Ron's Dance Talk - The Archives

DanceTalk - The Archives
July 2007

Thank for
Visiting the Archives of Ron's Dance Talk

Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa

DanceTalk * 8-28-07

Happy Birthday wishes Steve Shaughnessy, Tricia Caballero, Kathy Brunni, Raye Avery, Maryann Rosa Heidi Groskreutz and Cindy Sherman.

The Competition begins September 24th, 8PM EST, Dancing With The Stars returns on ABC, Monday Night Fever.

This week the new theatrical release directed by Franc. "Perico" Reyes opens in theaters all over the USA. "Illegal Tender." See more info below under Editorial.

What do superstar dance choreographers do in the off season? Mia Michaels along with Shane Sparks, Cris Judd, Brian Friedman and Wade Robson....are going on the road with the "Pulse On Tour," traveling all over the country training students and teachers.

The NY Hustle Congress is just days away. Say good bye to summer with your dance friends at the Hustle/Salsa Congress in New York. Its bound to be extrordianire. Paying at the door? Be sure to pay at the "Hustle Congress" line not the Salsa line. Just added to the star studded staff are Maria Torres and Robert Vance. http://www.nyhustlecongress.com

Baby Spice, Emma Bunton, just gave birth to a baby boy. Scary Spice Melanie Brown, got married to movie producer Stephen Belafonte this summer.

New Jersey Club DJ, 'D - Nice', picks the European dance song "Shining Star" (by Get Far) as his top dance song. It's number 1 in the Euro clubs.

Now available on YouTube, check out Ron & Lauren Bess as they performed at MadJam in 2004 and 2005. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ron+Bess&search=Search

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Dance Across the Seas Cruise, Nov 10 - 17, on the Crown Princess. See more details below. visit the website at http://www.johndeedance.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

"Leaders of the Pack"

This week, three artists from the disco era, will see their stars rise even higher.
Lisa Nunziella, Franc. "Perico" Reyes and George Velazquez.

Franc Reyes celebrates the release of his newest motion picture, hitting theaters all over the country, "Illegal Tender." Hats off to Franc. on his latest achievement. "Perico" is a multi faceted artist. He wrote and directed this exciting drama which is produced by John Singleton. As the co-founder of the Disco Dance Dimensions, Perico performed on Dance Fever, wrote and produced films (Empire), acted in a number of films and has had many number one hit dance songs on the charts. He is a member of the Hustle Hall Of Fame. Perico, along with Lisa Nunziella and George Velazquez, were ground breakers in the hustle arena. Check out his newest film, "Illegal Tender," (rated R), this week at a theater near you.

Lisa Nunziella was one of the first dancers to be inducted into the 'Life Time Achievement' division in the Hustle Hall Of Fame. Her next video from her collection - "Dance With Lisa" hits stores soon. I had the opportunity to dance, perform with Lisa in the hay days of hustle dancing. Lisa and her partner (the late Danny Llaurado) put together a review along with my partner and me. I had a first hand chance to witness her talent and inner beauty. Along her journey, Lisa danced with Arte Philips, Ricky Quintana, Dino Georgio and the late Eddie Vega. She captured virtually every title that existed in hustle & theater arts, performed in motion pictures, won Star Search, Dance Fever and has a complete line of dance videos. This true diva continues to wow dance enthusiasts all over the world. Lisa will be at this years 2007 New York hustle Congress along with Billy Marti teaching two different work shops. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from a world champion, a true dynamo in the field of dance.

George Velazquez is an over achiever. I had the honor of dancing in the same troop with George "White Lightning" Velazquez. One of the first guys to dance a hustle step, George excelled in all fields of dance. An incredible tap dancer, ballroom, performer and solo artist. A true Show Stopper.
A member of the Ralph Lew Dance Company, George appeared on Dance Fever and mesmerized the world as he overcame a tragic accident when he lost a leg. This did not stop him. He still performs, teachers all over the country and does motivational speaking. PBS is doing an up coming documentary on his life. This coming week, at the NY Hustle Congress, George will be the recipient of a special award honoring him for the star that he is. I have the distinct honor and pleasure of presenting him with this award on Saturday night at the NY Hustle Congress.

Please join me in congratulaing and recognizing these fellow dancers on their wonderful achievements and.... for sharing their skills and knowledge with the world. Yes, the disco era had many ups and downs but these gifted artists continue to shine and produce greatness for us all to enjoy.

MILLIE DONAY
(Carmela Dante DeFrancesco)
February 23, 1934 “ July 16, 2007

The world mourns the loss of one of Americas pioneer female Latin dance legends, Millie Donay (Carmela Dante DeFrancesco), who succumbed to colon cancer Monday, July 16, 2007, in New Jersey. Millie met Cuban Pete at the Palladium Ballroom around 1950, and there was instant chemistry, so much so that she asked him to dance. Initially a phenomenal Lindy Hopper, he taught her the Mambo and the clave, to which she added jazzy Lindy moves, and the rest is Latin dance history.
Dancing to the fiery sounds of all the major Latin bands, Cuban Pete and Millie electrified the world with their daring, innovative rhythmic moves and custom, original routines, catapulting the Mambo to an international craze. Every Wednesday night, hordes of people flocked to the Palladium Ballroom on 54th and Broadway, to watch their scintillating Mambo, double Mambo, Rumba, and the sexy, steamy Guajira, danced to Love for Sale. Millie is most famous for her creation of body rolls, especially one where she turned her back to the audience as she tapped her derriere. No one has since been able to perfect that particular move?it brought the house down! This dynamic duo put Latin dance on the map! They performed at Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theater, Waldorf Astoria, Copacabana, Astor Hotel, the Latin Quarter in Boston with Xavier Cugat, and Madison Square Garden for Israeli President Ben Gurion. They appeared in the film, Mambo Madness,? were featured in LIFE magazine, appeared on the Nat King Cole Telethon, Art Raymond Poncho Show, the Jose Curbelo Show, and toured for Arthur Murray Dance Studios training their Latin department. They danced in nightclubs from coast-to-coast, and in Canada, achieving international stardom. They danced in the Catskill Mountains, at all of the major hotels, in jamborees and exhibitions, and every Thursday night at Corys, receiving thunderous applause and standing ovations. Cuban Pete and Millie parted ways in 1956, but remained friends through the years. They have one daughter, Denise, named after their good friend, actress Denise Darcel. After a short solo career, during which time she fronted Perez Prado in Las Vegas. From 1957“1960, she paired with Marilyn Winters, creating the first and only two-woman, side-by-side Latin dance team. Millie returned to dancing solo before meeting and marrying Michael Dante DeFrancesco, with whom she had three sons. In 1992, she appeared and co-choreographed with Cuban Pete in the film, Mambo Kings,? and a special event at the Nevele Hotel. She participated in Latin dance panels, quorums, television documentaries, and hosted Latin dance events in the Northeast region.
She is survived by her daughter, Denise Gerard, sons Joseph, Michael, and Anthony DeFrancesco, daughters-in-law Tammy and Kelly, granddaughters Gina Gerard, Jordan, Nicole and Carmelina DeFrancesco, and grandsons Michael and Raymond DeFrancesco. A private service was held Saturday, July 21, 2007

DanceTalk * 8-21-07

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. 8 Qualifying Rounds Starting Thurs. Aug. 23, 2007 for all the details, see below. http://www.worldsalsacompetition.com/

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

Hustle - The Mark & Karen way

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

Letters to the Editor

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
...........................
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.
thanks BILLY MARTI
...........................
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
...........................

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
Hot Soul Singles

August 1976, thirty-one years ago, the hot soul singles on the Billboard charts were:

1) Shake Shake Your Booty - KC & The Sunshine Band
2) Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
3) Getaway - Earth, Wind & Fire
4) Get The Funk Out Ma Face - Brothers Johnson
5) Give It Up (Turn It Lose) - Tyson Davis
6) LowDown - Boz Scaggs
7) Just To Be Close To You - Commodores
8) You Should Be Dancing - BeeGees
9) Only You Babe - Curtis Mayfield
10) Harvest For The World _ Isley Brothers
11) Who'd She Coo - Ohio Players
12) Message In Our Music - O'Jays
13) A Fifth Of Beethoven - Walter Murphy & the Big Apple Band
14) One Love In My Lifetime - Diana Ross
15) The More You do it - Ronnie Dyson
Top Ten Dance Songs August 2007

1   Bob Sinclar - "Sound Of Freedom"
2   Kelly Rowland Featuring Eve "Like This"
3   Rihanna - "Please Don't Stop The Music"
4   Delerium - "Lost And Found"
5 Speakerbox featuring Michelle Shaprow - "Time"
6   Miguel Migs - "So Far"
7 Friscia & Lamboy - "Deep Into Your Soul"
8 Hilary Duff - "Stranger"
9   Amuka - "My Man"
10 Kat Deluna Featuring Elephant Man - "Whine Up"

DanceTalk * 8-14-07

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Happy Birthday wishes to Stacy Redler, Hilary Chasin, Susan Cohen, Steve Salerno, Rick Weinstein, Karen Hill, Derrick Allen, Jami Josephson, Teri Santeramo, Mike Angeletta, Chris Bates, Rosalee Lapergola, Stanley Smalanowicz and Elizabeth Craner

Yesterday, at the age of 82, talk show host, Merv Griffin passed away. Best known for his day time show, he was the creator of Jeopardy and the Wheel Of Fortune. Merv loved dance and developed the show "Dance Fever," which every dancer, owes him a world of gratitude.

He is a Philadelphia dance champion and recording artist, Teddy Dormoi, is undergoing surgery to remove an aneurysm. Please keep this wonderful artist in your thoughts and prayers.

Get well wishes to Gerry Kudach. He just underwent surgery for a hernia. We look forward to seeing him out on the dance floor soon.
The president of Fred Astaire International and a vice president with the World Dance Council, Vincent Bulger, died on July 27 in Kiev, Ukraine.

The Salsa contest Finals at Winner's Circle, take place on August 24th. Preliminaries on the 17th. $2000 in Cash prizes $1500 1st prize & $500 2nd prize - located at 39 Post Ave. Westbury Only 1 more week to enter Friday, August 17th Register @ http://www.lidance.com/

Did you miss Lisa Nunziella on TV earlier this year? Check out her appearance along with Lori Brizzi & Ricky Quintana as they premier her Hot Salsa DVD. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Pbt_ucOcmWk

This is the final week for So You Think You Can Dance. Wednesday and Thursday night, 8 to 10 PM EST on Fox.

See (below) some of the results from this years Swing Fling 2007. Congratz to Barry Durand and all the competitors. It was a huge hit.

Coming soon to DanceTalk®, the 2007 Swing Teacher Directory. Stay tuned.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by the New York Hustle Congress. The ultimate dance event held in New York City. http://www.nyhustlecongress.com

Make it a great week,
Ron New York Hustle Congress 2007

This is the Kentucky Derby of dance events. One of the premier dance competitions taking place at, the birth place of hustle - NY Hustle Congress. Your host, Lori Brizzi, says Good - bye to summer in grand tradition. The Congress kicks off August 30 - Sept 3rd, and has just added world dance champion, Lisa Nunziella to the staff. Direct from California this pioneer will be teaching two workshops along with Billy Marti. This year, the event will also feature West Coast Swing. You will want to be on hand for a special presentation to George Velazquez. He has done it all: Broadway shows, the Ralph Lew Dance Company, Choreographer, motivational speaker and an original hustle pioneer. George was the victim of a hit and run accident losing his leg 13 years ago. His performances are legendary and a major hit on YouTube. He will be performing at the NY Hustle Congress.
This is a "one of a Kind" 5 day event. Sister event, the NY Salsa congress, invites you for 3 dance floors at the NY Hilton. You get 2 events for the price of 1. Competitions in Pro-AM Hustle, Latin, WCS, Amateur & Pro Strictly Swing, Just Hustle, Classic Hustle, Theater Arts Hustle and Jack and Jills. Terrific workshops with Anthony Lee, Arte Phillips, Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Bobbi Petri, Bonnie Herbert Diaz, Brian Gallagher, Dave Moldover, Derrick Allen, Donna Boyle, Donna DeSimone, Erik Novoa, Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich, Lisa Nunziella & Billy Marti, Mark James & Karen Lupo, Jami Josephson, John Festa, Joyce Szilli, Paul Pellicoro, Robert Vance, Roberto Pagan, Silvana Gallagher. WCS DJ's John Festa, Steve Neeren, Wes Carajat & Hustle DJ's Bobby Morales, Nelson "Paradise" Roman, Donny Shields & Johnny O. NY Hilton Hotel 1335 Avenue of the America (1-800Hiltons). Don't miss this exciting weekend of dance. For all the details, staff and more, visit the website at http://www.nyhustlecongress.com

Results From Swing Fling 2007

ADVANCED/OPEN STRICTLY HUSTLE
Overall Champion Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
2nd Christopher Joe & Lisa Schaupp
3rd George Garcia & Angie Cameron
4th Billy Marti & Sophy Kdep
5th Joel Halsband & Lara Deni

PROAM FEMALE NEWCOMER HUSTLE
Overall Champion - Gold Nancy Demarco with Debbie Lynn-Tuttle
2nd Gold Celine Nguyen with Debbie Lynn-Tuttle
3rd Silver Lori Offredo with Brian Gallagher

PROAM MALE NOVICE HUSTLE
Overall Champion - Gold Brian O'Connor with Joyce Szili
2nd Gold Charles Mays with Joyce Szili
3rd Gold Mike Reher with Silvana Gallagher

PROAM MALE INTERMEDIATE HUSTLE
Overall Champion - Gold Jack Ciecka with Silvana Gallagher
2nd Gold Jim Coakley with Debbie Lynn-Tuttle

PROAM FEMALE INTERMEDIATE HUSTLE
Overall Champion - Gold w/Honors Lara Deni with Christopher Joe Schaupp
2nd Gold Danielle Odhner with Brian Gallagher
3rd Gold Jewell Reid with Keith Gussoni

PROAM MALE ADVANCED HUSTLE
Overall Champion - Gold Philip Spinka with Angela McCabe
2nd Gold Shawn Brennan with Debbie Lynn-Tuttle
3rd Gold Sam Habet with Silvana Gallagher

JACK & JILL PRO INVITATIONAL SWING
Overall Champion Markus Smith & Deborah Szekely
2nd Robert Cordoba & Jennifer DeLuca
3rd Michael Kielbasa & Deonna Ball
4th Jason Barnes & Mary Ann Nunez

JACK & JILL PRO INVITATIONAL HUSTLE
Overall Champion Keith Gussoni & Silvana Gallagher
2nd Place Overall Billy Marti & Celeste Gussoni
3rd Place Overall Christopher Joe Schaupp & Sophy Kdep
4th Place Overall Brian Gallagher & Angie Cameron
5th Place Overall Arte Phillips & Celeste Gussoni
6th Place Overall Steve Neeren & Lisa Schaupp

PROAM INTERMEDIATE FEMALE HUSTLE SOLO
Overall Champion Brian Gallagher & Danielle Odhner
2nd Cody Melin & Dana

INTERMEDIATE STRICTLY HUSTLE
Overall Champion Jack Ciecka & Danielle Odhner
2nd Philip Spinka & Jewell Reid
3rd Stacy & Susan Suter

HUSTLE SOLO
Overall Champion George Garcia & Angela McCabe

For all the results visit:
http://barrydurand.com/swingfling/result.htm

; Letter to the Editor

The DJ and the Teacher
22 years ago, Jim Alexander began his career as a DJ in Houston at Chayns Nightclub. He was an unassuming man whom I didn't notice. He arrived on time with his briefcase Tuesday through Saturday, and worked 'til the wee hours of the morning. Marrying right out of college in '72 and starting a family soon after gave me little opportunity to experience club life. I didn't know how to dance. All I knew how to do was to teach reading to elementary school kids. In 1990, I took my first C & W and whip dance lessons (a Christmas gift from Rich.) We ventured into Chayns to practice dancing and enjoy an evening out. There at Chayns, we met Tony Pace, our instructor and coach. We joined the multitude of ordinary people learning hustle for the next 12 years. Our circle of friends grew to be boundless. DJ Jim provided the hustle music for our dance classes and social nights, and created an ambience for all to enjoy. "DJ Jim" stayed behind the scene. He was not a dancer. Jim would honor requests and always remember a favored song. It seemed that the minute we walked into the club, Jim would be playing "our song." He could change the mood in the room in an instant. In 2000, Jim was inducted into the Disco DJ Hall of Fame.
Jim began taking classes toward a college degree, spending nights standing in his DJ cubicle studying and doing homework in between songs. It became a standard joke that if the song played for 11 minutes, then Jim was doing algebra.
We became good friends with Jim over the years, talking through the glass divider at the DJ booth. It was THE place that dancers would gather around.
Then something happened that was about to change the course of our lives.
In my 30th year of teaching, my assignment was a 3rd grade inclusion class mostly of boys. My students lacked self discipline, social skills, and academic skills. They had the lowest test scores in the school. I began to seek volunteers from the men in our dance class to come in as positive male role models from the community.
When Jim heard this he volunteered to be the first. I hadn't thought about asking the DJ. I asked him when he wanted to come and he told me Friday. Jim came that Friday, and every Friday after that. He came several times a week, assisting, teaching, and being a positive role model for my boys. They loved him, and he loved them. By the end of the year, my principal hired Jim as a substitute in the Adaptive Behavior Class, a program for students with severe behavioral problems. He was bitten, kicked, and had chairs thrown at him, but he always returned the next day. He would leave school at 4 p.m., go home to rest, drive to Chayns by 8 p.m., DJ until 2 a.m., go home to sleep for 4 hours, and arrive at school at 7:30 in the morning. His love of teaching grew and he was eager to learn as much as he could.
In May 2007, Rich and I attended Jim Alexander's graduation from the University of Houston and proudly watched while he received his Associate Degree and his Bachelors Degree. At the end of the month, Jim was hired full time as a 3rd grade teacher for the 2007-2008 year. He will be my co-teacher. Jim will teach math and science, and I will teach reading, writing and social studies to our 2 classes.
This time, the divided glass that I will be looking through will be his own 3rd grade classroom window.
Congratulations, Jim Alexander, on a wonderful 22 year career as DJ. You will be missed. Good luck in your new career in education. I look forward to working with you.
Cathy Rankel

DanceTalk * 8-7-07

Happy birthday wishes to Lana May, Luis Rosa, Lauren Gleason and Billy K.

Songwriter, Ron Miller, died of cardiac arrest at Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center after a long battle with emphysema & cancer. His tunes included pop classics "Touch Me in the Morning" and "For Once in My Life," He was 74. Miller began in the music business in the 1960s, when Motown founder Berry Gordy saw him perform. His songs have been recorded by Judy Garland, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Ray Charles.

Get well wishes to Merv Griffen, the creator of Dance Fever. He was hospitalized last week. Merv, a song/dance man, went on to host his own talk show which included the legendary dance contest for the motion picture, "Thank God It's Friday."

Wishing Nina Rosado a quick recovery from major foot surgery this week. She will be out of action for a couple of months.

Congratulations to dance champion Chad Lakridis. He now hosts a Internet radio show on Saturdays from 9 to 10 am MST on the VoiceAmerica Radio new work, a live Internet call in radio show: Dance is Life, Life is Dance. This weeks guest is US Rhythm Champion Bob Powers. Click on http://www.modavox.com/Voiceamericacms/WebModules/HostModaview.aspx?HostId=363&ChannelId=1&Flag=1

The dance designer's work is recognized on national TV. Watch as Debra Kee prepares a couple for their wedding. Once on the site, click on the Day Time Show. http://www.1stweddingdancelessons.com

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the national broadcast of American Bandstand. Dick Clark kicked it off in Philadelphia with Chubby Checkers.

I hope you enjoy this weeks special Spot Light feature. We have also included additional competition results from the World Hustle Dance Championships. Read all the news below.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Stardust Dance Weekend, Sept 7 - 9, at Kutshers Country Club in Monticello, NY. Over 65 workshops, dancin all weekend, with Donna DeSimone, Mark James, Karen Lupo, Nino Diguilo, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Juan Calderon...... http://www.stardustdance.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

Spotlight
Ricky Quintana

He was more talented then...... I think he even knew. This shy, introverted gentlemen, would light up the dance floor with his charm, good looks, coupled with incredible dance skills. Ricky Quintana was one of the early talents that rocked the hustle dance floor. He mastered the art of adagio and performed effortlessly.
Ricky was a dance star.
His dance legacy began while working at the famous Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes, in Manhatten. "I was an usher at the age of 15, when I saw Billy Fajardo & Sandra Rivera perform back up dances for Iris Chacon," recalls Ricky. This was virtually a revelation for him. "Billy was splitting in mid air and making Sandra fly. I knew when I saw them that hustle and theater arts was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," explained Ricky. One of the most popular Discoteques was Ipenema, this is where he met his partner to be, the adorable Lee Rafrano. With no previous dance training, they worked hard and were on the path to becoming accomplished dancers. Ricky & Lee, would compete in local contests and won the opportunity to dance on the televised contest, "Soul Alive". With moderate success, Ricky continued to apply himself and honed his skills. Next, they won the chance of a life time when they qualified to represent New York City on the nationally syndicated TV show, "Dance Fever," the highest rated dance show of the day. Ricky and Lee dazzled television viewers with their sassy routine. Performing to Patrick Hernandez's "Born To Be Alive," they were stellar. They exposed to viewers, watching at home, a dare devil routine never seen on national TV before. The costumes had a Vegas flair as Lee wore a virtual nude body suit that had the network execs biting their nails. Their lifts and tricks were cataclysmic, light years ahead of the competition. The couple left their mark on California. They returned to the big apple where many new doors swung open. They competed against the dominant team, Floyd Chisholm & Nelly Cotto at a contest in Queens. After the competition, they were invited by Floyd & Nelly to join their dance review, The Disco Dance Stars. "It was because of them, I became a professional dancer at the age of 16," says a thankful Ricky. They joined this elite group of multi talented dancers that included, over the years: Gina Figueroa, Carol Famigletti, Lisa Nunziella, Evie Hoover, Danny Llaurado, Arty Philips, Eddie Espinosa and Pat Taverna. Ricky & Lee continued to compete and perform at clubs like the infamous Plato's Retreat. After his gallant return, Ricky bumped into Lisa Nunziella at Club 2001 Odyssey, where the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever" was filmed. The two created a new partnership and entered a dance competition at Club Starship on 42nd Street. They took second place to Eddie Vega & Kenny Gonzales. "Kenny was throwing Eddie around his neck, which blew me away," explains Ricky. From that day on, Eddie and Ricky developed a close relationship. "He was so impressed with my dancing that he took me under his wing. Eddie Vega was the best". Vega encouraged Ricky to study Ballet & Jazz, which he did from the renown Phil Black. As his talents continued to develop, Ricky and Lisa would go on to win The United States Ballroom Championships then The World Dance Championships held in London. This was the most prestigious contest Ricky had ever won. After this competition, Lisa and Ricky captured the World Ballroom Freestyle Championship in Hustle/Theater Arts. They represented the USA and out performed 15 other countries. A very humble Ricky is quick to remember his roots and those who helped guide him. "Eddie and Lisa always encourage me to be the best that I could be. I had the great honor to spend the last five years of Eddie's life touring with him. He was my friend, my mentor and my greatest inspiration. Lisa is always in my thoughts and still gives me hope and encouragement. For me, Lisa is the best of the best."
Ricky had the rare opportunity to dance with some of the most talented "fierce" women in the world of hustle: Lee Rafrano, Lisa Nunziella, Lourdes Jones, Maria Torres, Stracy Diaz and Lisa Paternostra. "They had the attitude and the skills to bring to life the choreography that I had in my heart. Without their collaboration, input and great abilities I would have never been able to accomplish anything."
Ricky also appeared on Star Search, Buscando Estrellas, You Can't Stop The Music (with The Village People), Flight To Jordan (Music Video with Tito Puente), Son of Sam........
To be a dancer of the highest level, it takes many skill sets. Up and comers aspire to possess the impeccable abilities of a Ricky. Whether its his floor grace, performance ability, incredible kicks & Leaps, effortless lifts and tricks - new dancers study performances on TV, observe contests, watch social dancing - molding themselves to be like him. It becomes an inescapable conclusion that Ricky is one of those unique dancers that exudes talent and comes along only once.....every few decades.
Ricky currently teaches private lessons at Fazil's Dance Studio and Ripley Grier Studios in NY. "Dancing has been one of he best things in my life. It is good for your mind, body and soul. Above all else, it should be fun, so enjoy it, because dancing can change your life - it changed mine. I plan to dance until the day I die."

Ricky is a member of the Hustle Hall Of Fame. To view pictures, please visit - http://www.mjames.org/hustle_teams.html

2007 WHDC - more results

Battle of the DJs
1) Bobby Gerard
2) DJ Mark
3) DJ Dennis
4) Frank Pellici

Spot Light dance - Hustle
1) Lisa Fiorito and Leonardo Medina Jr.

Pro Am Newcomer Hustle Male
1) Patrick Stewart and Dara Patrusky
2) Ray Fabrizio and Daniel McGee
3) Marc Pontarelli and Daniel McGee

Pro Am Newcomer Hustle Female
1) Marina Peredo and Donna DeSimone
2) Jennifer Smith and Tony Pace
3) Karen Cessna and Fred Price

Pro Am Novice Hustle Male
1) Joseph Badgeley and Donna DeSimone
2) Dave Muzzi and Diane Nardone
3) Dean Marshall Donna DeSimone

Pro AM Novice Hustle Female
1) Roscel and George Garcia
2) Sabine Gaugris and Diane Nardone
3) Anita Giacone and Silvana Gallagher

Professional Jack N Jill Swing
1) Hazel Ulrich and John Festa
2) Silvana Gallagher and Brian Faust
3) Sophy Kdep and Gary Ulaner

For a complete listing of all the results visit http://www.hustledanceworld.com
Videos are available from the entire weekend: competitions, workshops...
The 8th Annual World Hustle Dance Championships returns to the East Brunswick Hilton the 3rd weekend of July 2008. Save the Date

The Spell Is Broken

This August 1st, made it 13 years since he had lost his leg in a horrific accident.
"I was ready for a bad day as I do every year This year was the ice breaker. I found out that PBS wants and is sending me the contracts to tell my story in a 1 and a 1/2 hour documentary.
I was told that they will want to interview some of my dance friends as well as family members for the documentary. I had tears of joy because of all my dance friends and those who gave me the chance to be seen again, the spell has been broken. On the 1st of August, I will never be sad again. My clip on the net has now become a featured story because of the number of hits it has been receiving. If you have not seen the interview it is now on my site as well. http://www.dancingoutofthedark.com/
Go to enter and the link is just above my picture on the right side, just click and enjoy.
Thank you and love you all,
George Velazquez

(George Velazquez will recieve a special award at this years Hustle Congress. He will be attending and performing. Read all the details in next weeks edtion of DanceTalk®)

LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE

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