Dance Talk - 12-30-08
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We would like to wish all of our readers a safe, healthy.
and prosperous New Year's. Make 2009 the best.
Happy Birthday wishes to Rose Cappello, Eileen.
Erlich, Mike Casamassima, singing sensation Donna.
Summer, Marta Hogan and Carrie Ann.
Inaba.
Dance friend Maria Santillo, suffered the tragic loss.
of her son Mark this past week. Mark.
had been fighting Crohn's Disease. He had.
a number of complications and.
was hospitalized. A pacemaker.
inserted, did not connect properly and his heart.
stopped. Please keep Maria and her family in your thoughts and.
prayers.
Congratulations to dance pro Angela McCabe and Joe on the birth of.
their daughter, Maggie Noelle, this.
past Tuesday. She is a healthy 7.
pounds & 11 ounces and 20 inches long. We are
happy to report that both Mom and baby are doing wonderful. What a.
holiday present.
As of Tuesday, January 6th, Back Stage Nite Club would like to invite.
you to join their new Club Card. Pay for 9 admissions and get the 10th.
admission FREE. Just tell Doreen at your first visit.
to sign up at the door.
Two professional dance teams are needed for a New Year's Eve
dance performance being held on Long Island. For compensation
and details contact Mark, ASAP,
at 516-835-9996
"Dance Flick" the new motion picture spoof on hip hop dancing comes
courtesy of the Wayan brothers. It is being release
in theaters in Feb, 2009, check out the
trailer at http://www.thedanceflick.com/
Cheers to Luis & Mary Ann Rosa as they will be the
guest instructors at Dancesport NYC. They will be
teaching on Monday nights for the months of January and
February staring January 5th at 8:30PM. The classes take place
right before the Monday night hustle party with Nelson "Paradise"
Roman.
http://www.dancesport.com
Check out the photos from DJ Noel Colon's birthday party at the
Palladium Night Club.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?
c=2rlby1lj.2v5qvy8j&x=0&y=jii3ep&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button
Mark Ballas, from Dancing With The Stars,
suffered a set back when forced to drop out
of the DWTS Tour. A nagging groin pull has left him
sidelined but he plans to be on the new season of
DWTS March 9, 2009.
Next week in DanceTalk, a take a look back at the ups and
downs of 2008 and what went around on the dance floor. Stay
tuned.
Make it a great week,
Ron
;A New Year's Resolution for 2009
A New Year's resolution should focus on the tangible...those
things we can wrap our arms around, change and drive, to
better our lives. Over indulging in
the things we can't
impact ultimately breaks our will and
hearts, creating unhealthy stress. Alone,
we can't change our country, the economy, the war, health
care, the mortgage crisis, unemployment .... But as
a group, we can commit to taking small steps in the right
direction.
What we can effect is the things we love...our
family, our health, careers and dancing. Look out for one another,
as we face challenging times. We
can all make a difference.
If everyone makes an effort to introduce two new
friends, family members, co workers to a dance, we can triple
the size of the dance community. Add this to your resolution
list and lets make this the pivotal year for social
dancing. We can all succeed....... together.
Happy New Year's
Time Capsule
The year was 1975. The Vietnam war had come to an
end and President Ford was almost assassinated here at home.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would go on to win the Super
bowl and a new show called "Saturday Night Live" would debut on TV with
a young host by the name of George Carlin. "God Father 2" won
supreme at the box office and Sony delivered the first video recorder.
It used the obsolete Beta
format which was simply ground breaking at the
time. Disco was still in its infancy but a hot new
singer was climbing the charts. The "Andre True Connection"
was riding the wave from her hit single "More More More" as
her "Connection dancers" - George Velazquez, Mia Contardi,
Craig Yee and Hillary Peck traveled the country hustle dancing with her
on stage. The "New York Hustle" dance studios , (Jeff & Donna
Shelley) would continue to grow their chain of hustle dance
studios thru out New York and the Ralph Lew dance
company opened the festivities for the Harvest Moonball
competition held at Madison Square
Garden.
There was a chain of retail record stores thru out Brooklyn,
Queens and Long Island that carried all the top dance records. "Melody
Song Shops" had them all. The 12 inch 45 vinyl was just being
developed as Tom Moulton experimented with the concept. The
first production 12 inch to be release was "Ten Percent" by
Double Exposure.
33 years ago, the top rated songs by Melody Song Shops were:
1) Love To Love You Baby - Donna Summer
2) Sunny - Yamboo
3) Casanova Brown - Gloria Gaynor
4) I Love Music - The O'Jays
5) Heavy Love - David Ruffin
6) Summer Place 76' - Percy Faith
7) Undecided Love - The Chequers
8) Date With The Rain - Frankie Gee
9) Boom Bam Bump - Freeman Nehls
10) Love Machine - The Miracles
11) Aggravation - Martha Veloz
12) Do The Latin Hustle - Eddie Drenon
13) Magic Of The Blue - Blue Magic
14) Nobody Loves Me Like You Do Do - Jeanne Burton
15) Every Beat Of My Heart - Crown Heights Affair
A Celebration of the life of Arte Phillips
On January 18, 2009 at The New World Stages Worldwide Plaza, there will
be a Memorial Tribute for Arte
Phillips. From 6:00-7:00pm - Tribute, Meet &
Greet from 7:00-8:30pm.at 340
West 50th St. (Between 8th Ave. & 9th Ave.)
http://www.nehttp://wwworldstages.com
Immediately following, there will be a Dance Tribute held at
Stepping Out Studios from 9:00PM to 1:00AM (hustle
WCS and Salsa Party) at 37 West 26th Street, 9th Fl. (Between
6th Ave & B'way) New York, NY 10010 646-742-9400
http://www.steppingoutstudios.com Beverages and hors
d'oeuvres will be provided. Suggested Donations: Tribute and
Dance - $40 per person -This fee will include a seat in the New World
Theater and entry to the dance at Stepping Out Studio. -Please note:
there are limited tickets - on a first come first serve basis - be sure
to reserve tickets. Dance only - $10 per
person Order form attached. Please include the order
form along with the check payable to: Arte Phillips Dance
Inc., c/o Elizabeth Halbreich, 7546 Pebbles Shores Terrace,
Lake Worth, FL 33467. (All mail in orders must be mailed no
later than January 10, 2009) Coming Soon: Purchase your
tickets on line with Paypal. The link for Paypal will be on
artephillipsdance.com and will be announced shortly when it is
available. You can purchase Tickets at door of the Theater, although
tickets will be limited. The Arte Phillips Dance Inc. has been
developed to help dancers in need. Funds from this Tribute
will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This organization
is proud to participate in the memorial honoring their dear friend and
supporter Arte Phillips. Let's spread the unity for Arte. Any
questions please contact: Pam at artephillipsdance@yahoo.com
DanceTalk * 12-23-08
Have a safe and happy Hanukah and a very
Merry Christmas
Happy Birthday wishes to Peg Gourlay, Joan
Dudley, Noel Colon, Keith Harrison, Carol
C,.Joanne Piazza, Christa Baruch, Susan
Laura, Rafael Diaz and Marianne
Gonzalez.
Looking for a New Years dance party...then you don't want to miss
the Puttin' on the Ritz New Year's Eve Dinner Dance. Enter the
New Year in style, with a sit-down dinner (with
choice of filet mignon, salmon in lobster sauce, stuffed chicken, or
vegetarian pasta). They have every corner covered including dance hosts
to insure that everyone dances. Williamson's Restaurant, 500
Blair Mill Road, Horsham, PA (at the corner of Route
611). Champagne toast, hats, noisemakers
included. Cash bar. Singles tables. Dress
is cocktail formal or black tie. Dinner promptly at 8:30
PM. Dancing 8:30PM - 12:30AM. Midnight champagne
toast. $150 per couple or $78 per person before
Dec. 22. After Dec. 22, the price is $85 for
everyone. Send check payable to "BLSDC Special Projects" to
Vivian Beiswenger, 255 Hawthorne Circle, North Wales, PA
19454. Call 215-855-2711 for more information.
Check out the photos from the 2008 Holiday Spectacular, courtesy of
Scott Michielli,
http://www1.snapfish.com/shareethumbnailshare/AlbumID=263124952/albumcount=1/p=549161229433893034/l=453148054/g=6882511/cobrandOid=1000131/COBRAND_NAME=comcast/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB/pns/share/p=549161229433893034/l=453148054/g=6882511/cobrandOid=1000131/COBRAND_NAME=comcast/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Nigel Lythgoe, the man behind "So You Think You Can Dance" is launching
a new series, "Superstars of Dance." Debuting on
January 4th, on NBC. It's a global dance
competition, bringing together leading professionals from
eight nations being judging by a panel of judges from around
the world. Co-hosts are Susie Castillo ("House of Payne") and Michael
Flatley ("Lord of the Dance"). The countries scheduled to compete
are Ireland, India, Argentina, China, Russia, South Africa,
Australia and the United States.
Great things in 2009. The Starlight Dance Center in
Nutley, NJ, presents 3 DJs, the first Saturday of every
month. Nelson "Paradise" Roman, Bobby Morales &
Johnny "O." 1Night, 1 Big Party, once a
month.
Happy Holidays and Holiday Vibes from the God Father of Disco,
Vince Montana, Jr.,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXomeM41mWs
Get ready for the tour of the American company of "Dirty
Dancing". It just opened in Chicago and will play
Boston and Los Angeles in 2009.
Photos from the Palladium in Florida courtesy of DJ Noel,
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=w6779eq.2170avpa&x=1&y=6dyz06&localeid=en_US&sourceid=2533302
Dance Media Production, professional broadcast media, was
founded by Gregory Harrison and David Taylor.
They broadcast the production of 2008 San Francisco
Salsa Congress. Co-founding members include Ken Jones,
Paulette Bleam, Felipe Martinez, Marc Martinez, Jorge
Rojas. Check out their current production.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbGseRYfenI
If your not getting DanceTalk every week write to
Rowenlb22@aol.com for your free weekly subscription. Please
write in the subject box - Add me to DanceTalk.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Puttin' on the
Ritz New Year's Dinner Dance. To make your reservations
call Vivian Beiswenger at 215-855-2711
Make it a great week,
Ron
Life Time Achievement - Class of 2008
The Hustle Hall Of Fame is pleased to announce the Class of 2008,
recipient(s) of the "Life Time Achievement
Award." Each fall, our panel selects, from hundreds
of dancers, the very few that have set themselves apart from the rest -
giving the dance world creativity, displaying talent, a true
passion to share with others and a loving heart for you
and dance. This past September, our five member team
began our annual search. We held a round of critical
discussions in efforts to select candidates worthy of this prestigious
recognition.
In October, 2008, we voted.
On behalf of Juan Hernandez - Virginia, Mark James - Long
Island, Susan Marolda - New Jersey,
Bobby "O" Ossias - Florida and Ron Bess - New Jersey, only one
dancer received unanimous votes from all
five panelists.
On behalf of the Hustle Hall Of Fame, it is our distinct honor to
announce the induction of Arte Phillips into the "Life Time
Achievement" division. Ironically, on November 12th, Arte
slipped away. This year, Arte is the sole inductee.
Congratulations Arte, we honor your life's work, we recognize you and
love you.
For pictures, videos and biography on Arte Phillips please
visit http://www.hustlehalloffame.com
Dance Trivia
* Brother and sister ballroom dancers, Julianne and Derek Hough (DWTS
champions) lived with best friend Mark Ballas, his
father Corky and their family in London, to study dance
while growing up. As teens, they created a dance troop called
2BIG - two boys, one girl.
* Stracy Diaz is recognized for her marvelous Mambo/Salsa and Latin
Hustle dancing but is also a stunt woman and has appeared in many
featured films and television shows including "Kate and
Leopold", "Marcy X", "Empire", "Stuart
Little II" and "Third Watch".
* Young hip hop dancer/actor Channing Tatum, the star of the motion
picture "Step Up," got his first dance break when he was cast in the
Ricky Martin video "She Bangs," He was paid only $400. for a
7-day shoot back then.
* The World Invitational Exhibition Championships were won
by Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow in 2002.
These dance champions are also the organizers of numerous
dance competitions including the annual International Hustle
Salsa Championships, held in Miami.
* Best known for his disco hits, "Love Magic" and "Aint That
Enough For You", John Davis, from the Monster Orchestra wrote,
produced and performed the hit theme song from the TV
series, "Beverly Hills 90210"
* One of the first discotheques to open in NYC was the Sanctuary.
It was a famous early -1970's gay disco. Academy award winner
Clinton Eastwood's popular motion picture "Klute" was filmed
there
Letters to the Editor
(our goal is to post readers letters twice a month,
unfortunately due to space limitations we can not publish them all)
Ron, I just want to thank you for listing my " Back in the Day " event
on your web site. We made over
$4,500 for the Sunshine Foundation. Sorry I could not make it out to
your event on the 6th. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year
DJ Anthony Bradley
..........................................................................................................................................
(Winning dance essay from the Universal Dance
Center annual contest)
My Perfect Dance Partner
It starts with a glance, a vague curiosity, a gathering of interest and
respect; a possibility that she and I could dance. Then eye contact for
just a second, the music begins, one of us approaches… I ask, she nods
approvingly. With extended hands that close around each other, we enter
into the magical world of Dance! The perfect dance partner for
me is a woman who adores me and I adore her, from the first moment we
meet. We connect instantly with the pulse, rhythm and energy of the
music and with each other. The bustling around us slowly funnels into
just her and me. She and I are now against a backdrop of onlookers
riveted to us. Our normal “Lead & Follow” is abolished, whereby
a whole new paradigm of fluidity and success arises, totally freeing us
of any mental or physical constraints we had from our previous dancing.
My partner magically blends the positions I have led her in, with what
I surround and complement her with. We play with each other, we play
off each other. Our dancing is fun and creative. Every thought
conceived, whether hers or mine, is executed instantly and
harmoniously. I make the greatest use of her feline body, acknowledging
each of her majestic and alluring embellishments and flawless spins. I
do things I have never done before, naturally, with precision timing…
making the greatest use of the floor. I am energized and mesmerized by
her incredible beauty. We dance effortlessly, capturing all its nuances
in perfect synchronicity. Time is transcended! The space and those
watching us evolved! Synergy unlike anywhere else! This is a dream come
true for just a few minutes never to be matched- where everything is,
and feels, perfect! If only this exalted state could continue… but the
music disappears, and so do we, in a loving embrace of sublime
appreciation and gratitude for each other. When I regain my
seat, I pause to reflect on how psychologically and spiritually
uplifted I am by the magnanimity of this experience. I realize this was
the best dance I will ever have! Totally fulfilled, I still go on
though, knowing I am not the same dancer I once was, and confident I
can cause anything with my next perfect dance partner. Thank
you very much!
Daryl M. Polansky
..........................................................................................................................................
Hi Ron,
I was taken back to read the incredible biography on Pierre Dulaine. We
studied under Pierre and Yvonne in the mid 80's. He not only improved
my partner and me in our dance floor abilities but gave us a winning
attitude. Over the last few years I have loss contact with dancing as
our family business has been our top priority. Your
newsletter has helped keep us in touch. I had no idea that the motion
picture Take the lead was the life of Pierre. As soon as I read that I
was out purchasing the video from Blockbuster. All I can say
is thank you and congratulations to Pierre for all he has done for
dancing and building the self esteem of others in their venture to
dance.
Happy Holidays,
Philip Genova
..........................................................................................................................................
Ron,
This was a copy of part of the casting call for the television
show.
(Drop the Ho-Ho's and do the hustle, it's time to DANCE YOUR ASS OFF!
10 men and women will waltz their way into a healthier lifestyle. With
the help of our top-notch professional dance partners, you will become
the ultimate dancing machine! The Biggest Loser meets Dancing
With The Stars! Break the routine and learn OURS! You too can dance
like the stars, so put down that milkshake and shake what your momma
gave you! The Oxygen Network was seeking men and women who are at least
the age of 21. You must be 40 to 60 pounds overweight and
must look no older than your 40's. You must want to accept
the challenge in the dance competition series in which your loss is the
biggest gain.)
The casting agency called me back and said that there still might be a
chance for me this season if one of the 10 that was already picked
drops out. So, who knows. He told me that I was in
the top 20 out of 1,000's. It made me feel good. There will
be a weigh-in and a dance off each week for 12 weeks. It was one of the
most exciting events that has happened to me in a long time.
Who would know that being overweight could pay off! LOLOLO Now, back to
reality!! Have a very happy and healthy holiday season.
Fondly,
Susan ( New York)
Letters For Elena
Hey Ron, it's been a long time, I've just heard about Elena and felt
compelled to write. I've not seen or spoken with her or Scott in years
but I do remember how real she was back in those heady, competitive
days. She always had a smile and hug for you every time you saw her.
You can see how much she loved to dance by just looking in her eyes.
All I see now in my minds eye is here beautiful smile. As it should be.
Please give my best to Scott and pass my condolences to her family.
Peace
Franc. "Perico" Reyes (motion picture writer/producer)
............................................................................................................................................
I was greatly saddened to hear about Elena's passing. She was truly a
down to earth lovely lady. I remember competing against and
performing with both Scott and Elana and I can say that in an arena
full of big egos, Elena was as down-to-earth and as sweet as anyone
could be. Both her and Scott were just great to be around and
their demeanor never changed - upbeat and positive - win, lose or
draw. Really sad to have such a nice person leave us so
young. My heartfelt condolences go out to Scott and Elena's
family. May she forever dance in heaven.
Keep dancing,
Derrick Allan (New York)
..........................................................................................................................................
Ron,
Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of
my fondest memories is viewing SCOTT and ELAINA dancing to
SUMMERTIME. Years ago when I was dancing with Kathy I met
KEITH MERRIWEATHER AND DARLENE, JAMES STANFORD AND MARGUERITE, JOSEPH
AND BOOBOO, DERRICK AND LILIA, RAY BOGART AND KATHY AND LATER ON MARY
ROSE, BILLY AND JULIE , BILLY AND ANNABELLE, RODNEY HARRIS AND EITHER
MARIA TORRES ETC AND WHO COULD FORGET SCOTT NURSE
AND ELAINA....... When I remet Scott a few years ago
on LONG ISLAND the memories came back vivid as could be of the great
times we had with Elaina. I wish condolences to Scott, the
kids, all the family and friends, Another crushing blow to the
Hustle/ dance community. Still upset over ARTE
PHILLIPS,
BOBBY O (Florida)
Jan 11,
Sun - Karen's
Sexy
Latin Styling - Karen Lupo
-
11:30 am - 1:00 pm - 320 Smith St - Infinity Fitness - Farmingdale
- CLICK
HERE FOR MORE
Jan 11,
Sun - Dips, & Leans - Cancelled till Mark is Back -Mark &
Karen's
-
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm - 320 Smith St - Infinity Fitness - Farmingdale
Jan 18- Sun -
HUSTLE
WORKSHOP - Mark James & Karen Lupo - 1 - 4:45 pm - INFINITY GYM
with AC- 320 Smith St, Farmingdale - LI, NY
Feb 7 Sat - NY - Ultimate Dance Zone
with Mark James & Karen Lupo, 8:30pm -12:30AM,
Dance. At the
beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center. - $15 
A Salsa - WCS - Waltz - Cha - Christmas - Enjoy
--
@ 
"Rings and jewels are not gifts,
- 1 - 4:45 pm - INFINITY GYM - 320 Smith -
Farmingdale
LI, NY- off 110
