Birthday wishes to Mia and Rob Finocchio.

Come out to City Scene this Sunday, August 1st, to celebrate Mia's 50th birthday. See all the details below.

Every Friday & Saturday, head over and dance from 11:30PM till 3AM with DJ Mike Brooks at the Temple Bar, lobby level of Caesar's Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Mike can also be heard on the radio every Sunday night from 7PM till midnite on OLDIES 98.3 in AC. His co host is longtime friend Kenny Jeremiah (former member of the SoulSurvivors& Full House)

Mark your calendars, Discoamerica returns for its lucky 7th year on June 10th to the 12th, 2005 at the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Dance America Seattle Competition will be held January 21-23, 2005 at Seattle's Sea-Tac Hilton Hotel Convention Center. The event is offering $15,000 in cash awards for Salsa, Hustle, WCS and Showcase competitions. Also, $2,000 in cash awards are reserved for a newly added Salsa Team competition. This is an IHDA Sanctioned event, featuring IHDA INSTRUCTORS: Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Arte Phillips, Debra Hampton, Elizabeth Darchi & Louis Orlando, Brian Gallagher, Keith Gussoni
& Donna Boyle. Also included: Salomon Rivera, Liz Lira, Dez DiPaola, Christina Morrison, Nancy Heaverlo, Jim Minty, Carl Charles, Ava Apple, Angel & Tulane Rivera, Shawn Sallee & Brandy Richey, Lisa Nunziella & Deano 'Dino' Georgio and Luke Adams & Jennifer Robinson. 3 nights of fun dancing
On line registration is available at www.danceamericaseattle.com

Dance Champions Luis Rosa & Mary Poma will be performing at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City Saturday, July 31st.

August 21st is the Fund Raiser for the Wheelchair Dancers. Congratulations to Wendy Lippincott as she hosts this great benefit dance at the Spinning W Ranch in Medford, NJ.  Your $10 ticket goes along way. The party starts at 7:30PM. Stay tuned for more details. 

Every Friday night, Fat Daddy's Nightclub in York, Pennsylvania is holding a dance contest open to couples or individuals. Cash prizes and a trip to Cancun given away every week.


Make it a great week,
Ron

Time Capsule

Many of the most influential artists of the early days of disco are no longer with us.
Their vision and talent helped shape and mold the dance music of today. These gifted singers kept us dancing and delivered some of the most memorable music of that era. They are gone but not forgotten: Eddie Kendrick's (Date with the Rain),
Sylvester (You Make Me Feel, Mighty Real),   Van McCoy (The Hustle),
Vicki Sue Robinson (Turn the beat around),   Karen Young (Hot Shot)
Barry White (Your The First),   John Whitehead (Aint No stoppin Us Now)
Maurice Gibb (BeeGees),    Bernard Edwards (Chic),   Edwin Starr (Happy Radio) Patrick Cowley (Menerge),   Paul Jabara (Last Dance)
Dan Hartman (Instant Replay),    Johnnie Taylor (Sexy Lady)
Harold Melvin (Bad Luck),    Ron Baker (MFSB),    Bebu Silvetti (Spring Rain),
Greg Diamond ( Star Cruiser),    Phyllis Hyman (You Know How To Love Me)...
Here are a list of the top Disco Action songs in 1975 that topped the Billboard List.
29 Years ago, these were the songs that ruled the dance floors.

1) Brazil - Ritchie Family
2) Do It anyway You Wanna - People's Choice
3) What A difference a Day Makes - Esther Phillips
4) Heartbeat -War
5) Gimme Some - Jimmy Bo Horne
6) Dreaming a Dream - Crown Heights Affair
7) Bad Luck - Harold Melvin
8) It Only Takes  a Minute - Tavares
9) Sexy - MFSB
10) When Your Young and In Love - Ralph Carter      

Letters to the editor

It has been 9 years since I arrived in Houston.... It seems like generations of dancers have come, gone and come back.  I heard someone say that the character of a person can be measured by how that person treats people who can do nothing for them in return. Well, last  weekend in New Jersey at The World Hustle Dance Championships, Diane Nardone exemplified that. The staff at the event, my students, (you) exemplified that in the way Gladys Torres was treated that weekend.  Nobody knows what to do about Gladys's situation, but that weekend everyone who came in contact with her enjoyed every minute.  And from my perspective, Gladys did also.  It was "Thank You, Jesus!" moments.  I would like to thank all my students who contributed to Gladys's finances in going to WHDC.  Thank you, Diane, for the rooms, passes, and staff position for Gladys.  Thank you to the World Hustle Staff for dedicating the dinner show to Gladys and most of all thank you Rick Torres for being there. You all know that none of this had to happen, but it did. Thank you all. This past weekend had many moments.  Through all these moments the character of the Houston presence was admirable.  To all who came to watch, participate, contribute, volunteer time, compete, your joy of this dance hustle, and your love of people who can do nothing for you, inspires me to the next level.  Thank you, Rich and Cathy Rankel who facilitate all that is here in Houston Hustle. My thoughts, my love, let the next year begin,
Tony Pace

 Hi Ron, I am sorry I did not have an opportunity to meet you personally on Saturday night, (WHDC) as I was just in for the evening.  But I so enjoyed myself that I plan to attend more Hustle weekends and spend more time at them, so certainly the next time around I will make it a point to introduce myself. I do want to say how thrilled I am that Carl Charles invited me.  As I've told you, I am back into dancing hustle now about four months, after a 20 year hiatus including marriage and children during which time I thought the Hustle was dead.  In frustration with the waltz being pushed at my local studio, I searched the net and found many web sites on hustle.. and signed up for about 10 of them that day.  Carl Charles was not the only person who responded, but he stands out for the speed and warmth with which he reached out to me.  With one click of a mouse, he befriended me, welcomed me back, and helped me to get back into the scene.  So grateful was I that I scheduled a lesson with him sight unseen, thinking I really didn't need one.... he helped me, this time to work on the latest steps I've missed over the years.....I have continued my lessons and friendship with Carl to my great satisfaction; he is a class act in every way...  I am proud that Carl is my teacher.  In my book, Carl is a winner in every way, and I wanted to take an opportunity to share that with you and your readers!
Warm regards,
Lisa Abelson Rabinowitz

DanceTalk * 7-20-04

Happy Birthday wishes to Joyce Szili.

Read all about this past weekends exciting World Hustle Dance Championships, (below), this years event was...out of this world. 

DANCE MANIA, Hosted by Adrian Zmed at The Las Vegas Hilton Hotel/Casino at the “Night Club.” (no admission fee) “The Ultimate Dance Contest” with over $5,000 awarded in cash and prizes. Every Sunday night, registration at 10:00 PM, contest at 11:00 PM. Weekly cash prizes are: $250.00 for 1st place, $100.00 for 2nd place, $50.00 for 3rd place. Televised finals on Sunday, Oct. 10th, 2004 with cash grand prizes awarded....plus a 12-week paid contract for a spotlight in the Las Vegas Disco Nights show in the “Night Club” Discotheque for the grand winners. All Dance Styles and types of music accepted.  Pros and amateurs are eligible, you must be 21 or older. For more info call Julia St. Marie  702-355-4663

New York Salsa Open, Grand prize: Roundtrip Tickets for two including travel & accommodations to San Juan, Puerto Rico to compete in the Puerto Rico Salsa Open July 2004 with chance to win a first prize of $10,000., all registrants will qualify to compete in Puerto Rico Salsa Open Competitions which take place on July 25 & 26 just before the PR Salsa Congress which takes place from July 27-31 @ Wyndham El San Juan Hotel,  To register-email: simplysalsa@worldsalsadj.com or register @ El Flamingo on Monday night After Work Salsa Party,

Tickets will be available soon for the Raffle to benefit "American DanceWheels Foundation," where the proceeds assist in dance lessons and for special dance wheelchairs. Win one week in beautiful Hilton Head Island at the Sea Pines Plantation Resort. The drawing will be on Aug 21st at the "Benefit Ranch Dance," see more details below.

DanceTalk®. returns next Wednesday morning....vacation time.

Make it a great week,
Ron

World Hustle Dance Championships - Review and Highlights

Congratulations to Diane Nardone and her friendly staff for a very memorable dance weekend. The ballroom in the Hilton Parsippany was the perfect setting for the hundreds of dancers that attended. The party kicked off Thursday with rave musical reviews for DJs Bobby Gerard, Dave Muzzi, Johnny O, Nelson "Paradise" Roman, Mark Routzahn, Fred Price and Anthony DeRosa rocked the house. The sold out Saturday night dinner show featured a group opening number performed by the staff of WHDC and Diane Nardone. This was followed by a special hustle dance by Gladys & Rick Torres featuring Tony Pace. Other performers included Mark James & Karen Lupo, Ron and Lauren Bess, Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Meade, Roberto Pagans NY Express dancers, Hypno and Keith Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle. Some of the biggest thrills came from the littlest dancers, as the junior Pro-Ams lit up the dance floor to standing ovations... showing that the hustle continues to grow. Numerous awards were given including a special Appreciation Award for Al Pasa.... recognized for his admirable approach towards others. Connie Macdougal was the recipient of the 2004 Christopher M. Nardone Award. This award represents the essence of what the WHDC is all about, 'the spirit of giving.' Dance pioneers Jeff & Donna Shelley were inducted into the Hall of Fame...recognized for all the years of teaching, performing and sharing their love of dance. This years Top Male Teacher award went to Roberto Pagan and the Top Female Teacher award was given to Silvana Gallagher. Over $5,000. in cash, scholarships and trophies were given away in the competitions. Special thanks to all the staff members, judges and teachers: Anthony Lee, Brian Gallagher, Cody Melin, Connie Macdougal, David Flynn, Debbie Ferro, Derrick Allen, Donna Roesel, Fred & Tina Price, Gladys Torres, Jeff & Donna Shelley, Jennifer Lyons,  Keith Gussoni, Kim Vanaman, Mark James, Melody Cochran, Paul Pellicoro, Phil Lamothe, Silvana Gallagher, Sonya Saamova, Susan Marolda, Tony Pace, Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Mede. The entire weekend was captured on video. To purchase visit the website. Please find below some of the results from the competitions. For a complete listing go to www.dkndance.com

J&J hustle Novice
1 Bruce Levy & Linda Leverick
2 Philip Spinka & Karen McClure
3 Cynthia Lehning & Jack McClure

J& J Hustle Intermediate
1 Earl Forte & Nina Rosado
2 Peter Moran & Rita Taylor
3 Allen Denola & Valerie hunt

J&J Hustle Advance
1 George Garcia & Mimi Doi
2 Robert Lawrence & Roseta Varovla
3 Paul Cameron & Alysia Bonview

PROFESSIONAL JUST DANCE SWING
1st- Tybaldt Ulrich and Jennifer Lyons
2nd- Fred and Tina Price
3rd- Keith Gussoni and Celeste Pfefferle

PROFESSIONAL JUST DANCE HUSTLE
1st- Luis Rosa and Mary Poma
2nd- Tybaldt Ulrich and Hazel Mede
3rd- Keith Gussoni and Celeste Pfefferle

JUST HUSTLE OPEN
1st- Paul and Angela Cameron
2nd- Jaime Serna and Kathryn Reid
3rd- Sam and Punkin Habet

AMATEUR CLASSIC HUSTLE
1st- Joey Commentucci and Ettie Kurtz
2nd- Achim & Meggy Schymik
3rd- Wingo Hom and Angela McCabe

PROFESSIONAL JACK AND JILL HUSTLE
1st- Fred Price and Silvana Gallagher
2nd- Chris Bates and Tina Price
3rd- Carl Charles and Celeste Pfefferle

PROFESSIONAL JACK AND JILL SWING
1st- Anthony DeRosa and Hazel Mede
2nd- Tybaldt and Jennifer Lyons
3rd- Anthony DeRosa and Silvana Gallagher

WORLD OPEN HUSTLE DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
1st- Kelvin Roche and Lori Ann Greenhouse
2nd- Tybaldt Ulrich and Hazel Meade
3rd- Miquel Marrero and Stacy Redler
4th- Luis Rosa and Mary Poma
5th- Joey Lulenski and Carolyn Gangi
6th- Keith Gussoni and Celeste Pfefferle
7th- Mark James and Karen Lupo
8th- Walter Levy and Raluca Georgiana
9th- Achim and Meggy Schymik
10th- Paul and Angela Cameron

Letters to the editor (Thank you for all the heart felt letters, sharing their sympathy on the passing of Ralph Lew. Here are just a few.)

Dear Ron,
It was a sad day when I heard of Ralph's (Lew) passing. He was truly a great hustle dancer.  I remember how the crowd at Radio City Music Hall went wild with applause when he and his wife danced with the Salsoul Orchestra....this is still one of my best memories.
No words can express the loss of this wonderful and talented man.  I send my condolences and heart-felt sympathies to his family and all who loved him. 
In memory of Ralph, I have attached a photo of him and his wife backstage from the night of the concert.  Feel free to use it or pass it around.
God Bless.
Musically,
Vincent Montana Jr. (musician, composer)

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Ralph Lew. The Dance Dimensions performed in Ralph's revue many times and were also part of the Harvest Moon Ball show, particularly because of Ralph's insistence. I remember him being a great choreoagrapher, a funny, funny man and most of all, a caring person.  
He will surely be missed....
Luis Rivera (The Dance Dimensions)

DanceTalk * 7-13-04

This issue of DanceTalk®, is dedicated in the memory of the late great Ralph Lew.
Our dear friend passed away last week. Married to Lucille for 31 years, together they were an unstoppable team. Ralph, was a house hold name in the world of hustle. He was a mentor to many great dancers and a real entertainer in every sense of the word. He will always have a curtain call. He had the rare ability to light up a room with his energy....but will be best remembered for his caring ways, thoughtful spirit, as he always looked out for his dancers.
Two years ago, at the World Hustle Dance Championships, Ralph was honored with the prestigious Life Time Achievement award. He was surrounded by his friends, family and admirers. (Please see the Spotlight feature below that was published two years ago.) Ralph would have celebrated his birthday this week. 
We say, happy birthday Bob- a- Lou.
God Bless you. 

Happy Birthday wishes to Karen Pomanger, Celeste Pfefferie, Roberto Pagan, Anthony Lee and Diane Weinberg.

Congratulations to Carl Charles on his evolving website with new pictures and article "Talking Around Town." Check them out at www.mrcdance.cgcentertainment.com/html/talk_around_town.html

COMING SOON, radio station WKTU resident DJ Jenny Costa appearing live on Broadway at "Noche" every Wednesday night. Come dance to the hottest Latin & dance music in one of Manhattan's most exciting dinning and dance venues. More details to come. 

Joey's in Clifton, NJ will be closed on Sunday evenings for the rest of the summer. Hours will resume on Sundays in September.  

This weeks issue of DanceTalk®. is sponsored by DKN Dance. visit them on line at
www.dkndance.com  I hope to see you at The World Hustle Dance Championships this coming weekend.

Make it a great week,
Ron

World Hustle Dance Championships - Preview  

Whats all the buzz about? We are counting down the days till the 2004 WHDC. This is one of the most anticipated dance events of the year. 
This year unveils the new classy Hilton Hotel in Parsippany New Jersey. The amenities are wonderful including, indoor and outdoor heated pools, gym & whirlpool, tennis, volley ball, basketball and a Ruth Chris' Restaurant to wash it all down. This year, organizer extrordianire, Diane Nardone, brings back the traditional competitions & dinner show but has added new staff members and new divisions. We welcome to this years team: Debbie Ferro (Poetry in Motion), Jeff & Donna Shelley (Hustle Pioneers ) , Jennifer Lyons (WCS Diva) , Derrick Allen (Long Island Dance Champion), Gladys Torres (our Texas sweat heart), Keith Gussoni (New Orleans Dance Champion) and Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Mede (the hottest new team in town).  This years theme is Mardi Gras, as in, letz party.  Under the auspices of music director Dave Muzzi we welcome to the DJ Staff the renown NY King of tunes, Nelson "Paradise" Roman, New Jersey's favorite son, Johnny "O" and from Philadelphia the cool sounds of DJ Mark.
Come out and enjoy the friendly environment where friends dance with new and old friends. Hustle dancers are expected from over 30 different states. The WHDC is only a short drive in from NY, CT and Pa. Watch, as we crown the 2004 World Open Hustle Dance Champions (with a $5,000 purse), the Christopher M. Nardone Award will be presented and the World Hustle Hall Of Fame award will go to the dancer that has gone those extra yards.
Its not to late to enter the Jack & Jill competitions, registration closes on Saturday at 4PM. Don't delay reserving your seat for the Saturday night diner show. Call today.      
The Hilton Hotel is only 45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan - 25 minutes from Newark Int'l Airport - NJ outlets Mall & Meadowlands Sports Complex nearby.
Call right now to reserve your $89.00 room before your shut out, the toll free number is 877-671-5744. For a complete listing of the teaching staff / DJs and the work shop schedules please visit the website www.dkndance.com

(Originally appeared in DanceTalk®. 2002)
Ralph Lew

Disco 101,
Ra-lph Lew' ( Ral' ff  Lou')
He is a mover and shaker in the dance industry.
If he isn't producing music, he is busy running a dance weekend or developing the opening show for a headline act. Welcome to the crazy world of Ralph and Lucile Lew. The quantity of shows and work he received was incredible. For many dancers, he gave them the opportunity to perform multiple times a week, year after year.
In 1951, Ralph joined the army. While with the service in Germany,  he coordinated dance shows. When he returned to the USA, he worked at Grossingers and the Pines Hotels (Catskills, NY) teaching dance lessons and performing. It was like a scene out of "Dirty Dancing."
In 1957 he began teaching for Tony & Lucille at their studio on 57th street. He then set up shop on his own. Make way for the "Ralph Lew Hustle Factory" located in Brooklyn.
In the mid 70's, the NY Daily News dropped their financial support for the "Harvest Moonball" Competition, (the major sponsor). This was by far, the longest running and nationally recognized competition in the country. When it appeared that the HMB competition was down and out, Ralph helped spear head & coordinate the revival of this prestige event. After successfully re-igniting this historical competition, he then recommended adding  the "hustle" to the agenda.
Ralph and Lucille continued to dance with their company and introduced the hustle to the  hundreds of night clubs, studios, country clubs and hotels all over the tri state area. While producing music for Mericana Records, Ralph befriended Vince Montana, Jr. Vince asked Ralph and his dance company to join him  for what would become the famous launching of  "Vince Montana Jr. The Salsoul Orchestra" at Radio City Music Hall. What an event. Ralph brought along the darlings of Hustle, Floyd Chishom and Nelly Cotta.
Over the years, wonderful teams performed with him including:                        Derrick & Lilia, Billy & Sandra, Mark James, Jeff & Donna Shelley, Ray Bogart & Kathy, Kenny Gonzales, Billy & Annabel,  Ron & Lisa, Roberto Pagan, Eddie Vega, Rufus Dustin, Bobby & Lynn, Denise & George Velazquez and the Latin Symbolics.
On any given night they could be opening  for Tony Bennett, Eddie Fisher, Lannie Kazan, Lou Rawls, Jackie Mason, Mark Anthony, Henny Youngman, Sal Richards, Tito Pointe & his Orchestra, India,  Anthony Newly or Celia Cruz.
At 72 years young, Ralph along with his better half Lucille,  throw some of the greatest dance weekends, bar none. This year will mark their 25th anniversary year.
In fact, they were the first to initiate a Hispanic dance weekend, "Salsa in the Catskills."
As a choreographer, he could combine elegant sets with spectacular costumes, wonderful dance routines, ranging from hip hop to dramatic theater arts. As the master of ceremonies he would add  a touch of  humor while the audience became spellbound by his dancers. Always on the cutting edge, Ralph has consistently under promised and over delivered.  We are very grateful for all that he has contributed to our Dance......
Ralph gave many of us the opportunity to perform live on stages thru out the country. He taught us valuable lessons in performing, working a stage, choreography, showmanship, professionalism and the most important lessons of all.... on life.  

DanceTalk * 7-6-04

Tiffany Brown, Nancy Merle, Punkin Habet, Georgie Azpura, Roma Moon, Jeff Gessner and Nina Rosado .

Come out to Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa to celebrate Susan Hiser and Joe Reggi's birthdays, Tuesday night, July 6th. This is no cover charge, free parking and the music is directed by DJ Mark.

Pictures from this years Disco America and Liberty Swing are available to view and/or purchase at www.SwingShoes.net. Thanks to Erik Novoa.

Bill Cameron will host his Summer Hummer on September 10-12 2004, at the Sheraton Ferncroft Resort in Danvers Ma. Rooms are only $84 per night
More details to come.

Gloria Gaynor made history in 1973 when “Never Can Say Good-Bye“ debuted at #1. She pioneered and ushered in a new era of music that to this day, keeps influencing the modern day dance styles of  Deborah Cox,  Kristine W, Beyonce.... On July 9, the Queen of Disco breaks new ground as she partakes in the Country On The Gulf series tribute to Hank Williams (GAC). The show will tape at the Grand Casino Theater in Biloxi, Mississippi. Gloria will sing two Williams classics. - Gaynor will have her own celebration, marking her 25th Anniversary of the legendary anthem, “I Will Survive.”  Gloria will be in Las Vegas - for THE VEGAS SHOW with host Sheena Easton. The show airs on the local FOX affiliate. Ms. Gaynor will sing her signature song, “I Will Survive” along with her #1 hit “I Never Knew.”

We are counting down the days till this years World Hustle Dance Championships . There are only a few seats left for the Saturday Evening dinner show. Don't miss out. www.dkndance.com

I hope you enjoy this weeks spotlight on a fascinating dancer that taught New Yorkers how to hustle on TV and on the radio (believe it or not), he even opened a chain of franchise hustle dance studios.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Spot Light"
          Jeff Shelley

The year was 1972. The motion picture 'God Father' was a box office bonanza, Helen Reddy released her classic song "I am Woman" and a guy from Brooklyn opened a dance studio called "New York Hustle."
During the summer of 1966, Jeff Shelley started working for his cousin at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio. But it wasn't until Jeff and his younger brother Jack began hanging out with some girls from a hair salon that they got the impulse to open their own studio. "They turned us onto the hustle." They began to frequent clubs like "The Monistaire" and "Lazardan" in Queens. The year was 1971.  Jeff with his business partner, Jack, decided the time was right.  "New York Hustle "studio was born. Jeff took his Fred Astaire styling and adapted it too the hustle. Their first hustle studio opened in Flushing, Queens in April of 1972.
The following year, Jeff along with Jenny Costa (WKTU Mixmaster) went to audition for the Joe Franklin Television Show. Jenny was one of the top dancers, whom today  is best known for her radio mixmaster contributions in NY. The disco momentum was building and Jeff befriended some of the great dancers of the day. George Velazquez and Craig Yee were some of the most eye catching dancers on the dance scene.
A new club opened that had lines going around the building. The popular "Murray The K" was the host. This club brought some of the most exciting young dancers together. According to Jeff, "This is where I met Floyd (Chishom) and Patty, Billy (Fajardo) and Sandra (Rivera)."
The music and dancing was becoming a life style. Jeff's popularity in the dance world was growing. He was pursued to do a record album which would include instructional dance lessons along with dance songs. The album sales for Columbia House took off. The record was called, "Do The Hustle." In all, three records would be released. The record business was exploding. Over a quarter million records would be sold. Jeff and partner Donna, were pictured on the front cover, which included pictures on the back demonstrating various dance steps.
Jeff and Jack capitalized on the dance phenomena and went main stream launching a radio and TV advertising campaign. They ran as many as 10 radio spots a day on the prime dance stations....WPIX and WBLS. Jack wrote all the scripts and the results were incredible. It was time for another studio as the demand for lessons continued to grow. New York Hustle opened their second location in New Rochelle, NY in 1974. Dance champion, Billy Fajardo came on board to help teach.
The demands and opportunities kept coming. Exhibitions, lessons, running studios, television performances and shows. While at Ipenema disco Jeff befriended dance legend Ralph Lew. This again opened the door for more shows and performances. The following year, Jeff would take the plunge with his dance partner Donna as they walked down the isle. Together they would open 3 additional dance studios and franchise them in Manhattan (at 79th street) in Brooklyn and Staten Island. With the release of the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever" the demand and interest in hustle dancing went off the meter. Jeff would now put his multitasking skills to work as he then signed a two year contract to teach lessons and perform exhibitions on the hugely popular television show "The Soap Factory."  The show was shot right from the popular discotheque "Soap Factory" in Palisades, NJ, which was shown in 69 markets all over the USA.  For the next 2 years, Jeff and Donna would teach viewers how to dance in the privacy of their own living room via TV. The show was hott. Dancers would perform in wild costumes, some on skates and you never knew what to expect. While taping the television show Jeff met the Harvest Moonball champions, Tony and Susan Marolda. This relationship grew as Tony & Susan would eventually teach at one of the NY Hustle studios.
With so much on his plate, the Shelley's took on a new challenge...writing a book.

Stay tuned for Part 2 on the dancing man, Jeff Shelley.

Letter to the Editor

New York City's outdated cabaret laws are at it again. They closed down the Wednesday night swing dance at pier 63. This is the same loophole they used to stop dancing at swing 46, two years ago. Let's put it this way: This is like giving people tickets for jay walking. You must email the mayor below. click on the link and it will take you right to his email and tell him what you think about him closing down swing dance location like pier 63, NYC. We need to accumulate lots of emails in his box for this to be effective. So every email counts, including yours. If we don't take some action, they might close down other locations in NY and then NJ and PA may be next.
http://nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html
NYC.gov

From iTunes & Mark James

Hustle Mix

West Coast Swing Mix

Cha Cha Mix

Salsa Mix

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TO RON

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