Complete Info - Go to the main page - Main Page- Save as a Favorite Spotlight - part 2 - Eddie Vega
A child prodigy, Eddie fascinated the country with his performances on Dance Fever.
Over the next few years, he would continue to rotate partners: Lourdes Jones, Nelly Cotto and Maria Torres. Eddie was active on the competition circuit. He competed in dozens of contests against hundreds of couples. One of his biggest female rivals was also physically one of the smallest competitors. Lisa Nunziella performed and competed against Eddie for many years. Friends since the mid 70's, Lisa was always impressed with his high energy and true love for dancing. It would take a decade for the two to finally combine their talents and work together. "Until the timing was right for us, then we partnered up, " Lisa shares, " We were quite excited to work together". They began performing on stage at the "Cat Club" in New York City, on an on-going basis, when Lisa made a critical, life changing decision, to relocate to Los Angeles. During the summer of 1986, Lisa moved forward with her dreams and flew to LA, and about one month later, Eddie joined her. They auditioned for the nationally syndicated television show "Star Search". The producers were amazed by them and asked the team to prepare immediately for filming for the September season premier. With shooting starting in just days they had to work fast. The new partnership was beyond words. It was pure magic on the dance floor. Instantaneous chemistry took place, coagulating the two premier dancers of the time. The first show for the new season of "Star Search" aired in 1987 with an overwhelming victory. They remained on the entire season winning 13 consecutive shows. Their success from this major accomplishment required them to quickly retain the best agents and professional representation. They began working with some top choreographers including Kenny Ortega. "We did a lot of work with Kenny, including the filming for singer/actress Cher and her videos, the "System of Survival" video by Earth Wind and Fire, Disney Specials and The Latin Quarter Show in Las Vegas, which actually belonged on Broadway", explains Lisa. Together they were the featured dance team at the Latin Quarter show, performing a 4 minute eye popping mambo. The audience was moved by their dancing. They received glorious write ups and their photos covered the weekly trades in Vegas. The shows remained sold out night after night. After the closing of the Latin Quarter show, Eddie would return to New York. He wasn't feeling the same and desired to be closer to home. Eddie had a keen outlook towards dance and business. He would use his winnings to become an investing business partner in a New York limousine company, implementing the importance and value of diversification.
* Long time friend and competitor Arte Phillips reflected on many of Eddies achievements.
His work has yet to be reproduced in full to this day, not unlike a Franky Manning in the Lindy world. Eddie did more in dance by the age of 17 than most professionals have achieved in their entire career. Along with Lourdes Jones, his first partner and childhood sweetheart, both under age with fake identifications, proceeded to win Dance Fever. A great inspiration to the television Hustle competition world. Due to his training in Ballet, Jazz, and his creativity in the Hustle, dancers are still attempting to recreate his brilliance. When he auditioned for Star Search he was accepted and then made history in that he won every show/competition the entire season along with Lisa Nunziella. Amazing!!! He danced with some of the best female partners of the Hustle world, the likes of the legendary Lourdes Jones, Nelly Cotto (the Queen of Hustle, a title given to her after her win with Floyd Chisolm on the Merv Griffin Show), Maria Torres one of the best of best of the Hustle world, and actually my humble self, winning many competitions every Monday at a club called the Ice Palace in NYC.
* Dear friend and troop member from the Disco Dance Dimensions, Jackie Cruz
Eddie performed with Jennifer Lopez and Brenda K. Starr. I went to the Cat Club to see his show. He had so much more to do. He would have been on television like Maria Torres and Franc Reyes. He was such an inspiration to other dancers. Eddie was also so giving, he would welcome everyone. He was funny and never acted like a snob. Do you know that after he won a car on Dance Fever he gave me a ride, I was like Eddie it is fabulous car but it didn't mean a lot to him, he wanted more in life. Eddie loved life and didn't want anyone smoking and would argue the importance of good health and living. He knew that a cure would not be during his lifetime.
* Mentor and competitor Floyd Chisolm on the impact Eddie made.
I remember first meeting Eddie Vega and Lourdes Jones, they were close friends with my new partner Nelly Cotto. Nelly would bring them along to my apartment for us to rehearse. Eddie would float around my living room with his own style and ease. At first Eddie would use many of our moves, lifts and routine, I was deeply flattered that he chose me. Eventually Eddie and Lourdes would come into their own and quickly become the force to be reckoned with. I will never forget watching him bring Dance Fever to a stand still. In one of their over head lifts he actually has Lourdes do an overhead cartwheel, land perfectly on her feet and as always they both fell right in step with each other. Eddie gave the hustle a whole new meaning with his quick feet and multimillion turns. If I was fast, he was lightening. The last time I competed was at the Harvest Moonball, that was the year that Eddie teamed with my ex partner Nelly and I teamed with his ex partner Lourdes. Lourdes and I came out ready with an entirely new routine and new lifts. Eddie and Nelly came fully ready to claim the evening for themselves and they by far deserved it. I had never seen Nelly so at ease and that's because Eddie made her comfortable and put her in that state. He had a knack for making everything flow so easily. God Bless you Eddie, I will always hold a special place in my heart for you, knowing you have made such a difference in so many peoples lives. You'll always be missed.
* Dance partner and childhood friend Nelly Cotto shares her love and admiration.
Eddie was talented in many ways. He use to make our costumes when we first started dancing in our teens. We would buy material and in two point two seconds our skirts were made. He use to fix our hair and put make-up on us.....Stilettos were mandatory, Ahh the memories. About Eddie dancing with sneakers, well that's a fact, many of the dance floors were very fast and just to slippery to dance with capezio's and that's where the sneakers came into play, and how Ironic, years later they have capezio sneakers. It's no wonder why Eddie Vega is so Fabulous, "A League of His Own" Simple the Best!!! He should have patented his sneakers . Eddie Vega you are truly missed, you are forever in my heart and I wouldn't have it any other way. Your Pictures hang on my wall Forever and Ever till this Day!!!
Eddie's dancing was a window to an intelligent, loving and creative mind. His leaps, kicks and spins were the voice of a true artist. His talent shined in every performance. Observers were never let down as they achieved the satisfaction of a great experience.....brilliance. His work transcended to a higher level. Eddie has left an erasable mark on the dance world. Today, we have incorporated in to our general dance and routines his signature movements, proving that they have stood the test of time. During my time speaking with Eddie's family and close friends, many wonderful stories were shared as well as the common theme - "Eddie was a terrific human being, he would take the shirt off his own back to give it to someone in need, without thinking about it". That was his nature. His life work reflects all the wonderful characteristics of a world class leader regardless of their occupation. Eddie Vega was voted into the "Hustle Hall Of Fame's" - Life Time Achievement division in 2005. That was the first year for this recognition. He was one of only 5 recipients, that year, classified as the elite dancers of the generation. In 2006 DanceTalk held its first Readers Choice award for "All Time Favorite Dancer". Readers casted their votes and Eddie won hands down. I look to Eddie as the Bruce Lee, Pele or Michael Jordan of the hustle. He wasn't just good, he was superior. I don't know why he had to leave us so early but I do know that the impact he made will live on through our dance. Eddie lifted us to a higher place and for that he will always be remembered.
We need more Eddie Vega's.
Disco America Highlights
The
reviews are in. It was an incredible weekend at Disco America. Many
thanks to Donna Boyle and Joyce Szili for making this happen. Eleven
years of bringing dancers together to celebrate the dance and music we
all love. Disco America is the longest running event dedicated to the
hustle and it was non stop action with workshops, dance competitions,
exhibitions, pro-am scholarship sponsors, vendors and social dancing
till the wee hours. The organizers delivered a fun filled weekend.
Over
the weekend, the Life Time Achievement award was renamed in honor of a
long time friend of Disco America. The first timer recipient of the
"Arte Phillips Life Time Achievement Award" was bestowed upon Elizabeth
Darchi. A dinner show tribute to the late Arte Phillips featured many
of his choreographed numbers and also featured solo routines by Billy
Fajardo & Katie Marlow and Kelvin Roche & LoriAnn Greenhouse.
Jay
Neal moved the audience with an incredible video compilation of Arte's
career. Arte's father and sister attended and shared their appreciation
with the audience and staff. Professionals & performers in
attendance included: Carlo DeJesus, Silvana Gallagher, DJ Mark, Erica
Smith, Kim Vanaman, Lori Brizzi, Billy Fajardo, Sam Habet, Big Daddy
Mark Sakowski, Irena Griffin, Sheryl "slinky" Freas, George Garcia,
Shawn Nguyen,
Brian Gallagher, Joanne Piazza, Raye Avery, Tony Nguyen, Diane K. Nardone, Joey Commentucci,
LoriAnn
Greenhouse, Jose Gonzales, Hazel Ulrich, Kelvin Roche, Chris Bates,
Barry Durand, Katie Marlow, Tybalt Ulrich, Ken Roesel, Ginny Carey,
Elizabeth Darchi, Louie Orlando, Wingo Hom, Stephanie Risser, Smitty,
Steve Neeren, Christopher Joe Schaupp, Susan Fritz, Joe Kerner,
Carolina Almont, Roberto Pagan, Tyrone Ebo, Rosa Paredes, Andre'
Phelps, Dara Patrusky, Billy Marti, Kristine Bendul, Frank Pellici,
Clara Formosa, Christy Kam, Diane Weinberg, Lisa Schaupp, Angela
McCabe, Sabrina Paxmann, Lynn Stevens, Bobby Morales, Ron Campli, Leo
Medina Jr, John Merisia, Rob Finocchio,
Patty McConnell, Judy Secoda and Ron Bess.
The
winners of the Bookends (gentlemen division) were Smitty & Louie
Orlando. For the ladies, Stephanie Risser & Elizabeth Darchi. The
Original Philly Freeze contest was captured by George Garcia &
Sabrina Paxman as he lifted her heads above everyone. Three first place
wins for junior dancer Michaela Pliskin along with her pro partner
Silvana Gallagher. Below are some additional results from the
competitions. For the complete list visit the Disco America website
later this week.
Top Female Hustle Teacher - Ginny Carey
Top Male Hustle Teacher - Wingo Hom
Overall Top Female Teacher - Christy Kam
Overall Top Male Teacher - Kelvin Roche
Amateur Just Hustle Novice
1) Eric Strauss & Gayle Reed
2) Jim Nanney & AnnMarie Brown
3) John Wang & Jane Baginski
Amateur Just Hustle Intermediate
1) Shawn Brennan & Mary Keegan
2) Phil Dixon & Linda Marcus
3) Jim Dolan & Jenn Fleetwood
Amateur Just Hustle Advanced
1) Phillip Spinka & Nancy Price
2) Stanley Smalanowicz & Mary Keegan
3) Ricardo Villa & Sammy Shecter
Amateur Hustle Jack & Jill advanced
1) Frank Parades & Angelique Zuccolo
2) Phillip Spinka & Judy Secoda
3) Jack Ciecka & Angela Risser
Amateur 3 Dance Competition
1) Steven Shaughnessy & Kathryn Johanessen
2) Philip Spinka & Nacy Price
3) Ricardo Villa & Sammy Shecter
Professional 3 Dance Competition
1) Brian Gallagher & Lisa Schaupp
2) Roberto Pagan & Rosa Paredes
3) Wingo Hom & Susan Fritz
Professional Jack & Jill Invitational
1) Billy Marti & Stephanie Risser
2) Billy Fajardo & Lisa Schaupp
3) Louie Orlando & Lori Ann Greenhouse
Professional Just Hustle
1) Joe Kerner & Stephanie Risser
2) Louie Orlando & Elizabeth Darchi
3) Brian Gallagher & Ginny Carey
Professional Dance Off
1) Roberto Pagan & Rosa Paredes
2) Wingo Hom & Susan Fritz
3) Raye Avery & Irena Griffin
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)
When
Eddie Vega was just starting out in the mid late 70's, he & Lourdes
practiced with my dance partner and me in the same studio on 5th Avenue
in NYC. It was Eddie who helped me learn many lifts and tricks. He was
indeed an extraordinary person. It was about 15 years later after he
was well known, I had run into him at Zacharys. I approached him to say
hello, not thinking he would even remember me. Not only did he remember
my face, he remembered my name & the fun we had in the studio on
5th avenue so many years ago. It was then that he told me that he was
sick and was going to die. It was a sad moment to know that such a
talent would not be with us for much longer. He will always be special
to me in my world of dance.
Robin Amante
..........................................
Dear Ron,
When
I read the spot light on Eddie I nearly broke down in tears. You
brought back so many cherished memories. I sat by my tv watching his
performances, everyone, on Dance fever, PBS and Star Search. I taped
them all and continue to watch them to this day. He was a magnificent
person. He always was kind and smiled all the time. Sadly, many years
have passed on and it made me think back and wondered about those years
and the many talented dancers that we have lost.
Thank you for keeping these dancers alive in our hearts.
Audrey Bloom (Watertown NY)
..........................................
Hey Ron, for the summer months I'm teaching the advance hustle classes at Dancesport, NYC.
We will be working on the foundation of old school hustle...
As far as my favorite back in the day Club, one word " INFERNO"......
Rodney Harris
..........................................
The
place New York, the time 70's. It all started when I answered an ad for
Dance Instructors. It was at the Murray Kossover School Of Dance on
29th & b'way (Hotel Breslin). I auditioned with my version of the
Mambo, Cha Cha and of course the Hustle my favorite! I got the job! I
started hanging out at the Alexis dance studio, and many other clubs
but one of my favorites was Roseland & Epanema. In Epanema they
played alot of the The Salsoul Orchestra music. I would have goose
bumps. I had a few dance partners. At Murrays Kossovers we had dancers
come in to do dance showcase...One time Ron Bess came in with his
partner Lisa and danced to "Born to be Alive" It was hot! Teaching
there I met some of the hottest dancers like Eddie Vega, Billy Fajardo,
Maria Torres, Sandra Rivera, Ralph Lew, Arte Phillips, Hector Berrios,
Lisa Nunziella and all the dancers of Disco Dance Dimensions. I entered
many dance contest and won 1st place in a a small club in Brooklyn and
Jersey City with my partner Ray to the song "Underwater" by Harry
Thuman. There was another club called Romero & Juliet in Queens I
danced with my other partner George did not win but one couple cracked
the disco floor. It was lit with many lights. Every Sunday I would hang
out at Central Park and hustle hustle hustle. Several times I hung out
with Eddie Vega and other dancers, we took the subway train to clubs
and dance studios. Eddie would stand in the middle of floor, hold on to
the train pole and split while he was standing straight up. He gave me
confidence to shine on the floor.
Minnie Ruiz
Dance - At the
beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center - $15
-11:30
am - 1:00 pm - 320 Smith St - Infinity Fitness - Farmingdale
July 26 - Sun
- HUSTLE
- 1 - 4:45 pm - 