DanceTalk - The Archives
April 2003
Thank for
Visiting the Archieves of Ron's Dance Talk
Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa
LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE
Click on Flames to Burn on to the -
From iTunes & Mark James
DanceTalk * 4-29-03
Happy birthday wishes to Tony Pace, Jason Richman, Sheri Barnes and Steven Mitchell. There will be a celebration at Michael's Cafe this Tuesday evening.
MAD JAM 2004 takes place March 26 - 28th 2004 in Baltimore, MD. The 1st MAD JAM was a huge success. Thanks to a turnout of nearly 600 dancers, the MAD JAM team is planning an even better 3 day event for 2004. MAD JAM will keep the same great dance facility, friendly organized staff, top instructors, all night dance party and the very popular free midnight buffet. http://www.AtlanticDanceJam.com
Visit www.houseandclassicstv.com. for pictures from the taping of the TV show.
May 3rd, Millennium 2002 will celebrate its one year anniversary. Congratulations to Lori Brizzi & Bernard Martinez. For more details see below.
Latin dance parties every Friday night from 9PM-2AM at Society Hill Dance Academy.
Hosted by Shana, $10.00 at the door B.Y.O.B...401 South 2nd St. Phila. www.societyhilldance.com
"Shannon Johnson was popping and locking at the "Sophisticated Hip Hop Experience" at Dancesport 101 on April 19. Both floors of the dance studio were wall to wall with over 400 dancers from all over the tri-state area. Congratulations to Shannon and her friends who put the event together. Way to go and grow the dance community! Don't miss her upcoming "Hooked on Hustle" and "Hooked on Hip Hop" event on May 17th."
WM.com has some great pictures up from the North Atlantic Dance Championships this past weekend in Secaucus, NJ. (Thanks to Pic Chick, Nicki!!!) Check them out
Make it a great week.
Ron
The Critics top Dance Songs of all Time
Provided by VHI
1) Gloria Gaynor - I will Survive
2) Thelma Houston - Don't Leave Me this way
3) Sister Sledge - We Are Family
4) Madonna - Vogue
5) Van McCoy - The Hustle
6) Donna Summer - Last Dance
7) Village People - YMCA
8) The Twist - Chubby Checker
9) C&C Music Factory - Gonna Make You Sweat
10) Bee Gees - Stayin Alive
11)Arethra Franklin - Respect
12)KC & The Sunshine Band - Get Down Tonight
13)Barry White - Love's Theme
14) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel
15) Rob Bassa & DJ EZ Rock - It Takes Two
16) Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Until you get enough
17) The Trammps - Disco Inferno
18) Martha & The Vandellas - Dancing in the streets
19)Everyln "Champagne" King - Shame
20)Cheryl Lynn - Got to Be Real
Letter to the editor (We welcome all letters. Feel free to send them to Rowenlb22@aol.com)
Hi Ron,
I'm a fan of your news letter but don't always agree with some of the information you report. I wanted to make some comments from some of your previous newsletters.
1\ yes the 70's did make a successful come back. the artists, the music, the clothing were all big hits. But not the dances.
2\ I read that hustle usa is canceled this year. I went to the event in new york for the first time in either 97 or 98. I then decided to given it another try in 2000. It was apparent that the event had not grown in size. It was too expensive a time for my taste.
3\ You have written about keeping the hustle dance going and getting more people interested in it. I actively work with teens and yourth leagues. your not going to keep the dance going by teaching at nursing homes. you most get the teenagers and college age students interested.
4\ I am not a hustle basher. I really dig the dance. There are few places to go dancing where we live and i guess in a few years they to will be gone. you will see me this summer in philadelphia for Discoamerica and at diane nardons competition in the fall.
thankyou and warm wishes to your dancing family,
Jerry
DT: Jerry, Disco America will take place this year in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, not Philadelphia (see below)
Diane Nardone will host the World Hustle Dance Championships July 24 - 27 in Secaucus, NJ (see below)
DanceTalk 4-22-03
We wish Good luck to Sue Berner & Stacy Suter on their wedding, this coming weekend. Have a happy Honeymoon.
To view and/or purchase pictures from last weekends Philadelphia Dance Festival, please go to this web site. - PhotoReflect.com
Wishing singer Luther Vandross a quick recovery from a stroke he suffered this past week.
Win a copy of the "Ultimate Disco" CD, this just released dance CD is available at www.disco30.com . Stay tuned to DanceTalk on how you can win a copy.
Brian's Hustle Connection has joined forces with La Luna Dance Studio. Every Tuesday evening hustle lessons with the Gallaghers. 7-8PM newcomers/beginners and 8-9PM Interm/Advanced workshops. Visit www.lalunadancestudio.com
Next week, VH1 lists its top 20 dance songs of all time. Your sure to be surprised by the selection.
Nino Torre Presents * Sundays In The Park* @ TAVERN On The GREEN in NY.
Starting on May 25 '03, Memorial Day Weekend, Dance to the best Hustle classics and hot salsa mixed by your host DJ Nino Torre with other guest DJ 's
Appearing throughout the summer. Doors open at 7:30 PM.
Vera Zorina passed away. She was a star ballerina/actress that was formerly married to choreographer George Balanchine. Back in the 30's and 40's she appeared in many Hollywood films.
Check out Keith Gussoni's web site for Hustle New Orleans hustleneworleans.com
Make it a great week.
Ron
Letter to the Editor
I'd like to express my sincere thanks to all who sponsored my
participation in the American Red Cross "Be A Hero Walk" that took place
in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 12th. A heartfelt thank you also goes
to one very special person who showed their support by walking 7 miles
with me during this event.
We all witnessed the extraordinary work of the Red Cross during the
September 11th tragedy and your generous contributions provided an
excellent opportunity to recognize and value them for that support. Even
though the "Be a Hero Walk" was a first time event for this organization,
it was a huge success. With your help, they were able to raise $400,000!
Again, thank you for your sponsorship, donations and most importantly for
caring about giving something back to the community.
Susan Hiser
Retro
What do the following movies all have in common?
"Scarface," "American Gigolo," "Top gun," "Flashdance" and "Midnight Express"
Yes, Giorgio Moroder, he created their soundtracks.
Does his name sound familiar? It should, he was the brain child behind great recording artists like Donna Summer, Irene Cara, Madleen Kane, The Three Degrees and Sheena Easton.
The "Top Disco songs of all time," listed on www.Discomusic.com , have Giorgio's signature all over them. Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" was a disco break thru with a computer styling never heard before. Moroder created this sound. He then put out his own solo album, which included the runaway hit "From Here to Eternity" (in 1977). He followed up with another smash record, Munich Machine, which included the funky 15 minute single "Get on the Funk train."
His music was geared for dancers. Born in Italy, he broke into the music industry in Munich Germany. He created his own sound studio Musicland where he created his famous computer sound. In 1975, he developed the bass drum repetition that became the core sound for all disco dance classics to come. This bass beat gave the dancers the timing they longed for. Called the "four on the floor," this was the essential rhythm for the hustle dance. In the early 70's he teamed up with Pete Bellotte and Donna Summer to create music. In 1975, they released "Love to Love you baby." (Recently re-recorded by Gwen Estefen of No Doubt), this sexy sultry song turned the music world upside down. This new found collaboration of Donna Summer and Moroder, became very productive, releasing two albums a year. Soon followed "Love Trilogy," "I Remember Yesterday," "Once Upon A Time" then the break through album "Bad Girls." "On the Radio" was next with the hit "No More Tears" which was a duet with Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer. The following album, "The Wanderer," would be their last combined effort.
It was time for Giorgio, the musician and composer, to put his talents to the test in a new arena - movie soundtracks. He wrote the music for the movie "Midnight Express" which earned Moroder an Oscar for Best soundtrack in 1978. The song "The Chase" became an instant dance hit. This led to other soundtracks including "Foxes" starring Jody foster, "American Gigolo" with Richard Gere, "Cat People" starring Nastassja Kinski, Tom Cruise in "Top Gun" and Jennifer Beals in "Flashdance" which earned him his second Oscar for "What A feeling"
Giorgio would go on to receive a total of three Oscars, four golden globes and three Grammy awards. He has over 100 platinum records to seal his star in disco heaven. In 1988 he created "Hand In Hand" with the Korean pop group Koreana. It reached number 1 in 50 countries and sold over 10 million copies. It was the main theme at the 1988 Summer Olympics. In 1991 Giorgio debuted as a remixer when he produced the Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams." After a short absence, he shared Grammy awards with Donna Summer for Best Dance Recording song "Carry On."
Now living in Beverly Hills, he still enjoys working with Donna Summer and he is involved with the Broadway musical version of Flashdance.
DanceTalk 4-15-03
Wishing all our readers a safe & happy Easter and Passover.
Happy birthday wishes to Sonya Saamova, Judy Churchray and Denise Reedman.
It is unfortunate, but this fall, the annual Hustle USA has been canceled. Organizers Maria Torres and David Sarul do plan to have future events.
Courtesy of Erik Novoa, check out his website for pictures from last weeks International Hustle and Salsa competition in Miami. These pictures are also available for purchase. To view: go to www.swingshoes.net
La Luna dance studio, had over 300 visitors last weekend to check out Sonya Saamova's new studio in Bensalem Penna. See below for her grand opening party.
Check out this great DJ website, it features an interview with Giant Gene. http://www.djsportal.com/en/pioneer/index.php?id=gene
Were you a fan of the movie Flashdance? Jennifer Lopez's new video "I'm Glad" relives scenes from Jennifer Beals performance. J Lo reenacts the popular scenes with great detail.
Next week, a look at Grammy award winner, Georgio Moroder, the music producer that created a sound in the 70's, that still lives today.
Make it a great week.
Ron
Philadelphia Festival Ballroom Championships - recap
This past week the finest ballroom/Latin dancers descended on the city of brotherly love. Things jumped into third gear with competitions on Friday evening followed by a a Philly Hustle dance party. Exhibitions were given by local hustle greats - Donna Boyle & Danny McGee, Andre' Pheleps & Dara Patrusky, Joe Kerner & Tammi Harris.
Saturday's competitions were non stop with the best of the best in Professional Open, Rising Star, Professional One Dance, Pro/Am, amateur divisions including juniors. The evening dinner show included Brian "Travolta" Fortuna as he reenacted the classic dance scenes from the hit movie Saturday Night Fever for a sold out standing room only audience.
Congratulations to the entire Fortuna family for bringing such a great event to Phila.
The Best Of Broadway
Here is a current list of all the wonderful musicals now appearing on Broadway. Whether you live near by or will be visiting this summer, there is nothing like a New York Show.
*Aida - Palace Theater 47th & Broadway, 800-223-7565 www.disneyonbroadway.com
*Beauty and The Beast - Lunt-Fontanne Theater 205W. 46th St. 800-7565 or www.disneyonbroadway.com
*Cabaret - With Debbie Gibson - 800 - 223 - 7565
*Chicago - Starring Kevin Richardson, Ambassador Theater, 219 W. 49th St.
www.chicagothemusical.com
*Flower Drum Song - Virginia Theater, 245 W. 52nd St. www.flowerdrumsong.com
800 - 223-7656
*42nd Street - Ford Center For the Performing Arts, 213 W. 42nd St.
www.42ndstreetbroadway.com
*Hairspray - Neil Simon Theater, 250 W. 52nd street, www.hairsprayonbroadway.com
*La Boheme - Broadway Theater, B'way at 53rd St. www.bohemeonbroadway.com
*Les Miserables - Imperial Theater 249 W. 45th St. www.lesmis.com
*Mamma Mia - Cadillac Winter Garden Theater 1634 Broadway www.mamma-mia.com
*Man of La Mancha - Martin Beck Theater, 302 W. 45th St. www.manoflamancha.com
*Movin' Out - Richard Rodgers Theater, 226 W. 46th St. www.movinoutonbroadway.com
*Oklahoma - Gershwin Theater, 221 W. 51st www.oklahoma-themusical.com
*Rent - Nederlander Theater, 208 W. 41st www.siteforrent.com
*The Lion King - New Amsterdam Theater, 214 W. 42nd www.disneyonbroadway.com
*The Phantom Of the Opera - Majestic Theater, 247 W. 44th St. www.thephantomoftheopera.com
*The Producers - St. James Theater, 246 W.44th St. www.producersonbroadway.com
*Thoroughly Modern Millie - Marquis theater, 1535 Broadway www.modermillie.com
*Urban Cowboy - Broadhurst Theater, 235 W. 44th St. 800-223-7565
*Urinetown The Musical - Henry Miller Theater, 124 W. 43rd St. www.urinetown.com
DanceTalk 4-8-03
Happy birthday wishes to Tom Banner.
Philadelphia Festival DanceSport Championships take place this coming weekend, April 11,12,13 in Philadelphia. This years theme is "Dance Fever," with a gigantic Hustle party in the ballroom on Friday evening. Organizers Sandy & Andy Fortuna have assembled a great staff including: Gary & Diana McDonald, Mario Battista, Paul Pelicoro, Jean Marc, France Mosseau, Cathy Nyemcheck, Ian Folker, Pete Taylor, Taliat & Marina Tarsinov,.....
New division in competitions Wheel chair. Paul Pelicoro of Dancesport, NY, will hold a luncheon lecture on "The Language Of Dance." It should be hott. Visit the website www.phillyfestival.com or call 856- 869-0010
This past week recording artist Edwin Starr, passed away. He had many hit songs including "Happy Radio," "War" and "Contact." His dance music was very upbeat and made the top 40 during the Disco era. He suffered a heart attack at the young age of 61 years old.
Coming soon, "One Last Dance." This new motion picture features Patrick Swayze, AKA Johnny Castle, from Dirty Dancing. The movie is directed by Lisa Niemi, his wife, whom happens to be a principal ballerina and choreographer.
Hooked On Hustle tickets are available on line visit www.hookedonhustle.com Don't miss this big hustle dance party at Dancesport 101
Forty-five years ago, the first American Bandstand show, hosted by Dick Clark, aired in Philadelphia. The year was 1957.
Star Search held a readers poll to measure their viewers favorite style of dance to watch. There were a total of 5,904 votes cast. Here are the results.
Street 66.24% Classical 19.02% Ballroom 14.74%
Make it a great week,
Ron
Video Library
So, you can't get enough of the hustle?
Looking to learn and/or brush up on your hustle steps, lifts and tricks?
Here are a great selection of current video tapes available for purchase.
They make great gifts also.
*
Brian & Silvana Gallagher -
The Gallaghers are offering an exciting instructional Video collection on Hustle. Don't miss this! Buy one or buy the set and save. They offer a Beginner Video at $40.00 , or purchase the set at $75.00 . The set consists of Beginner and an Intermediate/Advanced Video. E-mail Brian Gallagher at G11Brian@aol.com for information on ordering this fantastic collection. Brian and Silvana will see you on the dance floor!
*
Luis Rosa & Mary Poma - "Lifts and Tricks"
Most of the maneuvers they teach are adaptable to various styles of dance for competitions and/or exhibitions. If you've always wanted to know how to do the "snake," "death sweep," flips and more, this video is a must have. To order call 347- 683-3724 or e mail latindanceconnection@yahoo.com, You will not be disappointed.
*
Bobby Morales & Jami Josephson - NY Style Hustle "Cool Moves Revealed" An Intermediate to Advance video of street style hustle. Each combination taught is broken down to four segments; with music, lead and follow, in slow motion and then with counts. Bobby who has been doing Hustle for 25 years reveals all his secret and signatures moves on this video along with special clips of Bobby putting these moves into action on the dance floor at the "Disco America Championships." To order this video call toll free at 877-98DANCE or order online at www.learn2salsa.com
($35 VIDEO, $40 DVD)
*
Deano Georgio & Lisa Nunziella present "Liftwork Made Simple"
This is the first in a series of videos to be released. This edition is an advanced acrobatic adagio video which includes five advanced lifts. The tape includes: Roll up around the neck, overhead press, layout press, split in the air and the double overhead flip.
To order visit www.DancewithLisa.com
*
Roberto Pagan & Loriann Greenhouse
1. For detailed hustle dancing instruction, order your
video from Roberto & Lori Ann - a. Hustle I - $49 Lady's and men's basic, lady's rise and fall, lady's kick, etc.
b. Hustle II - $49 Traveling promenade position, shoulder to shoulder
(with turns), hip twist with bump, etc.
c. Hustle III - $49 The wrap: open and closed (with arms), open position,
overhead turns, etc. Email us at webmaster@roselanddancecenter.com or at
nyex@optonline.net or call us at (201)288-1422
*
Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow
The IDO World Disco Hustle champions have 3 videos available: Fundamentals, Int. Patterns, Adv. Patterns. They are available through the Dancesation Studio in Fort Lauderdale or via the website. Please visit either site for additional information. (www.hustleandsalsa.com) (www.billyandkatie.com). Phone number is (954)927-9010, Fax (954)927-1995
*
Grant Austin has a full line of instructional videos including Hustle Volume 1 - Beginner / Intermediate and Volume 2 - Intermediate / Advanced. Each tape includes an introductory dance with various patterns then each is broken down step by step for easy understanding. www.danceconnectionstore.com
Retro
Twenty-four years ago, the disco sound was pulsating. Everywhere you went, shopping stores, roller rinks, restaurants.... the sound could be heard. The music was catchy and crossed over to the top 40 charts.
In Boston, these were the top songs back in 1979.
1) Ring my Bell - Anita Ward
2) Ain't No Stoppin Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead
3) Cuba - Gibson Brothers
4) Born To Be Alive - Patrick Hernandez
5) Bad Girls - Donna Summer
6) Dance With You - Carie Lucas
7) Bad, Bad Boy - Theo Vaness
8) Dancer - Gino Soccio
9) Work That body - Tana Gardner
10) Music is My Life - Patti Labelle
DanceTalk 4-1-03
Happy birthday wishes to Nino Torre, Bill Poulter and Judy Secoda.
Congratulations to Jay & Erika Neil, on the birth of their daughter Rachael.
This years annual IHSC, International Hustle and Salsa Competition, is just days away in beautiful sunny Florida. Whether you drive or fly, reserve your room now. Don't forget your bathing suit. Good luck to all the competitors descending on the beaches of Miami. For all the details visit www.hustleandsalsa.com
Mad Jam rocked, please read the recap below.
Casting 2 male jazz/hip-hop dancers. 5'8"-5'10" Performance in Dallas, Texas - May 17-23, 2003. Pay, hotel, airfare. JStarCo@hotmail.com
On March 1st Norma Rivera - Varrichio was crowned Mrs. Puerto Rico United States 2003. The Nationals will be held in Las Vegas, July 18th for the title of Mrs. United States. She will also be a special guest at the televised National Puerto Rican Day Parade June 8th in manhattans 5th Ave. Congratulations and continued success from all of us.
Pictures are available for viewing and/or purchase from this years, Boston Tea Party 2003, Please visit the site below (courtesy of Erik Novoa) where you can purchase any pictures on line via Paypal. Click on the link at www.Swingshoes.net
The ever popular night club Spa is closing. This was "the place to be seen" in NY.
"Chicago" executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are set to turn loose a new "Footloose." Paramount has made a deal with the duo to reinvent the 1984 hit as a full-scale musical. In addition, Zadan and Meron will produce a film in which the actors will sing and dance themselves. Tunes from the original will be used, including the hit title track "Let's Hear It for the Boy."
This Friday, take a sneak preview of Sonya Saamova new dance studio La Luna.
Check out the website http://www.wildonsalsa.com/openhouse.html
Gotta love the new Pepsi commercial featuring Shakira?
Make it a great week,
Ron
Winners of the Vince Montana Jr. Contest
Congratulations to the six finalists in our Montana song contest. Each will receive a personally autographed CD, compliments of the God father Of Disco, along with a "Heavy Vibes" T - shirt. A true collectors items.
Dave Lach
Ron Rochester
Jennifer Nitka
Carolyn Grimaldi
Michael Terra
Michael Gormley
MAD JAM - Recap
While it rained hard outside the stars shined indoors. West coast swing and Hustle dancers met in Baltimore to take part in this one day, red ribbon event. Congratulations to event organizer, Dave Moldover, for a job well done. Many notables were on hand to take part. Workshops were conducted by Barry Douglas, Tammi Harris, Diane Nardone, Bill Cameron, Brian & Silvana Gallagher, Diane long Cree & Robin Smith, Danny McGee, Jason Colacino & Katie Boyle, Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik, Ken Roesel, Fred & Tina Price, Jennifer Lyons and Arte Phillips.
The action started early with workshops and ran thru the day with intermittent open dance sessions. The huge dance floor was very accommodating. Ken Roesel introduced the attendees to the New Generation Movement for the Hustle. The audience was treated to an exciting Open Showcase Solo Competition. And the winners were....
1st Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik
2nd Joe Kerner & Tami Harris
3rd Robin Smith & Darlene Long Cree
We look forward to future events and praise the Mad Jam staff for their hospitality.
The entire event was captured on video and is available for purchase. For additional information visit www.AtlanticDanceJam.com
Hott New Dance Music
These are the highest rated songs on the dance charts.
Amber - Sex without Sex
Becky Bailing - If You Love Me
BTU - The Moment of Truth
BTU - Running Around Town
Pat Hedges with The Sweet - Love Revolution
DJ Sammy - Boys of Summer (remake)
Solid Sessions - Janeiro
Christina Augural - Beautiful - dance remix
Justin Timberlake - Rock Your Body
Mary Griffin - Without you
Soluna - For All Time
Letter from the Editor
"A Dancer In Need"
Helena Paolini is suffering from ALS, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's disease. There is no cure. The disease attacks the neuromuscular system. Helena is a dancer. She danced on the original Disco television show Disco Step - By - Step. In 2001, for the TV show's 25th reunion party, they dedicated the event to her. Sadly, her condition continues to spiral downward. Helena's communication is limited to only the blinking of her eyes. As a fellow dancer, could you imagine this condition? She is a proud mother of four. Bobby, 23, lives at home so he, along with his dad, can take care of his mother, 24 hours a day. Bobby also works outside of the house full-time too help take care of the other children. This Paolini family needs our help. Her husband Bob, suffers with a brain tumor.
The family is holding a dance benefit this Friday, April 4, 2003 in south Florida. Everyone is invited to attend. If your unable to make it, a small donation would help this family in need. Please check out Marty Angelo's website. He has included pictures and a moving letter from her loving son Bobby. http://www.discostepbystep.com/helena_pa.htm
Donations can be sent directly to the family at:
Paolini Family
1638 Spottswood Circle
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
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