DanceTalk - The Archives
July 2005


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DanceTalk * 7-25-05

Happy birthday wishes to Mia, Joyce Szili, Danielle Odhner and Rob Finocchio.

Congratulations to Jackie McCloy and the Long Island Record Pool. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary this week. Way to go.

For the pre promotion party for the new Fox Television show, So You Think You Can Dance, Donna Boyle appeared on the Fox morning show.

There still is time to register for this coming weeks World Hustle Dance Championships. The dinner show is sold out. A special dancer will be honored this year and inducted into the Hall Of Fame. There is also a number of dancers from 'back in the day' competing in the Professional divisions. This could be the largest Hustle event, ever. I hope to see you there.

Hear the great sounds of DJ Mike Gormley, Saturday nights at Fishers Night Club on Street Road in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.  

Tuesday night at IBBG, in Long Island, there will be a special performance by The Latin Dance Connection featuring Luis & Mary Ann Rosa, Keith Harrison and Marianne Gonzalez. DJ Johnny V spins classics all night. 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City,  (516) 227-2472  

The Atrium Swing Team is performing on Saturday, August 13th at the PSDS dance located at Widner Hall in Chestnut Hill, Phila, Pa. See http://www.swingdance.org for more info and/or directions.

Henry Stone has once again been profiled in a major entertainment publication. This time he has a large feature in Celebrity Access - http://www.celebrityaccess.com/news/profile.html?id=255

This weeks issue of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Swing Fling. Join the best WCS, Hustle, Lindy, shag and hop dancers under one roof for this exciting event. Visit the website at http://www.SwingFling.com see more details below.  

Make it a great week,
Ron Bess



   
          Dancing With The Stars and more....


The ABC network hit television show has folks in a dance frenzy.  The first seasons winners were Alec Mazo and Kelly Monaco (soap opera star from General Hospital and Port Charles).  A close second place went to John O'Hurley (from the Seinfield show) and Charlotte Jorgensen while hopeful Joey Mcintyre (New Kids On the Block) and Ashley Delgrosso took third. 
Carrie Ann Inaba hopes to return to judge the second season. Prior to DWS, she was Austin Powers sexy sidechick in "Goldmember." She was the Japanese school girl. She currently is the choreographer on the new show, So You Think You Can Dance.
After his first place win, Alec Mazo hopes to open his own school of dance. He is a professional competitor and partners with Edyta Sliwinska whom, by the way, was Evander Holyfield's partner on the show. Alec and Edyta are a real - life couple.
By the end of the short season, John O'Hurley sweated off 15 pounds. He really put some energy in too his dancing. He would love to have the opportunity to compete on the show again! His dance partner Charlotte Jorgensen is best known for training actors Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez with their sensual dance scenes in the hit motion picture "Shall We Dance."
Judge Bruno Tonioli had been a featured dancer in Elton John's video "I'm Still Standing." Bruno said "the final competition on the TV show was about the difficulty level, skill, heart, showmanship and how you incorporated everything you learned."
Stylists designed the outfits for the competitors which ranged in price upwards of $5,000.00 per costume.  Check out
http://www.designstoshine.com
Over 22 million views watched the show weekly. With a ratings bonanza on their hands, the creators are busy preparing for a second season....... they are rushing to get it ready now. The production company understands the importance of a successful second season. Executive producer Conrad Green says, "expect a bigger galaxy of stars and a longer running season."
Dancing is alive and well on TV.


    Editorial

DanceTalk® is read weekly by thousands of people with a common interest in dancing and the music that makes their feet move.  Dancing has received big ratings points over the last few weeks with the popularity of the new hit dance television shows. This has lead to a big boost in our readership. We thank you.
With this growth comes additional responsibilities for all of us.
Help keep social dancing strong. Be ready to welcome all new faces and give them the encouragement to dance. Take the time to dance with new friends and introduce them to others. Befriend a beginner and share a dance.
Now is the time to build our bench. Its up to you to invite them in. We all have to remember how it felt when we first started to dance. Lend them a hand and help build their confidence and make new friends.
There're many great summer events and socials going on. Please take the time to review the list below. Tell your friends and encourage them to get involved.
Support our sponsors and the dance events we have listed. 
Thank you,
Ron

DanceTalk * 7-18-05

Happy birthday wishes to Rosalie Bucci and Diane Weinberg.  

Come out to Michael's Cafe on Tuesday night for a special tribute to the Greatest Disco Artists. Dance to some great classics with DJ Mark. There will also be a birthday celebration for Rosalie Bucci. 

So You Think You Can Dance...actually thats the name of the newest television show that kicks off this Wednesday on Fox at 8PM EST with a 2 hour premier.  From the creators of American Idol, the show will give young experienced dancers the chance to win 100 grand. The 50 winners from nationally held auditions compete in groups....after teams are weeded out they move onto couples competitions.

One of the busiest dance teams around has some new classes going on in Bayside NY. Luis & Maryann Rosa are on a roll. Check out their website for all the updates.   http://www.latindanceconnection.com

Victor Edward Willis, the original policeman in the disco band the Village People, was arrested, allegedly having an unlicensed gun & drugs. Willis, co-wrote hits such as "Macho Man'' & "In the Navy'' left the band in the late 70's. Police said Willis didn't have a valid license and I.D. and at first lied about his name & residence. Inside his car, an officer found a 45-caliber handgun, rock cocaine & drug paraphernalia.

The first documentary to uncover the roots of the Dance Music Culture, Maestro, is to be released on July 26, (2 Disc DVD & CD soundtrack). It provides compelling & exclusive insight into the club scene that paved the way for present day global DJ & Club Culture. Through never before seen footage of the legendary clubs The Loft,    Paradise Garage, exclusive interviews with renowned DJs, the secret world of the Underground Dance Music Culture is discovered. http://www.maestro-documentary.com 

Companies, teams or organizations, inducted you into their "Club" after years of service. But what happens if you walk away from your craft for 5, 10 or even 20 years to then pick up where you left off? Take a look at the 20 Year Club, below, and the renewed success of these great dancers. 

With the incredible success of Dancing with the Stars, lets take a look behind the curtain at the contestants & judges from this hit show in next weeks edition of DanceTalk®.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by SamsSnapshots.com.
Pictures Worth Thousands of Words! If you are bored, spend the night with Sams 100,000 spectacular dance pix from Hustle, Swing, and Salsa across the country. Go to  http://www.samsSnapshots.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

DanceTalk * 7-11-05

Happy Birthday wishes to Roberto Pagan, Anthony Lee, Karen Pomanger, Celeste Pfefferle and Al Schmidt.

Congratulations to Judy Secoda on her recent marriage engagement.

A founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic, Ray Davis, passed away last week. Ray provided bass vocals on songs like "One Nation Under a Groove" and "Flashlight," both reached No 1.  As a junior in high school, (Plainfield, New Jersey), Ray joined George Clinton to form the Parliament Funkadelic. They scored a Top 20 pop hit "(I Wanna) Testify" in 1967. Their music was considered a precursor to modern rap and hip-hop. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Mr. Davis lived in Franklin Park, NJ, and remained active musically. He filled in on bass vocals with the Temptations.

The number one show of the season was Dancing With The Stars. Congratulations to Kelley Monaco and Alex Maza. I'm hearing from many instructors and dance studio owners that there is a new level of interest in taking lessons sparked by this successful show. Lets hope the trend continues.   

DanceClassic Showcase Volume 9 is now available -- a great combination of free style, hustle and dance jams in this on going series of classics. Your want to add this to your collection. visit http://www.danceClassicsshowcase.com

Come out to the Granada in Alhambra, California on Saturday, July 16th for a disco hustle party. Sponsored by the on line station http://www.backtodisco.com  Two dance floors for Hustle and Salsa. They'll also be celebrating "Disco Liz's" birthday. 

August 6th is the 4th anniversary of the Dance Zone, hosted by Dance Champion Mark James. See all the details below.

This weeks issue of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing Fling, coming to DC on
August 4-7. http://www.swingfling.com
Visit their website and read more of the details below.

Make it a great week,
Ron


             DanceTrivia

* Club Sugar, 72nd & West in Manhattan is owned and operated by world class singers/song writers Ashford and Simpson.

*"More Disco" was filmed in Miami and aired on local television from 1975 to 1976.
This early show featured disco performers and dancers.

* Actor Matt Dillon, now 41 years old, stared in popular films like the Flamingo Kid and the Outsiders and most recently in Herbie. Matt celebrated his 18th birthday, back in the day, with a big bash at Studio 54.

* The popular group Tavares had many hits, Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel, More Then a Women, It Only Takes A Minute.....the five members are all brothers.

*Saturday Night Fever as of 2005 is the 5th biggest selling album of all time. It has sold over 28.2 million copies.

*Nile Rogers of the superband Chic had big hit dance songs like, Dance Dance Dance, Le Freak and Good Times. Nile also produced some of Madonna's biggest hits...'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'. 


And the top 30 songs on the Disco Action Chart 30 years ago were.............
1) When Your Young and In Love - Ralph Carter
2) Dreaming a Dream - Crown Heights Affair
3) Brazil - Ritchie Family
4) Disco Gold - Scepter
5) Dance, Dance, Dance - Calhoun
6) What A difference A Day Makes - Ester Phillips
7) Do It Anyway You Wanna - People's Choice
8) Chinese Kung Fu - Benzaii
9) Sexy - MFSB
10) Never Get Enough Of Your Love - Street People

DanceTalk * 7-4-05

Happy birthday wishes to Lisa Nunziella, Tiffany Brown, Nancy Merle, Punkin Habet, Jeff Gessner, Nina Rosado, Georgie Azpura and Roma Moon.

In 2004, he captured 4 Grammy's, including best song for the bittersweet ''Dance With My Father.'' Dead at 54, Luther Vandross was arguably the finest R&B singer of our generation. His awards included ''Here and Now,'' his album ''Power of Love,'' and ''Your Secret Love.'' He wrote songs for rocker David Bowie, the Broadway musical ''The Wiz,'' and sang backup for the incomparable Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand. His break thru occurred as the lead vocalist for the super group Chic. He left the band in 1979 and had his first big dance hit as the lead vocalist with the group Change, ''The Glow of Love.'' hit gold in 1980.  That led to a recording contract with Epic Records. Just 2 years ago he had us dancing to his hit, "I'd Rather." Shortly after, he suffered a stroke.  Wheel chair bound at the time of his death, Luther had a huge heart and looked forward to his return. He simply wasn't a quitter. He will always be remembered for his powerful voice, his ballads and his love & humanitarian values.

We wish only the best to Carolina Almont as she leave for her home in the Dominican Republic. She had a short stay here...we hope to see her again soon dancing and performing.

Mark your calendars for the all inclusive Stardust Dance Weekend, Sept 16-18, 2005 at the Nevele in Ellenville, NY. Come join Donna DeSimone, David & Sharon Savoy, Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Mede and many more of the top pros. Read all about it below.  http://www.stardustdance.com

Jenny Costa joins the Saturday Night Dance Factory line up on WKTU FM, from 7PM to 8PM. Then see and hear her live at the Viper Bar on route 347 in Hauppauge Long Island, NY from 9 PM till 4 AM. 

July 9th marks the new venue for Millennium Hustle. Lori Brizzi moves her popular social to Club 412 in NYC with DJ Nelson "Paradise" Roman the 2nd Saturday of every month. Read all about it below.

Great news, Vince Montana Jr., is back at home and doing great. He is already back in his recording studio. Look out.  

If your looking for the newest issue of DanceTalk®, see them all at Mark James's website. Check out the archives, which permits you to review all the previous issues.  http://www.mjames.org/ronbessarchieve.html

Don't miss this coming weekends big Maryland, the Baltimore Bash, July 7-10,
Best Western Hotel & Conference Center, 1-800-633-9511 ask for the special $99 Baltimore Bash Rate - it includes Free Full Buffet Breakfast, Free Parking. Line dance, country couples, swing, hand dance, hustle and soul line. Registration Online or contact Anthony Lee bigappllee@aol.com   phone: 201-939-4506 http://www.baltimorebash.com

This weeks issue of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing Fling, coming to DC on
August 4-7. http://http://www.5678Magazine.com

If you would like to be added to our weekly mailing write to Rowenlb22@aol.com and put in the subject box "Add me to the list".

Make it a great week,
Ron



                           WHDC preview - July 28 - 31

Don't be shut out. The 5th anniversary of The World Hustle Dance Championships is just around the corner. This year's theme, Vegas Comes To Jersey, brings the West to the East to celebrate the dance we all love.....the hustle.  The World Open Hustle crown is up for grabs with a $5,000. purse. This year, the number of competitor entries for this highly sought after title are limited...so enter now. But if you haven't reserved your room yet...time is working against you. The cut off date for the $89.00 room rate is Wednesday, July 6th. The hotel is almost sold out.  Pre registrations have already exceed that of last year and the event is still over three weeks away.  WHDC returns to the Parsippany Hilton, One Hilton Court, in Parsippany, NJ - 973-267-7373. Make your reservations by calling between 9AM and 5PM. (Do not use the Hilton 800 number, they do not have the additional rooms that were added.)  Don't forget to mention that you are with the World Hustle Dance Championship Group for the SPECIAL $89.00 room rate!
Two power house DJs will be spinning late into the night. Nelson "Paradise" Roman and Johnny "O" will be kicking it up with plenty of hustle, WCS, club, classics and more. Seating for the Dinner/Show are filling up fast. There is a rumor that Elvis maybe in the house? (As your aware, just three weeks ago the Liberty Swing Championships was completely sold out.) There is a buzz in NJ and the Queen Bee is delivering one of the most exciting competitive events of the year. Host Diane Nardone has increased the winning purses for 2005.
In addition to the World Open Hustle Dance Championships $5,000.00 purse, there is an Open Swing Division $1,000.00, Top Female & Male Teacher for Hustle & Swing 1st Place $200.00 each, Professional Just Dance Hustle $1,000.00 and Professional Just Dance Swing $700.00 purse. The party kicks off on Thursday with a 8:00PM welcome hustle lesson with Diane K Nardone, Swing Room and snacks will be served. Many quality vendors will be there all weekend including Kermit Dukes - photographer, Grant Austin - Dance Shoes, 'Motives Cosmetics' & skincare products, Makeovers by celebrated artists, World Hustle Boutique, Masseuse, Movers & Shakers - Hi-quality dance, fitness & leisure wear plus accessories, Skyview Pictures - Specialty is New York Aerial Photography by Rosspilot,
All competitors must purchase a 4-day or 1-day pass to compete.
The Tentative Workshop Schedules are on the website for your viewing. Come join the folks that helped put the Hustle on the map along with the best in WCS and Latin:  Anthony Lee, Bobby Gerard, Brian Faust, Brian Gallagher, Carl Charles, Chris Bates, Chris LeFebvre, Cody Melin, Connie MacDougall, Dave Muzii,  Derrick Allen, Deborah Ferro, Diane K Nardone, Donna Roesel, Fred & Tina Price, Gary Ulaner, Jason Colacino & Katie Boyle, John Festa, John Lindo, Juan Calderone, Keith Gussoni & Celeste, Lori Brizzi, Luis & Maryann Rosa, Mark James, Karen Lupo, Melody Cochran, Paul Pellicoro, Phil LaMothe, Reisa Alexander, Roberto Pagan, Robert & Nicola Royston, Ron Bess, Roma Irizzary, Silvana Gallagher, Susan Marolda, Tony Pace, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Wes Carrejet.
Transportation (Shuttle/Taxi) to and from the airport is available on the website.
Visit http://www.dkndance.com of event information, updated schedules and ON-LINE REGISTRATION.
You can also fax the forms to 201-666-7475.
This is the event you don't want to miss. If your from out of town, plan to stay the week and come dance the time of your life. See your old friends and make new ones. Everyone is going to be there, old school, street dancers, club, competitors from back in the day to the hottest dancers of the new millennium. New York and Philadelphia are just a short drive away, which means, the most exciting vacation spots and dancing you can imagine. 


Letters To The Editor

Hi Ron. For those who couldn't tune in to KTLA TV last Wednesday to watch the DISCO coverage, log on to http://www.ktla.com, then choose "news video" and scroll down to the DISCO selection. You can watch and listen to the last of 6 segments about LA disco. Many thanks to the "diehard" hustle dancers who donned their dancing shoes at 6AM to make the KTLA TV spot a HUGE SUCCESS and special thanks to John Torres for spinning our favorite disco tunes!
Ciao, Gloria
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hey Ron, We love dancetalk newsletter and want to make a recommendation.
I have been dancing the hustle for over 25 years. I grew up in Hempstead and now I live with my family in Paramus New jersey. I went to the very first hustle USA that took place in the city and I remember you were there as the MC it was an intense event. I had never been to something like that before and I can still remember danceing all night till 4 oclock in a morning. How is it today these events have so many contests that there is no time to do some real danceing. I no you have many friends in the business and eveyone reads your newsletter so please print my letter so everyone will no how we feel to give us people paying to be there more time to street dance. Bless you and your family,
Angel Perez

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