Happy Birthday wishes to Johnny "O" Ortiz,  Jason Myra,  Doreen Casali, Susan Conn,  Jerry Hobbs,  Marybeth Mernin,  Terri Murphy and  Billy K.

National Ballroom Dance Week runs Friday, September 14, through Sunday, September 23 this year. Celebrate ballroom dancing; invite your friends to a ballroom dance and let them experience the enjoyment of social dancing.

Dancing With The Stars returns this fall. Mother to be host Samantha Harris is being replaced by actress Kelly Monaco, the winner of the first season of DWTS. 

Are you ready for the New York Hustle Congress?  Visit the website for all the details. The  workshop schedule will be posted soon. The deadline for competition  entries and discount prices is this Sunday, Aug 26th. Don't delay. http://www.nyhustlecongress.com

Richmond Virginia's first Mid Atlantic SALSA Dance Contest, 2007 for a Grand Prize of $1000. http://www.worldsalsacompetition.com/ 8 Qualifying Rounds Starting Thurs. Aug. 23, 2007 for all the details, see below.

Congratz  to Jameson Kilburn & Daniel McGee, the newest associate members of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. The test was given by ISTD president Peter Billett. Both Jameson & Daniel (from Top Hat Studios) passed this exam "Highly Commended" - the highest mark possible on an ISTD exam.  They are now 2 out of only 9 instructors in the Philadelphia / New Jersey area to have this degree. 

IBBG will be under construction for the next 2 months. Effective immediately, the Tuesday night dance party will be held at Sky Lounge. See details below.

Dance teachers be on the look out for the latest scam. A letter from a Heather Crawford asking for you to teach her students...... This has been circulating to hundreds of teachers. Don't get pulled in. 

Dancer/choregrapher Wade Robinson directed and choreographed the soon to be released motion picture "Within". Wade was discovered by Michael Jackson and choreographed for Brittany Spears and N'Sync. He is a regular on SYTYCD.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing Niagara. Taking place Sept 27 to the 30th in New York.  http://www.swingniagara.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

This is the read deal, Hustle Catalog #1. Mark James & Karen Lupo, two very accomplished dancers, bring to viewers a simplistic way to learn some basic hustle steps at an affordable price. There are lots of patterns, new steps and combinations. It includes 30 introductory steps including: a basic, cross body lead, sliding door, shadow, diva walk, grapevine, wrap and more. The DVD gives a quick peak at the steps along with the count (with and without music). Even an advanced dancer will catch a few new moves. They share with students some informative pointers on the execution of the dance. Ideally, this is great for beginner dancers looking for new material in efforts to grasp a better understanding of the hustle. But, its your job to break it all down. The dvd moves fast, no filler, its a no thrills video, simple packaging no smoke & mirrors. Mark and Karen keep it simple and make it affordable. A big bang for your buck. Here's what you get:  
30 moves demonstrated (two) times without music,  then (two) times with music.
Send your check for  $35 plus $2 for shipping & handling to
Mark James, 59 Sequoia Dr, Coram, NY 11727

Dear Ron, another wonderful informative newsletter. I wanted to express my delight with the write up you penned on Ricky Quintana. In my view he is a forgotten superstar. I was fortunate enough to get to see him up close perform many years ago. Your "spotlight" couldn't have said it any better. He was a true gentlemen on the dance floor.
I only could have wished that there were more opportunities for all these talents back then like there are today with all the reality dance shows, MTV, VH1 .....
Thanks again for all your work.
Linda Credy - NYC
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Hey Ron
 Hope all is great with you and your beautiful family. Swing Fling turned out to be an excellent event. Aside  the exceptional turn out and high enthusiasm from competitors and spectators the event ran smoothly.  Barry Durand strives on always promoting other dance venues such as Hustle and SALSA. He also introduced the first Invitational Hustle jack and Jill in the West Coast community. I wish that other promoters would follow Barry's example on customer service. He always goes the extra mile to ensure every issue is handled and resolved. That's why his events grows every year.  On a sad note I would like the hustle community know that Masako Chen have suffered a stroke and is  currently hospitalized. Masako Chen is known to compete in theatre arts with Billy Marti, Roberto Pagan  and Robert Vance in various competitions in the Hustle and Ballroom community.
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Hey Ron,
It was great to hear that George is receiving an award this year at the NY Hustle Congress - He is so deserving and such a great performer I can' think of a better person to be spotlighted at the event.  I didn't get a chance to write about who was an inspiration to me back when I first started dancing, but I remember seeing George do a show with the Ralph Lew dance troupe and can consciously remember thinking "Wow - that guy really lights up when he performs".  About a year later, I was performing along side of him and his partner Annie in  Ralph's dance company.  George was always a giving person and his ability to over come the challenge of the loss of his leg is truly something.  George has shown a depth of character and inner strength that should inspire EVERYONE from all walks of life.  Everyone should turnout to show their love and support for George at the Congress this year.  He is truly a pioneer.  Way to go George!!!
 Keep Dancing,  Derrick Allen
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Hi Ron,
I worked with Merv Griffin, at Resorts International Casino in Atlantic City, and once a month he'd do a number with us in the showroom.  Sometimes, he'd convert the entire showroom into The Copacabana, where he'd invite legends from Dean Martin to Tony Bennett to do guest spots.  I'd be up on stage ballroom dancing with the orchestra while he conducted.  A memory I'll never forget.  Thanks Merv,
Jose Gonzales

Aug 22, Wed - NJ - Westie Wednesday! - Rob & Sheila's weekly WCS lessons and dance at the Atrium in Pennsauken, 6:30 - 7:30 - Level I. 7:30-7:45- we play music for all students for practice and warm up, 7:45-8:45-Level II. 8:45-11:30- A night of swing with DJ Rob and the Del Val dancers!! $5. We work hard, we play hard - we have a GREAT time!  Free parking. email Sheila at bpurkey@yahoo.com or www.robandsheiladance.com  ICE CREAM SOCIAL TONIGHT!! We'll have a few doorprizes also - drawing at 9:45!

Aug 22, Wed - NY - "HUSTLEJAM" - @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 w. 26th st.: Join your hosts Simone Assboeck & David Padilla for a WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm til 12:45am, DJ Nelson "Paradise" Roman spinning the best in hustle & latin..$9/PP; $5 for SO Students. 8/22: "Surprise: Come check it out!!"

Aug 23, Thurs - NY - LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at MIRELLE'S - , 170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, 11590**Presented by LOUIS  DEL PRETE, 7:30PM to 11:30PM, Great Hot Buffet, 45 Min. WEST COAST SWING Dance Lesson starting at 7:30w/Louis. State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, Cash Bar, Admission $14, call Louis (516) 819 - 9016. THIS EVENT RUNS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

Aug 23, Thurs - Va - Salsa Dance Contest - Nino Torre & NiteMix Productions host the First Mid Atlantic SALSA Dance Contest, Grand Prize of $1000 for 1st place includes 2 Round-Trip tickets to Orlando FL, to compete at The World Salsa Competition 8 Qualifying Rounds Starting  Aug. 23,  2 Semi-finals and the Finals Nov. 1  We will be awarding $2000 total in cash and prizes in one night!  Club QUISQUEYA 6346 Midlothian Tpke. Chesterfield VA.  (804) 675-9213 E-mail, to AT121@earthlink.net (stating you want to register)& www.worldsalsacompetition.com/

Aug 24 - 26, Summer Hummer - Sheraton Framingham, MA  Call (508) 879 - 7200 Rooms only $95 per night!  Hosted by Bill Cameron, Swing and Hustle. 

Aug 24, Fri - NJ - NOCHE CALIENTE - a night of latin dancing 8:30 pm “ 1 am    D.J. RAY COLON all night salsa mambo, bachata, rumba, cumbia... plus workshops with Elizabeth Melendez 8:30- 9:30 pm  Salsa/ Mambo on 2  open to all levels Latin Party 9 “ 1 am $ 15 Workshop and Party $ 10 Latin Party only STARLIGHT dance center  7 high street nutley nj 07110   973 235 9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com/

Aug 24, Fri - NJ - Roberto's Big Bash Dance Party - Hustle, Salsa, WCS .... Hustle Workshop with Special Guest Billy Marti 8-9 p.m. Party from 9 to 12 p.m. $15 for lesson and Party.  Dance Showcases with Roberto, Hazel, Tybaldt and the Hustle Formation Team.  DON'T MISS IT!   Light refreshments and Door Prizes.  Music provided by DJ Dennis Matera. Come and enjoy the fun.  Always an exciting event.  Dance party at the Pioneer Club, 209 Jefferson Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, 201.288.1422 or e-mail us at robertohustle@yahoo.com or call DJ Dennis at 973-768-2168 www.djdennismusic.com

Aug. 24, Fri - FL - Swing Dance - every Friday night. Come dance Lindy Hop, Blues with Cindy & Andrew.  Beginner Lindy Hop Lessons at 8:00 to 8:45, Blues from 8:45 to 9:00 PM. Practice session at 9:00 to late night. $12 for the night, lesson included. Discount by mentioning Swing Affair! SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Highway * Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, *  954-254-3221 or Cindy 561-495-7571 

Aug 25, Sat - VA - All White Moonlight Salsa Cruise - Nino Torre & NiteMix Productions Presents. Join us for Richmonds first Latino floating party aboard The James Rivers EAGLE 3101 Wharf Street By Main St. Landing, 23223 Advance tickets?$30?per person until?August10th, $35?after...The 2 level Eagle sails at 9:PM returning at Midnight with an After party a few minutes away at Big Daddys, in downtown Richmond For more info and Tickets call: Nino 718-926-3704 or Tony 804-334-5100 Dress in your best White! - Visit

Aug 25, Sat - NJ - "DO THE HUSTLE" with D.J. Johnny "V" - from Long Island from 9 pm - 1 am Dance to the best music of J.V. collection.  This is a hot night. Don't miss it.. $ 12 or $ 10 with print out or pass STARLIGHT dance center  7 high street  nutley nj 07110  973.235.9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com/

Aug 25, Sat - Pa - Top Hat's West Coast Swing Morph Party - All levels class beginning at 8:00. Party at 9:00. Music is mix of ballroom, latin, hustle, wcs, etc so everyone has a chance to dance! Party morphs into a strictly West Coast party as the evening continues. Cost is $10. Light refreshments and soda are provided. BYOB  Contact 215-676-3100 or www.tophatdancestudio.com for more info

Aug 25, Sat - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS - at SURBURBAN TEMPLE, 2900 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 8:30PM to 12:30AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, & Bagels! 30 Min.TANGO Dance Lesson starting at 8:30pm. Great Show!! State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, Admission $15, call Louis for more info or directions-(516) 819 - 9016

Aug. 25, Sat - FL - Mix and Mingle Social Dance - Beginner Rumba Lesson by Cindy and Robby at 8:00 to 9:00 PM, Social Dance at 9:00 to midnight. $12 for the night, lesson included. Join us to celebrate Cindy's Birthday Cake for all! SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Highway * Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, * 954-254-3221 or Cindy 561-495-7571 

Aug 26, Sun - Pa- Top Hat Dance Studio Free Children's Dance Workshop - Free Summer Dance Workshop for children ages 4-10. Sunday, August 26th Noon-3:30pm. Activities include Dance Games, Dance Obstacle Course, Dance Class, and Arts & Crafts. Please call 215-676-3100 to reserve a spot for your little dancer www.tophatdancestudio.com

Aug 27, Fri - PA- SALSA FRIDAYS,  HAWAIIAN LUAU PARTY - at La Luna Dance Studio, 8:30pm Hawaain style dinner buffet with Pig Roast! (first come, first serve). Free Salsa Lesson with Sonya Elmore at 9:00pm. DJ Miguel Lebron from 10:00pm until 2:00am. $12 ($10 Members, Free Platinum Members).  BYOB, alchohol only.  215-638-0418 or info@lalunadancestudio.com. 4610 Bensalem Blvd, Bensalem, www.lalunadancestudio.com

Aug 28st, Tues - NY -  IBBG - will be under renovations for  2 months. There will be dancing at Sky Lounge until we can go "Home" again to IBBG. Celebrating DJ Johnny O's birthday and NY Hustle and Salsa Congress LI Kick off Party with  Derrick Allen, Lori Brizzi and others this Tuesday, August 21st at Sky Lounge, 26 Great Neck Road Great Neck,  2nd Floor above Waldbaums (516) 466-6380 Long Island's best hustle party.  DJ Chris playing the best of old & new Hustle with a dash of Latin & WCS Hosted by Doreen  9 PM   Admission $7 

Aug 28, Tues - NY - LATIN, WCS & HUSTLE - TUESDAYS, at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant & Lounge), Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, Long Island NY, 7:30 to 11:30 PM, Delicious Hot Buffet Dinner, SALSA Dance Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR,  $13 Includes ALL !   Additional Info at: (631) 744-7777, Info@LIDance.org or www.LIDance.org

Aug 28, Tues - Pa - Michael's Cafe - with DJ Mark celebrating Elizabeth Craner and Stanley Smalanovich's birthdays. Come out for the birthday dances, cake and fun. Hustle, WCS and Latin in between, No cover, free parking. 8:30 PM to 12:30AM. Street Road in Bensalem  (next week we celebrate Terri Murphy and Steve Salerna's birthdays.

Aug 29, Wed - NJ -   Rob & Sheila's weekly WCS - lessons and dance at the Atrium in Pennsauken, 6:30-7:30-Level I. 7:30-7:45-we play music for all students for practice and warm up 7:45-8:45-Level II. 8:45-11:30- A night of swing with DJ Rob and the Del Val dancers!! $5. We work hard, we play hard - we have a GREAT time! Free parking www.robandsheiladance.com or email Sheila at bpurkey@yahoo.com
 
Sept 1, Sat - NY - The Dance Zone Enjoy an evening of Latin Ballroom - Hustle - WCS Dance music - with Mark James & Karen Lupo Beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center - 8:30 - 12:30 am - 3710 Woodbine Ave Long Island - (516) 835-9996 for directions - $14p/p - -
dannsirs@yahoo.com - www.ultimatedancezone.com