I had an extensive conversation with Arte, just a few weeks gone by, as he shared with me his personal memories of Eddie Vega. Arte idolized him. He described how caring, loving Eddie was, "Eddie would virtually give the coat off his back to a complete stranger". He shared how Eddie would dance with anyone and happily share his knowledge on dance. "Eddie , to me he was the most incredible, influential, and the sharing dancer in the Hustle world that I have ever met. He "talent wise" was the Baryshnikov of the Hustle," explained Arte. This was Arte's mentor and companion. Careful analysis reveals that Arte, the student, had surpassed those important lessons. He emulated Eddie through admirable eyes , and Arte's life had become all that he adored about Eddie: Loving, caring, putting others first and being a friend.
Arte was a teacher, he taught us lessons on how to shine on the dance floor, but the critical lessons were taught outside the classroom. How he treated us and his fellow dancers. The impact he has had on all of us. The times he spent dancing with senior citizens or speaking encouraging words to my children. He made the time. These are the lessons that best describe the character and the size of his heart. When Arte danced at socials, in the clubs, he loved to be front and center - but for those who knew him, understand best, it wasn't for him, it was for all of us.
What Arte had, which set him apart, was an internal glowing light. This light reflected and lit your brain and lit your heart. He simply made you feel good, loving life and lighting up your spirit for dance. He did this for Gladys and Ginger and countless others.
I was told that Arte passed away quietly, in his sleep. His heart had failed. When a man gives so much of himself to others, gives so much love, gives so much time, we wonder, did he save enough for himself.
For the last 15 years, I have had the distinct pleasure of introducing Arte at dozens of dance socials, award ceremonies and national dance competitions. For the last time, I would like to say,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for Mr. Arte Phillips"
Thank you for all the letters, poems, IMs, videos, pictures and thoughtful wishes we have received. We are overwhelmed, a true testament to the love and respect dancers have for Arte.
Please enjoy the loving letters below. Regretfully, we are limited on space and can't post them all at this time.
Sincerely,
Ron
A photo tribute to Arte Phillips can be seen at Fred's website. http://www.fredf.fotki.com/
Please visit the Hustle Lounge to view the score of letters that have come in. You may post your own thoughts and comments. http://thehustlelounge.com/arte-phillips-rest-in-peace/
Enjoy these youtube videos of dance champion Arte Phillips performing on the nationally televised "Star Search" with the beautiful Sharon Savoy.
http://www.mjames.org/arte_phillips.html
Letters for Arte
Dear Ron,
Thank you so much for your support. It has helped to know that you have
loved Arte and what he was about. Please let everyone know that there
will be a Memorial Party in honor of Arte (near his birthday Feb 13) in
late January 09. Arte's family wants everyone to come celebrate with
Arte. I will be sending the details to all soon.
Love, Peace and Unity for Arte,
Beth Darchi
*************
Hey Ron
Sorry to be talking to you under these circumstances.
My condolences to the Sniederman Family.
I am, and always will be honored and privileged to have had such a
wonderful, beautiful, friend in my life. He was a phenomenal,
extraordinary person. Arti was (One of a kind) with amazing talent and
personality. His Love for dance and people was sincere and divine.
It's no wonder that he's had such an impact in my life and the lives of
many. My memories of him will never be forgotten, he's fulfilled my
life with joy and laughter as well as many experiences and
opportunities to last a lifetime that will never be forgotten. Arti
had a heart of gold which he shared with many people in his life. I
will always cherish his Memory, Love and Friendship. His laughter will
always linger in my heart. Truly a sad and unexpected lost, but his
memory will never be lost in my heart. I Love you Arti Philips, you
were an inspiration to many. Peace Be with You my Friend.
Always' your Friend,
Nelly Pacatun Cotto (NYC)
*************
Hello Ron, thank you for thinking of me I heard about Arte the day
before yesterday. I am truly sorry. He was a very special person in my
brothers life while they were partners and after they broke up they
were very, very close friends.
Best regards,
Smiley Vega (Eddie Vega's older sister)
*************
hey ron
it is unbelievably shocking and sad about arte
only shows how fragile life is
festa
*************
Dear Ron,
With so many memories of Arte going back so very many years, where does
one begin? Roseland, Alexis, Darians, Fred Astaire, Infernos - just
to name a few. From contests, shows, a place to dance every night and
Arte with his larger than life smile and laugh was as amazing then as
it was for all the rest of days afterwards. I remember when Arte first
started dancing - it wasn't just hustle. Arte tried anything and
everything and whatever he touched was amazing.
Eddie Vega, Arte Philips, Ricky Quintana, Maria Torres were always
dancing for fun, but they entertained everyone anywhere. Yes, back then
Arte was the 'white boy who could dance', as Bobby Morales reminded
everyone. My colleague, the recipient of The 2007 World Hustle
Hall of Fame Award, Entertainer, Choreographer, and most of all friend.
You will always be on our minds, always in our hearts, always on the
dance floor and never forgotten.,
God Has Blessed You and He has blessed us for knowing you ~
Diane K Nardone
*************
Ron,
The loss of Arte is stunning. I'm surprised how emotionally his loss
has affected me. I cried when I got the email and tears are in my eyes
as I write this. He was one of the greatest dancers I've known, my
favorite instructor and a friend to all. The loss of Arte is like the
loss of John F. Kennedy, he was a beloved leader who gave us hope for a
better tomorrow along with the direction and confidence on how to get
there. Then, abruptly, he was taken from us, far before his time, far
before his work was done, leaving us all suffering this great loss.
May Arte rest in peace.
Sincerely, Dave Lach (Grand Rapids MI)
*************
Hi Ron,
As many others, I was devastated by the news of Arte's passing away.
Philadelphia got to know him better over the last couple of years as he
became a regular. We enjoyed that. He is one of our stars of hustle. I
feel bad for all those that enjoyed him but I feel worse for the next
generation that will never get to experience him. I do wonder how it is
that the others entertainers are given a high level of regard then
dance. With all he has accomplished, will I see a write up in Time
Magazine? Entertainment weekly? Newsweek? local news reports? I
thank you Ron not just for covering the life of a creative being like
Artie but for all the countless reports you have shared with us. May
Arte rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Doris (Phila)
*************
My heart felt condolences to Arte's family. I have fond memories of him when he first started out with Floyd Chilsolm's team.
Luis Rivera (Disco Dance Dimensions)
*************
Dear Ron,
I am really sad to hear that Arte passed away. He always made me laugh, and was a joy to dance with. I will miss him.
God Bless,
Ricky Quintana (Disco Dance Stars)
*************
Hi Ron,
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Arte Phillips. He not only
was a talented dancer, he was a gentleman as well. I was one of the
"dancers" that got to dance with him. He never said no to anyone, no
matter what level they were at. I was lucky enough to be his "dance
dummy" at one of his workshops. At the end of the workshop he said to
me - Susan, let's show them what we had rehearsed." of course we
hadn't rehearsed anything - I said to him that I had been rehearsing
with him in my dancing fantasies for 15 years. His response was
genuine and sincere. It was the highlight of my weekend. I loved
every minute that I had on the dance floor with him. I will never
forget how much fun he was to watch on the dancefloor.
I'll miss him terribly, like so many others. The dancing world is mourning the loss of a great dancer and a great guy!
Susan C (Long Island)
*************
Hi Ron:
By now, you've probably heard the very sad news that Arte Phillips
passed away. Simone Assboeck announced this very sad news at the
Hustle Jam party at Stepping Out. A memorial fund has been started by
Simone at Stepping Out. Arte Phillips was simply the best of the best,
and his passing has shocked the hustle community to its very
foundations. I personally saw Arte dancing at Stepping Out the previous
Wednesday, wearing a red t-shirt with Coca Cola in Hebrew (from a
recent trip to Israel) - Little could I have believed he would no
longer be with us by the following week. Arte was an incredible and
gifted dancer. He was a constant source of inspiration for me - He
will be greatly missed.
Very sadly,
David Slater (New York)
*************
Dear Ron,
I taught ballroom dancing, I fell in love with this dance and my
partner, Pat Taverna and I began competing anywhere we could around the
City. It was our "first place" win at Club Regines, in NYC that became
the defining moment in my dance life. That's how I first met Arte. We
were approached by the producer of a new Dance troupe, called the Disco
Dance Stars and asked if we would like to join. Recruited for the team,
at about the same time, was a fairly young and very talented couple,
Lisa Nunziella and Arte Phillips. After weeks of practice and
rehearsals it was off to perform in the Holy Land. Arte was the "kid"
always joking and clowning around. I remember him excited with the
newness of his surrounds, always inquisitive and exploring. He was
always thinking of different moves, ways to dance an old step, Always
"on". I never saw him get moody or cross with anyone, (and when you
work so closely with the same people day in and day out, stuck on a bus
for hours at a time cramped, tired and hungry, you had every right to
get a little touchy). Not Arte. We were kept over an extra week by the
Tel Aviv Sheraton Hotel to do nothing more than dance in their Disco at
night and be a draw for the tourists and locals. I was paid to dance
with Arte. What fun! People would clear the dance floor to watch us and
we made up the routines as we went. That's when I first became aware of
Arte's ability to dance and feel the music so beautifully. He would
later come to say "it's not about the steps". He was so right. 29
years ago he danced with the same joy that we all have seen and
experienced at one time or another today. We all have experienced that
feeling of the room lighting up because Arte has just arrived. That
"Wow" factor which anyone blessed to have danced with him knew first
hand. After not seeing him for 27 years, not only did he recognize
me, but remembered my real name. That is the true testament to who this
person was. Yes, he was one of the most gifted dancers we will ever
have the privilege to know, but more than that, he was a man who looked
outside of himself. He cared about others. He made sure that you knew
that you mattered. And we mattered to him. I will never forget those
wonderful moments watching Arte dance at Michael's, I will treasure
them. I only had to say his name and his face would light up. His eyes
would radiate such joy when he knew that his friends were watching and
enjoying him "feel the music". (Thank you Arte for letting me "feel
the music" with you.)
That was breath to him. He loved us too! "To know that even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived, this is to have succeeded". Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The humble in spirit will retain honor" Proverbs 29:23
Arte your life was a huge success. Arte we honor you and love you always.
Evie Hoover ( Disco Dance Stars)
*************
Arte- our inspiration, our ambassador, our most creative, beautiful
dancer, teacher, coach, choreographer, entertainer, competitor, NY boy,
loving son and brother, dear friend, kindred soul. The dance community
has sadly lost one of it's icons. I looked it up. Icon, an object of
extreme and uncritical devotion. Everyone loved Arte, including me.
When he was in the room dancing, there was no other place to be. The
room was illuminated with his energy, smile, physical style and
spirit. It is not difficult to describe Arte- unique, rare, one of a
kind, positive, handsome, friendly, charismatic, sexy, smart, super
cool, life of the party, one God's most special creations. They say
that God often takes the very special ones for himself too early. Arte
- one of the most creative and musical people I have ever had the honor
of knowing and calling my friend and it was my privilege he referred to
me as family. Many of us lost a dear friend who had such a magnetic
personality, we just wanted to be where he was. Arte made everything
more interesting and fun. He made you think, laugh, be creative, be
free, be silly...he made you want to be more. He was a sensitive man
and he found many subjects interesting and could converse about them
for hours. And then there was dancing. God did that man love to dance!
He had an immense passion for dance as a creative and physical way for
people to express themselves and music. Arte loved all kinds of dancing
but he especially loved the hustle. We would have many long discussions
about our hopes and efforts of getting young people interested in
hustle dancing. We agreed that encouraging them to dance to the music
of their generation would be one of the ways to insure it's place in
the future. He would always say to me, "I getcha, you're preachin to
the choir." It was important to him. His students were devoted to him
and his work was proudly seen in their performances and shows he
choreographed for dance events. I remember seeing Arte compete 'back in
the day' and he was one of our superstars. Then one night I remember
sitting in a Broadway Theatre for a performance of Victor Victoria and
there was Arte in one of the opening dance numbers. I was pleasantly
surprised and proud to know him as one of 1st generation street hustle
dancers done good. Another time I was watching a TV show and he was
dancing on one of the awards shows. But, he will be remembered most by
what he gave to us on the social dance floor, always showing us by
example to have fun, express ourselves and the music, be creative and
get out of that box! His energy had no limits and he loved to
entertain. I have been asked if I will cancel my dances but instead we
will honor Arte's life in the way he loved the most, by dancing! We
will be dancing in celebration of Arte at the 92nd Street Y next
Saturday, Nov 22nd. I encourage everyone to wear an 'Arte' hat. Bring
your pictures and thoughts of Arte and we will have a wall to display
them in honor of him. We will have performances inspired by Arte. Arte
gave us and taught us many things and now he is teaching us that life
is fragile and we must take care of ourselves and each other,
appreciate each other and enjoy each and every day. Yes, the thought
of how much we will miss him is painful but in so many ways, how he has
touched us has left a permanent mark in our lives forever and every
time there is hustle dancing, he will be with us and his spirit will
live on. Dance on, Arte!
With much love, gratitude and respect,
Lori Brizzi (New York Hustle Congress)
'No Day But Today'
*************
To Everyone
The dance community lost one of it original members/founders &
creators. - As you looked at Arte - the smile/ the joy of doing what he
loved to do strikes the viewer right in the face. Back in April 2007 -
I asked Arte if it was ok to put his "Star Search" performances up onto
You Tube and he said of course. Here is a link to the You Tube box
click here - with some other Gems found
on the web - there is also a short bio from Ron Bess there.
As I was trying to compose this I realized I could not both write &
have any Clips of Arte playing in the background - because as you can
guess - I totally forgot where my trend of thought was going. - It was
always brought back to his "Smile - His Love of the Dance". Here is a
link to Arte's Site -
Click Here
It is strange, organizing with Alan Paris, Tuesday night to bring Arte
up in December - and finding out - Thursday he has danced on. Karen
Lupo would always comment how, she always loved watching him dance @
the events because - time stood still and the moment took over. There
was so much joy as he danced, I pray that he is happy & at Peace.
and The Beat goes on - for Arte as the ideas and limitations of his
earthly body have just been erased - I see him, in my mind - with one
of of his hats on, looking up - and saying, one word with that Smile of
his - "WOW"
Your friends,
Mark & Karen (Dance Zone)
*************
Hi Ron,
The passing of Arte is devastating. I found comfort in these words.
Could you share with your readers a poem that others may find some
comfort in these words. I think Arte would like it.
Thanks, Mary K. (Pa)
I am the wind
I am the rain
I am the sunlight
through your window pane
I am the leaf
turning brown in the fall
I am the faintest whisper
on the breeze when you call
I am the snowflake
that kisses your cheek
I am the child in the park
playing Hide "n" Go Seek
I am the scent of the flowers
that fills the Spring air
I am all around you
I'm everywhere
I'll always be with you
from this moment on
I'm in your every dance
I'm in your every song
You see, when we move on
we never truly die
We become one with nature
we unify
Take care my precious one
on my passing don't dwell
Remember the love
we shared together
See you again someday
All is Well
Taken from messagesofsympathy.com
We now have a Special You-tube Player & Newsletter
-- updated weekly --
Dec 6, Sat - NY - Sat - Dec 6 - Ultimate Dance Zone
with Mark James & Karen Lupo, 8:30pm -12:30AM,
Holiday Party. At the
beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center.
A Tribute to Arte Phillips - Enjoy
--
@ 
Arte's Favorite Quote - 
WCS
Dance music
- 1 - 4:45 pm - INFINITY GYM - 320 Smith -
Farmingdale
LI, NY- off 110
