DanceTalk - The Archives
January 2006


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 -
mark

Hustle Dance Teacher
Directory
Hustle Links & Comps ++
under Hustle Column
Dance Etiquette
& More
Hustle Letters
Reponses
Ron's Archieves

Search:
Keywords:
Amazon Logo


From iTunes & Mark James

Hustle Mix
West Coast Swing Mix
Cha Cha Mix
Salsa Mix
Foxtrots

DanceTalk * 1-31-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Mimi Doi,  Yana Brin,  Nelson "Paradise" Roman,
Bernard Martinez,  Bob Scott
and  Denise Sanchez.

Two one hour segments of Championship Ballroom Dancing with Marylou Henner and Tony Meredith will air on PBS on Feb 1 and Feb 8th. Tune in.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ballroomchallenge/

Okay dancers, Valentine's Day is creeping up, its a day of romance and dancing.
Check out the Valentine's Day Dinner Dance on Tuesday, February 14th at the Quality Inn on Route 309 in Montgomeryville, PA. See all the details below.

Come celebrate Mimi Doi's birthday at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem, this Tuesday for the best in Hustle, Swing and Latin in between. Come join the birthday dance, cake and the hot music with DJ Mark. 

Time to sweep your Valentine off their feet, Saturday, February 4th, a Quickstart  Dance Program for beginners: (Noon - 6 PM)  at the North Penn YMCA. Learn Merengue, Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing Basics, Rumba, Cha Cha Basics & Salsa Basics.  See all the details below.

Congratulations to The Hustle, Swing and Salsa Cruise, sailing on February 9th, they just hit the 275 dancers mark making it currently the largest organized partner dance cruise convention in the U.S.

Lets get the next generation of dancers off to a good start. Saturday, January 28th, JUNIOR LATIN & SWING CLASS  (8 - 16 year-olds) will start from 3 - 3:55 PM at the North Penn YMCA in Lansdale, PA and run for 8 week sessions. $90 for 8 weeks. Scholarships available where a financial need can be demonstrated.

Look for Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow on "Dancing With the Stars" in early February. They will be performng an exhibition on the Friday Results show.

Correction - the Philly Van McCoy Dance Contest winners were: Philip Spinka &  Donna Boyle (advanced) and Amanda Kirkham & Jameson Kilburn in the Intermediate category. They all move onto the IHSC  in Miami

At 13 years old she began hustle dancing. In 1979 she competed on national TV and won the Queen of Disco dance title. Nelly Cotto and Floyd Chishom mesmerized the world with their slick style. Simply put.....Nelly stole our hearts. One year ago she experienced a set back. Next week, an exclusive update on this dancing sensation. 


Make it a great week,
Ron




Twenty five years ago dancing was a daily exercise for a big part of the country.
The number of night clubs continued to proliferate as dancing was red hot. The motion picture "Chariots of Fire" was a big box office success but "Raiders of the Lost Ark" walked away with the Academy Award. Henry Fonda took best actor for his role in "On Golden Pond." Disco was still hitting a positive beat. The die hard dancers went to studios to hustle in the early evenings on weekdays.  Phillips, Alexis and Darien's, in New York, were regular stops for studio hustle socials. Quincy Jones produced "The Dude" that year and Gino Soccio put out "Try It Out," Rick James had a monster hit with "Give It To Me Baby," Frankie Smith had commercial success with "Double Dutch Bus," Tanna Gardner sung "Heart Beat" and Kool and the Gang told the world to "Celebrate." In 1981 there were no annual dance conventions - still in dream - mode, a decade away, but folks from Long Islanders took their dancing seriously and went to Nova, Metro 700, Uncle Sams, Roxy and Infinities to hustle all night. New Jerseites went to the Fountain Casino, Widow's Watch, Gatsbys, Limelight, the Palace, Mingles, Some Place Else, Poor Billie's and Valentinos. If you made it down to Atlantic City you had to stay all night at the Chez Paree. Those dancers that hung out in Philly made regular visits to the Library, CC Charlie's, Ciao, Second Story, London Victory Club, H.B's, Elan's, Scintillation's and the Catacombs for late night dancing. Dance contests took place daily. They were a wonderful instrument to draw a crowd. But putting a side the gimmicks, prize money and trips, nearly 100 couples competed at Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, for one of the most prestigious annual dance competitions of all time...qualifying for the Harvest Moonball.
Two weeks later, Eddy Vega and Nelly Cotto won, the hustle division finals of the Harvest Moonball, held at the Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden. It was a wonderful year, 25 years ago, Ronald Reagan waltzed into the White House bringing class to the country as we danced the nights away.

DanceTalk * 1-24-06

Happy Birthday wishes to John Aulicino,  Tony Troiano,  Marianne Gonzalez and George Velazquez.

Dance competitor, Elisabeth Craner was the victim of a mugging last week. She is recuperating but has suffered multiple injuries. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her out dancing again soon. 

Our heart felt condolences go out  to Frank Badolato on the loss of his mother this past week. Yolanda was an avid ballroom dancer and was on the board of Buck's County Single Parents Society which sponsored ballroom dancing at The Paso Doble Ballroom in Levittown Pa. 

Philadelphia's own,  Donna Boyle was contacted by the associate producer of  "Dancing With The Stars" to perform on a future show. Stay tuned.

This Tuesday we will be celebrating Wingo Hom's birthday at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa. Come on out for the birthday dance, cake and the European dance invasion directed by DJ Mark. 

Congratulations to Phillip Spinka and Michael Couris both qualified along with their teacher Donna Boyle in the Pro/am Van McCoy dance contest last week at Top Hat Dance studio. They now move onto the next round in Miami.

Save the date - Saturday Feb 11, for the NE Region Van McCoy Hustle Contest held in East Hartford, CT at the Circle of Life Dance Headquarters. Hosted by Kimberly Vanaman and Tom Johnson. More details coming soon.

Check out the Photo Gallery on http://www.starlightdanceusa.com lots of great pictures from all the dance parties at Starlight Dance Center in Nutley, NJ.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Mad Jam 2006.  This is the event that combines Hustle, WCS and Hand Dancing. You don't want to miss it March 2-5, $48 ROUND TRIP NYC PARTY BUS from the big apple to Mad Jam. The hotel has just released more rooms at the $109 rate. If you couldn't get one last week, call 703.448.1234 - but don't wait! Visit the website for all the details. http://www.atlanticdancejams.com 

Make it a great week,
Ron




Disco Music from Spin

Spin Magazine is a leading music (Rock &  Roll)  industry magazine. They review new records, concerts and rock related news. They recently compiled their Definitive Guide to Classic Disco list. Writer Michaelangelo Matos states, "Disco is the Michael Myers of Pop, People keep "killing" it, but it just keeps on coming back." As we all know, it never really went away, it just took on a new name and resurfaced as Dance Music. But it is quite interesting that a Rock and Roll dedicated periodical would take the time to write such an in-depth article. I guess the industry of dance is just to big to over look. In the past, DanceTalk has listed those indispensable records  recommended by the hottest DJs of dance music. Here is a different perspective. In brief, Spin identified 10 albums that they feel are a must have for disco lovers.
Not a bad list, for a magazine that shys away from dance and pop music.

Donna Summer:Bad Girls: Deluxe Editon -
Chic - Risque,  songs include Good Times, My Forbidden Lover  1979
Dr. Buzzard's Original Sawvannah Band - featuring vocalist Cory Daye 1976
Various Artists - Disco Years 1974-1978 - Van McCoy, Trammps, Diana Ross
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall, 1979 produced by Quincy Jones
Larry Levan - Live at the Paradise Garage,  DJ Levan plays diva hits.
Various Artists - The Philly Sound 1966-1976 - OJays, Harold Melvin...
Various Artists - Disco Not Disco
Madonna - Madonna 1983
Various Artists ; Salsoul Presents The Definitive 12" Jingo, 10 Percent,

Letters To The Editor

Hi Ron,  I consider myself the longest reader of dance talk, I remember when you first started and the informtaiton was mostly about Philadelphia. Now, it has grown leaps and bounds. I forward it every Tuesday to my friends and dance buddies from the days we hung out at Egypt and the Eigth Floor on Delaware Aveneue. Great times. Oh how I miss them. How is Bobby Peters, Donna Boyle, Sandy Lizzi and Stanlely. I apoligzie for not getting out. But I made a vow for New Years to lose some weight ..... and get back into it. I'm shooting to be at this summers Discoamerica event in atlatic City. Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping us all so informed........
From your longest reader,
Sue W.

>>>>>>>>>
HEY RON
AS I WAS PULLING UP TO THE SWING CITY PARKING LOT (Tampa) I HEAR "holy cow it"s Bobby "O" I LOOK UP THE WOMEN IS VAGUELY FAMILIAR SHE TRIED EXPLAINING YOU KNOW ME FROM CONNIE MACDOUGAL, DIANE NARDONE "Old MAN FRANK' and all the New Jersey parties........ NOW She's GOT MY ATTENTION.....A WOMEN READ THIS THING DANCETALK AND FOUND OUT THAT BOBBY "O" FROM NEW YORK IS BRINGING THE NEW YORK STYLE HUSTLE INTO THE TAMPA AREA. SHE WENT INTO A PANIC -OH MY GOSH I HAVE BEEN DOWN HERE FOR TWO YEARS SEARCHING HARD TO DO THE HUSTLE. SHE CALLED HER GIRLFRIEND CARMEN "what do you know about this Bobby O from n.y"....... WOUND UP BEING MY CLASS. SHE WAS ECSTATIC. NOT ONLY DID THE CLASS GO WELL- THEY CHEERED AFTER THE CLASS .....CAN'T WAIT TIL NEXT WEDNESDAY. DANCETALK WAS A GODSEND FOR THIS WOMAN.
BOBBY O   

DanceTalk * 1-17-06

Happy birthday wishes to Ralph Ferro,  Alex Jack,  Mike Carillo , Mikalena Nau, Debbie Tuttle, Nick Bellivan and Wingo Hom.

The biggest star in the world in 1987, Patrick Swayze, had a surprise smash hit on the soundtrack of his number 1 movie "Dirty Dancing" - "She's Like the Wind."  19 years later, he's apparently trying to relive that glory by recording a rap single! Stay tuned.

Championship Ballroom dancing returns to PBS broadcasting in February. Visit the website for times and channels. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ballroomchallenge/

Coming soon to DanceTalk®, the 2006 Hustle Teacher Dance Directory, the finest  comprehensive list of hustle instructors thru out the country.   

It's only 7 weeks away, the 2006 Mad Jam, Mar 2 - 5 at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Tyson's Corner Virginia. The best prices for hotel rooms & registration are available now. Visit http://www.atlanticdancejams.com or call (301) 330 - 7708

March 18th, Saturday night is party time, another dance event at the Spinning W Ranch in Medford, NJ. Hosted by Wendy Lippincott. More details coming soon.

Dancing With The Stars was the number one hit of the summer of 2005. The current season is up against prime time hits. The second season debut captured 8th place in the most watched shows last week with over 17.5 million viewers. Nice.

Next Tuesday is The European Invasion at Michael's Cafe. Come hear the best dance music of the 70's and 80's from Europe,  featuring - Cerrone, Georgio Moroder, Alec R Constindinos, Madleen Kane, Ultimate, Donna Summer, Voyage and many more. 

Make it a great week,
Ron

Time Capsule


During the disco era many new musical artists broke onto the dance scene. Many gained wide attention because of their rich talent and their youth. Probably one of the most popular young singers was Evelyn "Champaign" King. As a teenager she struck gold with the enormous dance hit "Shame." Follow up songs included "I Don't know If Its Right" and "I'm In Love." She continues to perform today entertaining dancers across the USA. Then, adolescent singer Freddie James wowed listeners with his strong range. He gained notoriety for hits like "Everybody Get Up & Boogie" and "Hollywood." Freddie has since not been heard from.
Some classic songs came from foreign artists. One of the most popular singers belted out block buster hits like "Come To Me," "Feel Like Dancing" then followed up with "The Heart to Break The Heart." France Joli became the teenage queen of European singers. Her music crossed over from dance charts to Top 40 success. France Joli continues to tour in disco revivals. Years prior, in his pre teens, a young Michael Jackson set the bar as he became a house hold name leading his brothers, the Jackson Five, to numerous gold records. His current challenges have over shadowed his musical talent.
But there is another artist, from abroad, that didn't get the recognition that so many of her peers received back then. She burst onto the dance music scene in 1978, (considered the best year for dance/club music). Born in Sweden, she became a top fashion model in Europe, appearing on hundreds of magazine covers. She was discovered by the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency and was also signed by Jean Claude Frederich, her record producer, and was able to establish highly successful dual careers in modeling and singing, all before her 18th birthday. Madleen Kane had monster recording hits in Europe, Japan, Canada, Mexico and South America. Best remembered for  "Forbidden Love" and "Rough Diamond," she recorded six memorable albums. All in all she had 11 chart toppers and gold records including "Fire In My Heart" produced by Georgio Moroder- the man behind Donna Summer's success.
    

The Hustle Cruise Store

The 2006 Hustle, Swing and Salsa Cruise has opened their merchandise store. 
The cruise sets sail Feb 9th. Its not to late to join them, visit http://www.hustlecruise.com. Now is the time to order your goodies, even if you can't set sail on the high seas.
You can choose from four quality items:

* The famous custom Hustle Cruise "Dance Bag" , cost $20 including shipping,
* "Hustle into Paradise" black 100% cotton tee shirt cost $15 including shipping  (please specify size) S, M, L, XL
* "Dancers Gone Wild" DVD cost $40 and includes the cruise workshop reviews.
* "Hustle Cruise" black Baseball Cap,

Send payment checks to:
Drew Axelrod, 823 S.E. 18th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL  33316.
Please allow 3 weeks for delivery.
Call 754-246-2874

DanceTalk * 1-10-06




Happy birthday wishes to Mimi Litz and Irena Griffin.

Philly Festival DanceSport Championships takes place April 7,8,9 2006.  Come witness what has made "Dancing With the Stars" the number one hit show in the country. See it live and up close - the best ballroom/Latin dancers in the nation. Come join Sandra and Andy Fortuna at the Philadelphia Airport Marriot Hotel. 
http://www.phillyfestival.info

Good luck to Nan Bohrar, she is under going surgery and will be out for a couple of weeks.

The music industry has lost another super star. Lou Rawls has passed and leaves behind a discography of beautiful music including 3 Grammy awards. In the mid 70's after meeting with Gamble & Huff, Lou changed record labels and recorded a number of dance classics including "Your Never Find," "Lady Love" and "See You When I Get There." He was a class act.

Tuesday night, Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa, will be featuring the music of the late great Lou Rawls. DJ Mark will be playing all his hits. No cover, free parking.

Stanley Smalanowicz is leaving for Poland for three months. We wish him a safe trip.

Please visit the Hustle Hall Of Fame, anyone missing. You can nominate dancer(s) for the Top Of the Class and Competitors divisions. Send those names to me at Rowenlb22@aol.com  If your a current member of the Hall Of Fame, send your photos to dannsirs@yahoo.com  for posting. 

Margate/Fort Lauderdale Florida has a new place to dance. Every Wednesday night with DJ Bobby Gerard and dance instructor Phil Palma, see the details below.    

Correction: Last week, we forgot some important people that played a big part in the Hurricane Katrina Fund raiser held at Michael's Cafe. Shannon Johnson, Bill Poulter. and Lauren Bess all contributed their time and support. Thank you.   


Make it a great week,
Ron


The Essential Records

We wanted to zero in on those special albums that make us want to dance. We tapped into the minds of some of the most knowledgeable Disc Jockeys that specialize in the dance era. Here was the scenario they were presented with:
Your a juggernaut and heading to outerspace for 6 months. You can only load three dance albums on your MP3 player.
Here are the results,
Thank you to all these special DJs that put so much time and energy into keeping us dancing. 


Johnny O - NJ
Try Me “ Donna Summer
Peanut Vendor “ The Ritchie Family
Salsoul Rainbow “ Salsoul Orchestra


>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bobby Gerard - FL
The Trammps - Where do We Go From Here
Teddy Pendergrass - Don't leave me This Way
Voyage - Souveneirs

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Sid Rivers - Denver
Garden of Love - Don Ray Standing in the rain,  got to have loving
Sound track to Saturday Night Fever
Seasons of Love - Donna Summer

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DJ Dominick - NY
*Donna Summer "Live & More"
**Teddy Pendergrass (White Album)
***Salsoul Orchestra "Christmas Jollies"
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Mike Brooks - Atlantic City
*Best of the Trammps 
**Donna Summer anthology
***super rare disco

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DJ CJ Ortiz - Atlanta

Voyage - Voyage
Gino Soccio - Dancer
Santa Esmeralda - House Of The Rising Sun

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kenny Arditi - Philly
Saturday Night Fever,
New Millennium hustle (the divas),
Ultimate Hustle by Johnny V 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Dave Lach - Michigan
1.  Donna Summers - On the Radio.
2.  Madonna - Immaculate Collection.
3.  Whispers - Greatest Hits.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Bob Frione - Connecticut

Best of Donna Summer.
Anthology Gloria Gaynor,
Best of Earth, Wind, & Fire   
 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Frank Pellici - NJ
Once Upon A Time -  Donna Summer

Goody Goody -  Vincent Montana Jr
Sure Shot - Crown Heights Affair

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DJ Mark - Philly

1. Salsoul Orchestra Classics

2. Donna Summer's Endless Summer
3. Cerrone's Greatest Hits

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Larry Tower - Montreal
1) MFSB - Summertime
2) Martin Circus - Circus
3) Cerrone - Cerrone's Paradise

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Johnny V - Long Island   
Theo Vaness--- Back To The Music
Donna Summer--- Anthology
Night At Studio 54--- Casablanca Records 
                                           
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DJ Yahu Pawul - Poland
SALSOUL ORCHESTRA - no 1 
SALSOUL ORCHESTRA - nice 'n' nasty
CAROL WILLIAMS - electric lady

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Barry Lederer - NY
BORIS MIDNEY- USA EUROPEAN CONNECTION
VOYAGE
GLORIA GAYNOR - NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DJRadar - Miami Florida
1-
       Ultimate by Ultimate
2-
       Love In C Minor by Cerrone
3-
       Beautiful Bend (Boris Midney) USA European Connection     

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bobby Morales - NYC
1. Dr. Buzzards Original Savannah Band - Chezchez La Famme, I'll Play The Fool,
2. James Brown - "Sex Machine - Live In Augusta, Ga."
3. The Salsoul Orchestra!! (original) Salsoul Hustle, Tangerine, Chicago Bus Stop (OOH, I LOVE IT) You're Just The Right Size, Tale Of Three Cities, Salsoul Rainbow
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

JohnnyRocks - NY
WKTU 103.5 FM (The Beat Of New York)

1).  Seal                            "Get It Together"
2).  Victor Calderone        "Resonate"
3).  Max Graham              "Transport 4"



             The Dancing Photographer 


A good photographer must not only understand the art of photography but understand the subject matter as well. When it comes to dancing, Sam Habet has conquered them both. He has a strong comprehensive knowledge of competitive dancing as well as the skills needed behind the lens. Sam has been dancing for years. In the late 90's he decided to explore the competitive ranks. With great success he has continued to compete in Amateur, Pro/Am as well as show case divisions.  As a trained dancer he has learned the multiple levels and dynamics of partnership dancing and performing. He has developed that keen sense of anticipation which is irreplaceable when it comes time to capture that dance moment on film. Sam has coupled his mutual love for dance and photography. A desire that supersedes any monetary reward. "I take pictures with great passion" explains Sam. "I love portraits, action shots and candid photos, especially on the social dance floor." As a child Sam embraced photography. It has been a hobby of his since he was a youngster.
A side from his daily, high volume business schedule, Sam engages his photography and displays it on his website. His mission is to spread the word of dance in the community for recruitment of new dancers. His motto is, one picture is worth ten thousands words.?  You can observe his work from many of the national competitions at http://www.samsSnapshots.com 
For dance portraits, competitive shots, photos for personal use or for the Hustle Hall of Fame, contact Sam Habet at sam@samssnapshots.com  or visit his website.
If your planning to attend any of the national and/or regional dance competitions in 2006, chances are Sam will be there social dancing, competing along with his cameras. 

DanceTalk * 1-3-06

Make it a great New Year's,
Stick to your New Year's resolutions and keep dancing close to your heart.

Happy Birthday wishes to Madeline Ossias, Marta Hogan and Fran Richman.

Our heart felt condolences go out to the friends and family of JoEllen Farricker, She was a supporter of dance events in Boston Mass, the "driving force of the most incredible dance program at The Longfellow Clubs, Wayland, MA catering to all dancers in New England." Please keep her in your prayers.

Please keep Marianne Gonzales in your thoughts and prayers as she has just lost her grandmother.

Congratulations to Angel & Debbie Figueroa on the birth of their baby son, Antonio. What a magical way to start the new year.  

Its only a few weeks away, don't miss out on this years Hustle, Swing & Salsa Cruise. Rooms are going fast on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment Of The Seas, Reserve now 954-431-7771 and visit http://www.hustlecruise.com 

High Five to Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake as they performed live on Dick Clark Rock'n New Year's Eve Show along with a few other couples touch dancing.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the hottest new dance party,
Hustle Etc....in NJ. It happens this coming Sunday, http://www.powerhousestudios.tv   read all about it below.


Make it a great week,
Ron



                            A look back at 2005


Two Golden voiced singers have left us: Tyrone Kersey, writer, singer and performer who co wrote the classic hit by the Trammps "Disco Inferno." 
Luther Vandross, four-time Grammy winner, started with super group Chic and had hits with Change before going solo and reaching world wide fame. The R& B voice of our generation.

Popular New York DJ Nino Torre got married on the Hustle Cruise and has now moved to Virginia and set up shop.

The traveling Disco Exhibit opened in New York with a preparty at the Spirit Night club, received rave reviews.  

The IHDA identified their new president for 2005, Mr. Arte Phillips

Now getting national recognition, Mad Jam gets bigger and better. Rob Finocchio and Tiffany Brown capture first place in the Classic Hustle in Virginia. 

Disco historian, Marty Angelo received the Life Time Achievement award at the IHSC this past year in Miami Florida.

DanceTalk® celebrated it's 5th anniversary. Along with http://www.DanceClassicShowcase.com  we gave away complete library's of the DanceClassic CD's to: Marisol Duprey - Philadelphia, Pa,  Gloria Juat - Long Beach, Calif.,  Dominick Lauriano - Huntington, N.Y,  Susan Hiser - Blue Bell, Pa, Bobby O - Long Island, N.Y.

Celebrating the seventh year, Discoamerica does a first and holds a national Hustle event in Atlantic City, NJ.  Kelvin Roche and Loriann Greenhouse win the Discoamerica Open.

This year saw the rebirth of the official Hustle Hall Of Fame. Designed to recognize and honor those dancers that have laid the ground work for the hustle and to acknowledge those dancers that continue to keep the spirit of the hustle alive today.
- The review panel includes: Susan Marolda, Juan Hernandez, Ron Bess, Mark James and Bobby O. 

The World Hustle Dance Championships breaks their previous five year attendance record. The 2005 World Open in NJ was won by Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich

The newest annual event was launched in New York City, Hustle Congress, hosted by Lori Brizzi. Kelvin Roche and Lori Ann Greenhouse  capture the gold

Fund raisers for those struck by Hurricane Katrina:
*Starlight,Dance Center - Nutley NJ - Nina Marks, Johnny V, Nino Torre, Johnny O, Diane Nardone, Lori Brizzi raised over $4,000.00
*Soho Dance Studio - NYC, Bobby Morales, Nelson Roman raised over $1,000.00
*Michaels Cafe - Bensalem Pa - Dara Patrusky, Dorit, Naomi, DJ Mark, Terri Murphy, Susan Hiser, Paige Shoyer, Denise Sanchez, Rosalie Bucci, Carole Phelps, Donna Boyle, Andre Phelps, Sarah Jones, Ron Morrison, Mike Gormley, Stacey Stirling, Melissa Martin & the Mighty Rhythm Kings raised nearly $3,000.00

The Holiday Spectacular
adopted a new home, the Paso Doble Ballroom, for the 13th annual event hosted by Ron Bess & Donna Boyle. A wonderful turnout where Chris Bates and Lisa Choi took first place in the Jack and Jill Dance Contest. The dancing was non stop with DJ Mark

2005 Readers Choice Awards
*** Favorite DJ - Mark Routzahn (aka DJ Mark)
*** Favorite Female Dancer - Silvana Gallagher (Voted #1 Three years in a row)
*** Favorite Male Dancer - Derrick Allen 
*** Favorite Dance Couple - Loriann Greenhouse and Kelvin Roche
*** Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich
     (Voted # 1 two years in a row)
*** Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone (Voted #1 four years in a row) 
*** Favorite Male Instructor - Arte Phillips (Voted # 1 four years in a row)
*** Person of the Year -  Keith Gussoni (Voted #1 two years in a row)

Hustle ETC

Start the New Year off with a new place to dance, play and have fun. Sunday evening, January 8th, come on out and shed those extra holiday pounds at the newest dance spot. Hustle ETC, hosted by high energy dancer "Smitty."  Sign up on the Email/Mailing List at the door and receive a Free VIP Discount Card. From 7PM till Midnight your hear and enjoy the pulse beating sounds of New Jersey's own DJ Johnny "O," spinning, primarily Hustle with WCS & Salsa Mixed in. FREE Bottled Water, FREE Soda, FREE PLAY Arcade & Video Games. Specialty Juice Bar also available...all for only $12 per person. You have to experience this new venue that promises to have something for everyone. Your have the opportunity to enjoy the songs that made the hustle dance so special back in the 70's and 80's as  Johnny O will bring you right up to the freshest beats of today.
If you don't want to travel into the city, here is the perfect place to dance on Sunday evenings. This is the convenient place for New Jersey, New York and Pa to come together on the dance floor. Located at the Powerhouse Studio - in East Hanover. 7 Littell Rd, East Hanover, NJ, 07936 973.560.9560 800.287.4613
For directions and more information call or visit the website at http://www.powerhousestudios.tv 
Hold the date, Sunday, January 22nd, for the next Hustle ETC dance party.


Letter to the Editor


Here is a wonderful letter from a guy with a heart as big as Texas. His message exudes an important concern about time,  that is steadfast in his heart.  He crystallizes this for us all. I know you will be moved by this,
RB
....................

Time, Time, Time, See what has become of me, As I look upon my possibilities,
I was hard to please. What has become more obvious to me is how time has passed and how precious it is. The time we met, the time we danced, the time we spent, the time right now and the time to come.  How can we do it all in our time? We don't know. The gift of time and support is all we really have and after 10 years, I cherish that the most. I never ask for things at Christmas although I have learned to accept things.  This year I have lots to be thankful for, however I'm incomplete about a task undertaken two years ago.  This year is the time for completion and renewal.
A dear friend of mine, Gladys Torres, was diagnosed with brain cancer and her prognosis was 3-6 months to live.  This cancer sidelined her from a career in dance which we were to start at Diane Nardone's World Hustle Championships.  Gladys was to perform as a pro, have pro am students, and co-teach workshops with me.  That all ended.  Not a very good time for your life and dreams.  Gladys's faith, her husband and family, her friends and dance friends were to be tested.  Gladys's status after three years of everything is stable but still a threat.  She is strong, and in her words, "I'm alive!" My mission was to bring Gladys to Diane's event and make a dream of hers come true?to be an invited pro with all the privileges of teaching, judging, room & board, dinner show, and to mix with the pros as an equal in the hospitality suite, etc. Diane Nardone didn't blink an eye.  The real Santa Claus was Diane's choice of people over rules. Gladys was weak and scared, but all were inspired by her presence.  This coming 2006 World Hustle Championship, Gladys and I are coming.  Gladys is swimming, working out, and dancing.  The completion of my goal is to dance with Gladys in the Pro-Pro Division?to head up against everyone, let the chips fall.  To connect Gladys with my students in as many divisions as she can stand.  This year Diane's event, World Hustle Dance Championships is about our participation, dreams, goals, friendships old and new, and completion.  This will be historical.  Be on the side of history.  If you can go, GO!  If you want to participate, DO THAT!  This year my Cinco De Mayo Event in May will be a stepping stone to Diane's World Hustle Championships.  It will be hustle and salsa, to get me, Gladys and Houston ready for Diane's event.  I also invite you to enjoy the best social dancing and workshop experience I know of. If you want to dance in a pro am division with Gladys, contact us through my website at http://www.tonypaceportfolio.com  There will be pro am male and pro am female.
Every Wednesday when she can, Gladys will be at Chayns to work and dance with these people in Houston.  If you are out of state, we will work with you. When Gladys was sick, people couldn't believe it, and wanted to do something, but there was little to do.  Now you can share the gift of your time, our dance - hustle, at an historic event?Diane Nardone's World Hustle Dance Championship 2006.  Participate this year, 2006 in New Jersey.  We will see you on the floor.  Let's celebrate. All are welcome.  Contact me about New Jersey.  I have 10 people signed up.  There is no limit.  This chance may never happen again. I appreciate your taking the time to read this message.  The gift of time is underestimated.  Your time is more valuable.  I know you could be doing something else.  Be safe and take care of yourself and each other. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Tony Pace

Mark James' Dance Zen Site Search


TO RON

SOME DANCE LINKS
MARK JAMES'
DANCE SPORT SITE
SPIRTUALITY & GROWTH 
MARK'S CORNER
with Links

Webmaster & Sponsored by Mark James

TO MARK

11