Happy Birthday wishes to Riff,  Donna DeSimone,  DJ Rene Hewett,  Mike Couris,  Lorelei Lee,  Billy Fajardo,  Sara Jones and   Yvette Rivera.

Congratulations to dance champion Susan Marolda . She just got engaged to long time boy friend Ron Lazar. We wish them both a great future together.

The 2006 Hustle Teacher Directory is complete. This is the most comprehensive list of talented teachers ever compiled. We have included the contact info for those looking for group, private and/or semi private classes. Take a lesson and explore the wonderful fulfillment of taking dance class with a pro. See the complete list below.

The Second Season Auditions begin in March for Fox TV's "So You Think You Can Dance." The season begins in May with twice-weekly shows -- Wednesday and a "results show" on Thursday nights. Mary Murphy from San Diego's Champion Ballroom returns as one of the judges. First-season show host Lauren Sanchez is pregnant leaving the host spot open. The process for elimination's has also changed now focused on individual dancers, not couples.

DJ actor/radio personality Mike Brooks has taken a sabbatical from spinning and radio air play, (his last gig was New Year's Eve with Kool & the Gang at the A.C. Hilton Casino) Mike is now putting all his efforts into acting. He will be appearing in the upcoming motion picture "Annapolis" (in the boxing scene) and in Law & Order SVU. He is a  jury member in the episode called "GONE".  

Dance music pioneer Marty Angelo has released Once Life Matters: A New Beginning, a compelling book of his battle and victories overcoming drugs, sex, alcohol and rock/disco music and a prison sentence by the power of God. He is giving away 20,000 copies (free-of-charge) to prison inmates and rehab programs across the country. Marty Angelo was an entertainment business entrepreneur for 20 years, mixing with music greats like the late Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Janis Joplin. As a personal manager for rock bands and a successful record promoter, his Top Ten disco record listings were regularly published in Billboard magazine. Voted one of the top 20 disco record promoters in the nation in the ˜70s, Angelo wrote, created and produced the popular late ˜70s show Disco Step-by-Step, the first television show dedicated to disco dance music. Currently a full time independent prison evangelist based in the Los Angeles area, Marty has served in ministry with Chuck Colson's "Prison Fellowship Ministries," with "Teen Challenge of Southern California," with "Faith Farm Ministries," and with the Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County's Sheriff's "Drug Farm" boot camp program. For more information, please visit http://www.martyangelo.com

Next week, a look at The After Math of Dancing With The Stars . Has the Latin/ballroom fever caught on? We ask the professionals. Stay tuned.

Good luck to all the competitors and dance enthusiasts attending this coming weekends dance extravaganza, Mad Jam , Hope to see you there. http://www.atlanticdancejams.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

Here is the newest, most up to date list of Hustle instructors across the country. Make sure you print this out for future reference. If your traveling, on vacation or in need of a new teacher, here is a list of the finest hustle instructors representing over 30 major cites. These are the leaders and pioneers in the world of hustle. Many of these instructors are dance champions and members of the Hustle Hall Of Fame. The list covers all the major cities for your hustle fever...from the Hustle birth place of NYC to the capitol DC, from the Adult playground of Las Vegas to the beautiful surf of Hawaii. We cover the birth place of our constitution, Philadelphia, to the igloos of Alaska, the path of Paul Revere to North Church to the sunshine state of Florida.  We stretched out to the West coast and the gold rush state, home of Hollywood. We uncover the oil rich talent in Texas and the recovery of Louisiana as they prepare for  Mardi Gras. The Garden State of NJ has many dance treasures as does the rock and roll state Ohio, and we can't forget the peach state of Georgia. Check out their websites and/or e mail or call these instructors for their teaching schedules.     


Raul Ante
San Francisco, CA.
Steppin' Out Productions 830 Stewart DriveSunnyvale, CA.
408-245-5678
email: bigdaddy_ante@hotmail.com
http://www.steppinoutproductions.com

Ava Apple
San Francisco, CA 94117
http://www.avaapple.com
415 681 8140
avaapple@hotmail.com

Donna J Boyle
Flourtown Pa
Universal Dance Center
donnaboyledisco@aol.com
http://www.discoamerica.com
215 - 740 -3472 (disco)

Lori Brizzi 
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 
MILLENNIUM HUSTLE and NEW YORK HUSTLE CONGRESS
loribrizzi@aol.com
http://www.loribrizzi.com
nyhustlecongress.com
(516 728-6101

Carl Charles aka Mr. C.
Pompano Beach, Florida
CGC Entertainment Co. Star Ballroom, Feathers Dance Studio,
Paladium Nite Club
carlgcharles@mrcdance.com
http://www.mrcdance.com   http://www.cgcentertainment.com
(754) 422-0953  (302) 397-2617 (800) 211-1205 x10535

Lisa Daniels
Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY
Empire Dance and Brooklyn Dance Center II
hustlegirl@gmail.com
917-847-6057

Jim Dolan
Anchorage, AK
West Coast Swing Alaska
Jim@AKJammer.com http://www.wcsalaska.org
(907) 227-9955

Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Dancesation, Inc.
http://www.billyandkatie.com
billyfajardo@comcast.net
dancefla@comcast.net
954-358-0168
954-560-7068

Susan Fritz
Roberto's Dance Studio
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
718.472.2328/917.447.6414
genius@susankayfritz.com
http://www.susankayfritz.com

Brian Gallagher
Philadelphia, Pa.
Gallagher Studio
G11Brian@aol.com
215-292-3340

Silvana Gallagher
Philadelphia, PA
ladyhustle@aol.com
http://www.ladyhustle.com
215.815.1219

Irene Griffin
Houston, TX
irene@hustlehouston.com
http://www.hustlehouston.com
713-202-2081

Keith Gussoni    
New Orleans, LA   
Club Silhouette  
hustleneworleans@aol.com 
http://www.HustleNewOrleans.com 
(504) 220-5560

Doug Hagwood
NYC & L.I.
Bobbi Petri's Dance upon a time...., Forest Hills Adult Ed.,
dhdanceteacher@aol.com
http://www.danceuponatime.com
(917) 566-3445

Debra Hampton
West Hollywood, CA
N123hustle@aol.com
Divala.com
(323) 459-6713

Gregory Harrison
Pleasanton, CA
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 593-9800 cell
(925) 264-1444 (415) 375-3400  (954) 775-1700

Marie Izzo
Fort Mill, South Carolina
All the Right Moves Dance Studio
rightmoves@comporium.net
http://www.RightMovesDanceStudio.com
(803) 548-4996

Mark James
Long Island & New York City
specializing in Adagio, Hustle, NY "2", WCS & Salsa
dannsirs@yahoo.com
http://www.ultimatedancezone.com 
516.835.9996

Jami Josephson
New York City, NY
Learn2salsa.com
jami@learn2salsa.com
http://www.learn2salsa.com 
toll free 877-98DANCE

Bill "K"
Long Island, NY
"Dance Addixtion"
Special KPlay@yahoo.com
(516) 991---4398

Jameson Kilburn
Philadelphia,  PA 
Top Hat Dance Studio
jameson@tophatdancestudio.com
http://www.tophatdancestudio.com
(215) 676-3100

Patricia (Pat) Korn
Atlanta, GA
patkorn@mindspring.com
404-325-5676  or  404-202-0104

Karen Lupo
Long Island, NY
Specializing in Hustle, Latin, Adagio & Salsa
dannsirs@yahoo.com
http://www.mjames.org/markkaren.html 
631.696.3098

Debbie Lynn
home studio - Gaithersburg, MD
Elan dancesport center - Merrifield, VA
De lounge sports bar - Wheaton, MD
301.653.9632

Jennifer Lynn
Northern New Jersey
Battista Dance Studio
The Battista Dance Studio
201-525-0102

BILLY MARTI
NY NY
STEPPING OUT
MORALESMARTI@AOL.COM
917-496-3667
HUSTLE/THEATRE ARTS/JAZZ/HIP HOP/ SALSA

Daniel McGee
Philadelphia Pa.
Top Hat Dance Studio
daniel@tophatdancestudio.com   
215-676-3100
http://www.tophatdancestudio.com

Diane K Nardone
Washington Township, NJ
DKN Dance Studio
worldhustle@verizon.net  http://www.dkndance.com - http://www.worldhustle.com
(201)  666 7475

Steve Neeren
New York, NY        
djwcswing@nyc.rr.com
(212) 586-3849

Erik Novoa
NY, NJ, CT, MA and PA
SwingShoes@aol.com
http://www.SwingShoes.net
917-414-3105

Lisa Nunziella
Gold's Gym Venice,
Ca310-628-9265
http://www.dancewithlisa.com
lisa@dancewithlisa.com

BOBBY "O"
TAMPA, FLORIDA
SWING CITY DANCE STUDIO
YANKVIKEOSS@TAMPABAY.RR.COM
http://www.DANCETAMPA.COM
813-935-7458

Louis Orlando
Freehold, NJ
KingLouie0412@aol.com
(732)780-2862

Tony Pace
Conroe, Texas
Houston, Texas
Director of Dance at LifeTime Fitness
rcrankel@wt.net
http://www.tonypaceportfolio.com 
713-854-4556

Roberto Pagan
Roberto's Dance Studio
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
201.288.1422 / 201.600.3152

Dara Patrusky  
216 Walnut place,
Havertown, Pa 
darapatrusky@aol.com
610-955-4610

Paul Pellicoro
New York, New York
DanceSport
paul@dancesport.com  http://www.dancesport.com
212-307-1111

Bobbi Petri
NYC Area ( Queens, Manhattan, L.I.)
Bobbi Petri's Dance upon a time...., Dance Manhattan
Danceuponatime@aol.com
http://www.danceuponatime.com
(516) 358-4099

Celeste Pfefferle 
New Orleans, LA
Club Silhouette
hustledancr@aol.com 
http://www.HustleNewOrleans.com 
(504) 339-9658

Andre Phelps
Upper Darby, PA
ahpcap@rcn.com
610-449-1595

Donamarie Portelli
Suffolk NY
Dance City
portellidm@aol.com
(631)398-8054

Ricky Quintana
New York, NY
http://www.rickyqdance.com
rickyq1@hotmail.com
1- 917 - 771- 1594

Stephanie Risser
Philadelphia, PA
srisser_99@yahoo.com
(267) 303-5277

Minnie Ruiz
Honolulu, Hawaii
Aloha Activity Center
ruizm009@hawaii.rr.com
http://www.alohaactivitycenter.com/minnieruiz
(808) 387-8064
New York Style Disco/Hustle

Gail Rundlett
Brighton, MA (Boston, MA)
Tempo Dance Center
gnrundlett@rcn.com
http://www.havetodance.com/tempodancecenter
617-783-5467

Julia St. Marie
Las Vegas, NV
Dance Fitness and Sport
702-355-4663
stjulia001@yahoo.com

Phil & Tanya Palma 
Coconut Creek, FL 
Goldcoast Ballroom 
Funanddance@bellsouth.net 
http://www.learndance.us
(954) 646-5716

Fred and Tina Price
Streetsboro OH
All About Dancin'
fdp56@sbcglobal or fred@fredandtina.com
http://www.fredandtina.com
(216) 288-7923

Luis & Mary Ann Rosa
Latin Dance Connection
Bayside, NY
http://www.latindanceconnection.com
latindanceconnection@yahoo.com
718 352-0578

Joyce Szili 
Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC areas
Elan DanceSport Center, VA.  K2 Dance Studio, MD
Joycedancr@aol.com 
http://www.justhustle.com  
(301) 946-2080 

Gladys Torres
17307 Bonnard  Circle 
Spring, TX 77379
281-251-6358

Gary Ulaner
Los Angeles, CA
Hustle, WCS, Night Club 2 Step
California Institute of Technology Ballroom Dance Club
ulaner@usc..edu
323-640-0368

George Velazquez
Dacula, Georgia
George's Show Stoppers
Mambo325@AOL.com
http://www.dancenotes.com/article018.html
770-513-1712

DanceTalk * 2-21-06

Happy birthday wishes to David Seneca, Kathleen Harbison, Jeannie Devos, Berly Zarlie,  Bernadette Currie and Susan Bloom. 

Our condolences to Sam Clemente and his family and friends. He just lost his mother. Please keep them in your prayers.

The incomparable Vince Montana Jr has just celebrated his birthday along with the release of the African Track. Check it out at http://www.vincentmontanajrmusic.com

Please help us congratulate the first inductees into the Life Time Achievement category in the Hustle Hall Of Fame. See more details below.

Grammy award winning Latin jazz musician Ray Baretto had bypass surgery and passed away last week. He was an awesome musician and paved the way for so many artists.

In just one week, the most comprehensive Hustle Teacher Directory comes your way, if your traveling, on vacation or in need of a new teacher, here is a list of the finest hustle instructors representing over 30 major cites.

Take The Lead? the motion picture based on the dance career of Pierre Dulaine. Visit http://www.theleadmovie.com for a preview of the movie trailer.

A big high five to the winners of the Regional Open Pro Am Hustle Contest held at Lori Brizzi's Millennium Hustle. First place winners were George Garcia with his teacher Lori Ann Greenhouse. Second place went to Amy Lefkowitz and her teacher Miquel Marrero.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by the World Hustle Dance Championships. The 6th Annual World Hustle Dance Championships presents
CHRISTMAS IN JULY? July 27 - 30, 2006 at the Hilton East Brunswick, NJ - 1- 800 - 445-8667 register for the best room accommodations, just mention the event for the  $92.00 room rate. visit http://www.hustledanceworld.com  

Make it a great week,
Ron

                       Life Time Achievement Award

The panel of the Hustle Hall Of Fame wanted to acknowledge those hustle dancers that have gone beyond the normal steps of the dance floor. We wanted to recognize those dancers, and make the hustle community aware, of their contributions as well as the motivation they have given so many others. After reviewing literally thousands of dancers names we have collectively identified the first five dancers to be inducted into the Life Time Achievement category.
(Each year we will add additional dancers.)

"The most elite group of dancers, the best of the best. These superbly talented men and women attained and sustained the ultimate level of success in competitions and performances. Some blazed a trail as pioneers in the creation and development of Hustle as a dance form, but all have left their unique and indelible mark on the dance. We honor the significant impact they each made by being in the forefront of the Hustle and recognize the inspiration and motivation they have provided for their peers and future Hustle dancers.
Congratulations on behalf of the Hustle Hall Of Fame, This is our highest honor. 

Floyd Chisholm     Nelly Cotto      Billy Fajardo

Lisa Nunziella Eddie Vega (RIP)


To view these and other members of the Hustle Hall Of Fame, please visit 
http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/

  Mad Jam

Mad Jam is just around the corner....get out of the cold and warm up at the fourth annual Mid Atlantic Dance competition combining West Coast Swing, Hustle and Hand dancing. Never before, has there been a venture where you will see the dance caliber you'll experience at MadJam 2006. The best of the best come out to strut their stuff. These are the folks that have been on national television and make the hair on your arms stand straight up. Over 500 dancers have already pre registered from over 40 states. Have you? 
Pre registration ends, mail in registrations must be received by February 24th. Weekend, day and evening passes are available onsite also. Competitors must register by 7pm Friday, March 3rd. The Sheraton Hotel is sold out, but there are $99 studios and $119 suites at Marriott's Residence Inn within walking distance of the Sheraton. Alternate hotel info http://www.atlanticdancejam.com/hotel.htm
The MadJam party bus leaves NYC at 3PM Friday. It will make a stop at NJ's exit 4 to pick up passengers coming to MadJam. $48 roundtrip, there are already about 35 dancers on board and it may sell out. http://www.strictlywestienyc.com/Calendar/StrictlyWestieBus.htm

DanceTalk * 2-14-06

Happy Valentine's Day, dance and hug the one's you love.

Happy Birthday wishes to Kathy Kritsky,  DJ Chris,  Drew Axelrod,
and Tony Thompson.

Our heart felt condolences go out to Luis Rivera and his family. He just lost his mother to complications due to cancer. She was very active and supportive when Luis danced with the Dance Dimensions back in the day.

This marks the five year anniversary of Ginger's Wish held at the Stardust Ballroom in Pennsauken, New Jersey. A memorable day of dancing, fund raising and love and admiration for Ginger DiMaio. 

Janet Jones is under investigation for a recent crack down on illegal gambling. You may know her as the wife of hockey great Wayne Gretsky, but we remember her best for her dance days and appearances on Dance Fever...... as a competitor and later as a member of the dance team Motion.  

The 2006 Hustle, Swing & Salsa Cruise has returned. With 278 dancers on board here are the results from the Professional Competitions: Just Hustle Pro category - 1st Place, Carl Charles & Lori Brizzi ... 2nd Place, Keith Harrison & Yvette Rivera ... 3rd Place, Hector Berrios & Edie the Salsa Freak. Jack 'n Jill Hustle Professional (with 18 contestants) 1st Place, Male: Hector Berrios / Female: Yvette Rivera ... 2nd Place, Male: Noel Colon / Female: Margaret Burns ... 3rd Place, Male: Georgie Azpuru / Female: Lori Brizzi.

Looking for the right hustle teacher? Traveling, moving, heading for a vacation and in need of a hustle class? Check out the Hustle Teacher Directory at http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/ The new 2006 Hustle Directory comes out in 2 weeks. Stay tuned.

Drew Lachey is at the top on "Dancing With the Star's," the younger brother of Nick (married to Jessica Simpson). Drew is 29 and was a singer in the group 98 Degrees along with Nick.  He may have an added advantage...his wife Lea is a choreographer but is resting as she is due with their first child in March.

Next week, The Hustle Hall Of Fame will induct their first five members into the "Life Time Achievement" category. Our panel has selected the top five candidates based on the impact they had on the dance, being in the forefront, talent and the inspiration they've given so many other dancers. 

Looking for your chance to knock on the door of Hollywood? The popular weekly show "Wife Swap" on ABC TV is looking for a Retro Family that is stuck in the 70's, loves 70s music, dance and just wish the 70s never left!  This is a very unique experience that can be life changing for everyone.  In addition, each family that tapes an episode of Wife Swap receives $20,000
For more info write to Rowenlb22@aol.com

March 9-12, 2006 13th Anniversary Celebration the Big Apple, at the Beautiful Parsippany Hilton Hotel Dinner Show Extravaganza, packed with fabulous high-energy entertainment by top dancers as well as other surprise performances!! To sit at a DKN Dance Dinner/Show table please contact Diane at  worlshustle@verizon.net to reserve your seat. http://www.bigapplecountrydance.com/ 

Make it a great week,
Ron

Time Capsule

The disco era was heating up and everyone was caught up in the dance movement.
It was two years since Tony Manero strutted his stuff in his 3 piece white suit and turned the country onto dancing. The Bee Gees were still riding the wave from their Grammy award winning sound track but many new artists were emerging at the top of the dance charts: Patrick Hernandez (Born To Be Alive), Madleen Kane (Forbidden Love), Gibson Brothers (Cuba) , Claudja Barry (Boogie Woogie Dance Shoes),  Carrie Lucas (Dance With You), Machine (There but for the Grace Of God Go I ).
Avid dancers were not impressed with Travolta, they were appreciative of the notoriety the movie brought to the music but were not comfortable with the way the dance was portrayed. Dance contests in the big cities didn't' look like Saturday Night Fever. Competitions attracted dozens of couples dressed to the max ready to perform and entertain the audience, where ever the competition was held, even if it was.....Six Flags Great Adventure in Jacksonville, NJ.
Radio stations simultaneously blasted the news of this awesome dance contest.
It created a bookends-stereophonic effect - 92 FM, WKTU in New York and Fascinating Rhythms, WCAU in Philadelphia, (the disco radio stations) respectively, sent out the promotional message. Coincidentally, Great Adventure is virtually dead center between the Big Apple and the City of Brotherly Love......with New Jersey sandwiched in between. This caught the ears of some of the best hustle dancers in the tri state area. A first for many competitors, a dance contest at a theme park?
Big organizers and sponsors have deep pockets and this was no different. On Friday, August 24th, 1979, the number one song in the country was "My Sharona" by the Knack but disco dominated this New Jersey theme park. Scott Nurse & Elana, Tom Cupp & Darlene Lapress, Ron Bess & Lisa Zimmerman along with a few other couples were competing for the grand prize. Some couples danced away with a year's supply of soda (the runners up) but dancing to Terri DeSario's hit "Aint Nothing Going To Keep Me From You," Louis Orlando and Maria Torres tore it up taking first place honors. Beating all the other couples, Louis and Maria drove away in a brand new Van courtesy of Great Adventure and Sprite. (Now that beats cotton candy and a cupid doll.) Twenty-seven years ago some of the most popular cars were the Datsun Z, Triumph Spitfire and the MG Midget....these cars are long gone but Great Adventure continues to thrive and dancing is experiencing a major resurgence. The great dance contests of that era will not be forgotten. 

                            Chicago Can Hustle

Dance Master and proprietor of "May I have This Dance," dance studio, Nino hosted the Chicago Van McCoy regional contest. On Jan 29th, NY Dance pro Donna DeSimone helped kick it into gear. There were plenty of workshops and fun dancing for all. Chicago is dancing up a storm.  Congrats to the winners, here are the results of the Hustle divisions.

Pro-Am Newcomer
1st Place:  Shannon Boyle, dancing with Nino DiGiulio
2nd Place:  Susan Grupp, dancing with Nino DiGiulio
3rd Place:  Manon Helpin, dancing with Cathy Carroll

1st place male:  Joe Zegan, dancing with Cathy Carroll

Pro-Am Novice
1st Place:  Carrie Richards, dancing with Nino DiGiulio
2nd Place:  Kristy Howell, dancing with Nino DiGiulio
3rd Place:  Levi Larroco, dancing with Anna Damen

Pro-Am Intermediate/Advanced
1st Place:  Cindy Dionne, dancing with Nino DiGiulio
2nd Place:  Elizabeth Gutswiler, dancing with Nino DiGiulio
3rd Place:  Nick Arquette, dancing with Jill Popovich

Amateur Couples Newcomer/Novice
1st Place:  Joe Zegan & Susan Grupp
2nd Place: Noel Lorenzana & Carrie Richards
3rd Place:  Jeffrey Tran and Natalie Hoyle

Amateur Couples Intermediate/Advanced
1st Place:  Paul and Angie Cameron
2nd Place: David Burrage & Denise McIntosh
3rd Place:  Ray Stamer & Elizabeth Gutswiler

Professional Couples
1st Place:  Carlos Garcia & Alisa Pannarale
2nd Place:  Mike Topel & Jill Popovich
3rd Place:  Excell Tate & Cathy Carroll

DanceTalk * 2-7-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Seena Osno,  Av & John Shiloh, Zulma Rodriquez, Frank Zarlie,  Yvette Rivera,  Vincent Montana Jr, and Arte Phillips

Music legend Gene McFadden passed away last week. Half of the super team, McFadden and Whitehead. Gene succumbed to cancer. His long time partner was shot to death just two years ago while changing a tire in Philly. They wrote and performed numerous hits including Aint No Stopping Us Now, Back Stabbers, For the Love of Money and Wake Up Everybody.  

Prime Time ABC hosted a special called Ballroom Boom last week. Covering the popularity and resurgence of ballroom dancing. Interviewed was dance champion Pierre Dulaine at Dulaine Dancenter.  A new motion picture is coming out in a few weeks, "Take The Lead," based on Pierre's life. Film star, Antonio Banderas, plays the lead. Pierre is a former Blackpool Dance Champion and was inducted into the Hustle Hall Of Fame. 

Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual World Hustle Dance Championships this summer from July 27th to the 30th at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Hosted by Diane Nardone. More details next week.

This week at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa, we will be celebrating Seena Osno's birthday. Come out and enjoy the birthday dance. Music starts at 8PM with DJ Mark, free parking and no cover. 

Justine Timberlake is getting ready to release his new album produced by The Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am, the new album is titled Justified.

Next Tuesday, Valentine's Day means ...dancing in red to great "love" dance music from your favorite artists, songs like Love To You Baby, Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Forbidden Love, You Know How To Love Me, Show Me Love, plus many many more! Join DJ Mark for a night of dancing from 8PM on at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Mad Jam. The fastest growing Hustle/WCS event in the Mid Atlantic region. Read all about it below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

MadJam 


Bigger than ever in 2006! The fastest growing event in the East will become the largest of its kind in the Mid Atlantic this year.  Hustle is alive and well at MadJam.
A 100% pure hustle ballroom thumps until sunrise each morning. A full menu of hustle workshops and competitions are offered. Organizer, Dave Moldover keeps raising the bar and this year, MadJam will brake all previous records. The  Mid Atlantic Dance Jam brings together over 1000 Hustle and West Coast Swing dancers from all parts of the country March 2 - 5th at the Sheraton Premiere in Tyson's Corner, VA. This years event has moved into one of DC's best convention hotels, right off the Capitol beltway, close to Dulles (AID) airport. It's easy to find and parking is free. The hotel is already sold out, but nearby overflow hotel information is available through the event's website. This is a fun packed weekend with 3 days and nights of the best social dancing you will find anywhere. Over 25 workshops with the worlds top hustle & swing dance experts. Be inspired watching the current top dogs compete or try out an amateur contest yourself. Over $14,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs.
The Hustle staff includes Arte Phillips, Brian Gallagher, Danny McGee, Donna Boyle, Erik Novoa, Fred & Tina Price, Joyce Szilli, Keith Gussoni, Ron Bess and Silvana Gallagher. This is a spectacular dance weekend you don't want to miss. Order discounted weekend passes before February 24th or purchase day & evening passes at the door. CHECK IT ALL OUT AT http://www.ATLANTICDANCEJAM.COM

    Letters To The Editor

(Two years ago we did a Spotlight feature on Nelly Cotto. Her contributions to the Hustle dance are endless. This awesome, fearless dancer has had numerous partners....Floyd Chishom, Eddie Vega, Kenny Gonzales.....regardless of which partner she danced with, she was always magnificent.  When I first saw Nelly and Floyd appear on the Merv Griffin show (in 1978), they were crowned the King & Queen of Disco, it gave me the same uplifting feeling reminiscent of the day Ed Sullivan introduced us to the Beatles. Her dancing captivated our minds and hearts. Here is an update on Nelly and the challenges she has had over the last year).     

HI RON,
It's been a year that I haven't danced. On January 11, 2005  I was hospitalized for a month and a half. I don't know if u remember on October 1989 in Zachary's semifinals after I competed in the contest with Kenny (Gonzalez) the ambulance came and whisked me away to Nassau County Medical Hospital. Everyone thought that I was on drugs and that I overdosed. Very far from the truth. After multiple testing at the hospital, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I've had it for 17 years now. It's been dormant until January 11, 2005. I had an exacerbation of MS and had to  be hospitalized and learn how to walk again. I was in a wheelchair for 3 months and needed extensive rehabilitation.  The Doctors  had the Visiting Nurse Services of New York come to my house for about a month and a half and give me physical and occupational therapy, after a while I was able to go to outside therapy on my own. I owe All Glory to "GOD" who has guided me through all my trials and tribulations all the days of my life and still to this day. I highly recommend him to everybody! It doesn't get any better than him. AMEN! As for what I'm doing with myself, I enrolled in a business school in June of 2005 and I just finished taking my final for my second semester. I passed my final and will be graduating in September on this year. I am no longer in a wheelchair but I do walk with a slight limp. I don't know if I'll be dancing any time soon? but my love for dance will always be in my heart. I want to "THANK YOU" RON for keeping my name ALIVE! although I don't participate much in the dance events like I use to, I will always always be grateful for what the hustle has done for me. The experience was awesome and nobody can ever take that away from me. I earned that one.  And thank you for keeping the "HUSTLE" ALIVE as well, through your column and your daughter Little Nelly that's who she reminds me of. Great Job! I would like to Thank all my dance partners Roy, Floyd, Kenny, Arty, Billy Martin, Mario Diaz, Ricky, Sammy(Mambo), Lawrence Rush and of course EDDIE VEGA,  who I truly miss and I'm sure the whole world misses him too. Special Thanks to Maria Torres who always looked out for me, I Love you Maria keep up the good work and to Eddie and Maria Torres who kept the LATINA in me alive through their personal love for me and through dance. And a special "THANKS TO YOU RON." UNTIL WE SPEAK AGAIN! PEACE  
 LOVE Always,
Nelly Pacatun Cotto
DISCO QUEEN! FOREVER
............................

Hi Ron,  
We have a brand new club called Inferno Discotheque. It's a "Retro 80's" and Disco dance club located on Clematis St., in Downtown West Palm, Beach, FL.   Our website is http://www.InfernoDiscotheque.com  Click on the tabs for more info. Our House DJ is Frankie "G" from Philadelphia.   Frankie is very familiar with all the classics, and plays only vinyl.  We get several Hustle dancers throughout the night, and freestyle is also programmed. I am a former DJ from New York City, and have been involved with the club scene since 1972.  Thanks you,
 Mark Zimmer 
Inferno Discotheque
330 Clematis St.
WPB, FL 33401

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