Ron's Dance Talk - The Archives

DanceTalk - The Archives
January 2004

Thank for
Visiting the Archieves of Ron's Dance Talk

Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa

LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE

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Hustle Dance Teacher
Directory

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under Hustle Column

Dance Etiquette
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Hustle Letters
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Ron's Archieves

From iTunes & Mark James

Hustle Mix

West Coast Swing Mix

Cha Cha Mix

Salsa Mix

Foxtrots

DanceTalk * 1-27-04

Happy Birthday wishes to Mimi Doi and Yana Brin.

Congratulations to Steven Mitchell and Karen Hill on the birth of their baby son Anthony Vincent. Mommy and son are doing great.

Condolences to Frank and Beryl Zarlie on the recent loss of their father. Are prayers are with you.

The Saturday night parties continue at Samba, with DJ Nino Torre in Brooklyn - 9604 Third Ave. at 96th St. Bay Ridge, Call Nino (718) 926-3704

One of the most talked about events returns March 11th to the 14th, "The Big Apple"
Click here to visit the site. The Big Apple Country Dance Festival

Houston born, Ann Miller has died, at the age of 81, from Lung Cancer. A child prodigy she tapped her way to success in films like "On the Town," "Easter Parade " and "Kiss Me Kate." She was a true "triple threat."

Check out some of the best house music mixed by DJ Rene Hewitt at www.renehewitt.com

Coming soon, more dance Etiquette tips in DanceTalk.

Make it A great week,
Ron

Memorial

We are sadden by the death of Marie Angelo. This past Saturday evening, Mrs.Angelo passed away in Florida at the age of 85. Our dear friend Marty Angelo has devoted the last few years of his life caring for his mother. Marty has enriched so many of our lives with his wonderful website and his personal insight on the dance phenomenon. Clearly, this is something no one can prepare or plan for. His mother had battled many health obstacles but she didn't give up. Marty was always there for her. Our heart felt condolences go out to Joanne, Louis, Marty, Denise, Rose and Cathy. For those who would like to send a memorial in her name, Marie was very concerned for her nephew Joe's wife, Karen, who is fighting cancer. Marie would be so pleased if you would like to send a check to Karen LaManto, 6240 SW 3rd St., Margate, FL 33068 . She was so fond of Karen and always wanted to help her out with her expenses.

Van McCoy Dance Contest Results

Gail Rundlett, from Tempo Dance center, hosted the Boston regional Van McCoy dance contest. Dancers traveled from Maine, Portland and Rhode Island to attend and par take. The winners move onto Miami at the IHSC April 1 - 4th, 2004. http://www.hustleandsalsa.com
Congratulations to Joanne Coro & Steven Borth the first place winners in the amateur hustle division and Eileen Depakakibo & Tony Cifizzan the first place winners in the Salsa division.
We wish them all the best of luck in Miami.

From The Mail Bag (letters to the editor)
Thanks to Scott Michielli for identifying an important topic (DanceTalk 1-19-04), in the dance community. I have been flooded with response letters. Here are a few that I think your enjoy.
RB

Ron,
I agree the hustle crowd can be clickish, and this is coming from a dancer who is experience and good. The best of the best will only dance with their own, and it bothers me, because yes I love to dance, however, I like meeting new
people, and I really love the compliments, and the smiles I get from newcomers. I study other dances, and this is helpful to me, because I remember how it feels to be a novice, and I am grateful for the people who dance with me. I really do not think we as hustle dancers have the luxury of being so stuck up, before we know it the hustle will die if we continue to shun newcomers.
Zulma

I KNOW OF THESE MEN WHO TARNISH US ALL. THEY JUST DO NOT REMEMBER THE DAYS OF BEING TURNED DOWN FROM THE MORE "EXPERIENCED" DANCERS. THE NIGHTS OF GOING TO A CLUB AND NOT DANCE 'NAY ONCE. GOING HOME WONDERING IF IT WAS SOMETHING THEY SAID OR DID. MAYBE THEY NEED A REMAINDER OF THOSE WASTED NITES OF WANTING TO DANCE AND GOING HOME STILL "DRY" FROM NOT DANCING AT ALL. WELL, I REMEMBER THOSE DAYS, AND THAT WAS MANY YEARS AGO BUT I REMEMBER. BOY, DO I REMEMBER...... AND SCOTT, YOU ARE RIGHT .... THERE IS NOTHING MORE ENJOYABLE THAN WATCHING A BEGINNER OR MIDDLE LEVEL DANCER .... JUST DANCE AND REALLY TRY TO DO THIS THING OF OURS... THIS IS WHAT MAKES THIS DANCE REALLY ENJOYABLE. SO, GUYS, PLEASE GET OFF THE HIGH HORSE AND START SHARING WITH EVERYONE... IT WILL MAKE YOU INTO A BETTER DANCER, IF NOT MORE HUMBLE. WE CAN ALL REALLY ENJOY AND TEACH EACH OTHER AND DO NOT LET THE DANCE FADE AWAY, LIKE IT DID ONCE BEFORE... THIS I REMEMBER, TOO!!!....
MICHAEL. A/K/A/ DANCERMAF

Hey ron, i'd like to respond to scotts message on the men w/ the bad manners,yes we all seen this before,i know some of the women who were put down, however let me flip the coin, some of the higher level-and mid level female have done the same thing to men, i was one of them, many other men were put down also,there are teachers in the community who have done this too.this happens in the salsa world in phila too.the (only) dance crowd that i've (never) seen do this is the swing crowd,east coast swing-and there numbers are still big.i'll leave it at that,anyone one who knows me ,knows i can hit a lot harder.
Kenny

Hi, am replying to Scott Michielli's letter in this week's issue regarding the men who won't dance with women of a lesser skill level. I am an adequate hustle dancer, have been taking my own private lessons and lord knows I have been out dancing for years now..and it's true, there are what I call "hustle snobs" out there who think they are the best and anyone who is out there having "fun" with it is not taken seriously by these snobs. The "hustle snobs" infiltrate the singles dance world, where I am from, looking for a piece of ass and looking to make fun of those of us who like to have fun. Like ....., he won't give anyone the time of day who he THINKS is beneath him. People like him don't even take the time to show the person the right way, they just like to criticize. They ruin it for everyone because there are alot of people like me who would like to attend the hustle events, to gain experience, to observe oh, and excuse me, to have FUN. But we won't come because of these "hustle snobs". But there are great dance people like Carter, Lou, Guy and Dennis who come to singles dances and hustle events and they will dance with everyone...regardless of skill level. You know why? They know how to have FUN!! So, lighten up you hustle snobs...life is too short, and remember, there's ALWAYS someone better than you out...
Jessica

In response to Scott's letter... THANK YOU, SCOTT! And it was equally convicting to the women, speaking for myself, alone.... I have just recently gotten to a level where the male beginners are complimenting me... saying, "I didn't think someone at your level would dance with someone at my level..." This is truly a compliment to me... but even more so convicting because obviously I might seem unapproachable... and if I seem unapproachable... well, ladies... hmm... do you think I am the only one who might seem unapproachable? I know there are some women who are known for their approachability -- as they will dance with anyone who asks... and they know who they are... and they are not beginners by any means... they reap the benefit later when the men that they said "yes" to... finally advance to a higher level. Nice going! I was talking to a friend the other day... about how Salsa has really grown in its popularity and Hustle has remained on the back burner... Hate to say it... but if you listen to the top 40 list for the past 25 years... there are more Hustle songs than Salsa, by far. The average Joe on the street couldn't recognize a popular Salsa song but everyone knows the old school Hustle and the modern day tunes as well. So, if the famous performing artists are doing their job and putting out the Hustle beat... then obviously there is a market. Harnessing that market should be easier than ever. Especially now -- there is no "down with Hustle" campaign going on and there probably never will be again... as was the case back in the day with the Bee Gees.
So, we are all part of this Hustle business... either you can be a recruiter or a repeller... I love that comment, Scott, about how it damages the Ego to turn down opportunity. If someone has the courage to go up and ask the guy to dance -- give the girl a break... that takes guts. Let me just say this... that it isn't the result of all the big name promoters and big name professionals that keep this dance alive -- it was never any one person's responsibility. It is a group effort. Everyone has a piece of the action. Everyone is to blame for the success or failure of a good night .... I say again, "thank you, Scott" for taking the time to see the need to encourage and uplift. It is with equal gratitude for anyone and everyone who has given "encouragement" no matter how great or small to any fellow Hustle lover.
Shannon

DanceTalk * 1-20-04

Happy birthday wishes to Debbie Tuttle, Maura Charles and Wingo Hom.
Belated wishes to Irena Griffin.

Entertainment Superstar, Donna Summer opens "Driven By The Music," a one -women exhibition of her paintings, in Los Angeles.

Bonnie Rowe & DKN Dance (Diane K. Nardone) join forces with a Swing/Hustle &
More California Mix on Feb 29th. See details below.

The Broadway show "Taboo" Closes Feb 8th. It appears the changes made by Rosie O'Donnell to the Boy George creation didn't connect with the audience.

View photos from this years Winter Blues Blaster hosted in DC by Ken Roesel.
Check out the website http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=RayBowersPhoto&p=guest&AID=1281974

Make it a great week.
Ron

"Jenny's Dance Picks"

The number one dance station in the nation is WKTU in New York. Mixmaster DJ Jenny Costa continues to be a major force, "The first lady" of dance on 103.5 FM. Jenny has always kept a close pulse on the music by staying active in the night club scene. She currently spins on Thursday evenings at the Mirage in Westbury Long Island from 9PM on... and on Friday's at Mirage from 4 to 9PM. Saturdays is Zachary's in East Meadow Long Island.
Here are her top 10 picks for January 2004,

1. APPRECIATE ME- AMUKA
2. REI Y LLORA- CELIA CRUZ
3. GIA- DESPINA VANDI
4. ME AGAINST THE MUSIC- BRITNEY SPEARS FEATURING MADONNA
5. I BEGIN TO WONDER- DANII MINOGUE
6. WAITING FOR YOU- SEAL
7. SOMETHING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO HEAVEN- DEBORAH COX
8. YOU PROMISED ME- INGRID
9. AS THE RUSH COMES IN- MOTORCYCLE
10. SLOW- KYLIE MINOGUE

Van McCoy Dance Contest
Dancesport, in Manhattan, hosted the New York regional Van McCoy dance contest. Studio owner Paul Pellicoro judged along with Debbie Ferro, Diane Nardone, Arte Phillips and Disco Dave Sarul. The first place winners move onto Miami for the finals at the 2004 IHSC (April 1-4)

In the amateur division:
1st Rafael & McKato
2nd Robert & Rosata
3rd Timothy & Yvonne

In the Professional division:
1st Kelvin Roche & Loriann Greenhouse
2nd Rob Finocchio & Tiffany Brown
3rd Bobby "O" Ossias & Lisa Paternoster

Letters to The Editor

In recent weeks it has been brought to my attention that on several occasions some men in our dance community pointed out to some of our ladies that they weren't good enough to dance with them. There's nothing new here, however, I would like to point out that these events only serve to bring negativity to our community and prevent new dancers from joining us instead of offering them an invitation. Perhaps it's not always enjoyable from a "dancing" perspective to dance with a new dancer because of her skill level, however, it can always be enjoyable from a human one. Men, have you ever noticed the way that a woman lights up on the dance floor during those few short minutes? Have you ever noticed the smile? You have a wonderful opportunity to offer encouragement, courtesy, respect and pleasure to others. This is rewarding in and of itself. Is it too much to give something back to the dance that has given you so much? Where would any of us be if the more experienced women had chosen not to dance with us because we didn't measure up? How many of we men would have been able to withstand that deadly blow to our egos? In that respect it would serve us well to learn the lesson of accommodation that the women have so eloquently taught us. As I'm sure that each of us can recall from our early experience of learning the dance, it's quite intimidating to enter into this Hustle arena especially where there are those who lack sensitivity. There will always be plenty of opportunities to dance with the seasoned ladies and derive the pure pleasure of the dance on that level, but for now the time has come to correct our shorted sighted vision and open our eyes to the bigger picture. Take a good look around ..... I believe that you may notice that our community is growing. Ask yourself this question, "Do I want to be a person who plays a vital role in causing this dance to flourish or do I just want to do what makes me feel good?" Men, we have a choice to make and I'm asking you to step up to the plate. It's time to remove the focus from us and place it on the community at large. In my third hustle lesson I learned what has turned out to be the most important thing that I could have learned about this dance, namely, that it's the man's responsibility to make the woman look and feel good. If you keep this in mind every time that you step onto the dance floor, you may actually derive a pleasure of a different kind. Now, I'm not asking you to dance with beginners all night long but rather seek out perhaps one or two new dancers each week with whom you dance, offer friendly advice and encouragement, preferably, with someone who you don't know. Be inviting. In doing so you will be increasing your own circle of friends and allowing yourself to be open to new possibilities and experiences. If you're still not willing to be accommodating, at the very least, have the courtesy to choose your words wisely and consider the feelings of others because every time that you speak harshly you have a negative impact on everyone. I welcome anyone who would like to share his thoughts on this topic.
Sincerely, Scott Michielli

DanceTalk * 1-13-04

Happy Birthday wishes to Ralph Ferro.

Congratulations to Angela and Joe McCabe on the birth of their daughter - Molly. Mommy and baby are doing great. Angela won the Van McCoy Regional Dance Contest in Philadelphia, just three weeks ago.

Joe Kerner is sporting a new pair of crutches as he recovers from ankle surgery.
We wish him a speedy recovery as he moves on to physical therapy next week.

Our condolences go out to Lisa Sands on the loss of her father this past week. He was her first dance teacher. He will be sadly missed.

Over 200 people attended Buzz nightclub this past weekend in Chicago for The Van McCoy Dance Contest and benefit. Over $2500 was raised to benefit the Special Olympics. The first place winners head to Miami for the IHSC.
Open Salsa: 1st: Maricza Valentin & Jorge Alvarez
Pro Hustle: 1st: Ryan Dobbins & Jill Popovich
Am Hustle: 1st: Paul & Angie Cameron

DJ Jenny Costa , from WKTU New York, spins Every Thursday & Friday nights at Mirage in Westbury Long Island and at Zachary's in East Meadow Long Island on Saturday's. Hear the best dance music with 3 decades of Dance.
Next week, DanceTalk will feature "Jenny's Dance Picks."

Make It A Great Week,
Ron

National Events

Each week DanceTalk posts local and regional dance socials, competitions and more. Here is a listing of some of the big national events coming your way in 2004. Take the time to mark them down, register and start planning. Hey, the earlier you plan the more you can attend?

Feb 13-16 Hustle Dance Cruise 2004, Royal Caribbean's "Majesty of the Sea." Rates start at $299.p/p all inclusive cruise For Reservations Call Rita Anderson at 1 800-503-9600 or Drew at 1 754-246-2874 visit our website http://www.hustlecruise.com

March 12 - 14 Motor City Jam, West Coast Swing
Call: 800-647-9464 or 313-790-2311
Email: info@artspectrum.org for info

March 26 - 28 MAD JAM http://www.AtlanticDanceJam.com
Weekend Dance competition in Baltimore, MD. The MAD JAM team is planning an even better 3 day event for 2004

April 1 - 4, International Hustle and Salsa Competition, (IHSC) Radisson Deauville Hotel Miami Beach, FL on the Ocean. Hosting the Van McCoy Dance Contest. http://www.hustleandsalsa.com ratlas@ix.netcom.com Katie 954-927-9010

April 15 - 18, North American Dance Championships Bill Cameron's dance championships Competitions, social dancing and workshops! At the Westin Hotel Stamford, CT. Rooms only $89 203-967-2222. Three Ballrooms featuring WCS, Lindy Hop, Shag, Hand Dance, and Hustle Party's all weekend. www.dancepros.net

April 16 - 18, Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships,
Philadelphia Airport Marriott Hotel, call (856) 546 - 5077 visit Http://www.phillyfestival.info

May 7 - 8, 6Th Annual Cinco de Mayo Dance Festival, hosted by TONY PACE of Houston Texas. For more information contact: Tony Pace at 281 353-3817 or Cathy Rankel 281 353-3817 or Email rcrankel@wt.net

May 27 - 31, USA Grand Nationals Dance Championships 10th Anniversary Celebration! Charlie & Jackie's awesome WCS AND Shag weekend. Hotel Waverly reservations 888-559-5671. Order tickets via phone 843-249-1301 or online at www.usagrandnationals.com

June 11 - 13, Discoamerica, at the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ,
Donna Boyle hosts her annual dance championships. For details visit
www.discoamerica.com "Where the World Hustle Dancers meet"

June 25 - 27, Liberty Swing Dance Championships at the HYATT REGENCY, JERSEY CITY, NJ -- WCS event hosted by John Festa and John Lindo To purchase your ticket(s) mail your $100 check payable to "Gotham Swing Club" to: Judith O'Connell, 405 E. 72 Street, Apt. 4C New York, NY 10021

July 15 - 18, The World Hustle Dance Championships, at the
The Hilton in Parsippany, NJ, featuring the World Open.
Diane Nardone organizer, http://www.dkndance.com/WorldHustle.ivnu

Billboard Magazine's 2003 Best Dance Songs

1 Into the Sun - Weekend Players
2 Get It Together - Seal
3 Some Lovin' - Murk Vs Kristine W
4 Dark Beat (Addicted To Drums) - Oscar G
5 Head - Thunderpuss
6 The Wreckoning - Boomkat
7 Send Your Love - Sting
8 Rock Your body - Justin Timberlake
9 Surrender - Laura Pausini
10 Cry Me A River - Justin Timberlake

Letter To The Editor

Hello Ron:
I got a kick out of the best "dance classics floor starters" from the DJs listed in the most recent Dance Talk. Just in case you are interested in a couple more from an earlier age, from a disco dinosaur who used to work at Penrods (now Zachary's), Uncle Sam's and Club G among others (since 1972).
1) Soul Makossa... Manu Dibango
2) Honeybee... Gloria Gaynor
3) The Bottle... Gil Scott Heron
4) La La Peace Song... O.C. Smith
5) Think... Lyn Collins

Regards,
Jackie McCloy
Director
Long Island Record Pool

DanceTalk * 1-6-04

Happy New Years

Welcome, to our old and new readers. DanceTalk goes out weekly, every Monday evening. My objective is to share dance information from the past along with the current news of the day. Although the primary focus is on the Hustle we do include a touch of WCS and Latin. Behind every dance is the music and the personalities so we cover the sounds that drive us and their composers. To keep you on the cutting edge we share information with you on current dance music and the tunes that started it all. Naturally it's important to let everyone know what's on the horizon. Since so many of those involved in the world of dance are constantly on the move, we list the great events and socials thru out the country. DanceTalk is now reaching thousands of dancers, like you, all over the world. To better serve you DanceTalk is obtainable on many websites: http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html
http://www.discostepbystep.com/dancetalk.htm
We encourage your input and feedback. Thank you for your friendship and continued support.
Ron

Birthday wishes go out to Madeline Ossias, Mimi Litz and Fran Richman.
They will be celebrating Madeline's birthday at Club IBBG, in Garden City, NY. Come out on Tuesday night to "Mrs. Bobby O's" party with super DJ Johnny V.

January 17th, Saturday, Star Search returns to CBS television.

Get well wishes to Natalie Petosa, we look forward to seeing her out on the dance floor soon.

The 2004 Hustle Cruise made this past weeks edition of the New York Times. Check it out, http://discostepbystep.com/hustlecruise.htm

To view the pictures from Shana's holiday party held at Society Hill Dance Academy in Philadelphia go to http://www.ecomexpress.biz

Make it a great New Year,
Ron

2003 Dance Highlights

* Danny Llaurado passed away in March. This gifted dancer was at the head of the class. He performed on Dance Fever and Star Search. This young dynamo was a true pioneer in the hustle we all enjoy today.

* A new dance competition "Mad Jam," took place in Maryland and returns in 2004 for a full weekend event.

* She does it again, congratulations to Norma Rivera the new Mrs. Puerto Rico USA, she continues to dance up a storm in Long Island, NY.

* "Dance Fever," the TV show returned to mixed reviews but Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik, from New York, made us proud performing a hustle on national TV.

* Barry White dies at the young age of 58 on July 4th. He was best known for his wonderful dance songs and ballads. But, he was also a producer, arranger and the conductor of the "Love Unlimited Orchestra."

* The first Hustle Cruise set sail and made a big splash. 2004 they board a larger ship and expect double the attendance.

* An out pouring of love and prayers for the quick recovery for our Texan, Gladys Torres.

* The WHDC 2003 Open champions were Brian and Silvana Gallagher.

* Van McCoy Dance Contests kick off 10 regional dance competitions. Finals to be held in Miami at the IHSC. The event honors a 25 year legacy for the man that wrote "Do The Hustle."

* We said good bye to many music artists including: Edwin Starr (War, Happy Radio), Maurice Gibb, from the fabulous BeeGees and Robert Palmer who was "Addicted To Love."

* Holiday Spectacular in Philly, - The snow could not stop the party. Winners of the regional Van McCoy contest were Georgie Azpura and Dara Putrusky (professionals) Open Salsa, Joey Cammatuci and Patty McConnell, and amateur Hustle went to Angela McCabe and Wingo Hom.

* Singing sensation Luther Vandross continues to make strides towards a comeback as he had suffered a stroke earlier in the year.

DanceTalk 2003 Readers choice awards- best of the best.
*Favorite DJ - Bobby Morales
*Favorite Female Dancer - Silvana Gallagher
*Favorite Male Dancer - Keith Gussoni
*Favorite Dance Couple - Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik
*Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Luis Rosa and Mary Poma
*Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone
*Favorite Male Instructor - Artie Philips
*Person of the Year - Gladys Torres

Letter to the Editor

Keith Harrison's 40th birthday was awesome. Bobby O and Ron Bess shared the MC duties. Keith was touched with a huge turnout at this hustle reunion Fest in Long Island at the Rockaway Cafe. DJ Johnny V played a variety of music ranging from old school to contemporary/imports etc.. We did the electric slide, Macarena, Soul Train line and free style. Cuddos to Ed and Maureen & Barry for their performances.
Ron and Lauren Bess brought the house down with screams that gave us a flashback of what Eddie Vega used to do back in the day. The general dancing was super, just like a dance event although tight quarters. We did a tribute to Michael Varricchio respecting his short 20 year life. "Joey", Tommy Matollo recording artist, was great, Odyssey Productions featuring Donna DeSimone and James was spectacular as well as all the other small cameo performances (Luis & Mary, Ralph & Debbie, Carl & Susan, Bobby O & Yvette and Georgie & Zulma), capped off with Keith's birthday dance.
On behalf of Keith, "Do It Up" and the entire Harrison family, thanking everyone who attended.
Bobby O

New Music

Here is a new list of hott new dance music to start off the new year. **Keep in mind, many of these songs have been remixed for the ultimate dance beat. The song version on the album will differ in tempo from the remix. Check to make sure which rendition your listening too.

Despina Vandi - "Gia"
Mya - "Fallen"
Seal - "Get it together"
Victor Calderon - "The Drive"
ATB - "I Don't Want To Stop"
Four Strings - "Take Me Away"
Lucy Woodward - "Blindsided"
Kaskade - "It's you It's me" (128 BPM)
K-Klass - "Talk To Me" ( fast tempo)
Kylie Minogue - "Slow" (120 BPM)
Malyssa - "Here with You"
Laava -"Where Ever You Are (I feel Love)"
Enrique Iglesias - "Addicted"

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