DanceTalk - The Archives
January 2005
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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From iTunes & Mark James
DanceTalk * 1-25-05
Happy birthday wishes to George Velazquez.
Good luck to Nino Torre on his upcoming wedding at sea..a true Disco wedding.
This years first big dance bash takes place at Spirit night club on Jan 31 in NYC. This is a celebration for the Disco Exhibit that is opening in the NY Library. The party is going to have some of the hottest dancers with DJ Nicky Siano. Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Feel free to purchase tickets online at https://www2.nypl.org/tickets/index.cfm?Trg=8
Mark it down on your calendars, The Big Apple Country Dance Festival returns to New Jersey, March 11-13 at the Parsippany Hilton Hotel. Host Anthony Lee presents the best in Country-western (couples & line), WCS, Hustle & Salsa. Visit the website for more details. www.bigapplecountrydance.com
The 2nd ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA ALL-STARS has been rescheduled, due to the inclement weather, to Jan. 29th. See all the details below.
Douglas Hall, a dancer for 20 years before becoming a choreographer, won a $450,000 verdict after surgery was performed on his wrong knee. Hall, now studying drama production at Rutgers, went to St. Vincent's Hospital for arthroscopic surgery. The hospital and the New York Rangers' hockey team doctor have been ordered to pay 450-thousand dollars to him for performing surgery on the wrong knee.
Barbara Capaldi, of the Atrium Dance Studio in New Jersey is interested in sponsoring a WCS exhibition team. If you would like to be a part of this exciting new venture, please contact Rob & Sheila at (856) 858 - 6753
Next week, the spotlight is on a dancer that traveled the country performing as one of the original Disco Dance Dimensions. Stay Tuned.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Jenny's Top Ten
She can be heard on hott radio station WKTU, 103.5 FM, New York. Jenny Costa was voted by hundreds of our readers as their favorite DJ. known in the industry as the DJ's DJ, mixing the best of classic dance with the newest fresh beats. Hear her live every Thursday evenings at Mirage Night club in Westbury Long Island from 8PM until 4AM... and on Friday's at Mirage from 4 to 9PM.
Here are Jenny's top 10 picks for January. These are the hottest new dance songs.
1. ALL THIS TIME - BY SILVER
2. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS - BY WYNONNA
3. CAN'T GO ON - ALI
4. IF I CLOSE MY EYES - REINA
5. IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW - AUBREY
6. LOLA'S THEME - SHAPE UP
7. TURNIN ME ON - NINA SKY
8. SOLDIER - DESTINY'S CHILD
9. RISE AGAIN - TINA ANN
10. SURRENDER - LASGO
Letters to the Editor (send letters to Rowenlb22@aol.com)
Hi Ron,
Being a D.J. in the "Classic Disco days, here are a few classics from the early to mid 80's. These are some of my favorites (Top 20) & I thought I'd share them with you.
Magic Bird Of Fire.................Salsoul Orchestra
Hold Tight..............................Vicki Sue Robinson
I'm A Man...............................Macho
Get On The Funk Train.............Giorgio
Manhattan Love Song...............?????
Instant Replay..........................Dan Hartman
San Fransisco/Fire Island..........Village People
Devil's Gun................................C.J. & Company
See You When I Git There...........Lou Rawls
I Gotta Keep Dancin'..................Carrie
Dreamin A Dream.......................Crown Heights Affair
I Don't Love You Anymore............Teddy Pendergrass
Take Me Home............................Cher
I Caught Your Act.........................Hughes Corporation
Let Your Body Run........................(Re-Mix By Jenny Costa)
Love & Desire...............................Arpeggio
I Got Your Love..............................Strataverious
I'll Always Love My Mama...............The Intruders
Galaxy...........................................War
Down To Love Town.........................Moment Of Truth
Musically Yours, D.J. Dominick
..............................
Greetings Ron,
I really enjoy your newsletter and the timecapsules you write. I wanted to share with you my experiecne some 28 years ago. I lived in Forrest Hills at the time and when we went clubbing if George Velasquez and Craig Yee were in the club we knew it was going to be a great party. I wanted to send George a birthday wish from one of the old time dancer friends. I always keep him in my prayers. George you are and still are the best.
fondly,
Gloria
DanceTalk * 1-18-05
Happy Birthday wishes to Irene Griffin, Wingo Hom, Debbie Tuttle and Ralph Ferro.
Saturday, January 29th, Bill Poulter will be hosting a benefit for the South Asia Tsunami Relief Effort. See details below and visit the website
http://redroseusadance.com
Visit the Starlight Dance Center website, in Nutley New Jersey, for holiday dance pictures
http://www.starlightdanceusa.com/images/100HustleJan0305/
Every Saturday night Zachary's Night Club in Long Island, NY is the place to be for the hottest dance contest. Charlie Pace and Bobby O are your hosts. Last weeks winners were Walter Levy & Stacy Redler. Second place went to Jose Solano & Roe-Roe. Two weeks ago the winners were Frank Perez and Raluca Georgina. Second place went to Paul Langa & Karen and David and Brenda took third. The audience was treated to a guest spot by DJ Johnny V. The contest continues this Saturday.
RCCL now has some space from cancellations in some categories for this years Hustle Dance Cruise 2005. Call 954 - 431 - 7771 for availability. Visit the website www.hustlecruise.com
Mark your calendars for April 1-3, for the Stardust Weekend at Kutshers in Monticello, NY see the details below. (800) 537-2797 www.stardustdance.com
Its got a bullet as it enters the music dance charts as a hott new single by Kylie Minogue, "I believe in You."
Three time readers choice award winner, DJ Bobby Morales, joins a new event kicking off on Jan 28th at the Soho Dance Studio. Check out the details below for Funky Fridays.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is co-sponsored by Dance America Seattle.
Next week - Jan 21 - 23, with an incredible staff of judges, teachers and performers: Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Salomon Rivera, Liz Lira, Brian Gallagher,
Silvana Gallagher, Alfonso Caldera & Aliza Kinney, Angel & Tulane Rivera, Tito Nieves, Debra Hampton, Dez DiPaola, Erik Novoa, Laura Cozik, Christina Morrison
Keith Gussoni, Jim Minty, Ava Apple, Elizabeth Darchi, Louis Orlando, Arte Phillips, Shawn Sallie & Brandy Richey, Donna Boyle, Luke Adams & Jennifer Robinson, Barry Douglas, Debbie Tuttle, Raul Ante, Michelle Badion w/Evan Wallace, Ian Kirkconnell .....Featuring workshops, competitions and social dancing. www.danceamericaseattle.com
Also the sold-out Hustle Dance Cruise sailing on Jan. 27th from Fort Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, Mexico and back. Order your official Hustle Cruise merchandise! Special items 1 thru 4 are available to everyone in the dance community. 1) $15 for an official Hustle Cruise 100% cotton black T-SHIRT in sizes S-M-L-XL (please specify the size). 2) $20 for an imprinted Hustle Cruise Dancesport bag. 3) $30 for the DVD/VHS dance workshop video review Notebook. 4) $40 for a custom-embroidered black fancy 100% cotton POLO SHIRT with the Hustle Cruise logo on it in sizes S-M-L-XL (please specify the size). To order send your check to: Drew Axelrod, 823 S.E. 18th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316.
Don't forget to include your shipping address and the shirt size.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Time Capsule
'The Playboy Classic'
It was at the peak of the disco craze and..... in the heart of the city. The year was 1979 and dance contests were as common as three piece white suits. Everywhere you turned, there was a contest and the popularity of the disco phenomenon attracted big time sponsors: Coca Cola, Paramount Pictures, Six Flags Great Adventure, Newport Cigarettes and even Playboy Enterprises. In honor of their 25th anniversary, the Playboy Club, in New York was hosting the Playboy International Classic Dance Contest. Winners would go onto a national competition where the grand prize winners would receive a contract to perform. The contest was the grand daddy of them all. This put, head to head, some of the top couples in hustle. The turnout was incredible. Nearly 50 dance teams signed up to showcase their routines. Couples from near and far showed up to display their talents. This was the best of the best. Some competitors, coming from out of state, were set on putting their skills to the test against the dominating New Yorkers.
The place was a buzz.... Playboy Bunnies and all. The dance was still fresh and couples were pushing the envelope. Creativity was running wild. Costumes ranged from futuristic to down right... nude. The lifts and tricks were growing in the degree of difficulty. Each couple was given the opportunity to dance solo, center stage. When the couples lined up for the judges....it looked like a scene out of Star Wars.
Derrick Allen & Lilia, Miquel Marrero & Annette, David Padilla & Baby, Artie Phillips & Lisa Nunziella, Ricky Quintana & Lee Rafrano, Lucas Jaime & Kathy Young, Michael & Deidra, David Husney, James Stanford, Billy Fajardo & Sandra Rivera, Floyd Chishom & Nellie Cotta, Juan and Donna, Barry Douglas, Scott Nurse & Elaina, Kenny Gonzales & Ronnie Chase, Roma Moon & Joseph, Eddie Vega & Laudes Jones.....
Each team was given only 2 minutes to strut their stuff. Since there were so many competitors the judges eliminated the group down to a second round inviting back only 20 couples. The quality of dancing was golden. The judges then invited back 10 couples to dance again (third time) to make their final decision.
The 10 finalists were given the opportunity to dance to their own selection of music.
Dancing to "Haven't Stop Dancing Yet," Derrick and Lilia captured first place.
Second place honors went to the late Eddie Vega & Laudes and third place went to Billy and Sandra.
It was a time that will live in infamy, Thursday Oct 18th, 1979, the same day the sick "Son Of Sam" captivated the country.... with his talking dog that commanded him to kill ladies of the night in New York City. Derrick and Lilia picked up their first place prize money, $1,500.00 and now prepared to jet set to California for the next step. Honored with a write up in the NY newspapers the couple was off to LA to represent New York in the Grand finals. Winning dance teams from other states all descended on LA including the winning teams from London, France, Japan, South America and the Philippines. A couple, representing Manila, was disqualified because the young lady was underage. The finalists were wined and dined at the infamous Playboy Mansion owned by Hugh Hefner himself. They were all teated to a Los Angles NHL hockey game and closed out the night dancing in some of the finest night clubs. The final event was hosted by Dick Clark to a standing room only audience of thousands.
Not to be denied, Derrick and Lilia won first place. Bringing the gold back to New York with some spending change... $15,000.00
On the way they were contracted to perform at the Playboy Casinos in the Bahamas and in Puerto Rico.
What a time, what an era, what a great dance.
Tsunami Relief Dance Party
Bill Poulter has brought together fellow West Coast Swing professionals to help raise money for the needy in South Asia. They will host a WCS crash course & dance party (w/ lots of dancing, demos, door prizes, & delicious treats!) benefiting the SOUTH ASIA TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORT, NO PARTNER NEEDED! Champion WCS & Hustle dancer/instructor Erik Novoa from NYC ( www.swingshoes.net) will be teaching a free Int./Adv. WCS Lesson from 8PM-9PM, followed by a jammin' dance party mix of WCS, Hustle, Salsa, and more served up by popular D.C.-area DJ and MadJam host Dave Moldover (www.dancejamproductions.com)! Bill Poulter at dncnfool58@comcast.net or at 215-962-4957. Location, Top Hat/Class Act Dance Studio Tel - 717-393-6653
110 S. Railroad Ave. New Holland, PA
Time - WCS Crash Course 10-30am - 3:30PM, Mega-Dance Party 8PM - ????
Donation - $20, incl. Crash Course, Lunch (pizza), Dance Party, Snacks & Beverages (or BYOB also!) $10, incl. Int/Adv Workshop, Dance Party, Snacks & Beverages (or BYOB also!) Cash or checks made payable to "AmeriCares" will be accepted. In order to receive a "Thank You letter/Tax Receipt" from AmeriCares, donor's name & address will be required. Some people who cannot attend have asked if they can still send a donation to the event. You may send a check made out "Americares," to: Top Hat & AmeriCares Fundraiser
c/o Top Hat Dance Studio, 3114 Willits Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19135
DanceTalk * 1-11-05
Happy Birthday wishes to Fran Richman and Mimi Litz.
Don't miss the first big Disco Party of 2005...for the Disco Exhibit. Club Spirit will hold this big grand opening gala. Tickets are $35 in advance check payable to The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts mail to: 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498 Tickets will be $50 at the door. You can buy on line at http://www.nypl.org/disco/ (All but $10 of your contribution is tax-deductible)
Motor City Jam is coming to Michigan March 4 - 6. For all the details visit
http://www.capeziodance.com/about/foundation/index.jsp
Ballroom at its best, the Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships returns to Philly on April 8-10, 2005. For all the rules, regulations and registrations visit the website www.phillyfestival.info
Check out dance champion Erik Novoa's website for all the great pictures from the New Years Extravaganza. To see the photos go to www.Swingshoes.net and follow the links.
Thursday nights check out Bacco's, located on Route 202 at Rt. 63 in North Wales in Pennsylvania. It's a restaurant with a large dance floor.
The motion picture De-Lovely has received Grammy nominations for best sound track and pop vocal performance.
This weeks issue of DanceTalk®. is sponsored by the Country Dance World Championships. If you want to dance this is the place to be. The party kicks off next week. Visit them at http://ucwdcworlds.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Country Dance World Championships
This is the grand daddy of the county dance events. It's not to late to attend this exciting weekend of dancing, January 11th to the 16th in Nashville, Tennessee. Couples * Line Dance * Teams * Pro Am * Swing/Hustle....At the Opryland Hotel, Rooms are selling out fast at our $119 rate. Please Make Hotel Reservations! Register Online Please join us to help spread our great dance with other dance venues. The hotel is outrageous & the shows & competitions are unbelievable. If you have not experienced it yet, please check it out this year.
http://ucwdcworlds.com
A look back at 2004
The birth of the first annual Dance Music Awards, recognizing the creators and pioneers of disco and current dance music artists, mixmasters, DJs and producers.
Last year, we lost many wonderful musicians, composers and artists. We will always be moved by Barry White (Love Unlimited Orchestra), John Whitehead (Aint No Stopping Us Now), Rick James (the Superfreak) , Laura Branigan (Gloria) and Bert Reid (Crown Heights Affair).
He taught us how to dance....giving many dancers their first opportunity to shine. Ralph Lew was a performer, dancer, MC, composer and true friend of the dance community. He will always be remembered.
Winners of the first Van McCoy professional dance contest Brian & Silvana Gallagher.
Rhythm Force presented 'Don't Stop The Music' to benefit the homeless in New York...with the support of Bobby O, Keith Harrison and DJ Johnny V.
Congratulations to all the newlyweds: Luis Rosa & Mary Ann Poma, Denise Sanchez & Steve Salerno and Hazel Meade & Tybaldt Ulrich.
The Spinning W Ranch hosted a benefit for wheel chair dancers, hosted by Wendy Lippincott in Medford, New Jersey.
The Original Zachary's announced the return of their popular annual dance contest. Every Saturday night the party goes on in Long Island New York.
The contest runs thru March of 2005 with a total of $10,000. in prize money.
The 2004 World Open Dance winners were Kelvin Roche and Loriann Greenhouse.
To the dancing mothers that gave birth in 2004, Angela McCabe and Jenn Gessner.
DanceTalk® 2004 annual Readers choice awards winners were:
* Favorite DJ - Tie Jenny Costa and Bobby Morales (Bobby has been voted #1 three years in a row)
* Favorite Female Dancer - Silvana Gallagher (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Favorite Male Dancer - Keith Gussoni (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Favorite Dance Couple - Raye Avery & Irene Griffin
* Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Meade
* Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone (voted #1 three years in a row)
* Favorite Male Instructor - Arte Phillips (voted #1 three years in a row)
* Person of the Year - Keith Gussoni
Newlyweds Hazel Mead and Tybaldt Ulrich are making great names for themselves winning top awards at many of the national competitions including
Mad Jam and Discoamerica.
The 12th annual Holiday Spectacular was an overwhelming success. Winners of the Philadelphia Regional Van McCoy contest were:
First place in the amateur divisions - Angela McCabe and Wingo Hom
First Place in the Professional Division - Joe Kerner and Caralina Almont.
DanceTalk * 1-4-05
Music and dancing brings happiness to people all over the world. To our extended dance families and friends, all over the country...we wish you a wonderful New Year full of happiness, good health and success. Keep our soldiers that fight for our freedom and liberty in your prayers and look to help those that have been hurt by the devastation's in Asia, Thailand and Indonesia. Approximately 150,000 people are dead and more than a million are now homeless. The best way to help is through the American Red Cross at 1800HELPNOW or on-line www.redcross.org.
Also, there is a pin designed to show your support. They are $10.00 each and the proceeds will go to those in need. www.fundraisingpins.com
Congratulations to these celebrities for putting their money where they're mouths are. They have all given sizable contributions: Jacki Chan, Linkin Park, Sandra bullock
and Boy George.
Happy birthday wishes to Madeline Ossias.
Wishing Kathy O'Neil a speedy recovery from her leg surgery this week.
Major dance party for the Disco Exhibit which is having it's grand opening this February in New York. The party takes place at Club Spirit in the Big apple, on Monday Jan 31th. More details coming in next weeks issue.
One of Disco's premiere artists, the diva herself Donna Summer has digitally mastered and re-released her classic album. Read all about it at DONNA SUMMER: ON THE SOUL-PATROL.COM WEBSITE
Congratulations to Patty McConnell. She placed 1st at Bill Cameron's New Year's Dance Extravaganza in the West Coast Swing Jack & Jill -- Newcomer Division!
Dance shoes and sneakers at discount prices visit,
http://www.discountdance.com/frame_set.php3?mf=/thumb.php
Next week, a look back at 2004 in DanceTalk®.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk®. is sponsored by the 'original' Hustle Dance Cruise. The ship is almost sold out, don't be turned away.
www.hustlecruise.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Classic Disco
If your creating the ultimate dance collection of music, are a new disc jockey still planting your feet or are simply creating a historical collection of music, here is a selection of some of the basic records your need. It's human nature to search out the roots and discover the history of what drives you...in this case the music. These pre 1976 recordings have gone on to become dance classics.
If your a vinyl junky or CD collector, these should be part of your disco library.
The Trammps - Trammps featuring 'Zing Went the Strings of My Heart'.
Love Unlimited - Under The Influence of ...'Love's Theme' by Barry White
Barrabas - Heart of The City featuring 'Hijack' and 'Woman'
MFSB - Love is the Message featuring 'Sexy', 'K-Jee' and the theme from Soul Train.
Bohannon - Insides Out featuring the funky 'Keep On Dancin'.
BT Express - Do IT - Featuring the hott 'Peace Pipe' and 'Express'.
Ecstasy, Passion & Pain - 'Ask Me', 'Good Things Don't Last Forever'.
First Choice - Armed & Dangerous, includes 'Smarty Pants', 'Newsy Neighbors'.
Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye with 'Honeybee', 'How High the Moon'.
Van McCoy - Disco Baby - 'The Hustle', 'Spanish Boogie'.
George McCrae - Rock Your Baby,
Eddie Kendrick's - People Hold On - 'Date With The Rain'
The Ritchie Family - Brazil
Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby - need I say more!
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