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Greetings!
This Weeks Highlights
---- Feb 10 (Sun) - Karen's Sexy Latin
Styling - Hauppauge - 11:30am - 1pm
Americas Ballroom Challenge - 2 of 5 -
American Rhythm
- - Video Below - WCS + Salsa Shine
This Newsletter is also viewable on line with a Calendar &
Video Player @
Mark's
Dance Corner
- - Free We the Kings song from iTunes @ Bottom
SPECIAL SPONSORS @
side ------Keep on Dancing - Mark &
Karen
PS - Always Call to Check on events - usual disclaimer
| Ron's Dance Talk - 2 - 5 - 08 ------ |
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Happy birthday wishes to Jack
Pulma, Bob
Scott, Stacey Tove, Seena Osno, Av
& John Shiloh, Zulma Rodriquez, Chris "CJ"
Hoston, Frank Zarlie, Yvette Rivera and
Charlie Cappa.
Our heart felt condolences go out to the friends and family of Michael
Day. He passed away from multiple health complications at the
age of 58. Michael was instrumental in assisting at Disco America for a
number of years.
Also, another dancer from Florida has passed, Jan Perez,
please keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts and
prayers.
Get well wishes to Cindy Sherman. She is having
knee surgery this week. Her Friday night "Fri'd Blindy" dance parties
will not resume until March at "Shall We Dance" in Deerfield Beach,
Florida. We look forward to seeing her back on the dance
floor soon. Stay tuned for updates.
Elizabeth, from Ballroom Arkansas news reports that Dancing
With the Stars? returns for its 6th season on Monday, March
17 on the ABC network. No word yet on the new line up of stars. Stay
tuned for more details.
It's a Westie Weekend, taking place this Friday
& Saturday with special guest instructor Jennifer Lyons - "Ms.
Doctor Dance". Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned Pro
at this Swing weekend. Details below.
Hats off to the Long Island dance organizers, (Annette and
Dorreen) Its great to see that the Tuesday night conflict has
been worked out in the best interests of the dance community at Large. Unification
of Tuesday nights. After careful consideration
Annette has decided to discontinue her Tuesday night dance event, in
order to bring unification to the Tuesday Night Hustle party. Doreen
welcomes everyone back to IBBG. Unite instead of divide.
Hey Philly, The Savoy is now open, (formally the
Woodbine Inn) in Pennsauken, NJ, DJ Kenny Arditi will be
spinning music from the 50's to present every Friday and Saturday
night. Complimentary cha cha lesson with Kenny too.
DJ Fancy from NJ picks the top new dance song as Hot Shot
Reheat. It was a hit nearly 30 years ago for Karen Young. It has been
re-released and is a top 10 dance songs selected by Billboard
Magazine.
Coming soon, the 2008 Hustle Dance Teacher directory.
The premier dance teachers across the USA that teach hustle lessons,
group classes and attend dance conventions.
Idol judge Randy Jackson is the exec producer of 'America's
Best Dance Crew' on MTV, Thursday's at 10PM EST. Hosted by
Mario Lopez and featuring Shane Sparks and JC Chasez as two of the
judges.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Mad Jam,
the first big event of 2008. Read all about it below.
Make it a great week,
Ron
"Spotlight"
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Alex Kim
Thirty years ago, he won the most prestigious hustle dance of it'stime.
Truly the brass ring of dance, but the curtain would fall, as his
time in New York would be cut short. Alex Kim moved to Korea to work in
the family business. Alex made a name for himself in 1977 winning the
very first Hustle title held at the Harvest Moon Ball.
Throughout his high school days, Alex was an active free style dancer
but the new wave of partner dancing was catching his eye. He grew up in
Westchester County in Larchmont, NY. It wasn't until he was
19 that he began to learn the hustle." There was a fabulous Hustle
dancer from the Dominican Republic living in Westchester
County, his name was Paco Cordero," recalls
Alex. Paco taught at Rollyn Dance studio in Yonkers
along with Sis, a ballroom instructor. Sis was a very
accomplished teacher and was an active member of Dance Masters
of America. Alex began to study the hustle with his cousin,
Hyela Kim, who lived in New Rochelle. Hyela was a ballet
teacher that taught at Rollyn. She began to learn the hustle first and
encouraged Alex to join her. Growing up, Alex was greatly
influenced by his "all time favorite couple" Fred Astaire &
Ginger Rogers. "When I started dancing, I was always
studying other dancers from different areas to see what they did
differently". Alex was able to take bits and pieces of various styles
to mold his own look. He realized that most of the top
competitive dancers were Hispanic and were physically superior to
himself. To over come this, Alex began to take ballet and
jazz classes to improve his all around skills. The time paid
off as he strengthened his legs, improved his spins,
developed his lines and made his dance movements smoother. "We
used to go to Alexis dance studio on Monday nights, all the
dancers went there" explains Alex. That is where he would see Artie
Phillips, Maria Torres, and Kenny Gonzalez dance. In addition, he
would go to clubs in Westchester County: Peachtree,
Milkyway, Lollipop as well as clubs in Manhattan: Ipenema,
Library and Adam' Apple. Alex and Hyela began to
create a look all their own. In addition to being
Asian, they began to stand out from all the other dance teams.
"I feel that I had a great mix of influences, we had Latin styling
from Paco Codero, a classic ballroom look from Dance Masters
of America and a high energy punch - speed, spins and aerial
work courtesy of Eddie Vega" recalls Alex. Growing
up in NYC had its ups and downs. Money was not plentiful
and automobiles were not common among
teenagers. Alex was the only one in his circle of friends that
had a car. He became the main transportation for his good
friend and mentor Eddie Vega.
"I used to pick up Eddie and Lourdes every night from his apartment in
the Bronx and then we would go to clubs every night" explains
Alex. Being the guy with the wheels had
additional benefits. Eddie Vega was
extremely creative and constantly developing new
moves. Everytime that Eddie would whip up a new step or dance
pattern, Alex was one of the first dancers to learn it. Hyela and Alex
continued to grow as a team. "Sis, told me to enter a prestige contest
and she choreographed the routine for us. I later found out it
was called the Harvest Moonball" remembers Alex. It was the 1st year
that they put hustle in the event. Holding the winning trophy
in front of all the people, packed into the Madison Square
Garden, was a cherished memory and achievement for him. After
this great victory, Alex and Hyela would continue to compete in many
other competitions, sanctioned by the Dance Masters
of America. Their skills strengthened and they maintained an undefeated
record. His trophy cabinet was full and he couldn't
get enough of the hustle. All in all, he had over 400
trophies at home, a collaboration of dancing, bowling and golf.
In addition to his dancing talent, Alex was a member
of the Professional Bowler's Association and carried a 2 handicap in
golf. But the mirror ball would come to a screeching
halt for Alex and Hyela. In 1979, Alex left New
York to fly to Korea to work for
his father's fishery company. Unfortunately, hustle never
reached Korea. Dancing came to an abrupt end
for Alex. "I have nothing but fond memories for the
time that I spent with Eddie, learning, leading him and going out to
eat after dance". In 1994, Alex moved to Los
Angeles, to take over an auto body
center. He had been living in California for nearly 12 years
before he realized that there was still a hustle faction alive
and well. Alex has been dancing ever since. "The measure of a
great dancer is the hunger to give back" shares Alex. He
is now trying to spread the hustle to the salsa community, "I
find it much easier to get salsa dancers to do the hustle than trying
to get non dancers to learn the hustle" explains Alex. On a trip to NY
to attend Lori Brizzi's Hustle Congress, Alex was reacquainted
with friends from nearly 30 years prior - Billy Fajardo, Kenny
Gonzalez, Diane Nardone, Maria Torres. " I think it was amazing
that at NY Hustle Congress, I was talking to a friend when
Nelly Cotto walked by and she stopped, and was staring at me,
the only time that I ever saw Floyd and Nelly was at the contest, and
30 years later she remembered me" explains an overwhelmed Alex.
Today, Hyela still live in NYC but stopped
dancing around 1979. She became a very successful business
woman in the clothing industry. Alex has been
teaching salsa dancers in LA, for free, for the past 2 years. He has
been working very hard to get back into top shape and form so
he can compete in the US Open and at the World Hustle
Championships. Alex Kim has been working and sharing notes with Salsa
Champion Alex DaSilva, (best known from the hit show "So You Think You
Can Dance"). Alex K. has been teaching hustle, lifts and
tricks to DaSilva. Mr. Kim continues to live in LA along with
his 17 year old son who is an avid hip hop dancer. Alex, is a credit to
the vision and determination to grow and give back
his love for the hustle. Look out for the return of Alex in
2008.
Mad
Jam
Its time to kick off 2008 with a bang. One
of the highlights
of the year is just one month away, thats correct, highlights because
every year MadJam ROCKS. Five years and growing strong, this
national dance weekend set a record last year when over 1300 dancers
attended. The Sheraton Premiere Hotel is sold out. (Please call and
check in for a cancellation). Dancers from every state on the map are
coming out to compete, take workshops and enjoy the social setting.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible weekend event. The
Mid Atlantic Dance Jam brings together Hustle, WCS & Hand
dancers on March 6th to the 9th, at the Sheraton Premiere in Tyson's
Corner, Virginia. The 6th annual MadJam will have you mesmerized by the
various levels of talent. Watch or compete for over $15,000 in cash and
prizes. People are still raving over last years event including the
midnight Breakfast buffet, the late night dance parties and non stop
social dancing.
Hustle is alive and well at MadJam. A 100% pure hustle
ballroom thumps until sunrise each morning. A full menu of
hustle and Swing workshops are offered. Dave
Moldover has assembled and incredible cast of stars:
Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann, Silvana Gallagher, Billy
Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Arjay Centeno & Melissa Rutz,
Arte Phillips, Heidi Groskreutz, Michael Keilbasa & Jennifer
Deluca, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Donna Boyle, Jason
Barnes & Erica Berg, Markus Smith & Deonna Ball, Lori
Brizzi, Billy Marti, Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson,
Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown, Robin Smith & Shari
Huggett, Christopher & Lisa Schaupp, Dean & Dawn
Garrish, John Lindo, Jennifer Lyons, Debbie Ramsey Boz, Barry
Durand, Kelvin Roche & LoriAnne Greenhouse, Keith
Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle, Danny McGee & Jameson
Kilburn, Roberto Pagan, Diane Nardone, Brian
Gallagher, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Kim Vanaman, Fred
& Tina Price, Erik Novoa, Bill Cameron, Dave
Moldover, Ron Bess.....
This is a fun packed weekend with 4 days and 3 nights of the best
social dancing you will find anywhere. Over 30 workshops with the
worlds top hustle & swing dance experts. Be inspired watching
the current top dogs compete or try out an amateur contest
yourself. This is a spectacular dance weekend you don't want
to miss. For hotel updates and availability visit the website: http://www.atlanticdancejam.com/
Moviefone's
Top
Ten dance movie scenes
1) Dirty Dancing - Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey
2) Singing in the Rain - Gene Kelly & Cyd Charise
3) Saturday Night Fever - John Travolta & Karen Gorney
4) Pulp Fiction - John Travolta & Uma Thurman
5) Swing Time - Fred Astaire & Ginger Rodgers
6) Strictly Ballroom - Paul Mercurio & Tara Morice
7) Scent Of a Women - Al Pacino & Gabrielle Anwa
8) Dance With Me - Vanessa Williams & Chayanne
9) Save the Last Dance - Julia Stiles & Sean Patrick Homes
10) MadHot Ballroom
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| Rambling Thoughts in the Zone .... |
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"We all make mistakes,
but everyone makes different mistakes."
- Ludwig van Beethoven
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| Dance Calendar - Long Island / New York ------ |
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Feb 6 -
Wed ---
Groups - Innovative
Fitness - inter salsa - 7pm
-- advance salsa 8pm -
www.innovativedancesport.com
Wed --- DANCE - Matty T's every
Wed night for West Coast Swing. Open dancing at 7PM - 631 979-0713
Wed - TV - America's
Ballroom Challenge - PBS 8pm - wk 2 of 5
Promo Video
- American Rhythm
Feb 7 -
Thurs --- DANCE
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Louis Del Prete - Latin, Hustle, WCS - Mirelle's
(516)
819-9016 7:30- 11:30 $14
Feb 8 - Fri --- DANCE
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Louis Del Prete - Latin, Hustle, WCS - VFW 588 Long
Island
Ave - Deer Park, NY (516)
819-9016 8pm-12am $13
Feb 9 - Sat --- DANCE
- Suny
Dance Club 8pm - 11:45pm - Student Activities Center (SAC) - SUNY
@Stony Brook
http://www.liballroom.com/
Feb 10,
Sun - Karen's
Sexy
Latin Styling - Karen Lupo
-
11:30 am - 1:00 pm - 180 Commerce - Innovative Fitness, LI, NY LI, NY
- CLICK HERE FOR MORE
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
 Feb 11 Mon
- Feb Groups
-
wk 2 of 4 - Mark James
Instructor - 3 wks for
$24
102 E Main St, Bay Shore, LI, NY - Mon - Group Classes
7 - WCS & Bolero - Adv Beg/Int'm - 8 -
Street Salsa - Int'm - 20 min Salsa Shine Warm- up + Patterns + some
Reuda Casino -
- Bay Shore
- Singles & Couples Welcome
-
No Partner Needed - Call 516- 835-9996 -
http://www.mjames.org/groups.html
Feb 12 - Tues
--- DANCE
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Latin, WCS, Hustle Dance Mix by DJ CODY-
56th
Fighter
Group
Restaurant at
Republic Airport Special
night -
www.lidance.org/
Tues --- DANCE
-
Hustle - IBBG Hustle
Future
Zone Events
 Feb
17 - Sun
-
HUSTLE
WORKSHOP - Mark James & Karen Lupo
- 1 - 4:45 pm - MEMORIAL
HALL - 102 E main St, Bay Shore,
LI, NY
- 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
 March 1, Sat - NY - The Dance Zone
Enjoy an
evening
of Latin Ballroom - Hustle - WCS Dance music - with Mark James
& Karen Lupo
- w/Show
- 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 - $14p/p -
www.mjames.org/zone.html
-
dannsirs@yahoo.com -
www.mjames.org
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| Ron's Dance Calendar - National & Tri-
State ------ |
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Click Below to Go to Ron's Dance Talk &
Calendar
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Feb 10 (Sun)
--- Karen's Sexy Styling Work Shop ---
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Feb 10 (Sun) - Karen's
Awesome Latin Sexy Styling
- Hauppauge - Innovative Fitness BEST DEAL - 1.5 hrs for $15 - 11:30am
- 1pm
contact # - 516-835-99966
More
Info....
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We now have a Special You-tube Player + a Graphical Calendar near bottom -
Both updated weekly
