and Public Performances.

The Directors of the Corporation and the Officers of the South Maui Chapter are all volunteers who are dance enthusiasts instrumental in helping their chapter of Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy prosper according to the goals of the organization & the wishes of the chapter's student body.

What Students Say About Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy*:

"An asset & great benefit to the community!"
"This program has helped me love life again!"
"Great time with great people!"
"A favorite date night for my husband & I!"
"Great way to be a part of the Maui community!"
"We love this class! We drive all the way from Kula!"
"Rita's classes are a life changer!"
"After a hard day at work, I look forward to Rita's dance classes!"
"I love this class and I got to meet both of my loves in it: my boyfriend and ballroom dancing!"
"Rita's the best teacher of ballroom & latin dance on the island and I have taken from them all!"

*To read more about Rita & her teaching, visit www.privateimagedance.com "Kind Words & Testimonials."

Letter from Former Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa
Dated May 6, 2003:

Aloha Rita & Brian:

   Thank you for forwarding more information about your Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy; it's always a treat to learn about another success story in our community - and so quickly, too.

   Having more than 200 students in such a short time is clearly a testament to the enjoyment your students must find in the Ballroom dancing experience.

   My congratulations on your accomplishment, and thank you again for sharing the information about your program with me.


Sincerely,

Alan M. Arakawa, Mayor

Corporate Directors

Rita O'Connor - Corporate President    Send email to Rita
Brian O'Connor - Corporate Vice President
Hilary Fandel - Board Member

Dance Instructor/Dance Director

Rita O'Connor - Dance Instructor / Director    Send email to Rita

Officers of the South Maui Chapter of Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy

2010 - 2011 Academy Officers
Ron Baybayan - Vice President
Juan Dawson - Vice President
Donnalee Singer - Vice President
Cindy Dawson - Treasurer
Marilyn Jackson - Secretary

2008 - 2009 Academy Officers
Julie Katz - President
Brian Nakano - Vice President Volunteers
Juan Dawson - Vice President Facilities
Keoki Sousa - Vice President Themed Parties
Judy Montgomery - Asst. Themed Parties
Marty-Jean Bender - Secretary
Cindy Dawson - Treasurer
Marina Zautner - Asst. Treasurer

2007 - 2008 Academy Officers
Julie Katz - President
Juan Dawson - Vice President
Keoki Sousa - Vice President
Lynette Zakabi - Vice President
Cindy Dawson - Treasurer
Sally Goodness - Asst. Treasurer
Marty-Jean Bender - Secretary
Rosie Alexander - Asst. VP

2006 Academy Officers
Cheri Ridings - President
Shelley Ting - Vice President
Daryl Polansky - Vice President
Tamara Perkins - Vice President
Rosie Alexander - Assistant Vice President
Julie Katz - Secretary
Marty-Jean Bender - Treasurer
Brian Nakano - Assistant Treasurer

2005 Academy Officers
Cheri Ridings - President
Julie Claire Holmes - Vice President
Shelley Ting - Vice President
Les Grimes - Vice President
Sandy Hook - Vice President
Julie Katz - Secretary
Marty-Jean Bender - Treasurer

2004 Academy Officers
Al Yniguez - President
Shelley Ting - Vice President
Les Grimes - Vice President
Julie Katz - Secretary
Teri Mister - Treasurer

2003 Academy Officers
Keoki Sousa - Charter President
Jackie Webster - President
Cheri Ridings - Vice President
Jenifer Goss - Secretary
Mary Norton-Braidman - Treasurer