Happy Birthday wishes to Beryl Zarlie, Bernadette Curie, Riff W. and Tony Thompson.
Come out to Michael's Cafe, in Bensalem Pa, this Tuesday evening to celebrate.

Disco America takes place June 13, 14, 15 at the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. For more details scroll down.

Wonderful tribute to the Bee Gees and the late Maurice Gibb by the Grammy's. N'sync did a medley of their songs (acapella) and the brothers were recognized with a legends award. They received a thunderous standing ovation.

Dirty Vegas won top honors with a Grammy, best dance song of the year, for Days Gone By

Congratulations to Annette Fillipini on her engagement over Valentine's Day weekend on the Hustle cruise. We wish her and Michael only the best.

Gregory Harrison's niece will be appearing on Star Search, Wed. Feb 26, 2003
Ashley Brown, a name you will remember once you hear her voice, was chosen out of the thousands of tryouts to perform. Only 13 years of age she is already a veteran of Stage / Theater / Movies / Television.
Please watch and cast your vote for the best performer.

Ray Leight was invited to perform at the World 10 Dance Championships, last weekend in Vancouver. He danced with former US Professional Rhythm Champion, Diane Gingerich. We hear they were a big hit with an audience of several thousand spectators.

The all female Cabaret Performance team is looking for more women. They are gearing up for a new competitive routine that we will be used at NADC and GNDC. Practice is every Tuesday in New York City from 7-9PM. Each member contributes toward practice space, their costumes, competition fees and event travel.
Though we are a competitive team, we also have performances lined up at other venues for those members who are available.
If you are interested, or know of someone who would be.....please contact Maggie Moon at MaggieMoon@Alumni.LS.Berkeley.Edu

Maria Torres is making her directorial debut in "Latin Heat," a
stage show that takes the audience into the next wave of Latino
& Afro-Caribbean music & dance. It opens Feb. 18th & runs
through March 2nd. For more info & tix, call Smartix @
212-206-1515 or visit the web @ www.smarttix.com

DANCE PRODUCTION & MUSIC VIDEO
Choreographer Jordana Toback, (of Fischerspooner & former Mark Morris Dancer) is casting for a paid spring dance production and music video. Seeking fierce dancers with strong technique and musicality, great physique, freestyle and ethnic a plus. For appointment, call Peter Occolowitz of Millenial Arts at (212) 757-2007.

Happy Birthday to the "God Father Of Disco," the incomparable Vince Montana Jr.
Do you remember your favorite Vince Montana / Salsoul Orchestra song?
In honor of Vince's birthday, I invite our readers to write in your favorite song and explain why.
****The winners will receive autographed copies of one of his CDs.****
Send your entries to Rowenlb22@aol.com


Make it a great week,
Ron

DanceTalk 2-21-03

I hope everyone is making the best out of this winter wonderland. I apologize for the delay sending this weeks edition but we were unable to return from Miami.
Congratulations to Drew Axelrod and his staff for an amazing Dance cruise at sea.
Next week, an in-depth review of the Hustle Into Paradise cruise.

Happy birthday wishes to Kathleen Harbison, Drew Axelrod and David Seneca.
Belated birthday wishes to Zulma.

Happy Birthday to the "God Father Of Disco," the incomparable Vince Montana Jr.
Do you remember your favorite Vince Montana / Salsoul Orchestra song?
In honor of Vince's birthday, I invite our readers to write in your favorite song and explain why.
****The winners will receive autographed copies of one of his CDs.****
Send your entries to Rowenlb22@aol.com

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

Thanks to Erik Novoa for providing photos (viewing and purchase) from the first Pacific Hustle & Salsa Dance Classic held in San Francisco, CA. You'll find photos of the Pro/Am Hustle Classic, Amateur Just Hustle, the Open Hustle Jack & Jill, and the Saturday Night Show. Click below.
http://www.swingshoes.fotki.com/dance/events/

Swing DJ Jules Klapper, scheduled to spin at the New York Swing Dance Society, is in the hospital undergoing bypass surgery. He had a sudden heart attack and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY
Jules is a leading supporter of Swing Dancing in New York and recognized as one of the best Lindy DJs. We wish him a speedy recovery.

The motion picture Chicago leads the pack with 13 Oscar nominations this year. This recognition should gain momentum and give the dance/musicals industry the boost it's needed to make it to the silver screen.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Highlights from the PHSDC

The First "Pacific Hustle Salsa Dance Classic" went off without a hitch. Congratulations to all the winners.
Here are some of the highlights from the San Francisco Event.

Pro/Am Hustle Novice - Male
1ST-Jameson Kilburn & Donna Boyle
2ND-Benny Garza & Elizabeth Ante
3RD-Ingvar Ljungquist & Eric Novoa

Pro/Am Salsa Int - Female
1ST-Gladys Torres & Stephen Ward
2ND-Julie Dixon & Steven Adcock

Pro/Am Hustle Nov - Female
1ST-Lenore Moesr & Daniel McGee
2ND-Sandy Sierra & Bobby Concepcion
3RD-Margaret Choy & Stephen Ward

Pro/Am Hustle Int - Male
1ST-James Phelps & Joy Ro
2ND-Jim White & Melanie Dawson
3RD-Jim Dellisanti & Melanie Dawson

Pro/Am Hustle Int - Female
1ST-Patricia McConnell & Daniel McGee
2ND-Punkin Habet & Silvanna Gallagher
3RD-Nancy Morris & Stephen Ward

Pro / Am Hustle Adv - Female
1ST-Gladys Torres & Stephen Ward
2ND-Angela McCabe & Silvanna Gallagher
3RD-Mimi Doi & Silvanna Gallagher

Jack & Jill Open Salsa
1ST-Albert Chung & Cheryl Rabbins
2ND-James King & Gladys Torres
3RD-Nelson Enriquez & Alison Abbott
4TH-Felino Padilla & Sandra Sierra
5TH-Del Millers & Sheryl Almo

Amateur Jack & Jill Hustle
1ST-Achuith Bhandarkar & Nancy Morris
2ND-Jesse Casteneda & Gladys Torres
3RD-Dmitry Lapidus & Angela McCabe
4TH-Wingo Hom & Punkin Habet
5TH-Gary Ulaner & Mimi Doi

Amateur Just Dance Hustle
1ST-Gary Ulaner & Michelle Kusanovich
2ND-Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
3RD-Jesse Casteneda & Marilyn Bardai
4TH-Jameson Kilburn & Lenore Moeser
5TH-David Raines & Nancy Tuzzolino

Amateur Classic Hustle
1st-Gary Ulaner & Michelle Kusanovich
2nd-Raye Avery & Irena Griffin

Pro Classic Hustle
1ST-Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik
2ND-Daniel McGee & Donna Boyle
3RD-Robin Towers & Julia St Marie

Christopher M. Nardone

He was a beautiful little boy who would have turned 19 years old this month.
Christopher M. Nardone, was born February 9th 1984, in Brooklyn, NY.
Unable to express himself like other boys, he was born physically challenged.
He didn't play tag, stick ball or go on school trips, but he did understand the love his mother had for life and the world of dance. Diane reflects on her loving son as "the best experience of my life and the worst, when he passed away - God took him home on April 27, 1997."
Diane's mission was to hold an event that made people feel special, equal,
bringing back unity by joining everyone together from all states and countries, letting people know that no matter - "we are all the same".
The World Hustle Dance Championship was created in his honor. An award is presented each year (in Christopher's name) in the spirit of giving.
Diane says it best - "please remember your loved ones and especially those
still with us, no matter who they are, we should all be family, a dance
family."

DanceTalk 2-11-03

Happy Valentine's Day to you and that special person(s) in your life.

We are off to Miami for the World Disco Cruise, look for a complete review in next weeks edition of DanceTalk.

Happy birthday wishes to Yvette Rivera, Bob Scott and Arte Phillips.
Belated birthday wishes to Nelson "Paradise" Roman and Bernard Martinez.
Franco Zarlie will be celebrating his birthday at Michael's Cafe on Tuesday evening. Dig your car out of the snow and join the dance party in Bensalem, Penna.

What a special day it was, two years ago, for the fund raiser & dance held for Virginia DiMaio. Let's remember this wonderful event, "Ginger's Wish," that brought the dance community together to support our dear friend.

DJ Rene Hewitt would like to thank all the dancers that attended the auditions last week for the taping of the new television show "HouseandClassicsTV.com" that will be broadcast on Public Access in New York. Finalists and back up couples will be selected from the audition. Dancers will best remembered Rene as he mastered the DJ booth at the famous Inferno discotheque in NY. He was responsible for keeping the 1,500 dancers moving on the dance floor. Air dates will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

Champions Dance Studio is now holding Sunday afternoon hustle dance socials. Every Sunday, from 4:00PM to 9:00PM, this is a great time and location to practice. The studio has a large dance floor and admission is only $6.00. Located at 300 West 42rd street (off of 8th Ave), 3rd floor in New York City.

Congratulations to Tony Pace on the success of his first "Ultimate Dance
Night Out" held at the Continental Ballrooms last week in the great state of Texas.
There was a fantastic turnout with over 150 dancers from all parts of the city who enjoyed the great music of Larry Sepulvado and Ray Coker. This truly was an event for everyone!

Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, radio station 95.7 FM, The Mix, is catering to dancers and the music that helped shape the last three decades. This is clearly the best dance radio station on the dial.

Make it a great week,
Ron

"Spotlight"
Giant Gene Arnold

He danced on the original, " American Bandstand Show," hosted by the ageless Dick Clark, in his home town, Philadelphia. Virtually born with a microphone in his hands, Giant Gene Arnold started singing and doing rock n' roll shows in the early 60's. As a young performer he would grow to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
"I was always a radio listener, and understood the 'timing' of many of the great personalities on the air," reflects Giant Gene. With aspirations to sing and record, he was on his way. Dick Clark, gave Gene his stage name, Rick Roman. He cut a record, "Me Please Me," and his goal was to join the same label as Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
His new found success took him in a new direction, spinning dance music (later known as disco) before it had its name.
Gene felt the "disco" era began about the same time he called his DJ company "Gene Arnold's Discoscene." RJ, Ron Joseph, (his radio partner at WIFI FM) ran a discotheque very early in the 70's, where they played on the campus of University of Pennsylvania. "With over 3,000 dancers a night on the floor, (that was half a block long), I played everything dance like 'Never Can say Goodbye" by Gloria Gaynor. We did a live radio show on Friday nights, and it was called "The Best Disco In Town."
As a teenager of the 70's, I personally loved "Gene Arnold's American Scene" which was heard nightly across America on syndicated radio stations under the CBS banner. His signature style led him to even bigger and exciting opportunities.
Gene, and his talented wife of 40 years, Terry, have completed hundreds of radio, TV commercials, voice-overs as well as lending his voice as the emcee for many major concerts. Here are just some of the high lights from Genes career over the last four decades:
* Working closely with Michael (Dance Your Body Down) Jackson during the Victory Tour - helping to sneak him into Hospitals to meet the pediatric doctors and nurses....
* Bringing Jimi Hendrix to Philly and being on-stage next to those Marshall amps during the entire sound check..(yes, I can still hear, thankfully)...,
* Working with Rick James to get clothes even FUNKIER to build his image… * Introducing the Doors when they told me they were ready to go on and feeding me to the wolves for twenty minutes, because they weren't ready…
* Emceeing the Jerry Lewis and Variety Club telethons …
* Developing the in-store disco network for Merry Go Round stores..
* Being honored to be in the Disco DJ Hall Of Fame and part of the Music Experience Museum in Seattle…
* Creating the idea of riding an elephant into a Cottman transmission center and saying "no matter what you drive…we can fix it" ...
* Moving the "Sounds Of Philly" radio show (now on the Internet) to radio stations worldwide on a one hour a week "special" basis.

Recently honored by Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and appointed "Official Ambassador of Musical Happiness," Gene has worked very closely with teenagers for years. He holds the "Sunshine Foundation" close to his heart.
His son, Jody, encouraged him to get back into broadcasting: making people happy. Jody wrote the original "History Of Disco," and produced most of the "Gene Arnold Superstar Concert" syndicated shows, while he was still in high school.
Here are some of Giant Gene's favorite songs:
Sun After The Rain, Venus, Love Is A Many Splendor Thing, Instant Replay,
Magic Bird Of Fire, Celebration, To Be Real, Never Can Say Goodbye, Suzie Q, Take-Five.
Gene keeps good company and has maintained long time relationship with Vince Montana Jr., Billy Paul, DJ RJ (Ron Joseph) and Mary Wilson from the Supremes.
Still creating and ready to roll out his newest project, Gene is credited with bringing some of the greatest dance music to the air waves.

As a long time listener and fan, I was asked, " Ron, how did he get the name Giant Gene? Is he really that tall?"
I believe the "giant" is based not so much on his physical stature, but on the size of his heart: For being the caring human being he is.
We look forward to his autobiography, which he is now penning, entitled,
"The Sounds Heard Round The World."
Check out his website, "Giant Gene Presents The Sounds Of Philly" at
www.giantgene.com

Radio Like It WAS When You Loved It!

DanceTalk 2-4-03

Good luck to all those dancers attending this weekends first annual Pacific Hustle/Salsa Dance Classic in California.

Happy birthday to the dancing twins, Ave and John Shiloh. Belated birthday wishes to Wingo Hom.

As previously reported, Dance Fever, is coming back. The ABC Family network has made an officially announcement. See the press release below.

Giant Gene has just released, The History of Disco Part 3. Please click below to hear the music and interviews. Gene was instrumental in playing early disco on his live radio broadcasts. Check out this insightful chapter, available for your hearing pleasure.
http://www.soul-patrol.net/disco3.ram

Latin super star Ricky Martin has finished up two new albums, one in Spanish the other in English. Look for a premier followed by a concert tour this fall.

Saturday Night Fever comes to Philadelphia's Dancesport Championships April 11-13, the weekend of Ballroom competitions will feature a Disco Fever theme. See details below. www.phillyfestival.com

A recent study suggests that staying physically active may reduce the number of colds you get. The study participants, who were most active, had 25 percent fewer colds than those who were least active. Get out there and dance.

Make it a great week.
Ron

Retro

Twenty-five years ago, some of the most exciting music was hitting the clubs and air waves. Many of these songs have become dance classics.
The year was 1978. In Miami Florida, these were the top dance records reported by Billboard Magazine.
These should bring back fond memories, are any familiar?

1) From East to West - Voyage
2) Romeo & Juliet - Alec R. Costandinos
3) Come into my heart - USA European connection
4) Macho Man - Village People
5) Play with me - Sandy Mercer
6) Galaxy - War
7) I can't stand the rain - Eruption
8) I love NY - Metropolis
9) Gimme some Lovin' - Kongas
10) Chattanooga Choo choo - Tuxedo junction
11) Music Harmony& Rhythm - Brooklyn Dreams
12) The Path - Ralph MacDonald
13) Supernature - Cerrone
14) Dance With me - Peter Brown
15) Risky Changes - Bionic Boogie

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) -- ABC Family has caught "Dance Fever."

The Disney-owned cable network is reviving the 1980s dance competition series, which could hit the air as early as June.

The show will feature a nationwide search for contestants in various popular dance forms, such as hip-hop and salsa. Episode length is being expanded from the original half-hour to an hour in order to incorporate new features, such as profiles of the contestants.

ABC Family has ordered 13 episodes. A host and celeb judges are to be determined, along with other format details. The show likely will culminate in a championship to be staged in Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

" 'Dance Fever' is definitely a marquee name," said Linda Mancuso, ABC Family's head of programming, "and dancing seems to be one of the genres that hasn't been exploited in the way that maybe singing has been with 'American Idol' and acting will be with some other series coming out."

The original series, which Merv Griffin created and spun off his long-running "The Merv Griffin Show," aired in syndication from 1978-87. It featured a catchy theme song, a lighted floor and lots of disco dancing.

"There are now so many dances, so it will be an even broader show," said Griffin, who's on board as a producer. "We have a lot to draw on -- not that we'll be getting into the minuet."

Griffin, who also created "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," will produce with reality veteran Bruce Nash, who already produces "My Life Is a Sitcom" for ABC Family.

"It's just going to be a huge, splashy competition featuring phenomenal dancing," Nash said. "It will be very sexy and highly entertaining and include the personal stories which will make you root for them to win or lose."
http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/28/television.dance.reut/

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