DanceTalk - The Archives
January 2008
Thank for
Visiting the Archives 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
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Mark James' Dance Zen Site Search
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DanceTalk * 1-29-08
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Happy Birthday wishes to George Velazquez,
Mimi Doi, Yana Brin, Lisa Ciao, Nelson "Paradise"
Roman, Guy Santana, and Bernard Martinez.
Twelve years ago, one of the all time greatest dancer/showmen passed
away. Gene Kelly was a legend. "Singing In the
Rain" will live on forever.
This week, two birthdays to celebrate at Michael's Cafe.
Wingo Hom and Lisa Ciao
Don't miss the Tuesday night dance in Bensalem Pa. See more details
below.
February 7th, premiers the newest reality show Americas Best
Hip Hop Dance Crew, on MTV 10PM EST, where hip hop teams
compete. Hosted by Mario Lopez and executive producer Randy Jackson,
from American Idol.
The America's Ballroom Challenge will be shown on
PBS television in high definition starting January 30th, at 8 PM. It
will be shown for 5 consecutive Wednesdays.
Promo Video
America's Ballroom Challenge will feature some of the dancing that
occurred last November at another Columbus event, and world's largest
ballroom dance competition, the Ohio Star Ball. It will be hosted by
Jasmine Guy and Ron Montez.
July 24th to the 27th, the 8th Annual World Hustle Dance
Championships return to the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick,
NJ. Save the date.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Hustle/Salsa
Cruise. Read all about it below. Don't get left at the dock.
Make it a great week,
Ron
The 2008 Hustle & Salsa Cruise
Shake off the winter blues, its time to book your room for the Hustle
& Salsa Cruise 2008. Don't be left behind. The 8th
annual dance cruise sets sail on Feb 22nd and returns on the 25th. Your
dance, mingle and meet new friends on a relaxing vacation at sea. Your
leave from Miami and travel to Coco Cay, Paradise Island, Bahamas
& back. Join your dance buddies on the Royal Caribbean's
Majesty Of The Seas. The ship has been totally remodeled and is simply
beautiful. This is an affordable trip with rates starting as low as
$260 only per person - plus taxes. Remember this is an all inclusive
vacation. The party is non stop, just ask some of the 300 dancers that
went on last years cruise. There is lots of dance workshops,
general dance sessions hosted by first class DJs and professional dance
teachers. There will be the original "You Be The Judge" and "Jack and
Jill" dance Contests. Don't miss out....and there is more. Relax in the
sun, enjoy the islands, pool & beach parties with DJ's Nino
Torre, Johnny V and Greg T. Its always hot fun and lots of things to
do. The party kicks off with a Pre-cruise Bon Voyage Party at Gloria
Estefan's world famous nightclub Bongo's overlooking Biscayne Bay on
Thursday, February 21st. Make reservations (754) 246 - 2874 or visit
http://www.HustleCruise.com Air fare rates are very reasonable. Check
below some of the sample rates:
From the NY Tristate
http://www.orbitz.com “ Delta $234 total per
person
http://www.Expedia.com
- American Airlines $234.48 total per person
From Philadelphia
http://www.Expedia.com
“ United $358.48 per person
http://www.CheapOair.com
- Delta Air Lines $378.50 per person
From Newark
http://www.Expedia.com
- American Airlines $264.49 per person
http://www.orbitz.com
- Continental Airlines $275 per person
Most Flights can be about $50 cheaper for a Thurs. 2/21/08 departure
For reservations call Drew at 754 246 2874 or visit http://www.hustle-salsacruise.com
for cruise details, cabin & dance floor pictures and FAQs.
Dance Trivia
* Pierre Dulaine, who's commitment to teaching ballroom to children was
recognized in the motion picture biography of his life "Take the Lead,"
was awarded both the Legends Of Dance Award and the Heritage Classic
Awards in 2006.
* Alec R. Constindinos, best known for his dance version of 'Romeo and
Juliet', created and produced the music for Love & Kisses. The
group had many hits including "Thank God Its Friday," "I Found Love"
and "Your Never Know How Much I love You."
* Salsa dance champion Alex Da Silva is a regular on "So You think You
Can Dance".....where he choreographs routines for the competitors. He
is the 2005 Mayan World Salsa champion & appeared on the
revamped Dance Fever TV show.
* Later this year, the release of the motion picture "The Ministers,"
written and directed by Franc. "Perico" Reyes. A hustle pioneer that
appeared on Dance Fever and was an original member of the Disco Dance
Dimensions, he has already achieved critic acclaim for his other two
motion pictures.
* She danced on Soul Train back in the 80's then joined the hit singing
group Shalamar. From there she went solo, Jody Watley had a number of
hits including "Look'in For A New Love". An accomplished dancer and
still putting out hits.
* Best known as a judge on "Dancing with The Stars" and "Dance
War", Carrie Ann Inaba, has a long list of credits to her
name, including choreographer, actress (Austin Powers) and a
fly girl on the original "In Living Color" along with Jennifer Lopez
* The late, Sylvester James best known as Sylvester, was a dance music
force. He had many #1 hits in the mid 70s and appeared in the motion
picture "The Rose" with Bette Midler in 1979.
DISCO IS NOT DEAD...It's Alive on You Tube!
If you missed the History Channel's Our Generation program on Disco,
you can watch it now by clicking on this You Tube link
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X5p_R-ZD4kY
- It was a year ago January that the History Channel showed this
segment on Disco for the first time on National Television. Over 300
people showed up for the taping the previous December at the 92nd St.Y.
We were thrilled that they came to capture some of what goes on in
'our' world. Although this is not the entire program, it is
footage at the 92nd St. Y and you can see many of your friends dancing
if you watch closely including Colette, Ivan 'Doc', Jimmy, Keith
Harrison, Lisa Sparkles Paternoster, Michael, Naomi, Nick, Rita, Robert
Lawrence, Roberto and many more. You can also hear some of the
interviews in that show by yours truly, Leslie and Lori Saladino, Manny
Caso, Ricky Quintana and Tariq Brown. There was such an excitement in
the air that night and everyone remarked how it was like going to a
club 'back in the day'. Thanks to all who attended and participated, to
Ivan "Doc' who fixed our sound at the 92nd St. Y and especially to our
DJ, the fabulous Nelson 'Paradise" Roman' who gave us 5 hours of
nonstop exciting music to make the party a fun time for everyone. If
you cannot download YouTube videos, the narrator comments on how our
generation through Disco created a cultural revolution that forever
blurs the lines between black and white, straight and gay, male and
female and I am hoping someday between young and old. It broke down old
barriers and embodied new freedoms and therefore "We Are All Still
Living in a Disco World"
I also would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted
for me to give me the wonderful honor of being named "Person of the
Year". I was touched more than I can express with words, and I thank
you from the very bottom of my heart!
Sincerely,
Lori Brizzi - Director of Millennium Hustle Dances &
Cruises and the NY Hustle Congress
DanceTalk * 1-22-08
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Happy birthday wishes to Debbie
Tuttle, Wingo Hom, Estelle Hedaya, John
Aulicino, Elaine Roering, Carla Taimont, Tony
Troiano and
the brilliant Mikhail Baryshnikov.
This Thursday, January 24th, World Dance Champions, Bill
Fajardo and
Katie Marlow visit NY to perform at Mirelle's for a Special Show.
Louis Del Prete presents an evening not to be missed. Latin, Hustle
& WCS, it is the place to be every Thursday night. Large dance
floor with a state of the arts sound system. There will be a
hot buffet and a complimentary 7:30 beginners/inter. hustle
dance lesson with Louis. Open dancing from 8:15PM to Midnight. (Extra
1/2 Hour) all for only $14Per person. Door prizes and dance show by
dance pioneer Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow. 170 Post Ave. Westbury,
NY, for info call Louis 516-819-9016.
February 14th, Step Up 2 The Streets, hits the
silver screen. The sequel, taking place at the Maryland School of the
Arts. Romantic sparks occur between 2 dance students from different
backgrounds. Lots of exciting hip hop and free style dancing.
The phenomenal Arnold Schwarzenegger hosts his
Classic in California. In addition to body building they feature
Dancesport. 1,000 youth through collegiate dancers present their
incredible talents. Organized by champions Sam Sodano and Bill Sparks.
Youth dancers from across North America perform before an
internationally recognized panel of experts. http://www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/
Kudos' to Fred and his 3rd place win in the "Philly's Finest," 2008
National Arts Program. Fred is well known for his images of
dancers. http://www.fredf.fotki.com/arts2008/phillysfinestv2.html
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Westie Weekend. Read
all about the excitement below as Jennifer Lyons returns to the tri
state area.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Westie Weekend in New
Jersey
One of the most popular dance weekends returns. Its been nearly a year
but West Coast Swing Queen Jennifer Lyons returns to the tri state
area. Hosts, Rob and Sheila invite you to their Westie Weekend. It's
only 3 weeks away. Jennifer Lyons, the product of Rhode Island makes
the trip down for the Westie Weekend, featuring, Got Swing? It's a
weekend dance party February 8th & 9th. The festivities begin
on Friday night at The Atrium. (Rt. 130, Pennsauken, NJ) Jennifer AKA
"Doctor Dance" for her abilities in helping and fixing dancers, will
share her skills:
8:00-9:00 - The Whip & The Flip! for all levels. Your master
the 8 count foundation pattern and move on to a sharp and wild
variation. Then dance the night away from
9:00-?? with DJ Rob and DJ Kelly Faust from NYC. Two rooms to
do your thing. The WCS room or migrate over to the California Mix room
with Brian G. Jennifer will provide a special demonstration around
10:30PM. Then action continues into Saturday with hands on instruction
from Jennifer at the Haddonfield School of Dance
(413 Crystal Lake Ave, Haddonfield, NJ). From 1:00---2:00 - Precision
Dancing - This is an essential workshop for dancers of all levels. All
the fine details of WCS.
From 2:15 - 3:15 - Learn how to Turn It UP! Jennifer will
train you how to turn gracefully and have you turning like a
Professional.
3:15-4:15 - lunch/practice break
Then get ready from 4:15 - 5:45 - for Dips, Ducks and Leans, as
Jennifer will teach you the fine points only as she can. Your sizzle up
your repertoire with some OOOHs and AAAHs! This one is NOT to be missed
PRICING A La Carte: Friday workshop only = $15; Friday dance only =
$12, Saturday 1 hour workshops = $20 each, Saturday Intensive workshop
= $30
Best value price, more bang for your buck: Packages: IF purchased by
midnight Feb 6th = $70 for all workshops and the Friday dance - SAVE $$
- BEST DEAL going. Friday ONLY package - $22 for Friday workshop and
dance - can be purchased at the door. Saturday ONLY package -
$50 for both one hour workshops and intensive IF purchased by Feb 6th -
SAVE $$ Private lessons = $75/hr. All private lessons are in
Collingswood, NJ. There are some spots available for Friday, Saturday
and Monday. Call Sheila @ 609-519-0078 or email bpurkey@yahoo.com for
more info. Local hotels/motels listed on website for those coming from
a distance.
For more info on this event visit http://www.robandsheiladance.com
Take advantage of this opportunity to come out and get to know Jennifer
Lyons! She's an amazing dancer and instructor. http://www.robandsheiladance.com
Letters To The Editor
A rebuttal of JoJo's e-mail posted in Dance Talk
A number of months ago the Tuesday night dance
group split, due to a second group forming. IBBG
has been our home of hustle/salsa dancers for 11 years. So
far, it has been the 1 and only place to keep the dancers coming back
through all sorts of tough times. With 2 groups now
formed..... nobody wins. Neither group seems to be making
money but most of all, the dancers are the ones who are losing out,
with neither place having the amount of people to make it a great night
as it once was. There are unhappy people on all sides. Will
we ever be able to bring the group together
again? Or will it be a thing of the past?
A Saddened dancer?..
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Ron,
Thank you for keeping me informed on all the goings on in the hustle
circle. I loved the beautiful write up you did on Kathy Young. I grew
up in Edison and remember her dancing at many of the clubs in the
Elizabeth area in the early 80's. She was not only a super dancer but
gorgeous. What great times we had... We use to go to an elegant disco
called the Palace on Saturday nights. It was the best. The music and
dancers. I appreciate you helping to keep these memories
alive and letting us know about these dancers including those who are
no longer with us. RIP.
I know longer dance due to poor health but always wonder what has
become of many of these talented dancers.
Wishing you a happy 2008, God Bless,
Tonia
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi,
I read Derrick's thank you letter in Ron Bess's DanceTalk. Derrick is
one of the nicest men I've met in a long time. He's a
gentleman. One of the reasons he was voted favorite
dancer..(and he is the BEST dancer) is because he just about dances
with everyone...even the small people (which I can only say
figuratively). We love him. I also want to thank Lynette (his
wife) for being the kind person who allows him to do this. Many women
would be insecurely jealous.. She is independent, a self-assured woman,
not to mention gorgeous and hot. It's nice to see the two of
them together and growing.
Love ya, Susan
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Ron,
Ask people to point out their favorite HUSTLE dancer. You'll get
different responses, but those selected are always the ones where you
can PULSE the dance to the music. Here's the rub. Many dancers do not
TEACH the same count that they dance. It's not on purpose. They are
teaching the count that they were taught. They do what "everyone" else
teaches. There are so many "&123's" out there that some people
actually teach Hustle to a WALTZ and then say "adapt that to the
Hustle" music. All of us know dancers who dance a Waltz any time the
music is very slow. They cannot distinguish a very slow 4/4 time piece
of music from a Waltz. They have a tempo in their mind instead of a
Rhythmic Beat. The Rhythmic Beat is the COUNT.
Here's an experiment that can open your eyes if you still can't tell
the difference between the "2-Beat" or the "3-Beat" increment. Watch
your favorite Hustle dancer. I can think of several that are a delight
to watch. Maria Torres - Deborah Hampton - Lori Bradshaw - Martin
Parker. Don't try to figure out what they are counting. Each one of
those people has a built in "Pulse." Their bodies respond to the music.
They are artists in their own right. Their bodies take over when the
music starts and they are DRIVEN by the beat of the music. Figure out
what their body is doing by counting only the beats of the music. All
Hustle music has definite "Sets of 8" beats of music. Find the "8's".
Just count the music, emphasizing the Upbeats. Count: "One TWO Three
FOUR Five SIX Seven EIGHT." You will find that the dancer's body
emphasizes that count. Now try counting "And One two three - and One
two three". That's pretty difficult to do to Hustle music. teachers
seldom play Hustle Music and count out the MUSIC before they teach
Hustle patterns. That's the first rule of teaching someone to DANCE TO
THE MUSIC. First: Play the Music. Have the student find the "Sets of 8"
if the music is 4/4 time - or the "Sets of 6" if it is 3/4 time music.
Our dancers have been top of the line for so many years - and teachers
who attend "Intensive" Seminars report back that they are no longer
being pushed and pulled by rhetoric. They can smile when someone tells
them that the music is written in 16/16 time. They can laugh when they
hear someone say that Hustle is "clearly not phrased to the music".
Every dance is very clearly phrased to the music. It is the people who
teach the dance without matching the phrasing that need to examine
their teaching skills. Top dancers who feel the music, move to the
music regardless of what method they use to learn or to teach. Their
bodies just get in there and get lost in the music. As observers, we
get lost in their marvelous interpretation. The Universal Unit Systemx
analyzes what the dancer DOES, not what he says he does. The System
examines the differences between the top dancers who always get the
"oohs and the aahs", taking 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a contest. The System
isolates the difference between those top dancers and the ones who are
good, but never quite AS good. The discovery is ALWAYS the musical
count. Notice I didn't say sometimes. I said ALWAYS.
Tina
DanceTalk * 1-15-08
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Happy birthday wishes to Sharon
Frio, Chuck Fetta, Benji Schwimmer, Ralph
Ferro, Alex Jack, Sheril Shue, Domingo
Cruz, Lori Silver and Mike
Carillo.
Our heart felt condolences go out to Debbie Rosado
Ferro. Her mother passed away this past week. Please keep
Debbie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
The Tuesday night dance parties at the Crazy Donkey have been switched
to the Olivium Lounge. Read all the details
below.
Paul Pellicoro's DanceSport will be filming a promo
for a television series at the weekly Hustle party on Monday, January
21st. Come out and join the festivities - 34th Street in NYC,
212-307-1111 http://www.dancesport.com
Let's not forget our dear dance friend Mikalena Nau.
She would have turned 39 years old this week. She went missing in Feb
2006 and is presumed dead.
World dance champion Lisa Nunziella's new DVD's
"Dance to Enhance" & "5 Day Latin Dance System" are available
at Amazon.com. Lisa is a Hustle Hall Of Fame Life Time Achievement
recipient, she will be teaching at Hooray for Hollywood in LA.
Two time winner "Dancing With The Stars," Julianne Hough,
proved she can dance with tons of charisma. This cutie just signed a
multi-album deal with Mercury Nashville. Her first country record
release will be later this year.
Top 10 Hot Dance songs
1 Kimberley Locke
Band Of Gold
2 Erika Jayne
Stars
3 Celine Dion Taking
Chances (dance mix)
4 Angie Stone Featuring
Betty Wright Baby
5 Dave Gaham
Kingdom
6 Nicole
Scherzinger Baby
Love
7 Georgie Porgie Lift
Your Voices
8 Ono No,
No, No
9 LeAnn
Rimes Nothin' Better To
Do
10 Natasha
Bedingfield Love Like
This
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Discount
Dance Supply. The safe way to shop on line for the best in
dance shoes, dance sneakers and accessories. - The lowest prices with
top quality products. visit the website at http://www.discountdance.com
or call toll free 1-800-328-7107
Make it a great week,
Ron
Time Capsule
1987 was an incredible year with many highs and a major low in dancing.
New York was a buzz as the Giants won the Superbowl. It was an
exceptional year for movie goers as Michael Douglas had two big hits -
the tough Gordon Gecko in 'Wall Street' and the movie that scared every
guy, 'Fatal Attraction'. What lady can forget Patrick Swayze
in 'Dirty Dancing'. The movie was so hot, it lead to a number one sound
track, a new dance craze and a Dirty Dancing tour - once again the
country wanted to learn to dance. Other memorable movies
included Broadcast News, Full Metal Jacket, Lethal
Weapon, Moonstruck and Robocop. The music world was in a state of
change. Disco had run its course (Hustle was on hiatus). The top songs
included: Faith by George Michael, Livin' On a Prayer by Bon Jovi,
Alone by Heart, With or Without You by U2, La Bamba by Los
Lobos and I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston. In
1987 there were over 3 million babies born in the USA and almost 2
million deaths. But there was one big loss, the kind the world has
never seen the likes of since. Twenty years ago, the incomparable Fred
Astaire passed away. Considered the greatest ballroom dancer to ever
grace the silver screen, he was justifiably credited for
popularizing touch dancing thru out the world. Fred Astaire was one of
a kind. Whether he danced with Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse, Leslie
Caron, Vera Ellen, Jane Powell, Betty Hutton, Paulette Goddard, Judy
Garland, Elenor Powell, he was unstoppable. What he didn't have in the
looks department he made up for (ten fold) with his feet, voice and
acting skills. So creative, whether dancing with a partner, solo or
with a chair or broomstick, he was a true showman - that still to this
day viewers emulate. Even the great Francois Szony credits Fred as one
of his early influences to dance. Astaire did it all. No
doubles and the majority of the choreography was his work...he was a
perfectionist - It had to be precise. He acted and danced in some 50
full length motion pictures. His acting career spanned 76 years. If you
never had the opportunity to see one of his dance films, start with
some of these: Top hat, Shall we Dance, Silk Stockings, Funny
Face, Daddy Long Legs and The Band Wagon.
His chain of dance studios live on today as does his star on the
Hollywood walk of fame.
PARASOLS
Tricia Taggart is a 25 year old that has been diagnosed with stage IV
metastasized melanoma. Tricia was receiving a combination drug and
chemotherapy that has proved to be ineffective, and will be moving on
to a more intense form of treatment. It will require her to be in the
hospital for five days at a time with only a week or two home for rest.
These treatments have caused her to be out of work, and it's unclear as
to when she will return. Tricia was born and raised in the King of
Prussia area her whole life and loves it here.
Dana Giampietro and Jillian Mueller have created the organization
called PARASOLS Patricia Ann for Research And Support Of
Loved one's Skin. There will be a cancer benefit in Tricia's honor to
help maintain the bills and student loans that keep coming in. Live
entertainment, dinner, and an amazing silent auction will make up this
evening for a wonderful cause. The organization is currently accepting
donations for the auction such as single items or themed baskets.
Tricia's positivity and energy is absolutely inspiring. If you know
Tricia, you know she loves a good party. Now she deserves to BE the
party. Please help Tricia and her family in a very desperate time of
need. Respectfully,
Dana Giampietro and Jillian Mueller
PARASOLS - A BENEFIT FOR CANCER
Independence Ballroom, Radisson Valley Forge, Saturday, February 9th
2008
6-10 P.M. $75 per person Make checks payable to: PARASOLS
Dana Giampietro: stilesd101@msn.com
Jillian Mueller: jillian_mueller@yahoo.com
DanceTalk * 1-8-08
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Happy birthday wishes to Fran Richman,
Mimi Litz, Nick Bellivan, DJ Marc Fisher, Irena
Griffin, Judy Van Dyke and Carmen
Mendez.
Only 48 years old, Steve Delman passed away (Jan 3)
the result of a massive heart attack. He became a proud father, to a
child just born on Christmas Day. He was an avid dancer in the DC area.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Five years ago a music legend passed away. Maurice Gibb,
a member of the Australian brother band, The BeeGees.
Tonight, Monday, 8PM the premier of Dance War,
Bruno Vs Carrie Ann on ABC. A singing and dancing team competition.
Cheers to Anthony Lee, he was inducted into the
2008 UCWDC Hall Of Fame. (United Country & Western
Dance Championships)
This weekend Dancing With "Our" Stars takes place
at Club Med, Port St. Lucie, Florida. Its not to late to join the
stars. Contact Cindy at (561) 495-7571 or e mail her at
Cinsurgent@aol.com
Popular Swing dancer Lynn Gibson was murdered by
her estranged husband. The father then turned the gun on himself. Major
fund raisers are being held for her 9 year old (orphaned) son
Christopher. To make a contribution and/ or learn more visit: http://www.usaswingnet.com/Christopher_trustfund.htm
Watch for the new website DanceJam.com a YouTube like site for posting
dance performances and contests. Created by 80's dance master MC
Hammer.
Visit the Hustle Hall Of Fame for new entries,
photos and (just added) - video's. Click on to see all the
hustle greats. http://www.hustlehalloffame.com/
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is in memory of Lynn Gibson.
Please make a donation. http://www.usaswingnet.com/Christopher_trustfund.htm
Make it a great week,
Ron
A Look Back at 2007
It was a great year for dancing and the music that made us move.
Here is a brief look back at this memorable past year.
Immortals
It is with extreme sadness that we share the passing of many dancers.
David Melendez, he supported and promoted Salsa events all
over the country. David strived to teach the kids and grow
dancing.
Craig Hutchinson, a major force in the DC area,
former Swing champion and supporter of the hustle.
Mark Wzorek, dance competitor and friend
of the dance community from central New Jersey.
Merv Griffin the man who loved and supported dance
including developing the hit television show Dance Fever.
The new "Life Time Achievement" members of the Hustle Hall Of Fame for
2007. - Maria Torres, Jeff Shelley, Diane
Nardone and Franc. "Perico" Reyes - Visit http://www.hustlehalloffame.com
The 5th annual Mad Jam was a major success. The
event set a record attendance and had finalist Heidi Groskreutz from
"So You Think You Can Dance" on staff.
The IHSC held its 7th annual event in Florida and
crowned Kelvin Roche and Loriann Greenhouse the 2007
Professional Just Hustle Champions
Brian Fortuna along with Miss USA Shandi Finnessey
danced on Dancing With The Stars. Brian's first time on the national
show, a Collingswood, NJ resident he toured with the cast this past
year in the road show.
Discoamerica Atlantic City, NJ. Donna
Boyle, Vince Montana Jr and Nelly Cotto were all recipients of the Life
Time Achievement Awards. Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson win
the Professional Dance Off
World dance champion, Silvana Gallagher opens her
very own dance studio "Via" with a major grand openning bash in
Havertown, Pa.
Best dance albums of 2007 - Nelly Fatada,
Rihanna, Fergie, Carrie Underwood,
Justin Timberlake and Timberland.
World Hustle Dance Championships - East Brunswick,
NJ, packs the house, Silvana Gallagher is awarded the Life Time Dance
Award and Kelvin Roche and Lori Ann Greenhouse capture the World Open
dance title.
Dancer/competitor Erika Smith (from California)
makes it all the way to Las Vegas on "So You Think You can
Dance."
Hustle Congress - Lisa Nunziella returns, Raul
Santiago & Sergia Anderson take first place honors in the
Hustle Theater arts. George Velazquez receives the
David Melendez Spirit award.
Maria Torres & Kenny Gonzales choreograph a
NY style hustle routine for dancers on the hit show "So You Think You
Can Dance."
Danny McGee, Jamison Kilburn and Rob Finocchio open
their new location for Top Hat dance studios in Northeast Philadelphia.
The Big Easy holds its 2nd annual event and crowns
Kelvin Roche & LoriAnn Greenhouse as the Professional Triple
Threat winners. Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich
take second and Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson are third place
winners.
The 15th Annual Holiday Spectacular,
was...spectacular, our largest turnout ever. Held at the new Stardust
Ballroom in NJ. Open dance contest winners were Joe Kernan and
Stephanie Risser.
The 2007 DanceTalk® Readers Choice Awards Winners
*** Favorite DJ - Johnny O (voted two years in a
row)
*** Favorite Female Dancer - Loriann Greenhouse
*** Favorite Male Dancer - Artie Phillips
*** Favorite Dance Couple - Kelvin Roche & Loriann
Greenhouse
*** Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Tybaldt
and Hazel Ulrich
*** Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone
(voted 6 years in a row)
*** Favorite Male Instructor - Roberto Pagan
*** Most Improved Dancer - Steve Shaughnessy
*** Favorite All Time Dancer - Derrick Allen
*** Person of the Year - Lori Brizzi
Special thanks to our business associates: Nan Bohra
(Stepping Out), Robin Amante, Elizabeth (Ballroom Arkansas), Mark
James, Diane Weinberg, Vivian Beiswenger, Carol Feldman and the
DanceTalk staff (Stacy Procopio & Chris
Long) for all their assistance
Letters to the Editor
Dear Ron,
Greetings from sunny South Florida. I am happy to report that the
unified 2007 Hustle Holiday Party hosted by Billy Fajardo, Katie Marlow
and Drew Axelrod was well attended and well received. Out-of-town guest
performers Raul Santiago and Sergia Anderson, as well as Francois
& Fong, entertained the evening guests. The Battle of the
Deejays "You Be The Judge" Contest was won by Noel Colon, 2nd place
went to
Bobby Gerard and third place to Greg T. In all, there were 65 judges'
score cards completed at the end of the night out of the 125 dancers
who attended. Special guest deejay and music industry aficionado Lewis
Martinee of the original Limelight Discotheque also did a short
disco-mix set. The free Hustle & Salsa Dance Cruise raffle
ticket winner was Allan Denola of Orlando and the free pass to the
International Hustle and Salsa Competition raffle winner was Donna
Tinelli of Coral Springs. Also, there were 60 Van McCoy "Do the Hustle"
music CD door prizes distributed. The South Florida Hustle community
appreciated there being a united event and we look forward to
announcing future dates. Stay tuned for more Jack 'n Jill "You Be the
Judge" dance contests to be held locally here in Fort Lauderdale very
soon.
All the Best and Happy New Year, Caren Casper
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Ron,
Wow, what a wonderful write up on Mel Cheren. During my 32
years of Deejaying in the New York scene, I had the pleasure
of meeting Mel and discussing music many
times. Known by many as a tough businessman, his heart and
soul musically, were always in the right place. His legendary
collaborations with the greatest DJ ever, Larry Levan at West End
records not only produced some of the greatest dance classics ever, but
truly laid the footprint for what became over the past 25
years, the sound we all know today as House music.
All that great music was debuted every weekend by Larry at the
legendary Paradise Garage.The Garage was a different world, located in
the lower section of Greenwich village. Considered part of the
"underground" scene, it was night and day compared to the hetero hustle
and polyester disco scene of midtown Manhattan.
Though the midtown clubs were playing a lot of the same songs, it
sounded soo much better and took on a different vibe at the
Garage, hence the term "Garage Music" was born. The
eclectic mix of people from EVERY walk of life, all coming together
with one common thread, Larry's music, made you feel at times that
music could cure the ills of the world. It
was an absolutely beautiful scene. Unfortunately, it all came crashing
down when AIDS became an unavoidable and devastating part of the
landscape. It hit the music industry especially hard, taking away so
many talents, including Larry. But 30 years later, the legend of the
Garage and Larry lives on, and Mel was a major carrier of that legacy.
He penned his experiences in a book he wrote and I recommend it highly.
Also, try and rent the DVD "Maestro" if you want a glimpse
into the scene that was "Garage". My favorite quote from Mel was at a
DJ symposium I attended 3 years ago where he looked at all the DJ's and
said, "If you play crappy music, then the people that hear
this crap will think that's what they're suppose to be dancing to!!"
Amen to that!!
To your readers that did not know Mel and his numerous
contributions to the dance world, especially after reading his amazing
Bio, you can acknowledge his legacy by just looking up and smiling at
the heavens.
Thanks again for enlightening the rest of the dance community.
Rest in peace Mel. You're already missed.
Bobby Morales
................................
Hi Ron,
I'd like to send a wonderful thank you publicly to ANNETTE ALICANTI
& DONAMARIE PORTELLI who provided a place to dance in Long
Island while IBBG was closed for renovations these past 5
months. Last night they had a great holiday party at
the beautiful Bianco's Ultralounge. Johnny "V", Bobby Morales
and Nelson "Paradise" Roman were in the house spinning the
best in hustle and west coast with a touch of
ballroom! There were 2 free workshops and many holiday
giveways for those who came the furthest (Frank and Gene from
NJ) and for the best dancers on the floor both amateur and pro. Some
gifts were given just as a way of saying thank you
for being there! A very nice touch of class and definitely a
night to remember. Happy Holidays, JoJo Jack
................................
Hi Ron,
I just wanted to give you and all of the readers of DanceTalk
a very big and humble "thank you" for being voted All Time
Favorite Dancer... I'm really flattered and truly
honored. I'm lucky to have been around when the Hustle
exploded and to be part of a very unique class of dancers
that have really put there mark on this dance called the
Hustle...Eddie Vega, Billy Farjardo, Ricky Quintana, Floyd Chishom,
Ralphie Ramierez, Marie Torres, Debbie Ferro, Hector Barrios, Diane
Nardone, Roberto Pagan,
Lisa Nunsiella, Lordes Jones, Tony Marolda, Artie
Philips, Kenny Gonzalez, George Velaquez and Susan
Marolda. All of whom I've either competed against and/or
performed with...and through their level of dance and
competiveness they brought out the best in each other and
myself. Great dancers of whom I have a deep respect
and admiration for and after all of these years most of whom I can call
a friend. I'm lucky and grateful to have been in this class.
Since my return to dance over the last 16 months, I've really
been touched by the positive response of everyone. I have to
give a special thanks to Donna Desimone for making my return to dance
so much fun - she's a true pro and a great human being. I
also have to shout out to Diane Nardone, Lori Brizzi and Billy Farjardo
all of whom played a part in any recognition I've received.
Thanks Ron for the great work you do with DanceTalk. All the best to
you, your family and your readers for the upcoming New Year.
Thanks again. Keep dancing,
Derrick Allen
................................
Ron,
I recently just performed with my partner and my company called New
York Express Entertainment in New York City with Martha Wash.
She truly is a fabulous women and a hard worker. It was a
pleasure that my company and I met her. I am looking forward to working
with her again.
Happy New Year!
Roberto Pagan
TO RON
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