DanceTalk - The Archives
January 2003
Thank for
Visiting the Archieves of Ron's Dance Talk
Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa
LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE
Click on Flames to Burn on to the -
From iTunes & Mark James
DanceTalk 1-28-03
Happy birthday to Mimi Doi and Yana Brin. Come out to Michael's Cafe, in Bensalem Pa., this Tuesday to celebrate with a birthday dance.
Grammy nominated, Vince Montana Jr. has informed me that he was invited to the Winter Music Conference being held in Miami next month.
Look for a reunion of his orchestra with guest performers later this year. Are you ready for a 36 piece symphony orchestra? Vince is putting it all together again. He conducts the influence of the Salsoul, M. F. S. B. with the Philly Sound Orchestra.
What songs would you like to hear? Please write me, Rowenlb22@aol.com, with your favorite Salsoul songs so we can share it with Vince.
Starting Feb. 3rd, every Monday, Diane Nardone will host a social with DJ Dave Muzii at the 3 Saints Cultural Center in Garfield NJ (454 Outwater Lane)
This is a large facility with a beautiful wooden floor. Beginner hustle lesson at 7:30, interm hustle at 8:30 both with Diane. Social dance from 9:30 - 11:30PM
Go to www.dkndance.com for more info.
I hope you enjoy my review on the new video "Lifts and Tricks" released by Luis Rosa & Mary Poma. Scroll down to read about this exciting dance tape.
If your a die hard disco fanatic, check out this story,
http://vd.us.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2003301160601
This radio DJ was suspended because he played four Bee Gees songs, back to back, to honor the loss of Maurice Gibb!
On a side note, Barry and Robin Gibb will continue to perform but will no longer use the Bee Gees name.
Make it a great week.
Ron
Review
"Lifts and Tricks"
A wonderful comprehensive video on over head lifts and tricks is now available.
Luis Rosa is just so good, he makes it look to easy. The video is very entertaining and enriching with information. Luis and partners, Mary Poma and Carolyn Grimaldi, don't hold back. I was expecting to see a simple, introductory video?
Boy was I surprised. They cover it all - this is the "real deal" - not a build up to sell you a vegamatic or condo in the Catskills. Some of the most exciting moves are demonstrated, broken down and explained. The tape is fluid and moves quickly covering 10, different, advanced moves. Luis discusses proper positioning, posture and leverage.
The video is shot utilizing slow motion effects, during the execution portion of the demonstration. This assists in disclosing the connections and proper technique.
In addition to explaining each move, it is then demonstrated in the studio. But, to add a more vivid view and dimension, through the magic of editing, the video takes you to a competition showing Luis and his partners performing/competing utilizing these moves before an audience. The video is shot with quality optics and holds your attention from start to finish.
The beginner dancer will have questions, I.E., hand positions, balance, etc., which due to time limitations is not completely covered. Clearly, the ability to grasp these moves does take upper body strength, flexibility and dance coordination for both the male and female. This video demonstrates some of the hidden secrets not readily visible to the naked eye.
Luis is a world Hustle & Salsa Champion. He has been partnering with Mary Poma for the last 18 months. With over twenty years dance experience, they have quickly gained recognition all over the USA not only as competitors but for their teaching skills as well. Luis and Mary have also established their own dance team in New York, "The Latin Dance Connection."
In addition, Luis was a feature dancer in the theatrical movie release "Center Stage."
Not to be out done, Mary can be seen in the motion pictures "Summer Of Sam" and "Diega"
Most of the maneuvers they teach are adaptable to various styles of dance for competitions and/or exhibitions.
If you've always wanted to know how to do the "snake," "death sweep," flips and more, this video is a must have. To order call 347- 683-3724 or e mail latindanceconnection@yahoo.com, You will not be disappointed.
The Top Dance Songs Of 2002
Here are the top dance songs compiled by Ed Rothschild, AKA DJ Wild Worm. The list ranks the top 100 for the year. (I have only listed the top 20.)
Some of these songs have not made it to your FM dial. Dance music has taken a back seat to the rap generation. Hopefully, 2003 will give Dance music the recognition it rightfully deserves.
1) Can't get you out of my head - Kylie Minogue
2) Heaven - DJ Sammy
3) Something - Lasgo
4) Rapture - Lio
5) Days Gone By - Dirty Vegas
6) Its Love (Trippin) - Andrea Brown
7) Wish I didn't Miss you - Angie Stone
8) Gotta Get Through this - Daniel Bedingfield
9) No More Drama - Mary J. Blige
10) One day in Your Life - Anastasia
11) Hot In Here - Nelly
12) Get The Party Started - Pink
13) The Sound Of Goodbye - Perpetual Dreamer
14) Addicted to Bass - Puretone
15) I Don't Want You - Wild Life
16) Safe From Harm - Narcotic
17) Die Another Day - Madonna
18) I Never Knew - Gloria Gaynor
19) Without Me - Eminem
20) Love's Gonna Save The Day - Georgie Porgie
DanceTalk 1-21-03
Happy Birthday wishes to Debbie Tuttle.
Congratulations go out to the Russomanno family on the birth of their baby daughter Joele. Everyone is doing fine.
Disco America is rounding out all the details for this years 5th annual event to be held in Philadelphia. Look for a new agenda and hott competitions to be listed in the near future.
Selling a ballgown, offering a dance job, got some videos to sell, offering a dance franchise? Let Dance-Ads advertise it! Please visit www.dance-ads.com .
Stardust Dance Productions hosts 4 ballroom dance weekends annually,
March, June, Sept. & Nov. with over 800 dancers from across the US, Canada in attendance. Over 60 dance workshops, amateur contests, professional dance entertainment per evening, specialty vendors, dance hosts for the single ladies plus round the clock dancing on 4 separate hardwood dance floors dedicated to Ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango and Hustle/Swing with non-stop music by 2 top Latin bands, 1 Big Band, an Argentine Tango trio and 4 DJ's. Rates from $230 pp/do include 2 nights accommodation, 7 meals, 2 cocktail parties, information contact Stardust at (800) 537-2797, www.stardustdance.com.
The Ethel Merman Disco Album. You may have it stashed away on vinyl, if not, here is your chance to own the late great Ethel Merman on CD, belting out disco versions of her signature songs. "There's No Business Like Show Business," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," and a bonus track "They Say It's Wonderful"! FYNSWORTH ALLEY will release the notorious cult classic on CD. The disc, presently available through their website, fynsworthalley.com, will be available in stores January 28.
Release party on Jan. 23rd at Spa (see details below).
Congratulations to Shana with regards to the opening of her new dance studio, Society Hill Dance Academy, located at 401 South 2nd street in Phila. She holds a dance social every Thursday night from 9:15 to..with no cover and BYOB. They play everything from ballroom, Latin and hustle too. Come check out this beautiful new studio. Visit the web site for more details.
www.societyhilldance.com
Did you see the Disco Ball last week? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Write me at Rowenlb22@aol.com
Make it a great week.
Ron
Time Capsule
This club opened back in 1983. One of the hottest discotheques in the region.
On any given Saturday evening, the line would go around the building. With a plush, upscale decor, the dance floor was sunken and provided great viewing area.
Zachary's, in
East Meadow, NY, was the place to be. One of the longest running clubs anywhere.
It's been said, the average club has a life span of less then five years! Well, this obvious broke that business mold. Over the years, Zachary's developed a wonderful reputation and stood out for it's annual "open dance contest." Couples were permitted to showcase any form of dance including lifts and tricks. Some of the greatest dancers put their skills to the test:
Roberto & LoriAnn Pagan, Donna Disommone, Bobby O, Maria Torres, Kenny Gonzales, Nelly Cotta, Diane Nardone, Brian Gallagher, Silvana Gallagher, Lori Brizzi, Jose Solano, Eddie Vega, George Valasquez, Dee Quinoness, Victor Kanesky, Sonj & Stephanie Falicano, Fernando Sales & Toni, Mark James,
Ricky Quintana, Vincent Antonelli, DonaMarie Portelli , Lucas Jaime ,...
.
Each year, the contest would run for 10 weeks and concluded with two weeks of semi - finals. The weekly winning couple would receive $200.00 and passage to the semi finals.
In 1990, two experienced dancers formed a new partnership and won their preliminary round, advancing to the semi - finals. Donna Disommone and Vincent Antonelli went on to be the grand prize winners beating all their competitors including Eddy Vega & Maria Torres.
The following year a record would be set. This gentlemen competed from 1991 till 1994 and walked away undefeated. He became a four time undefeated champion. With such a record, the club eventually asked him to kindly stop competing.
Mark James, obviously was unstoppable. In 1991 and 1992 with Giny Rae (ex-wife) he won the $1000.00 first place. Then in both 1993 and 1994, Mark resurfaced with a new partner and incredible routines. Together with DonaMarie Portelli he captured the first place prize of $1,500.00, two years in a row. So successful, Mark was asked to judge future contests, and put his dance skills to rest (while at Zachary's).
In 1995, DonaMarie Portelli returned with her new partner to capture first place.
Along with Vincent Antonelli, (not new to winning at Zachary's) DonaMarie now became a three time winner, with three consecutive wins.
And what turned out to be the last year (1996), for this annual event, first place honors went to the exciting couple, Brian and Silvana Gallagher.
Like all great things, the "Disco" image got revamped. This pool of talented dancers diminished and contests no longer drew the record crowds. This year will mark the 20 year anniversary for Zachary's. Still a popular dance spot on Long Island, but, the contests are no more.
"Editorial"
The Dance Community
It's just different.
Unlike being a member of a club or a sports fan, being affiliated with the dance community takes on a different flavor. You don't need a membership pass or have to pay dues.
In most cases, your accepted any where in the country, where they're dancing your style.
If you move to a new home or are on vacation, you have instant friends.
It's a relationship unlike any other activity. We do it with a partner. Not a teammate.
It includes tons of non verbal communication.
Smiles help.
Yes, our dance community is unique. Presto, via a dance you develop a relationship.
Such an extrordianire group, where friends attend common events, socials, vacations etc..
We should be thankful to the dance leaders that have persevered to put together such great dance competitions and socials. Their thoughtful acts have done more then just provide us with a place to dance, it has helped develop a community unto itself. A family, so to speak.
DanceTalk 1-14-03
Go Eagles Go
Happy birthday to Ralph Ferro.
Congratulations to Norma Rivera, she was just crowned (in Las Vegas, Nevada) the new MRS. AMERICA'S 2003 touch of class. She received $50,000 in cash and prizes. She has been the recipient of a number of titles over the last couple of years. Norma resides in NY and has been competing and performing with Bobby O for the last few years.
Kat Clark, once again, has been assigned to a new post as the US troops have been deployed to Iraq. His job is to set up and organize task forces that will protect the US, here while the war is being fought over there. You can write to him at the address below. Let him know how proud we are of him.
kat76tak@aol.com
Not just a great singer/muscian , Maurice Gibb was a brother, father who gave us some of the greatest ballads and dance songs of all time. He will be missed. For more information.
Click here: Yahoo! News - Bee Gees Singer Maurice Gibb Dies at 53
Regis Philbin has announced his plans to re-launch "Dance Fever." Stay tuned.
The "Village People" performed at the Beverly Hills Hotel for more then 300 guests attending a New Year's Eve party to celebrate Ozzy & Sharon Osborne renewing their wedding vows.
The pictures from the Bill Cameron's New Years Extravaganza are now online.
Visit www.swingshoes.net or www.public.fotki.com/swingshoes/dance/events/
Thanks, to Erik Novoa, for making these available for viewing and/or purchase.
The Long awaited "Disco Ball" will air on television this Thursday, see details below.
The Johnnie and Bonnie Dance, in Rockaway, NJ, has a new look for 2003.
John Lindo will exclusively run this social which has been renamed "Rockaway Dance." Bonnie has scheduled her own events. See all the details below. We wish them both only the best.
Make it a great week,
Ron
"The Disco Ball "
Dust off the platform shoes, send the leisure suit to the cleaners and get
ready to get down and funky, because ABC is throwing an all-star party
celebrating that phenomenon called disco on Thursday, January 16th 8:00 EST.
This once-in-a-lifetime musical event was taped at the Shrine Auditorium in
Los Angeles. The venerable venue was transformed into Club Shrine, the hottest nightspot in the country, featuring a disco built on platforms over one-third of the auditorium's downstairs seats. And since The Disco Ball is NOT an awards show,
the musical performances absolutely NEVER STOP.
Legendary performers of the disco era, as well as some of today's biggest
stars, will jump onto multiple stages and perform the classics that defined
the disco era, including:
* Whoopi Goldberg & Martha Wash (from "Two Tons of Fun" and "the weather Girls") — "It's Raining Men"
* Gloria Gaynor — "I Will Survive"
* Usher - "Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
* The Village People — "Macho Man" & "YMCA"
* Mya — "Turn the Beat Around"
* KC & The Sunshine Band — "Shake Your Booty" & "Get Down Tonight"
* Thelma Houston — "Don't Leave Me This Way"
* Irene Cara — "Flashdance… What a Feeling"
* Chic — "Le Freak"
* Aaron Carter — "I Just Want to Be Your Everything"
* Taylor Dayne — "I Love the Night Life"
* Roselyn Sanchez — "Hot Stuff"
* The Spinners — "Working My Way Back To You, Babe"
* The Trammps featuring Earl Young — "Disco Inferno"
* Nicki French — "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
* Natural — featuring a "Saturday Night Fever" musical tribute — "Stayin'
Alive," "How Deep is Your Love" & "You Should Be Dancing" — Wilmer
Valderrama ("That '70s Show") makes a special dance appearance
* The Pointer Sisters — "Jump" & "I'm So Excited"
* Cheryl Lynn — "Got To Be Real"
Adding spice to this already tangy event is a special disco fashion show,
featuring some of the most outrageous models ever seen as they strut down
the catwalk to the tune of "Dancing Queen."
In addition, celebrities will be boogying to the beat during the
celebration and introduce the performers, including Paula Abdul (American
Idol), Brooke Burke (E!'s Rank), Cedric the Entertainer, Whoopi Goldberg,
Ali Landry, George Lopez (George Lopez), Sara Rue (Less Than Perfect), Ryan
Seacrest (American Idol), Wilmer Valderrama (That '70s Show) and
writer/actor Bruce Vilanch.
Ticket receipts benefited AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the nation's
largest service organizations, providing direct services to more than
10,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in L.A. County.
http://abc.abcnews.go.com/specials/discoball.html
Hott New club Dance Music
Kick it up, here are the hottest new dance tunes in the clubs.
Open up your mind - Eyes Cream (Hot sound reminiscent of Groove Jet)
Murder on the dancefloor - Sophie Baxton (Fun British disco, 128BPM)
Show Me - Suzanne Palmer - ( 140 BPM)
Ordinary World - Aurora (remake of the Duran Duran song)
All The Man I Need - Gloria Gaynor (the hit, great for hustle, 128BPM)
These songs are worth checking out.
Breathe by Telepopmusik
Sweeter Love by Blue Six
Wake Up With You by Julia Fordham
I Can Complete You - by Luke Slater (Giorgio Moroder ish)
Surrender - Laura Pausini
Jus One Kiss - Basement Jaxx (128 BPM)
Summerfire - B-U
Gotta be forever - Gloria Gaynor
Anyway - Amber
No one is going to change you - Renna
Letter to the editor
Dear Ron,
I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank the many event organizers and dance vendors who have generously contributed dance contest prizes for our
upcoming Hustle Jack & Jill Championships in February on the hustle cruise.
Cooperation has come from the country, salsa, disco, swing, ballroom, tango,
Lindy hop, and hustle dance communities nationwide:
Anthony Lee (Big Apple Country Festival), Dave Moldover (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam), Craig Hutchinson (Virginia State Open), Ron Bess / Donna Boyle (11th Annual Holiday Spectacular), Issac Altman (World Salsa Championships), Diane K. Nardone (World Hustle Dance Championships), Lydia Henson (U.S. Tango Fantasy), Shannon Johnson (Hooked on Hustle), Grant Austin (Orange Blossom), Donna Boyle (Disco America Dance Championships), Bob Budzynski, (Mid-USA Jack 'n Jill Championships), Nino Torre (The Donkey Show - NYC), Paulette Brockington (Motor City Dance Jam). Also music, lessons, and videos: private lessons with Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik, mixed hustle CDs from Donnie Shields, autographed collector 12" vinyl and CDs from Vincent Montana, Jr. producer of Salsoul Orchestra and the Philly Sound, two event videos from
World Disco Cruise, salsa CDs from Nino Torre, dance mix compilations from Beach Bag Music, and two $100-off coupons from Carnival Cruise Lines for the 2004 Hustle Dance Cruise. These prizes will certainly be well received by our dancers. Thank you
for your support, Drew Axelrod.
DanceTalk 1-8-2003
Wishing you the best in 2003
Happy birthday wishes to Madeline Ossias and Fran Richman
"DanceTalk" is now available at Diane Nardone's Website, www.dkndance.com
Please check it out for all of her updates, socials and details on the World Hustle Dance championships this July.
Dancing in the Discos during the 70' & 80's was magical. The music was so rich and exciting. I hope you enjoy this months Spotlight on Cherrill Rae. She was half of the creative force behind the wonderful music of the "Raes"
Last Sunday, December 28, Brian and Stephanie Fortuna became the North American Latin Dance Champions. Congratulations to the Fortuna family.
Congratulations to Shari Kahn, she became engaged on New years.
We wish her and Steve only the best.
"East meets West" at the Jersey Shore (Jackson, NJ) has suspended their weekly dances.
If your new to DanceTalk, please take a moment to read all the listings below.
Every week there are new additions, so don't miss a step as you scroll down. As a dance community, if we don't support, spread the word and attend these great dance events - some may go away!
The teachers and organizers work very hard to provide you with great dance venues.
Make it a point to show your mutual appreciation and your love for dancing.
Make it a great New Year,
Ron
Spotlight
"Cherrill Rae"
For some of us, dancing is like taking a daily vitamin - it's part of your routine.
The Disco phenomenon was a combination of dance and music. A symbiotic relationship - both components were vital for success. In the late 70's and 80's one of the driving forces for the dance sound were the "Raes." Originally from Ontario, Cherrill and her husband burst onto the scene and had us dancing up a storm. Together, Cherrill and Robbie, had their own variety television show in Canada.
"The Raes Variety Hour" had celebrity guests including the wild Grace Jones and rocker Pat Benetar. The show would open with the Raes singing but focused on the dancers and how they interpreted the music. "We loved to watch the dancers, the dancing was wonderful" remembers Cherrill. When they released their single "A little Lovin," the radio station programers wouldn't play it (in Canada). Frustrated it was shipped to the USA where it hit the top ten on WKTU FM. In a quandary, the Raes chose to not renew their television contract permitting them to tour and promote their music.
As a child, Cherrill loved to sing. She admired Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and the Motown sound. It was now her time, to take the act on the road to promote the release of their new music. They traveled and performed with ABBA, Peaches & Herb, Chic, The Village People, and the Police, (featuring Sting). They sang on all the top television shows: Merv Griffin, Dance Fever, Soap Factory, The Tonight show, The Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack, Soul Train, Dick Clarks American Bandstand, Mike Douglas.
The hits kept coming, "A Little Lovin" was followed up by (I Only Wanna) "Get Up and Dance" then "Don't Turn Around" and "Two Hearts."
"My goal was not to be a big star, but to get as much out of my singing as possible" explains Cherrill. "Connecting with the music, the audience and the band - this is what I was born to do."
As the disco era cooled off, so did the Raes relationship. But to complicate matters, Cherrill lost her magnificent voice. She took time off, but the situation was worse then she imagined. She had a cyst on her vocal cord. With surgery and a positive attitude she was able to rebound.
As a long time fan of Cher, Cherrill found her inspiring. "She always gives 100%." Cherrill hopes to reap the same success that Cher has achieved with her come back albums. "Look At Me Now" is the title of her new CD. Recorded at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios, the album includes a remake of "I'll be Around." Now sung as an upbeat dance version (I'll be around originally was recorded by The Spinners) with legendary artist Major Harris, it gives this former classic a new life. The entire CD has the Philly sound. It combines ballads, dance tracks, some funk and a HOTT Latin single "Guitar man" which has a Santana feel. The new CD was produced by Butch Ingram and includes vocals by all the Ingram brothers.
Now residing in Florida, Cherrill Rae is planing a return to Philadelphia's Sigma Sound to remix dance tracks for "No Matter" and possibly "A little Lovin."
Cherrill's music made the dance floor irresistible.
She still has that magic.
Competition Highlights
Bill Cameron's New Years Dance Extravaganza
*Intermediate West Coast Swing Jack & Jill *
Eric Cudmore & Yuna Davtyan
Michael Smith & Laura Cozik
Rotchild Ma Gloire & Maryellen Muchowski
Rob Current & Deb Martinez
Tom Dennesen & Missy Ralston
*Advanced Hustle Jack & Jill *
Wingo Hom & Jennifer Lyons
David Raines & Angela McCabe
Steven Borth & Nancy Tuzzolino
*Just Dance Hustle *
Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Mede
Bill Kontogianis & Nancy Tuzzolino
David Raines & Valerie Hunt
*Champions Just Dance West Coast Swing *
Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann
Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekely
Robert Royston & Nicola Royston
Ken Roesel & Jennifer Lyons
Erik Novoa & Ligaya Fish
David Graybill & Tami Harris
John Festa & Hazel Mede
*Intermediate/Advanced Hustle Pro/Am *
Gold - Silvana Gallagher & Angela McCabe
Gold - Brian Gallagher & Mimi Doi
Silver - Ken Roesel & Paige Danby
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