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Ballroom dance instructor receives special honor

Theodore and Leila Leong

Leila Leong was crowned 2018-19 Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association’s Telemark Queen at the Telemark Ball on Nov. 3 at the Ala Wai Palladium on Oahu. This event is to recognize and honor a volunteer Telemark instructor. Leila Leong and her escort, Theodore Leong, have been instructors for the Central Maui Chapter for more than 14 years.

The Telemark Ball is a fundraiser which supports the Telemark, Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association’s corps of instructors. HBDA Telemark instructors are all non-salaried volunteers. The HBDA’s organization is based in Oahu with chapters throughout the state. The Central Maui Chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center, except for holidays.

That evening, Queen Leila and her escort danced a self-choreographed Viennese waltz to “Greatest Fan of your Life,” by Edwin McCain.

Their royal court included son Jordan Leong, HBDA Telemark banner bearer; grandson Justice Wakamatsu, Telemark queen’s banner; and granddaughters, Kiyana Garcia Wakamatsu, crown bearer; Amber Wakamatsu, scepter bearer; and Hailey Wakamatsu, sash bearer.

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