TONY MEREDITH, A PROFESSIONAL BALLROOM DANCE CHAMPION AND CHOREOGRAPHER, RETURNS TO HAWAI‘I, AND OPENS THE ALOHA BALLROOM COMPANY.
Tony Meredith inside the new Aloha Ballroom Company studio. Photo by Daniel Kawasaki
His career has taken him all over the world, gaining a national ballroom dance title and choreography credits for icons including Celine Dion, dances for films such as The Thomas Crown Affair, and partnering with Vanessa Williams for a performance at the “50 Years of Broadway at the Kennedy Center” celebration—just to name a few. Here, Tony Meredith tells us about sharing his love of dance in Hawai‘i.
Why open the Aloha Ballroom Company in Hawai‘i? Dance has been a part of my entire life, including growing up here on the islands. It only made sense that I continue my dance career and bring it all back, sharing all the things I’ve learned in my travels.
What type of dance will you be teaching? Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Merengue, Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha and much more. I’ll sometimes give Master Classes in a group setting, but we will focus on private instruction for everyone from beginners to advanced.
What do you hope your students will achieve? Dancing encompasses so many health and social benefits. After the pandemic, people isolated themselves. I’m hoping to bring the community out and back together. What’s more, ballroom dancing is a reason to get dressed up and feel great about yourself.
Do you have any tips for brides and grooms when they take on their first dance together? Come in with an open mind and open spirit. We cater this to each couple. The first dance is typically the best moment of the big day. We help couples make it count. Bringing in a truly special song enhances the whole experience. alohaballroomcompany.com