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Ron's Dance Talk

Happy Birthday wishes to Jonathan Laub, Dara Patrusky, Pat Stewart, Robin Amante, Jim McGraph, Todd Gleason and Sarah Goldstein.

Don't miss the Westie Weekend, kicking off this Friday at the Atrium. Jason Colacino is the guest instructor and he will be at Got Swing? This is Jason's first visit to the Philly area.
See all the details at http://www.homestead.com/robandsheila

Kenny Orgeta is choreographing the remake of the hit movie "Footloose", which launched the acting career for Kevin Bacon. The film was so successful, it was adapted for Broadway.  The new motion picture is expected to be released in early 2010 with new songs and some remakes.

Dance Champion Donna DeSimone hosts a Holiday party on December 27Th, at Paul Pellicoro's NYC DanceSport. Workshops and special performance by Donna & James Hamm to celebrate the holiday season. More details coming soon.

Congratulation to Silvana Gallagher on the one year anniversary party of her hot new dance studio Vai. The party takes place on Saturday, November 15th. The best dancers, showcases, Jack & Jill dance contest and more. Read all about it below.

Great new images from "Andre Phelps birthday celebration" and the Halloween Hustle Night at the Spinning W Ranch, courtesy of Fred. http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines need a Professional Ballroom female for their
Shows "Ballroom Fever", "Dancing' Through The Movies". For all the details you can e -mail Mark James at dannsirs@yahoo.com

Kudo's to all the competitors at the Halloween Swing Thing in CA. Here are the winners in the strictly A division.
1st Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake
2nd Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann
3rd   Ben Morris & Deborah Szekely

Hot new dance night in Lodi, New Jersey at Rise, every Wednesday night featuring DJs, Leon Trent, Eddie Gamble and Jerry Demeo spinning everything from Sinatra, Motown to classic dance and disco. No cover charge from 6PM on, located at 1 S. Main St, Lodi, 973-778-4433

Dancesport Monday Nights in Boca Raton has moved to Virtuous Production Dance Centre.  Hustle lesson from 7PM - 8PM with Carl Charles, followed by open dancing. Located at 2880 N. Federal Hwy (bet. NE Spanish River Rd & NE 20th St.), Boca Ration. 561 750 6700   only $15

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Classic Swing Dance Championships taking place Nov 13th to the 16th at the Biltmore Hotel & Resort. Social dancing, competitions in Jack & Jill, Pro/Ams, Classic divisions, Rising Star, Pro Strictly Swing, Invitational Jack & Jill Tournament and Exhibitions. $108.00 per night - 1-800-237-8947 http://www.tampabayclassic.com/

Make it a great week,
Ron

Vai Dance - Celebrating the Big One

The One Year Anniversary and Showcase for Vai Dance takes place this Saturday, November 15th.
In just one year, there is a lot to celebrate. To honor this wonderful occasion there will be a special dance party featuring a dinner buffet, West Coast Swing lesson and an evening dance extravaganza with many goodies. The anniversary celebration will be non stop dance fun with a Jack & Jill contest, dance showcase, 50/50 , door prizes, refreshments and the best dance music all night.
Vai dance has already made its mark in the Philadelphia area. Artistic director/proprietor Silvana Gallagher, has hosted some of the most memorable parties this past year. Silvana has raised the bar for the tri state area, creating a beautiful dance center that welcomes dancers from all backgrounds. She has built a solid teaching staff that has the skills to offer a full gamut of dance styles from ballet to International Ballroom, American Smooth & Rhythm, Standard & Latin, West Coast Swing, Bachata, Cha-cha, Meringue, Salsa, theater arts, Mambo. The talented teaching staff includes Stephanie Risser, Victor Colon, Elizabeth Tarodi, Wingo Hom and Angela McCabe.
Silvana continues to dazzle audiences all over the country with her trade mark style. Her speed and precision can't be matched. Last year, Silvana became the youngest hustle dancer to ever be the recipient of a Life Time Achievement Award. She was honored at the World Hustle Dance Championships. A US professional hustle and Theater Arts champion, Silvana captured virtually every title on the planet during her 12 year run. With a background in ballet and jazz, she has studied and perfected various styles of dance including American Smooth and Rhythm, International Latin style ballroom, Theater Arts, Hustle, West Coast Swing, and Salsa. Come join the tri state area as they celebrate the one year anniversary of this exciting dance studio. The evening is all inclusive - Dinner/Lesson, Showcase & Dance Party that starts at 6:00PM. Tickets are only $25.00 in advance / $30.00 at the door. OR
The showcase & Dance Party (with refreshments) starts at 8:30 PM. Only $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. You can reserve your tickets now by calling 610-789-3248 or visit them on line at http://www.vaidance.com. The studio is conveniently located at 801 West Chester Pike, in Havertown Pennsylvania, 19083

Spotlight - "Lisa Sands" - CD by DJ Fancy - Below

Rambling Thoughts in the Zone ....

Action -
"To accomplish great things,
we must dream -
as well as act"
- Anatole France

Nov 12 - Wed --- DANCE - Matty T's every Wed for West Coast Swing. Open dancing at 7PM - 631 979-0713

Nov 13 - Thurs --- DANCE- Louis Del Prete - Latin, Hustle, WCS - Mirelle's (516) 819-9016 - 7:30 - 11:30 $14

Nov 16- Sun - NEW PLACE - HUSTLE WORKSHOP - Mark James & Karen Lupo
calendar

- 1 - 4:45 pm - INFINITY GYM - 320 Smith - Farmingdale LI, NY- off 110
- CLICK HERE TO GO TO WORKSHOP - * 1 to 2 Brand New You asked for it - You got it - Newbie/ First Timers Starter Course - Basic Hustle - * 2 to 3 Int Hustle - Core Basics to Spins - * 3 to 4 Int/Adv Hustle - Something New & Dance able for All - * 4 to 4:45 Practice Session General Dancing - Mark & Karen, the 2 Instructors - will walk around answer questions - You can even Video the Review - Making Sure You Got It !! - Cost $10 for Beginner Class - $12 per class - Best Deal 2 Classes for $20 - Sign in Starts @ 12:40 - Singles & Couples Welcome - Call about DVD for Sale - 30 moves for $35

Nov 16 - Sun --- DANCE- Louis Del Prete - Latin, Hustle, WCS - VFW - Deer Park (516) 819-9016 - New Winter Hrs - 6 pm- 10 - $13

Nov 17 - Mon - November's Groups - dance

wk 3 of 4 - Mark James Instructor - $32 for month/class -
$11 per class 102 E Main St, Bay Shore, LI, NY - Mon - Group Classes
- 7 - East Coast Swing & Bolero - Adv Beg/Int'm
- 8 - Argentine Tango for Ballroom Dancers - Bay Shore
- Singles & Couples Welcome
- No Partner Needed - Call 516- 835-9996 - Ultimate Groups

Nov 18 - Tues --- DANCE - Latin, WCS, Hustle Dance Mix by DJ CODY- 56th Fighter Group Restaurant at Republic Airport 56th

Dec 6, Sat - Wantagh - DANCE @ The Dance Zone
DANCE Enjoy an evening of Latin Ballroom - Hustle
dance

WCS Dance music
with Mark James & Karen Lupo
+ Holiday Dance -
- New Look - Larger Floor + Fruit & Veggie Platters
- Beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center - 8:30 - 12:30 am
- 3710 Woodbine Ave Long Island
- (516) 835-9996 for directions - $15p/p - Dance Zone Page

Nov 21 - 23 Star Dust Dance weekend in Catskill's - Karen & I are performing & teaching

Dec 13 - Sat --- DANCE- Stony Brook University Dance - Karen & I are DJs - $15 - Info Here

Jan ?, Sun - Karen's Sexy Latin Styling - Karen Lupo - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
- 320 Smith St - Infinity Fitness - Farmingdale Click Here
Learn AWESOME moves and TECHNIQUES that will DISPLAY yourself with CLASS AND STYLE!!
- Info - Call 516-835-9996 -$15 - class for 1&half hrs
- Sign in Starts @ 11:15 - Call about Hustle DVD for Sale - 30 moves for $35

dance

Jan ?, Sun - Mark & Karen's - Dips, Drops & Leans - 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
- 320 Smith St - Infinity Fitness - Farmingdale
Learn - Really Cool ways to enhance your Routines & Your Dancing !
- Info - Call 516-835-9996 -$15 - class for 1 hr
- Click here for More
- Sign in Starts @ 1pm - Call about Hustle DVD for Sale - 30 moves for $35

Free iTunes Song - iTunes Song

Dance Talk's - Dance Calendar - Click Here
Calendar always updated on Tuesday
Complete Web Page updated on Wednesday

Spotlight "Lisa Sands" party + CD + Votes

Spotlight "Lisa Sands"

Before the mega hit, "I Will Survive" hit the airwaves, this young dancer had already begun drafting plans for her own dance studio.  A hit single wasn't needed to inspire her, she had been dreaming this her entire life. Destine to have her own dance studio and teach Philadelphia how to hustle, Lisa Sands was on a mission.
At the tender age of 8, Lisa began her indoctrination in to the world of dance studying classical Ballet, toe, tap and jazz, while growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Enriched by parents that embraced dance helped direct Lisa on her path. Her parents loved the big band sounds and Lisa cherished doing the Jitterbug with her dad. She was inspired by the likes of Ann Margaret and Mitzi Gaynor, two of her favorite female dancers on TV.
Lisa now had the drive and skill sets to learn a new dance that was on her radar. In 1975, Lisa began to frequent the night clubs in near by New Jersey where the legal age was only 18 as opposed to 21 in her home state of Pennsylvania. "People were doing a dance called the rope back then and the hustle," explains Lisa. "We just followed along". Lisa along with her close dance friends, from her area would head for the clubs to learn and build on this exciting new dance. Stephanie & Richie, Keith Baker, Danny Rosanova, Tom Cicilo, Kenny Carter, Sheila Ciociola, Tom & Brenda Pataccio, Dawn, John and Ron Campli were just some of the dance buddies that banded together. The club atmosphere opened opportunities to develop new relationships which included befriending the irreplaceable DJs, like Michael Gormely and Bob Pantano. "We went to clubs like, Marrakech, LeGare, Someplace Else, The Branch, Emerald City, Valentino's, Scintillation's and of course The Library," shares Lisa. Attending the discotheques in New Jersey developed new friendships like, Tony Ciliberto, Stevie Mitchell, Bob Peters, Jeannie, Andre Phelps, Donna Boyle, Ron Bess, Tony Thompson and Teddy Dormoi.  By 1977, the explosion of the disco era was in full force as more clubs popped up with literally lines forming for admission. Lisa had honed an impeccable reputation in the dance scene. She excelled and developed a strong understanding of the dance, able to break it down for teaching purposes. She was now sought after by club owners, country clubs and schools to teach. This would include instructing at some of the most popular night clubs like The Library, Scintillation's and the Marrakech.
Like Snow White...with birds chirping around her head, "teaching professionally, making money at something I loved to do," set Lisa ablaze. She was everywhere, dancing on "The Jerry Blavat TV Show" which was broadcast weekly in the tri state area, and the famous "Steel Pier" televised show, filmed right on the famous pier in Atlantic City.
In 1979, Lisa would take a big dance step. With the craze and ever present demand from people to learn the hustle, Lisa was aware that her dream would come true. "After many hours talking with my dad , he gave the thumbs up," explains Lisa. " He had faith in me and so we did it." This young dancer would now put her arms around her dream. "Dance Expressions" became a reality.  Along with her partner Tom Petaccio, they hired fellow professional instructors to help in the child arena as they rode the wave of the disco era.  They had the first studio in the market teaching the hustle and to top things off, they even hung a disco mirror ball. All along, Lisa would continue to do exhibitions and compete with her various partners, " Tom Petaccio was my business/dance instructor partner and Tom Cicilo, Keith Baker and Danny were among the few I performed and taught with," explained Lisa. A savvy entrepreneur, Lisa and her dance staff would out reach. They would go to local chapters of the YMCA, schools and night clubs to teach and perform to help drive the success of the studio business. Lisa would continue to compete, winning many contests but concentrated on teaching, event planning, fashion shows, dance shows and even doing exhibitions in Florida, North Carolina and Atlantic City with her partners. Then the winds of change took place. "Disco as we knew it in the late 70's, with its glittery clothing, intricate dance moves, sound and light shows, started to decrease in the interest of taking dance lessons. Although we also taught classical dance such as tap, ballet jazz and aerobics at the studio, it wasn't enough to" STAY ALIVE, " shares Lisa. In 1983, with her antenna up high,  Lisa decided to turn the chapter and once again take a big dance step by relocating to South Florida. For her, this was home away from home. "To me South Florida was paradise, sunshine and beaches". What became Philadelphia's lost was Florida's gain. She now set her eyes on a career in the Fine Jewelry Industry. To expand on her new vocation, Lisa was on the move again. She attended the GIA ( Gemology Institute of America) in southern California. She would return to South Florida in 1991 where she resides today, along with her husband Brian, and two children Amanda 15 and Michael 11. "My daughter is also a dancer and has been blessed with a beautiful voice," shares Lisa. "She has performed in many musicals such as "Beauty and the Beast," Grease (as Rizzo) and High School Musical as Gabriella to name a few," shares a proud mother. Lisa has spend the last 17 years in the Fine Jewelry Industry but still has a fondness for her first love, dance. Although she doesn't teach anymore she still loves to dance and continues to grow her dance family. One of the brilliance's of dance is the quality of the friendships she has nurtured. "What is wonderful is that I am still friends with so many of these people today," shares Lisa. "Our relationships have grown over the years from dancing together at 17-18 years old, to being involved in each others daily lives, experiencing marriages, children, life's daily wonders along with the challenges and hardships.  We always kept in touch. Donna Boyle kept me informed on what was going on as well as through the DanceTalk newsletters. With this insight, about 10 years ago, she began to dance again when she learned about the Palladium. She is appreciative of all that Florida has to offer including attending the International Hustle & Salsa event in Miami. Lisa attends each year where she gets to dance with new friends and see some familiar faces from days gone by. But know one ever forgets their roots, as Lisa attended the 2008 Discoamerica Dance Championships this past year in Pennsylvania "My God given talent has always been to teach, encourage and help others," shares Lisa. "Back then it was dance, thru the years it has been in the jewelry industry and also the childhood education field." Today, Lisa still sparkles. Her years of teaching and the friendships she has developed will always be remembered and appreciated by all those she has touched.

The newest dance CD by DJ Fancy

Mixologist DJ Fancy has a new dance CD featuring 17 hot, fresh songs, including special remixes, that are climbing the music charts. DJ Fancy has compiled the best dance songs and has placed them all on one CD. No need to buy 17 different CDs when Fancy packs the best new songs for you. "Ron, I have had many e mails from many DanceTalk readers talking about the music and different dance styles" explains DJ Fancy. "I'm not much of a dancer but I do know how to get down. My newest CD has a mix of melodies that will appeal to everyone's listening buds. The beats per minute will fit for fast tempo hustle dancing to slower beats for smooth hustle and swing," shares Fancy. "Ron I am very impressed by your readers and their knowledge on music and dancing. I am very grateful for their support."
The new CD has new releases by Rhianna, Lindsay Lohan, John Legend, academy award winner Jennifer Hudson, Cascada, New Kids On the Block featuring NeYo and Estelle accompanied by Kanye West. There are also some new, lesser known artists, including, Kreesha Turner singing "Don't Call Me Baby Anymore," Keo Nozari with his European hit "Rewind" and a song flying to the top, "What I Want" by Fireball. Its over an hour of brand spanking new music that is hot in the clubs and heard exclusively on satellite radio.
DJ Fancy knows how to pick the hits. If you love new dance music then you have to purchase this release. It's a great CD for listening to in the car, at home, dancing to or ....a great gift idea for the holidays. The cost is only $15.00 per CD which includes shipping.
To place your order, write to DJ Fancy at sparda3636@yahoo.com
If your hungry for new music, DJ Fancy has the right recipe...and hint hint, they make wonderful holiday gifts.

Get the Vote Out - last week to vote,
Don't miss the deadline, November 14th, to participate in the 2008 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards. Hundreds have already voted. How about you? Please take a moment to vote for your favorite dancers, instructors and DJs, that have given so much of themselves to the dance scene. *Please note, Derrick Allen and Eddie Vega have each won the "All Time Best Dancer". Please select someone else in this category. *Staff members of DanceTalk are not eligible. Send ballots to Rowenlb22@aol.com by November 14th.

              2008 DanceTalk® Readers Choice Awards Ballot
*** Favorite DJ -
*** Favorite Female Dancer -
*** Favorite Male Dancer -
*** Favorite Dance Couple -
*** Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) -
*** Favorite Female Instructor -
*** Favorite Male Instructor -
*** Most Improved Dancer -
*** Favorite All Time Dancer -
*** Person of the Year -

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