Happy birthday wishes to Jack Pulma,  Bob Scott,  Stacey Tove, Seena Osno,  Av & John Shiloh,  Zulma Rodriquez,  Chris "CJ" Hoston, Frank Zarlie,  Yvette Rivera and Charlie Cappa.

Our heart felt condolences go out to the friends and family of Michael Day. He passed away from multiple health complications at the age of 58. Michael was instrumental in assisting at Disco America for a number of years.
Also, another dancer from Florida has passed, Jan Perez, please keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. 

Get well wishes to Cindy Sherman. She is having knee surgery this week. Her Friday night "Fri'd Blindy" dance parties will not resume until March at "Shall We Dance" in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  We look forward to seeing her back on the dance floor soon. Stay tuned for updates. 

Elizabeth, from Ballroom Arkansas news reports that Dancing With the Stars? returns for its 6th season on Monday, March 17 on the ABC network. No word yet on the new line up of stars. Stay tuned for more details.    

It's a Westie Weekend, taking place this Friday & Saturday with special guest instructor Jennifer Lyons - "Ms. Doctor Dance". Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned Pro at this Swing weekend. Details below.

Hats off to the Long Island dance organizers, (Annette and Dorreen)  Its great to see that the Tuesday night conflict has been worked out in the best interests of the dance community at Large. Unification of Tuesday nights.  After careful consideration Annette has decided to discontinue her Tuesday night dance event, in order to bring unification to the Tuesday Night Hustle party. Doreen welcomes everyone back to IBBG. Unite instead of divide.

Hey Philly, The Savoy is now open, (formally the Woodbine Inn) in Pennsauken, NJ,  DJ Kenny Arditi will be spinning music from the 50's to present every Friday and Saturday night. Complimentary cha cha lesson with Kenny too.  

DJ Fancy from NJ picks the top new dance song as Hot Shot Reheat. It was a hit nearly 30 years ago for Karen Young. It has been re-released and is a top 10 dance songs selected by Billboard Magazine.   

Coming soon, the 2008 Hustle Dance Teacher directory. The premier dance teachers across the USA that teach hustle lessons, group classes and attend dance conventions.

Idol judge Randy Jackson is the exec producer of 'America's Best Dance Crew' on MTV, Thursday's at 10PM EST. Hosted by Mario Lopez and featuring Shane Sparks and JC Chasez as two of the judges.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Mad Jam, the first big event of 2008. Read all about it below. 

Make it a great week,
Ron

"Spotlight"

Alex Kim

Thirty years ago, he won the most prestigious hustle dance of it's time. Truly the brass ring of dance, but the curtain would fall, as his time in New York would be cut short. Alex Kim moved to Korea to work in the family business. Alex made a name for himself in 1977 winning the very first Hustle title held at the Harvest Moon Ball.
Throughout his high school days, Alex was an active free style dancer but the new wave of partner dancing was catching his eye. He grew up in Westchester County in Larchmont, NY.  It wasn't until he was 19 that he began to learn the hustle." There was a fabulous Hustle dancer from the Dominican Republic living in Westchester County, his name was Paco Cordero," recalls Alex. Paco taught at Rollyn Dance studio in Yonkers along with Sis, a ballroom instructor. Sis was a very accomplished teacher and was an active member of Dance Masters of America. Alex began to study the hustle with his cousin, Hyela Kim, who lived in New Rochelle.  Hyela was a ballet teacher that taught at Rollyn. She began to learn the hustle first and encouraged Alex to join her. Growing up, Alex was greatly influenced by his "all time favorite couple" Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.  "When I started dancing, I was always studying other dancers from different areas to see what they did differently". Alex was able to take bits and pieces of various styles to mold his own look. He realized that most of the top competitive dancers were Hispanic and were physically superior to himself. To over come this, Alex began to take ballet and jazz classes to improve his all around skills. The time paid off as he strengthened his legs, improved his spins, developed his lines and made his dance movements smoother. "We used to go to Alexis dance studio on Monday nights, all the dancers went there" explains Alex. That is where he would see Artie Phillips, Maria Torres, and Kenny Gonzalez dance. In addition, he would go to clubs in Westchester County: Peachtree, Milkyway, Lollipop as well as clubs in Manhattan: Ipenema, Library and Adam' Apple.  Alex and Hyela began to create a look all their own. In addition to being Asian, they began to stand out from all the other dance teams. "I feel that I had a great mix of influences, we had Latin styling from Paco Codero, a classic ballroom look from Dance Masters of America and a high energy punch - speed, spins and aerial work courtesy of Eddie Vega" recalls Alex.  Growing up in NYC had its ups and downs. Money was not plentiful and automobiles were not common among teenagers. Alex was the only one in his circle of friends that had a car. He became the main transportation for his good friend and mentor Eddie Vega.
"I used to pick up Eddie and Lourdes every night from his apartment in the Bronx and then we would go to clubs every night" explains Alex. Being the guy with the wheels had additional benefits. Eddie Vega was extremely creative and constantly developing new moves. Everytime that Eddie would whip up a new step or dance pattern, Alex was one of the first dancers to learn it. Hyela and Alex continued to grow as a team. "Sis, told me to enter a prestige contest and she choreographed the routine for us. I later found out it was called the Harvest Moonball" remembers Alex. It was the 1st year that they put hustle in the event. Holding the winning trophy in front of all the people, packed into the Madison Square Garden, was a cherished memory and achievement for him.  After this great victory, Alex and Hyela would continue to compete in many other competitions, sanctioned by the Dance Masters of America. Their skills strengthened and they maintained an undefeated record. His  trophy cabinet was full and he couldn't get enough of the hustle. All in all, he had over 400 trophies at home, a collaboration of dancing, bowling and golf.  In addition to his dancing talent, Alex was a member of the Professional Bowler's Association and carried a 2 handicap in golf.  But the mirror ball would come to a screeching halt for Alex and Hyela. In 1979, Alex left New York to fly to Korea to work for his father's fishery company. Unfortunately, hustle never reached Korea. Dancing came to an abrupt end for Alex. "I have nothing but fond memories for the time that I spent with Eddie, learning, leading him and going out to eat after dance". In 1994, Alex moved to Los Angeles, to take over an auto body center. He had been living in California for nearly 12 years before he realized that there was still a hustle faction alive and well. Alex has been dancing ever since. "The measure of a great dancer is the hunger to give back" shares Alex.  He is now trying to spread the hustle to the salsa community, "I find it much easier to get salsa dancers to do the hustle than trying to get non dancers to learn the hustle" explains Alex. On a trip to NY to attend Lori Brizzi's Hustle Congress, Alex was reacquainted with friends from nearly 30 years prior - Billy Fajardo, Kenny Gonzalez, Diane Nardone, Maria Torres. " I think it was amazing that at NY Hustle Congress, I was talking to a friend when Nelly Cotto walked by and she stopped, and was staring at me, the only time that I ever saw Floyd and Nelly was at the contest, and 30 years later she remembered me" explains an overwhelmed Alex.  
Today, Hyela still live in NYC but stopped dancing around 1979. She became a very successful business woman in the clothing industry. Alex has been teaching salsa dancers in LA, for free, for the past 2 years. He has been working very hard to get back into top shape and form so he can compete in the US Open and at the World Hustle Championships. Alex Kim has been working and sharing notes with Salsa Champion Alex DaSilva, (best known from the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance").  Alex K. has been teaching hustle, lifts and tricks to DaSilva.  Mr. Kim continues to live in LA along with his 17 year old son who is an avid hip hop dancer. Alex, is a credit to the vision and determination to grow and give back his love for the hustle. Look out for the return of Alex in 2008.

Mad Jam

Its time to kick off 2008 with a bang. One of the highlights of the year is just one month away, thats correct, highlights because every year MadJam ROCKS.  Five years and growing strong, this national dance weekend set a record last year when over 1300 dancers attended. The Sheraton Premiere Hotel is sold out. (Please call and check in for a cancellation). Dancers from every state on the map are coming out to compete, take workshops and enjoy the social setting. Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible weekend event. The Mid Atlantic Dance Jam brings together Hustle, WCS & Hand dancers on March 6th to the 9th, at the Sheraton Premiere in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. The 6th annual MadJam will have you mesmerized by the various levels of talent. Watch or compete for over $15,000 in cash and prizes. People are still raving over last years event including the midnight Breakfast buffet, the late night dance parties and non stop social dancing.
Hustle is alive and well at MadJam. A 100% pure hustle ballroom thumps until sunrise each morning. A full menu of hustle and Swing  workshops are offered. Dave Moldover has assembled and incredible cast of stars:
Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann, Silvana Gallagher, Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Arjay Centeno & Melissa Rutz, Arte Phillips, Heidi Groskreutz, Michael Keilbasa & Jennifer Deluca,  Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Donna Boyle, Jason Barnes & Erica Berg, Markus Smith & Deonna Ball, Lori Brizzi, Billy Marti, Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson, Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown, Robin Smith & Shari Huggett, Christopher & Lisa Schaupp, Dean & Dawn Garrish, John Lindo,  Jennifer Lyons, Debbie Ramsey Boz, Barry Durand,  Kelvin Roche & LoriAnne Greenhouse, Keith Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle, Danny McGee & Jameson Kilburn,  Roberto Pagan, Diane Nardone,  Brian Gallagher,  Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Kim Vanaman, Fred & Tina Price, Erik Novoa,  Bill Cameron, Dave Moldover, Ron Bess.....  
This is a fun packed weekend with 4 days and 3 nights of the best social dancing you will find anywhere. Over 30 workshops with the worlds top hustle & swing dance experts. Be inspired watching the current top dogs compete or try out an amateur contest yourself.  This is a spectacular dance weekend you don't want to miss. For hotel updates and availability visit the website: