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Merry Christmas, share the holiday with your friends, family & loved ones and take care of those less fortunate. 

Happy birthday wishes to  Noel Colon,   Keith Harrison,   Joanne Piazza, Carol CK,   Marianne Gonzalez,   Eileen Erlich,   Joan Dudley  and
singing sensation  Donna Summer

Our heart felt condolences go out to Mike Reher and his family. Mike's father passed away this past week. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

High-Five to the Class of 2007, Life Time Achievement members of the Hustle Hall Of Fame. Our distinguished panel has just selected the four newest members. Please join us in congratulating:
Maria Torres,
Jeff Shelley,
Diane Nardone
Franc. "Perico" Reyes
Visit http://www.hustlehalloffame.com

Great images from Mary Keegan's birthday dance at Michael's Cafe courtesy of Fred. Enjoy, http://fredf.fotki.com/maryk07/

Monday Jan 7th, on ABC, Cari Ann Vs Bruno Dance War at 8PM

Music pioneer Mel Cheren has passed. He supported the creation of the first 12" single for DJs and in created the first record pool (The New York Record Pool). Mel was the first to release an instrumental mix on a 12" B-side ("We're On The Right Track" by Ultra High Frequency). He was the co-founded of West End Records. Artists included: Karen Young ("Hot Shot" sold 800,000 copies), The Bombers "(Everybody) Get Dancin'," Taana Gardner "Work That Body," "Heartbeat," Raw Silk's "Do It to The Music," NYC Peech Boys "Don't Make Me Wait," and Loose Joints "Is it All Over My Face." He was the financial backer behind The Paradise Garage Discotheque. In 1987 formed 24 Hours for Life, which served as the founding fiscal sponsor for LIFEbeat, The Music Industry Fights AIDS. Mel helped revolutionized dance music, opened one of the greatest nightclubs in history, and used his energies and resources to help in the fight against AIDS for 25 years. When you go out tonight, blow a kiss to the disco ball and remember a wonderful man.

It's not to late to give the gift that shines all year long. Twelve months of dancing, on your own calendar. High quality photos by Sam Habet. The photos are a collection from all styles of dancing including Hustle, Salsa, Ballroom, Swing, Country & Line Dance. Order now at the reduced price of only $5.00 each. Visit the website for more info. - write to Sam at, Sam@samssnapshots.com  Mail checks payable to Sam Habet at PO Box 2314, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Please add $3.00 for shipping per calendar.  http://www.samssnapshots.fotki.com/dancing/news-and-information/ordering-2008-calendar/

The #1 Billboard Dance song is "Keep Your Body Working," sung by Martha Wash. Yes, thee Martha from her days with Sylvester (Two Tons of Fun) to the Weather Girls and their classic hits (It's Raining Men) to lead singer for C & C Music Factory. 

It's not to late to take part in the "Dancing With Our"Stars" weekend at Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jan 10 - 13, 2008. It's a total all-inclusive vacation at Club Med. For info contact Cindy Sherman (561) 495-7571 See all the details below.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by The Remission party to honor one of the sweethearts of dance - Kim Vanaman. Read all about it below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

The Remission Party

Hustle Night on Saturday 01/05/08 with Kim Vanaman at the œThe Remission party? Polish Home, 9 First St., Windsor Locks, CT
One year ago, almost to the day, the Northeast dance community came together to aid one of New England™s most prominent dance instructors in her battle with breast cancer. It was a resounding success. Unfortunately, Kim was unable to attend that event, mostly due to the well documented side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. In her own words, January 2007 was the "Low Point" in this struggle. Thus we have chosen this date, one year later to celebrate together, that Kim's doctors have told her the good news: she is cancer free.
Kim will be here this time ... teaching 2 workshops, socializing ... and dancing the night away.
Saturday 01/05/08 “ 2 workshops and a dance “ Material will be œKim™s Choice? ... basically I don't know what she already taught in the area, so I'm going to leave it up to her to show something different.
Schedule for the night;
Novice/Intermediate Hustle -  6:00 - 7:00 PM
1/2 Hour Dancing and Practice - 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Intermediate/Advanced Hustle “ 7:30 - 8:30PM
8:30PM - Midnight - Hustle Dance - Pizza around 10:00PM
DJ™s Ken Mercik, Bob Frione & others TBA - The music for tonight's dance will be Hustle, and what I refer to as "Swustle" (Contemporary music suitable for West Coast Swing and Hustle). Later in the night we'll mix it up a little, but the music thru out the night will be at least 50-60% Hustle
Both lessons and dance - $30 - One lesson and Dance - $20 - Dance Only - $12 
No Partner - Pre-Registration required. No BYOB “ Cash bar on Premises (Really Cheep Drinks) For more Information, contact Ken Mercik, djkenm@aol.com  - call 860-749-5434 http://www.djkenm.com

Letters to the Editor

Thank you to all those who wrote letters about Dancing With The Stars. We had many view points and some very poignant comments. This topic clearly hit a nerve as we received nearly 100 letters. We apologize that we cannot post them all and we had to shorten some, just a bit.  Enjoy,
Ron
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From the first season of DWTS, I felt the judges should have had at least 75% of the vote while the public's opinion should have been only 25%, - have the show find another way to sort out the final scores.  The public is voting for their favorite star and nothing more.  Take Jerry Rice, who should have been out of the competition sooner than he was, but with the show airing during football season, all the fans voted to keep him on longer.  I also felt that Mario was the clear winner.  Although Emmitt did a nice job, he was not the better dancer. For this last season, Mark Cuban should have been off at least two weeks before he was finally voted off. Sabrina had youth and dance experience on her side but she was a natural at ballroom, which you know is much harder than just the simple choreography that dancers like the Spice Girls perform on stage. I still give kudos to Helio and Julianne for their win.  They deserved it. However, the judging really needs to change on DWTS.
Lisa
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Thank you for your information re Dancing With the Stars and the Judging. It was the most bizarre season ever, and it was indeed a shock to see Sabrina Ryan go home so early. It brings up a lot of questions. I agree that the audience input is way too high on this show, and, just because a person has a lot of "fans" - it shouldn't be fair to keep them going, like, no offense, Marie Osmond. I felt that Jennie Garth deserved to be in the finals. She improved so tremendously and built up her confidence. But then again, does anyone really care what we say, and will it even make a difference? Regarding Sabrina and Mel B, I felt they both had an unfair advantage because they both had professional hip hop experience, so they both immediately had an edge over the other contestants. The rules should be no real dance training, especially performing. That's why I felt helio and Jennie really had to struggle. It's got to be one way - the other, either no experience other than hopping around in ballet class when you're 5, - all experienced dancers. It's just not fair. I feel however that the judges are also biased each in their own way, and each had their favorites. I felt that often Len was very harsh, and he never seemed to agree with Carrie Ann - Bruno. He is perhaps more European? Sometimes he was kind of cruel, which is unnecessary. These people are trying, and it's not easy. I had to give a lot of credit to people like Cameron who had to travel coast to coast. But then you wonder how much of this comes down to real dance ability - the entertainment aspect of things - because there certainly was enough drama on the show. And yes, let's face it there has to be a degree of entertainment in there...... But even so, this last season, they were so tough on the dancers. Do we have to be perfect - is the spirit of dance what is most important???? That's my question. I would also have to say there was way too much break dancing and hip hopping around, but then again it may be the audience they are targeted to. Sigh. Why can't we all just dance?.... I started dancing at 3, and now find myself struggling to get back into dancing after surgeries and injuries. As long as I can get my dance shoes on I hope I can keep dancing until the day I die.
Thanks for your letter re Dancing With the Stars.
Mary
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Hey Ron.
 I agree with your editorial.  The judges usually have a good eye when it comes to the execution and performance of the dancers on Dancing With The Stars.  It becomes a popularity contest when they give the audience too much control over the judging.  That was apparent by the length of time Marie Osmond was on the show!  She is very popular with her fans (and justifiably so), however she is by no stretch of the imagination, a dancer.  Perhaps if all of us sent our replies to you, you could send them to the station.  The audience definitely should have less percentage of the judging.  Thanks again Ron for all of your hard work for the dance community and for your wonderful DanceTalk. Love and Happy Holidays to All,  
Nancy McGough 
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I agree with you 100% -- which is close to the percentage that the judges should have. Since the show's inception, it has been [sometimes painfully] obvious that the judges are judging the dancing, but it is primarily a popularity contest for the majority of the viewers. I watch the show because I enjoy the dancing, but I, too, was very sorely tempted to stop doing so after Sabrina was voted off (I admire your daughter for sticking to her principles). I especially don't like that viewers can submit almost limitless numbers of votes (based on number of remaining stars in a particular week, as well as quantity of different phone numbers from which a viewer can call and/or text and number of different e-mail addresses from which a viewer can vote on-line). I also don't like it that viewers can only vote by phone for up to a half-hour after the show goes off the air. For those who have tried, this requires patience and perseverance -- and is sometimes still not successful. In the just-ended series, I even got shut out when I tried to vote on-line ("page temporarily not available"). Therefore, even the viewer voting tally does not represent the real picture. Not counting those who didn't attempt to vote, if all the attempted votes were actually able to be tallied, I wonder when (or even if) Sabrina would have been voted off -- - how much sooner Marie Osmond, Jerry Springer, Master P, etc. would have been off their respective shows. Diane J. Weinberg
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Should the audience judge?  The dance shows on TV are not meant to impress dancers.  They are meant to impress non-dancers.  Why?  To get them to watch the show and see the advertising during commercial breaks.  Though the judges may be qualified to accurately score a contestant's performance, people are more interested when they have a say in the outcome.  They want to vote based on emotions, not syllabus standards. It would be nice if only judges had the right to vote, but then 
ratings would drop and the shows would fail.  It is a no win situation.  We all just have to be amused if we watch one of the shows, but not take it seriously.  Judges do not always agree, but their decisions are based on real standards.  They have skills and experience that most people do not possess.  They have the ability to 
judge more consistently and accurately than the biased, fickle, untrained masses do.  They also have an investment in the dance community, which translates into integrity with respect to the sport of dance. So if you want a real competition, you must go where there are no TV  cameras.  If you want to see an approximate representation of dancing, watch TV.  TV is a business intended to create revenues.  Period.  Contestants enter a popularity contest and compete for career  enhancing notoriety and cash.  What is profitable will always take priority over what is right.
Philip C. Spinka
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In response to Dancing With The Stars edit, I have found that it is always a popularity contest. When you let unprofessionals vote....it becomes a POPULARITY CONTEST!!! Duh? Also, in our real world of dance, winners are also from a "popularity" win basis. I think that  most dance contests are not about "the dance" .....unfortunately. It's about who are taking privates from? what event are you sponsoring? etc....pick you own reason. I would love to see a dance contest in real life - TV judged for the dance technique and the true joy of a dance only.
Wendy B.

The 30 year anniversary
I had the honor of emceeing a wonderful 30 year anniversary party for the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever" at Paul Pellicoro's Dancesport in NYC. The festivities included: the film being shown on a large screen while dancers hustled all night to DJ's Donnie Shields and Nelson "Paradise" Roman. The large crowd was entertained as dance exhibitions were performed by Roberto Pagan & Rosa Juliana Paredes, Ricky Quintana & Veronica Castilla,  Miquel Marrero & Barbara, Louie Orlando & Elizabeth Darchi, the Dancesport All Stars (April, Rainer, Ron, Kristen) and Luis & Maryanne Rosa and the Starlight Kids featuring Christopher & Jasmine.
There was a Jack & Jill contest as many dancers attended to celebrate dressed in 70's wardrobe as they participated in our Fever trivia contest.
In the house were: DJ Bobby Morales, Lori Brizzi, Jerry Hobbs, Robert Rothman, Tariq Brown, Spinning Cindy, Cindy Lehning, John Merisier, Lawrence Rush, Diego, Anat Shamash, Rob Finocchio, Zoe Klien, Dave Paris, Robert Lawrence.... Lets hope they honor the anniversary of "Thank God Its Friday" next.  

DanceTalk * 12-18-07

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Happy birthday wishes to  Donnie Shields,  Tony Genova,  Dan Locke, Ron Troy and  Stephanie Risser. 

Our condolences to Frank Mozzarella, on the passing of his mother. She was 90 years old. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Don't miss the Saturday Night Fever - 30 year tribute taking place at Paul Pellicoro™s Dancesport, Monday night, Dec 17th.  The party kicks off at 9:30PM with exhibitions, costume contest, trivia and an open Jack & Jill dance competition. Luis & Maryann Rosa will perform with the Starlight kids, Ron Bess is your MC along with special guests including Lori Brizzi, Roberto Pagan, Diane Nardone and Ricky Quintana. Be there.  22 west 34th Street, NYC. 

Congratulations to Madonna. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The formal tribute will take place in March 2008. Sad to say, dance music icon, Donna Summer was overlooked.

Don't miss this years pre New Year's Eve kick off party at the 92nd Street Y, NYC on Saturday Dec 29th for the Hustle Congress Reunion featuring DJs Bobby Morales, Johnny O and Nelson "Paradise" Roman. See all the details below.

Audition time for "So You Think You Can Dance" 2008 Season.
- January 17,  at the McFarlin Memorial Auditorium at Southern Methodist University, 6405 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75275
- January 31, at the Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403,
- February 21, 2008 - Washington, DC,  Location TBD
- March 6,  at the  The Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- March 20, at the Milwaukee Theatre, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
- April 3, 2008 - Salt Lake City, UT, Location TBD

Welcome back, The IBBG reopens December 18th, Tuesday. Celebrating the belated birthday of Robin Amante. Come see the renovations. More details below. 

High Five to Donna Boyle. Her 5th grade students from the John Hancock School were in the finals for "Colors of the Rainbow Team Match" at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia. The event was emceed by Pierre Dulaine of "Mad Hot Ballroom" fame and founder of Dancing Classrooms.

For over twelve years Dance New York has been one of the top rated dance studios in NYC. They will be closing their 54th St. studio and relocating in April 2008. 

Check out the photos from Lori Offredo's birthday party courtesy of Scott Michielli - http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b35867ab65f4&sid=8FYuW7Rw5Z3A

Dec 18th kicks off the "Dancing With The Stars" tour. For cities and dates visit - http://dancingwiththestars.aeglive.com/tour_dates.php

Next week in DanceTalk we announce the newest members of the Hustle Hall Of Fame....the most prestigious division, The 2007 Life Time Achievement recipients. 

Make it a great week,
Ron

Readers Choice Awards Winners

To our readers: Thank you for voting and making this our biggest response....ever. Hundreds of readers voted in this years awards.
To our winners. Congratulations. You have been selected by a large readership, a true cross section of the United States, that appreciates you for not only your talent & skills but for your kindness and the positive spirit you bring to the dance community.  The votes have been counted, here are your winners for 2007. Make sure you let them know that they are the winners, the "best of the best."
Special thanks to Chris and Stacy for assisting me with this huge task.

The Winners Circle 2007
*** Favorite DJ - Johnny O (voted two years in a row)
*** Favorite Female Dancer - Loriann Greenhouse
*** Favorite Male Dancer - Artie Phillips
*** Favorite Dance Couple - Kelvin Roche & Loriann Greenhouse
*** Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Tybaldt and Hazel Ulrich
*** Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone (voted 6 years in a row) 
*** Favorite Male Instructor - Roberto Pagan
*** Most Improved Dancer - Steve Shaughnessy
*** Favorite All Time Dancer - Derrick Allen
*** Person of the Year -  Lori Brizzi

Holiday Spectacular - Highlights

This years Holiday Spectacular had some new exciting twists. We partied on a Sunday afternoon at the brand new Stardust Ballroom. This was our largest turnout in the 15 year history of hosting our annual parties. Special Thanks to:
Joyce of the Stardust Ballroom,  Herman's Deli,  DJ Mark,  Evelyn and her classy dance shoes, our staff of helpers and to all our wonderful guests. Attendees raved about the floating maple dance floor. Kudos' to Jose Gonzales and Donna Boyle for their hustle exhibition. Congratulations to our dance contest winners.
1) Joe Kerner and Stephanie Risser
2) Steve Salerno and Lori Brizzi
3) Jack Ceika and Mary Keegan
They were judged by the sharp eyes of: Andre Phelps, Wingo Hom, Jose Gonzales,
Dara Patrusky and David Seneca. We had many out of town guests and professionals in the house including: Carol Feldman, Frank Mozzarella,
Donna Reinhart, Donna Roesel,  Wingo Hom, Joann Piazza, Jose Gonzales,
Joey Commentucci, Anthony Ciliberto, Stephanie Risser, DJ Kenny Arditi,
DJ Philip Spinka, Stevie Mitchell, Patricia Caballero,  DJ Frank Pellici,
Dara Patrusky, Louie Orlando, Beth Darchi, Lori Brizzi, Drew Axelrod,
Caren Casper, Artie Phillips, Joe Kerner, Leo Madena Jr., Angela McCabe....
Thanks for celebrating with us and making this a wonderful event.
Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.

DanceTalk * 12-11-07

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Happy Birthday wishes to Doreen Koons,  Debbie Ferro,  Jeff Snow, Anthony Lisotta,  Glen Miller  and Toni Seacrest.

The late, great, Eddie Kendricks was born this week. He lead the group, The Temptations and went on to sing and write classics like, "Date With the Rain"

Dancing is from the heart. Watch this video and be inspired - for life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c

Please note, the IBBG Club has moved their grand opening dance party back one week to Tuesday, December 18th. No party on December 11th.

Many thanks to everyone that came out for the 2007 Holiday Spectacular. On behalf of Donna Boyle and Ron Bess, we wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah. Congratulation to our Dance Contest winners - Stephanie Risser and Joe Kerner. DJ Mark lit up the new Stardust Ballroom.  More of the  highlights in next weeks edition of DanceTalk.

Dancing With the Stars is auditioning youth dance couples (ages 8-14) for a show to air in March, 2008 (must be a USA Dance member to audition).  Contact Angela Prince with USA Dance (publicity-dir[at]UsaDance.org) immediately with a .jpg photo, bio & dance achievements/titles, listing couples last names and USA Dance in the subject line of the e-mail. ABC will cover all expenses for participants.

Next Monday, Dec 17th, a special 30 years tribute for the anniversary release of "Saturday Night Fever" at Paul Pellicoro's Dancesport.  Read all about it below.

Can't get enough of dancing and the disco era? Not a whole lot of dancing going on but you could live in Hustle, Illinois. Not far from Indiana or Chicago. 

Next week in DanceTalk the winners of the 2007 Readers choice awards, Stay tuned.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Vai Dance Studio featuring the Champions Weekend this Friday and New York's premier DJ, Bobby Morales. Please read below how to purchase music for the holidays.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Champions Weekend at Vai Dance Studio
 
Folks are still raving about the incredible grand opening at Vai Dance. Silvana Gallagher, proprietor, is ready to deliver a holiday weekend of dancing featuring the 2006 UCWDC Classic & Showcase Masters World Champions Sam & Denise Miller from Friday, December 14th to Sunday the 16th. The weekend kicks off with a "Kick Up Your Boots - It's Country Night" Dance Party & Show, featuring Sam & Denise. Vai dance studio is the hot new dance studio that everyone is talking about. Silvana has shifted into over - drive, surrounding herself with the top talent. Here is your chance to learn all forms of country dancing from the best. Sam & Denise will start off the night with a 7:30 east coast swing dance lesson prior to the dance party and later in the evening Sam & Denise dance a special performance honoring the soldiers of Iraq.  This has been described as "A brilliant, heart-felt performance.  A must see".  
And that is just the start of it. The fun continues on Saturday as Sam & Denise conduct a fun-filled day of workshops in Waltz, 2-Step and Night Club.  Later, for our Saturday Night California Mix Dance & Party & Show, Sam & Denise do it again.  They will start off the night with a  7:30 lesson in Cha Cha and later that evening, give another incredible performance.  So it if  you can't make their performance on Friday don't miss Saturday!  Now, if that isn't enough, Sam & Denise will conduct a 3 hour intensive workshop on the Mechanics of Partnering, (a three hour intensive course) detailing partnering, lead and follow, body mechanics, movement, physics, and energy manipulation.   For private lessons, please call to schedule 610.789.3248.
Silvana has raised the dance standard attracting the best instructors and teachers to her posh new studio. Known for having dancing in her DNA, Silvana continues to wow em all over the country. Get into the holiday spirit and take part in the Champions Weekend.  All the information you need is right at your fingertips at http://www.vaidance.com.  Times, prices and preregistration discounts are available on-line.  Don't miss out on this event.  Vai Dance Studio 801 West Chester Pike Havertown, PA 19083   .610.789.3248    215.815.1219

DJ Bobby Morales

World renowned hustle DJ Bobby Morales, is making available to DanceTalk readers his entire collection of legendary mixed hustle CDs. As many of you familiar with Bobby's work already know, his impressive DJ and dancing resume spans over 30 years. It is a true testament of his evolution of the music and dance he's lived and loved since the origin of hustle in the early 70s. Bobby was at the forefront of the original Hustle USA competitions, spear headed the summer Lincoln center events, was honored by the readers of DanceTalk as the best DJ and appeared in many motion pictures including "Carlitos Way". He was a major part of hustles resurgence in the 90s and continues to be recognized by many as hustles premiere DJ. His unique and creative style of mixing has brought Bobby the respect and admiration of DJs and dancers everywhere, and these amazing mixes are used by dance instructors and DJs all over the world. Normally only available at national and New York hustle events that Bobby has headlined (over the past 15 years) he will be taking CD orders just in time for the holiday season at the 2007 price of only $10 each! His incredible catalog consists of over 80 volumes to choose from, each over 70 minutes of nonstop music. It breaks down into 30 volumes of some of the greatest hustle dance classics ever; 5 volumes of the popular œDisco Meets House? collection, remixed classics that give a fresh twist to some of the all-time great dance tunes; and 45 volumes of his visionary œThis Is New Hustle?. This collection introduces cool, jazzy and sophisticated contemporary music to the hustle dance genre, mixed in Bobby's trademark style, while laying the template for the new music current and future dancers will be hustling to, now and for years to come. This is a limited time offer. To place an order, please address all your inquiries directly to Bobby at   djbobbymo@aol.com or myspace.com/djbobbymorales.  All orders placed before December 20th will be guaranteed delivered before Christmas. Orders of 3 or more CDs will also receive free shipping. So if you're looking to upgrade your personal music collection or to give the ideal stocking stuffer for that certain dancer or music lover, this is a great opportunity not to be missed. Experience Bobby LIVE, Dec 18th along side resident DJ Johnny V at the crazy Donkey's X-mas party in L.I. Dec 28 with Nelson "Paradise" Roman for the Pre-New Years Gala at Stepping Out Dance Studio in NYC.

DanceTalk * 12-4-07

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Wishing all those that celebrate.....a Happy Chanukah (12/5-12/12)

Happy Birthday wishes to  Elise Alverado,  Hyunki Raab,  Chucky Mayo
Jose Ruiz,  Ellen Levine and the late Dan Hartman best known for his dance records during the 80's.  

Our heartfelt condolences go to Bruce Haslam on the loss of his son. Jason passed away on Saturday at the tender age of only 28. The funeral is this Wednesday, December 5th. For information visit: http://www.wetzelandson.com/ Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. 

Congratulations to race car driver Helio Castroneves & two time winner,  Julianne Hough on winning this years Dancing With The Stars championship.

Check out the photo images from Pat Stewart's birthday celebration at Michael's Cafe. Courtesy of Fred. http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/

Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan's professional dance partner and boyfriend Mark Ballas was injured half way through their Cha Cha last week and was taken to the hospital. Half way through their dance Mark abruptly stopped using his left arm. The Celine Dion performance was pretaped, that's why he had no troubles with his shoulder during that dance earlier on the show.

It's been one year since dancing superstar Kim Vanaman battled breast cancer. She is back and better then ever. To celebrate they are hosting a big dance party on January 8th, 2008. See details below & more information next week in DanceTalk.


Make it a great week,
Ron

The Holiday Spectacular

This coming Sunday is the 15th Annual Holiday Spectacular. It only comes once a year and we are honored to hold it at the brand new Stardust Ballroom. We are expecting dancers from all over to join us on Sunday afternoon, December 9th for five hours of non stop dancing in the afternoon (1PM to 6PM). This is a holiday party where we celebrate together, as a dance community. Kids are welcome and free under the age of 16. This is a smoke free ballroom. The new Stardust has a huge, maple dance floor. DJ Mark will be playing the best dance music all afternoon. 
There will be food and deserts with a cash soda bar. A complimentary hustle dance lesson at 1PM with Donna and Ron. Lots of give - aways, special guests and our spectacular dance contest. Dress your best for the holidays and tell your friends that we are the first to break in the awesome dance floor at the Stardust Ballroom.
The cost is $25 per person - at the door. For more information or directions contact:
Ron Bess (856) 234-6989  E mail Rowenlb22@aol.com
Donna Boyle  (215) 740 - 3472   E Mail  donnaboyledisco@aol.com
The New Stardust Ballroom - 367 West Browning Road, Bellmawr, NJ  08031-1955

Editorial: Getting it Right on TV

Since Sabrina Bryan, (Cheetah Girls) a dance contestant on "Dancing With The Stars" was abruptly booted from the show weeks ago. My daughter, Lauren, informed me that she would no longer be watching. Clearly, the audience doesn't seem equipped to adequately judge. This and other casualties encouraged me to take a closer look at the judges themselves. DWTS has been the highest rated prime time show this season. It had a roller coast effect as many consider that some of the finer competitors were eliminated too early in the show. The judges only have half the say. That in turn, makes you question the audiences ability to judge dancing? Should the TV judges have a greater percent say on whom goes or stays? On the summer hit show "So You Think You Can Dance," the judges and audience both vote however, the TV judges have the opportunity to save a dancer. Carrie Ann Inaba has a strong dancing, acting and choreography background. She is known for having an eagle eye for dancing. She has danced in many motion pictures including the Austin Power's franchises, Lord Of Illusions and American Virgin. In addition she has choreographed many films and for the show "So You Think You Can Dance," Miss America Pageants etc... Prior to her film credits she was a principal dancer in the Madonna tour and was a Fly Girl, way back when, on the hit TV show "In Living Color" along side of Jennifer Lopez. Bruno Tonioli has danced and acted on TV, movies and has choreographed since the early 1980's. His choreography work can be seen in Ella Enchanted, Absolutely Fabulous, Bring me the head of Mavis Davis, Dancin' Thru The Dark and Space Riders. He is an original judge on the UK version "Stricktly Come Dancing". Len Goodman, the Head Judge on DWTS is also Head Judge on the original UK version "Strictly Come Dancing." He has a vast knowledge of Ballroom and Latin American Dancing, which he has gained over a lifetime of competing, judging and teaching all over the world. As the senior judge (65 Years old), he is a professional dance judge who also teaches ballroom and Latin dancing at the school he runs in Dartford, Kent, UK.  Len is an examiner for the National Association of Teachers of Dance, a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and also a Member of the International Dance Teachers Association. He is also an Adjudicator and founding member of The International Dancesport Judges and Trainers Association. The judges appeared to have all the bases covered! Maybe its time to re-weight the percentage of voting power the audience controls? The system on "So You Think You Can Dance" appears to work much better but...as I have written before, on SYTYCD, I think it would only be fair to have two winners - a male and a female. But more importantly, what do you think?

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