AMERICA'S GOT TALENT - SEASON 3 - 2008 - SING, DANCE & JUGGLE - CONTESTANT #831245 - PERFORMED ON THE INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION SHOW. EPISODE 1 - SHOWN IN PREVIEWS. EPISODE 6 - NEW YORK CITY - PERFORMED SOLO ON STAGE AT THE HAMMERSTEIN THEATRE - AT MANHATTAN CENTER STUDIOS. "FINALE" - IN L.A., OCTOBER 1, 2008 - AS ONE OF THE "AUDITION ALL STARS" (RED DRESS - WITH 3 SOLO SPOTS - SHOT LIVE) Anita Aloha - Happy & Having a Good Time. SING, DANCE & JUGGLE - WITH HER POI BALLS FROM HAWAII, at age 63 - High Kick, Show Girl Floor-Work with Upside-Down Splits & Exercise Gymnastics. Here's the Video (Demo Show Reel) of the "Finale" of America's Got Talent, Season 3, October l, 2008, where Anita Aloha felt Thankful, Thrilled & Honored to be "Brought Back" as one of Season 3's "Most Memorable and/or Fun" Acts - to Perform as one of the "Audition All Stars"
OCCUPATION: PERFORMER/ENTERTAINER – SAG & AFTRA
ANITA (Little Ann - or the "Endearing" Way of Saying Ann)
ALOHA (Hawaiian for Hello, Farewell, Peace & Love)
FROM: HONOLULU, HAWAII - A Tropical Paradise - I "Most" Identify with Hawaii.
I LIVED IN HAWAII FOR 7 YEARS - FROM AGE 18 THROUGH AGE 25 - 1963 THROUGH 1969 - WHEN I LEFT WITH THE DON HO SHOW TO PERFORM IN LAS VEGAS AT KERKORIAN'S BRAND NEW HOTEL - THE INTERNATIONAL - PRESENTLY - THE LAS VEGAS HILTON. Anita is, now, Residing in Encino, L.A., California, U.S.A.
Singer, Dancer, Juggler, Actress, Court Stenographer on TV Shows and Movies, Model, Songwriter, Poet, Exercise Gymnastics, Comedy, Teacher/Instructor, & “Always” a Student – to learn “More” and Different Ways, but – Most of All – To Entertain – and Bring a Smile to Someone’s Face, a Tear of Understanding, or to Laugh – Out Loud – not “at” me, but “because” of me – “along with me” – Because, I Feel that Life is “Short” – and “Precious” – and Should be “Enjoyed” – Sending Love and Enjoyment to Others –
VIDEO - Anita Aloha Sings - The "Hawaiian Wedding Song" on September 12, 2009, and Dances Tahitian, with Audience Participation, for the "Hawaiian Night" at a Ballroom Dance (Demo Show Reel)
Wishing you Happiness, Beauty, Hope, the Strength to Rise Up Again, to be Proud of Yourself, Health, Wealth, Peace, All Kinds of Love – Tender & Gentle, Sweet & Nice Love – Wholesome Love, Secure & Comfortable Love, Love for a Pet, Love for the World, & Passion, Passionate Love, Affection, Warm and Caring Friends, the Helpful Kindness of a Stranger, Joy, Adventure, to See New Sights & Meet New People, to Zoom Down the Snow Covered Mountain on Skis, in Front of the Foam of the Wave on a Boogie Surf Board, Flying Around the Dance Floor - Lovingly Wrapped in Someone’s Arms, Fun, the View from a Mountain Top at Sunrise, the View of the Cascading Waterfall, the Flowing Stream, and the Peaceful Lake – with the Green Meadow and the Colorful Flowers, and the Warm Sand of the Beach – at Sunset – with the Embrace of the Soft Breeze Upon Your Face –
SING: Pop, Hawaiian, Showtunes, Disco, Rock, Religious, Soul, R&B, Patriotic, Country–Western, Standards, and More
DANCE: SHOWGIRL - FLOOR WORK, Exercise Gymnastics, HAWAIIAN – THE GRACEFUL HULA, HIP SHAKING – TAHITIAN – TO THE POUNDING DRUMS, POLYNESIAN, THE “GO-FOR-IT” FREESTYLE, Beautiful Ballet, Crisp Modern Jazz, Tap, BALLROOM – THE ELEGANT WALTZ, FOXTROT, QUICKSTEP, DRAMATIC & SEDUCTIVE TANGO, LATIN -THE EXUBERANT SAMBA, MERENGUE, ROMANTIC RHUMBA, BOLERO, CHA CHA CHA, MAMBO & SALSA, SWING – Various – East Coast - Single & Triple Step, West Coast, Charleston, Night Club Two-Step, DISCO-HUSTLE (4 Count & 3 Count – Circular – Rotating – or Slot), Country–Western, and More
JUGGLE: Poi Balls from Hawaii (Maori in New Zealand – Performed in Hawaiian & Polynesian Shows)
VIDEO - Anita Aloha Performs a One Person "Complete" Hawaiian Show, using "Various Implements" and "Costume Changes" - for a Ballroom Dance Organization - for their "Special Occasion" Theme of "Hawaiian Night". She Performs Polynesian Dances (wearing a pareo) with the Hawaiian Uli Ulis (Feathered Gourds) to "The Hawaiian War Chant". And, then, a Hula - with the Graceful Hand Gestures - in a Traditional Blue Cellophane Skirt - to the Song - "Little Brown Girl". Next is the Ipu (the Large Gourd), followed by the Pu ili ilis (the Split Bamboos) to the Song - "Pearly Shells". Then - Juggling (Twirling) with her Poi Balls (as she did on the "Finale" of "America's Got Talent" - Season 3, October 1, 2008, as one of the "Audition All Stars"). But, this Video (Demo Show Reel) is still back at the Ballroom Dance on August 4, 2006. Anita puts on the Red Tahitian Skirt (that was Custom-Made for her by the Son of the Man, in Hawaii, who made Costumes for her in the 1960's). She blows bubbles to the Song "Tiny Bubbles" (remembering when she was in the "Don Ho" Show - in Hawaii & Las Vegas - in 1969). She Performs the Tahitian Dance to the Pounding Drums with Audience Participation. And, after the "Vigorous" Tahitian Dance - She Sings the Beautiful Hawaiian Song - "To You, Sweetheart, Aloha" on August 4, 2006 (at age 61 - "Feeling" 21)
Born – July 12, 1945, in Washington, D.C. – as Anita Marlene Velazquez
Father – J.L. Velazquez – Cal Tech Graduate, Navy Officer & Advanced Design Aeronautical Engineer, Pilot & Yachtsman (Deceased)
Mother – Dori Stewart (maiden name) – Cosmetics Rep. & Loves to Travel
Religion – Christian & Open-Minded. I was baptized Catholic for my Father's Parents, Grandma & Grandpa Velazquez, and I was baptized Methodist for my Mother's Mother, Grandma Stewart, and my Mother's Father, Grandpa Stewart, was Presbyterian. I have Friends from Many Different Religions. I Performed a Hawaiian Show for the University Synagogue and the Hollywood Presbyterian Church - for their "Hawaiian Night" Ballroom Dance.
Early Years in Springfield, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where I had my Snow Sled, with Red Trim, in the Winter, with a Snow Man in Front of the House, Dad made Red Grenadine Snow Cones from the Freshly Fallen Snow and Hot Chocolate with Melting Marshmellows on Top, where Mom & I Planted Tulips, in a circle, around the Big Tree, in the Front Yard, that would Rise Up - out of the ground - and be so Beautiful in the Spring, where our back yard went off into the Forest, where I built a "Fort" and painted it blue, (my house, today, is cape cod "blue" with white trim). In Pennsylvania, I remember the Warm Summer Nights on the front porch, visiting with neighbors and watching the Pretty Lights of the Fireflys - and the Fall - with the GORGEOUS AUTUMN LEAVES OF RED, ORANGE, YELLOW & GOLD. I would collect them and iron them between sheets of wax paper - to preserve their Magnificent Beauty, and, where, when I was 5 Years Old, I started going to Dance Classes - Toe, Tap, Ballet, Modern Jazz, and Ice Skating. (And, I "continue" to take Dance Classes - to this day. I love to "learn" new Dances - and Different Ways, Styles, Versions --)
4th to 12th Grades – Burbank & Woodland Hills, Southern California – and, then, off - in 1963, to the University of Hawaii
Age - 64 Years "Young" (Look 30's & "Feel Young". One place, actually, asked me for my ID this year. Smile.)
Children – She died the day she was born. I went to Fertility Clinics – for Years, at a High Cost - Financial, Physical, and Emotional, but – It wasn’t meant to be -- (I have a dog, and, I love him.)
Marriage Partner – 32 Years (& Dance Partners)
Credits:
DON HO SHOW – Hawaii & Las Vegas -1969
Don Ho Show - Hawaii & Las Vegas - 1969 - International Hotel
Don Ho & Elvis Presley - Las Vegas - 1969 - International Hotel (Don Ho invited Elvis up on Stage to Perform with us)
HAWAII FIVE-O (With Jack Lord, Ricardo Montalban, Tommy Sands, Sal Mineo, and others) - 1960’s (I worked on the "Pilot", the "Very First Episode" - and the First Two Seasons. Hawaii Five-O is still being shown on TV.)
KELLOGG'S PUFFA PUFFA RICE – NATIONAL BREAKFAST CEREAL COMMERCIAL – ANITA ALOHA WAS THE SOLO HAWAIIAN DANCER – WHERE – WHEN SHE SHOOK HER HIPS – THE VOLCANO EXPLODED! (Demo Show Reel - 1960'S - I was in my 20's.)
I went to Merit College of Court Reporting (Court Stenographer) – for 2 Years – and, as A. Malia Velazquez - worked in the D.A.’s Office, County Counsel, Civil Service Commission and the Legal Department of the Western Conference of Teamsters – 1972 to 1981
CLINT EASTWOOD MOVIE - ANITA ALOHA WAS IN A SCENE WITH CLINT EASTWOOD (THE COURT ROOM SCENE) WHERE SHE WAS THE COURT STENOGRAPHER, WITH HER OWN STENOGRAPH MACHINE, IN THE MOVIE - "HEARTBREAK RIDGE" - PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY CLINT EASTWOOD - IN 1986 (Demo Show Reel) (I was in my early 40's)
JOHN WAYNE MOVIE – "In Harm's Way" - In Hawaii, 1963
MICHAEL JACKSON Pepsi Commercial - "The Chase" - 1987. (Demo Show Reel) I worked with Michael Jackson on the Pepsi Commercial called "The Chase" in January of 1987 for 4 Days. (At that time, with SAG, Screen Actors Guild, I was Tina Hope Ortega.) The First Day I Played a Reporter - "Chasing" him (Michael Jackson), and the next 3 Days I played a Fan - "Chasing" him. There were about 20 of us, chosen, from the Casting Agency. We "Chased" him down the Alleys of Downtown L.A. - with a lot of Night Filming. Then we "Chased" him up on the Roof of a Building. It was the Roof of City Hall - Downtown L.A. We were up there for many hours - filming. He would go down to visit his Pet "Bubbles" in his RV. When we were up on the Roof, filming the commercial - for hours - he Smiled at me and Patted me on my Head. (I'm a girl, and when I don't "fluff-up" my hair, I'm about 4'11", and I was 41 at that time. I'm, now, 64 years "young".) Michael Jackson was Friendly and Pleasant to work with - a warm way about him. I liked him. In the Scene to get away from the 20 of us "Chasing" him, up on the Roof - he jumped off the Roof and grabbed the bottom of the Helicopter that was taking off. I enjoyed working with Michael Jackson those 4 Days & Nights in January of 1987. Working with Michael Jackson is One of the Highlights of My Life. I still have the sweaters I was wearing - a Cranberry Turtle Neck and a Thick Grey Sweater. When I look at them, they remind me of him, and I Smile. Thank You Michael Jackson. Thank You for your Singing & Songs, Interesting & Great Dancing, Sparkly & Spectacular Costumes, for giving us Entertainment, and Thank You for Your Wonderful Smile - that made me Feel Happy. Love, Anita Aloha
ANDY GRIFFITH TV SHOWS – Matlock - 1980's - Including the "Very First Episode" - called "The Angel" - with a Speaking Part - which is still being shown on TV and where I'm still receiving Residuals. I was fortunate to work on many Episodes of "Matlock" playing the "Court Stenographer" - as "Special Ability" - where I used my own Stenograph Machine.
I DREAM OF JEANNIE – TV SERIES – In Hawaii - 1960's
Many TV Shows, Commercials, Print Work & Movies (Including MATLOCK, L.A. LAW, HILL STREET BLUES, DALLAS, DYNASTY, MURDER SHE WROTE & AMEN where she played the Court Reporter, Court Steno, as "Special Ability" with her own Stenograph Machine)
DON HO SHOW & ELVIS PRESLEY - LAS VEGAS - 1969 - AT THE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. In Las Vegas, at Kerkorian's New Hotel, in 1969, BARBRA STREISAND Opened it. We were the Second Show - The DON HO SHOW (a Hawaiian & Polynesian Show). I Sang and Danced Solo Tahitian, Hula & Juggled with my Poi Balls. ELVIS PRESLEY was in the Audience. DON HO invited ELVIS PRESLEY up on the Stage to Perform with us, as a "Guest Performer" - in Las Vegas, in 1969, at Kerkorian's International Hotel (that is, now, the Las Vegas Hilton). ELVIS PRESLEY was the Third Show - His "Come-Back" Performance, and ELVIS invited us "Fellow Performers" up to his Penthouse Suite, at the Top of the Hotel, for a drink - at Kerkorian's Hotel - The International, now - The Las Vegas Hilton. Elvis told me that his wife, Priscilla, wanted to be an Actress. Sixteen (16) Years Later, in 1985, I worked with PRISCILLA PRESLEY on the TV Show "Dallas" - where she was an Actress, and I played the Court Stenographer.
Stage Plays & Stage Shows – Hawaii, Japan, Las Vegas, Florida, New York City & L.A., CA
DANCE INSTRUCTOR FOR THE CRUISE SHIP – The Norwegian Majesty – Caribbean Cruise – 2004
FIRST PLACE NATIONAL DANCE SPORT TROPHIES (2004, 2005 & 2006) – AND TITLE – OFFICIAL UNITED STATES NATIONAL DANCE SPORT CHAMPION. VIDEO (Demo Show Reel) - Anita Aloha - Official United States National DanceSport Champion. Performance of 3 Routines - Solo Exhibitions - at National DanceSport Competition 2004 - aka Anita Velazquez Tighe - Viennese Waltz in White Dress - Costume, Rhumba/Bolero in Black Dress - Costume, and Salsa in Red Dress - Costume (at Pacific DanceSport Championships). Part 2 & 3 - Emerald Ball - 2004 - Latin & Swing Dances in Purple Dress - Costume - Cha Cha Cha, Rhumba, East Coast Swing, Merengue, Mambo, Bolero & Samba - and Disco-Hustle in Silver Dress - Costume. First Place Trophies & Title - Official United States National DanceSport Champion - 2004 (at age 58)
DANCING WITH THE STARS –
14 SHOWS – WITH 7 DIFFERENT DANCE PARTNERS – PERFORMED AS ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RESULTS SHOWS – FOR THE STUDIO AUDIENCE – COMPETITION AND SOLO EXHIBITION – FIRST PLACE WINNER – USUALLY, BY AUDIENCE APPLAUSE – AND, ONCE, BY THE JUDGES (THE INSTRUCTORS – PERFORMERS)
VIDEO - Anita Aloha - "I Love The Night Life" - Sing, Dance & Juggle (Twirl) my Poi Balls from Hawaii with Show Girl Floor-Work & Exercise Gymnastics - Video (Demo Show Reel) Taken at, and after, my Vocal Workshop Showcase, on April 2, 2008 (that I took with me to the New York Auditions, for "America's Got Talent", after receiving my Congratulations E-Mail that after pre-registering, I was confirmed to Audition in New York City as a Contestant for AGT - Season 3)
AND READY FOR “MORE” HAPPINESS & FUN!
AND SHOW BIZ – JOB & MONEY OPPORTUNITIES –
WOULD LOVE TO SING - MAKE A RECORD.
WOULD ENJOY SOME TALK SHOWS – L.A., CA -
SING, DANCE & JUGGLE – LAS VEGAS -
COMMERCIALS, MOVIES, TV SHOWS. Would Love to Sing the National Anthem (or God Bless America) at a Televised Ball Game, and on Television - I Would Love to Sing the Pop/Rock Song that I Wrote - "Don't Take Away My Music" and the Pop/Country Song that I Wrote - "How Young Are You?" and some Pretty, Beautiful and Inspirational Songs, and - A Lot More!
VIDEO - Anita Aloha Sings - "God Bless America" at a 4th of July Theme (Patriotic) Ballroom Dance -on July 5, 2008. (Demo Show Reel)
"God Bless America" (And, I Hope, God Will Bless The Whole World)
Thank You (Mahalo)
Love, Anita Aloha
Business Address:
14622 Ventura Blvd.,
Box #302,
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3600
U.S.A.
Business – E-mail – AnitaAloha@aol.com
(Click on my Photo at the Top of this Page to see "Pics" - to see 123 Photos)
Videos on YouTube.com - Enter - Search - Anita Aloha
Web Site - AnitaAloha.com
TO SEE ALL 123 "PICS" (PHOTOS), go to the Top of this page and Click on "Pics" (or Click on my Photo) to see "6 Different Pages" of Photos - Totaling - 123 "Pics" (Photos). THE "FIRST ONE" - THAT HAS THE TITLE "MY PHOTOS" - HAS ALL 123 "PICS" (PHOTOS)
Who I'd like to meet:
Business - Show Biz - Job & Money Opportunities
Who I'd Like to Meet:
Simon Cowell - asking me to Sing a Song and make a Record, maybe some songs that I wrote, and, then, to be a "Guest Performer" on the TV Show - "America's Got Talent" and a "Guest Performer" on the TV Show - "Dancing With The Stars". I like to Dream Big. Then, to Perform in Las Vegas, as a "Guest Performer" in "Terry Fator's Show" - or as a "Guest Performer" in the "America's Got Talent" Show at the "Planet Hollywood" in Las Vegas. Or, I could be a Headliner, and I would Sing, Dance & Juggle with my Poi Balls and a High Kick, Show-Girl Floor-Work with Upside-Down Splits and Exercise Gymnastics, Dance some Graceful Hawaiian Hula and Hip Shaking Tahitian - to the Pounding Drums, Dance - Ballroom, Latin, Swing & Disco-Hustle. Sing and Dance some "Fun" Songs, such as, the Disco Song - "I Love The Night Life", "Don't Take Away My Music", "Do That To Me One More Time" and some of my "Favorite" Songs, "That's Life" (Frank Sinatra's Version), "More" (Andy Williams' Version), and "I Don't Know Why" (I Just Do). Love to Sing some of the Great Songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, and Nat King Cole. Love to Sing Nat King Cole's Version of "Unforgettable" and "For All We Know", Mary Hopkins' Version of "Those Were The Days", Rita Coolidge's Version of "Higher & Higher" and Mama Cass' Version of "Dream a Little Dream of Me".
Being part Irish, I Love to Sing - "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (a Waltz) and Bing Crosby's Version of "True Love" (also a Waltz), and the Beautiful - "Always" - a Waltz. Being part Scotch, I Love to Sing - The New Year's Eve Song - "Auld Lang Syne" - written by the Scottish Poet - Robert Burns. Being part Mexican and Spanish, I love to Dance the Rhumba, and the Latin Dances, especially the Samba (from Brazil). I, also, Love to Dance the "American" Style Tango. (The Tango, actually, originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina.) And I Love to Sing Dean Martin's "Rhumba" Version of "I Wish You Love" and his "Rhumba" Version of "Sway", and I Love to Sing Dusty Springfield's "Rhumba" Version of "The Look of Love" and her Version of "Downtown" and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me". Being Christian, I Love to Sing Bing Crosby's Version of "White Christmas" ("Silent Night", and Eartha Kitt's Version of - "Santa Baby"). I "Most" Identify with Hawaii - where I was a Resident for 7 Years. I Lived in Hawaii from age 18 through age 25. I Performed in Many Different Polynesian Shows in Hawaii. There are Many Polynesian Songs & Dances that I Love to Perform. I Love to Sing the "Hawaiian Wedding Song", "To You Sweetheart Aloha" & "I'll Remember You" from when I was in the Don Ho Show (in Hawaii & Las Vegas - in 1969). I could End with a Beautiful Song - such as - One of My Favorite Songs to Sing - "When You Wish Upon A Star" (Disney), "Till There Was You" (The Music Man), CABARET, "What A Wonderful World", "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", "The Rose", "God Bless America", The National Anthem - "The Star Spangled Banner" (I was born in Washington, D.C.) or - How about the Song I wrote "How Young Are You?" My Mother's Mother, My Grandmother, Myrta Conklin-Stewart, was "mostly" Scotch - with her Red Hair, Big Blue Eyes and Fair Skin - she told me that her Mother, Gertrude Rose, was part English, and she had some "American Indian" in her Ancestry because the Two Conklin Brothers came over from Scotland, in 1638, and married Indian Maidens from the Haverstraw - part of the Lenni-Lenape Tribe - from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean. My Mother's Father, Grandpa Stewart's Ancestry was Scotch-Irish, and his Father was Born in Foo Chow China - because - "His" Father was a Presbyterian Missionary Doctor from Edinburgh, Scotland. My Mother was Born with Blonde Hair, Big Blue Eyes and Fair Skin. I have Dark Brown Hair (with Red Highlights), Big Brown Eyes and "Brown" Skin - I think it's from my Father, J.L. Velazquez, who was born in the United States of America with Mexican and Spanish Ancestry. He was a Cal Tech Graduate, Navy Officer and an Advanced Design Aeronautical Engineer, Pilot and Yachtsman (and he Loved Music, to Garden on the Hill behind his House, and to Work on his "Project" in his "Home Laboratory").
I was born in Washington, D.C. - at the Columbia Hospital for Women - because my Father was a Navy Officer in World War II. When I was born, my Father was out on an Aircraft Carrier, the Lake Champlain, solving a problem that helped save lives (of Pilots). It's in my Baby Book. My Father's "One and Only" Brother, and my "One and Only" Uncle, who I would visit, Uncle HECTOR VELAZQUEZ MORENO, was a Boston-Cambridge Harvard & MIT Graduate (Harvard University alumni & Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni), who Earned a Scholarship to Paris - and he was a Famous Architect in Mexico City. In La Crescenta, Southern California, my Mother's Mother - Grandma Myrta Conklin-Stewart - was Square Dancing and Reciting Poetry until she was 94. So, I may have 30 years, and more, to still be Productive - to Sing, Dance, Juggle & Perform. (And earn money for some nice trips - Smile)
So, My "Where Are You From?" ANSWER is - I was Born in Washington D.C. - with Scotch, English, Irish, American Indian, Mexican and Spanish Ancestry (and I "Most" Identify with Hawaii). I grew up, my early years, in Springfield, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I started going to and taking Dance Classes when I was 5 Years Old - Toe, Tap, Ballet, Modern Jazz and Ice Skating. In the 5th Grade - when I was 10 Years Old, my 5th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Langer, wrote on my Report Card - "Anita has such an Outstanding Voice". I still have and "Treasure" that Report Card. It was Very Meaningful to me and a "Turning Point" in My Life. It's Amazing what some "Positive Input" can do -- "Negative Input" can Destroy. "Positive Input" can "Lift You Up" in a Beautiful Way - to Encourage, Inspire and Motivate you - for Higher Achievement. Thank You, Mrs. Langer, my 5th Grade Teacher. From then on, I "wanted" to be in the School Choir, and I "wanted" to Try-Out For and Perform the Solo Spots. The Comment she made, on my 5th Grade Report Card - was like "Applause" to me. And what a Great Feeling that is. In other words - I feel that - "Positive Input" can Encourage "Future Positive Results".
My Father's Advanced Design Aeronautical Engineer Career took us from the East Coast to the West Coast, right before I started the 4th grade. From the 4th Grade through the 12th grade, I lived in Southern California - Burbank, North Hollywood and Woodland Hills. In Burbank, we had a New House on Top of the Hill with a Swimming Pool and a Beautiful View of the Sparkling Lights of the San Fernando Valley Below. When I was in the 7th Grade, 12 years old, my Father divorced my Mother because he wanted to marry someone else. Dad moved his New Wife, and her 2 Daughters, into "Our" House, which was, now, "Their" House - on the Hill, and Mom and I had to go "Down the Hill" to an Apartment in North Hollywood (from having my "own" bedroom, with a "view", to "sharing" a bedroom - with my mother). Then, after being a "House-Wife" for 18 Years, Mom was "Really Busy" trying to find a Job and a New Husband. (She only had Alimony for One Year.) When she did get married, again, 4 Years later, we had a New House on Top of the "Other" Hill - in Woodland Hills, no swimming pool this time, but - we were, once again, looking down on the Sparkling Lights of the San Fernando Valley Below. By this time, I was turning 16 and starting in the 11th Grade. Mom and her New Husband were in their "New Relationship" - "Honeymoon Stages", and I felt "in the way" - like a "3rd Wheel", and, the second I graduated from Taft High School, at age 18, I did what so many were doing at that time - I went to Hawaii. My First "Real" Boyfriend went to Hawaii - to Ride the Big Waves. My Second "Real" Boyfriend went to Hawaii - to Ride the Big Waves. So, I got on an airplane, all by myself, and I went to Hawaii, and I rode the Small Waves. I remember looking down - out of the airplane window, and, thinking - "There goes my childhood".
In Hawaii, I got a job, Passed the "Very Difficult" Entrance Exam and went to the University of Hawaii. I went to Dance Studios, and I took Polynesian Dance Classes - Hula, Tahitian, Maori, Samoan, Filipino and Juggling with the Poi Balls, Hopping and Dancing over Bamboo Sticks, Tossing Wooden Sticks, Dancing with Feathered Gourds and Large Gourds, Acting and Singing Classes (Group and Private). Then, I was "in" - "Show Biz", and - I Loved It!
I "Most" Identify with Hawaii - where I Lived for 7 Years - where I started a whole new life - where I "Chose" to Start my "Adult" Life, from age 18 through age 25 - when I left with the Don Ho Show to Perform in Las Vegas. After the Don Ho Show, I lived in Florida, Las Vegas and, then, back to Southern California where I, now, live in Encino.
Meanwhile, I "Always" Kept-in-Touch with my Mother and my Father - and arranged "get-togethers". I was with Dad, at the Hospital, the day he passed away - to "freshen" the flower arrangement and to hold his hand. I have "Special Memories" of, and with, Dad - Riding Roller Coasters, Suspended on Rides - Over Tidepools, Horseback Riding at Griffith Park, the "Home" Fireworks on the 4th of July, when he made eggs scrambled with tortilla pieces and adding the chili pepper juice, fried fish, taking me to Music Shows, bringing me a Spoonful of Honey when I was sick with a cold and coughing - at night, his curious, inquisitive and, "usually", positive, cheery nature, where he would look at what I had done, and, say - "Beautiful", he would (appear to) appreciate "any" little present I gave him, taking me out, with my friends, on the Yacht - where "He was The Captain" - because he belonged to a Boat Club, and it was "his" Yacht - one weekend a month, taking me alone in a small private plane, to Catalina Island, over the ocean, and saying - "They say you can't do this" - Then he turned off the engine, coasted in air, and turned it back on again. Mom and I have gone on a Lot of Great Trips together, including - Exploring Europe and Cruising "Up the Amazon". (And, I just talked to Mom on the phone.)
When I left Hawaii, with the Don Ho Show, in 1969, I took my little Dog out with me, and I couldn't go back to Hawaii, to Live - only to Visit, without my Dog, because - Hawaii has a Long (120 Day) Quarantine, for Dogs, - because they don't have Rabies in Hawaii. I didn't want to leave my Dog in a Long Quarantine, so, I just go back to "Visit" & "Vacation" (without my Dog). When I left Hawaii, I took "Sparky" with me. When he passed away, along came "Tommy". When he passed away, along came "Frosty". So, I guess I will continue to just Enjoy "Visits" (Vacations) in Hawaii -- And, I have been on Trips to So Many Other Wonderful, Exciting and Interesting Places - Around the World. I Love to Take Trips, Travel & Explore. (And there are so many more places that I would love to see.)
IN MEMORY OF -
I would love to Sing - "I'll Remember You" in Memory of - some of the Performers that I was Fortunate to work with - that were "Nice to Me" -
MICHAEL JACKSON - who I worked with on the Pepsi Commercial called "The Chase", filmed Downtown L.A., in 1987, when he Smiled at Me & Patted Me on my Head - when we were on the Roof of City Hall - filming the Helicopter Scene. I was age 41 at that time (I'm, now, 64)
KUI LEE - The Songwriter who wrote - "I'll Remember You". I Sang & Performed with him on Stage at the Queen's Surf, in Waikiki, Hawaii, in the 1960's.
DON HO - I worked with Don Ho Singing, Dancing & Juggling with my Poi Balls in Hawaii & Las Vegas in 1969. Don Ho Recorded this Song that his Friend wrote - "I'll Remember You"
ELVIS PRESLEY - When I was with the Don Ho Show in Las Vegas at Kerkorian's Brand New International Hotel, in 1969, now called the Las Vegas Hilton, Streisand Opened the Hotel, we were the Second Show (The Don Ho Show) and Elvis was the Third Show, the Show after us - his "Come-Back" Performance. ELVIS PRESLEY was in the audience, of the Don Ho Show, and DON HO invited ELVIS PRESLEY up on the Stage to Perform with us, as a "Guest Performer" - in Las Vegas, in 1969, at Kerkorian's International Hotel (that is, now, the Las Vegas Hilton). ELVIS invited us up to his Penthous Suite, at the Top of the Hotel, for a Drink, to talk, as "Fellow Performers". Elvis, also, Recorded this Song - "I'll Remember You".
JOHN WAYNE - Who I worked with in the Movie - "In Harm's Way" - in 1963, in Hawaii (who gave me a cup of water when I was Thirsty while Filming the "Dusty & Hot Weather" Outdoor Bombing Scene)
JACK LORD - The Star of "Hawaii Five-0" who I worked with on "Hawaii Five-0" on the Pilot & First 2 Seasons (who gave me a Beautiful Book with Photos of Renoir Paintings - for Christmas of 1968) &
RICARDO MONTALBAN - Who I worked with on "Hawaii Five-0" in the 1960's, and I have the Nice Friendly Photo of him, with his arm around me, taken when we were filming the Very First Episode of "Hawaii Five-0" at the "Pink" Kaiser Estate, on the Island of Oahu, in Hawaii.
I would love to Perform for the President of the United States. I was Born in Washington, D.C., at Columbia Hospital for Women, when my Father was a Navy Officer, during World War II. Obama, now, lives in Washington, D.C. Obama used to live in Hawaii, and I used to live in Hawaii. I didn't know Obama when I lived in Hawaii, for 7 Years, from age 18 through age 25, from 1963 through 1969, but I have Wonderful Memories of living in Hawaii for 7 Years. Maybe Obama saw my Kellogg's Puffa Puffa Rice National Breakfast Cereal Commercial in the 1960's, shot in Hawaii, where, when I Shook My Hips - the Volcano Exploded!
So, it's on my "Wish List", that, in the future, it would be a Thrill and an Honor to Perform for the President of the United States. Sometimes, wishes do come true.
I'm going to "Think Positive" because I feel "It's Good to have High Hopes and Dreams" --
And, there's a saying - "There's Always Room at the Top".
So, as I Keep Trying to Improve Myself, I Believe - "Think Positive" - for Yourself - and, For The Whole World --
Love, Anita Aloha
In a way, this is my "On-Line Resume", History & "Wish List". Thank You for letting me Share with you -- (And, Here's Wishing You a Lot of "Happy Moments")
I've been "Really Busy" - so, if I didn't Respond to your "Friend Request", Please, just - "Consider Yourself My Friend".
