DanceTalk - The Archives
June 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 -
From iTunes & Mark James
DanceTalk * 6-20-06
Happy Birthday wishes to BU, Joe Reggi, Susan Hiser and David Padilla.
Congratulations to Judy Secoda. She was married last weekend, June 17th to Wayne Strohl. We wish them both a long happy marriage.
Saturday, July 15th, Mix in the Park, presented by radio station 102.7 FM in NY. Come and dance in East Meadow Park, Long Island to Lisa Lisa, its a free outdoor concert.
A great new feature comes on Tuesday nights at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem, Pa. Every month DJ Mark will feature the music of special music artists. The first night kicks off on July 18th with the music of Donna Summer and Vince Montana & the Salsoul Orchestra.
Dance Champions Luis & Mary Ann Rosa have been asked to join the teaching staff at Rhythms & Soul Dance Studio, 16 Wolcott Rd, Levittown, NY. ( 516) 520-2934, http://www.rhthmsandsoul.com, they will be teaching Hustle Group Classes. http://www.latindanceconnection.com
This young lady should have auditioned for So You Think You can Dance? Check out her incredible flexibility http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/3961/Flexible_Girl.html
Tuesday Night Fever comes to Club Red in Arizona, every Tuesday, beginning July 11th. Hosted by the Hustle Crew: Val and Lynde Hunt, Laina Ferris and Bruce Holland. $5 cover includes free lesson --- 21 and over---Smoke-free---Nice, huge wood dance floor full bar. 7:30 PM “ 8:15 PM - Lesson: Intro to NY Style Hustle 8:15 PM -- 12 am Great Hustle, Swing, Night Club Two Step & Cha-Cha music 2155 E. University Dr. Tempe, Located in the southwest corner of 101 (Price Road) and University. For more info call Laina @ (480) 707-2004
This weekend is the time to head for Atlantic City. Even if your not a big time roller, it's all about the dancing that counts. We look forward to seeing the dance community at Discoamerica. We will be there, all weekend long for red hot dancing, competitions, exhibitions, workshops and more. The party starts Thursday night at the Clarion Hotel's Dr. T's Bistro Nightclub Lounge from 8PM until 10PM. After hours party is at O'Grady's (3901 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City) OVERFLOW - As of now the Clarion Hotel is filled. If you need a hotel room, arrangements have been made with the Comfort Inn next door ($145/day). Please call 609-645-1818 to make reservations. Its not to late to be take part. - Visit the site at http://www.Discoamerica.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
How to create the Ultimate Dance Weekend
(continued from last week)
Creating the perfect dance event is by know means an easy task. Attendees come with different goals and objectives. Our mission was to find out what the average Joe and Joann look for at an event. So....we went to some of our seasoned dance experts, those that attend a few events a year and picked their brains with a list of questions. We solicited the input of 55 dancers. This group made up our focus group, 33 ladies and 22 men. All those polled dance more then one style of dance. They come from nine major dance markets - Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, California, Washington, DC, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Long Island, NY.
The questions were presented in multiple choice fashion. We sent them out, crunched them up when we got them back and analyzed the results. Here are the responses to our questions. At the bottom your find the recommendations and suggestions from our panel members. ( Due to space limitations we are listing only the most popular suggestions). The ideas revolve around ways to improve the events and to help organizers build onto an already successful event.
Special thanks to the 55 dancers that took part in our focus group. They were very fourth coming in their thoughts and ideas - I am very grateful. Your responses will be read and considered by organizers, dancers and friends of dancing, from all over the USA.
1) What most influences you to attend a competition?
The most popular response was - "The location of the event." Many dancers stated that they are attracted to major cities and warmer climates.
The number two response why dancers chose the event was based on "who the Organizer of the event is."
2) The best time for me to attend a competition is
The overwhelming vote went to the Summer time which was followed by the spring season. Many of the responses mentioned the flexibility with their work schedules, school and freedom to get away in the summer months.
3) I prefer to attend events that have this type of dancing?
Our focus group preferred to participate in events that included all three types of dance styles - "Hustle, West Coast Swing and Latin." Very few responses wanted to dance to just one single style of dance and music for the entire weekend.
4) I would like to see at competitions?
The hands down favorite response was "more social dance time."
Many concerns that were shared were "due to so many competitions, exhibitions and other things going on at the event, it reduced the amount of general dance time". This appears to be a big pet peeve for the majority of our panel.
5) I like attending events that have workshops that have:
The most popular response was "teachers that are new to the staff as well as teachers that have been on staff before." Recommendations were for "new teacher faces and new interpretations of such dances."
6) The DJs should play...
The responses were spread across the board but the majority were for a DJ that plays both classic hustle dance music (circa 1978) along with new contemporary music. Dancers recommended new music to "attract the new and younger generation of dancers." There were concerns that DJs tend to "get in a rut and play only the 70' and 80's music." "The music should be recognizable to the dancers".
7) I prefer on Saturday night to:
The dancers viewed this as the opportunity to "break up the weekend with a change of pace by attending a sit down dinner show." This gave dancers the chance to eat and mingle with friends and be entertained. Dancers stressed the pleasure in having "time with friends off the dance floor." 22% of the votes were for a formal dinner but having only social dancing with no show.
8) I feel the fair room price for each night at the hotel of the competition is?
Across the country the cost of room accomodations will vary. Better hotels cost more. Better organizers can negotiate better rates. Our panel was looking for a good hotel, not the cheapest but conservatively priced. 81% of the panel voted for "between the range of "$90 to $100 per night."
9) This is most important to me.......
Almost the majority of the panel voted for "complimentary water and snacks" at the event. Nobody felt having a complimentary dance lesson was as important as having a welcoming party. The common concern was "not having to have to leave the main ballroom for a drink or snack."
10) This is most important to me........
Almost unanimous, the dancers all looked for "a late check out time on Sunday." The inconvenience of packing up early is not popular. Another high request was for rooms with a refrigerator, letting guests snack in between, "not having to leave the hotel for a bite." Nobody felt having an indoor swimming pool was that important.
11) This is most important to me...........
Our group was unanimous on the importance of "good DJs." This is one area that dancers felt the event had to maintain. "A bad DJ can bring down the weekend." Popular DJs are a most. Clearly they feel that a DJ that has a good understanding of the music selection and pitch is vital. Next, in importance was having "good vendors at the event".
Recommendations by the focus group:
The most common request that showed up on many questionnaires (62%) was to "Keep the event on time" ...." competitions scheduled for 10PM that don't start till midnight is absurd."
Other requests that were common (40%) were for "Improvements made in the current method for judging." "the judges should be people out of the main stream public--like icons of the dance industry-w/out any prejudice".
*"No competitor should be permitted to compete in multiple levels of the same competition."
*"Top instructors, both male and female, designated as "dance escorts," on a rotating schedule, to dance with everyone in the ballroom. Many big name dancersonly dance with their partners and/ or other elite dancers. I think if someone spends the money to fly across the country for a dance event, andis turned down bya couple big name dancers, that person is less likely to return".
*"less politics and a focus on welcoming of new people"
*"I would like to see a more semi formal atmosphere for at least one night of the weekend. I am 53 years of age and i'm discouraged to see the poor dress attire at some events".
*"faster jack-n-jills- they take all night to run"
*"Create a fun event (maybe just social - not a jack and jill) where dancers from different cities and groups must dance with each other. Groups tend to stick together."
*"Discounted flights, taxi transportation and room rates" .
*"I attended 2 hustle comps in 2005 . I was hoping to catch different instructors at each event. The staff was almost identical and some of the workshops were almost the exact thing again. I would recommend more variety in teachers and the classes."
*"get all the contests out of the way on Friday so we can dance, contest free, the rest of the weekend. I have found the contests run too long and too late into the evening.
DanceTalk * 6-20-06
Happy birthday wishes to Jimmie Billups, Billy Marti, John Festa, Lori Brizzi, Carol Feldman, Louise Symington, Spinning Cindy, Jaime Serna, Caesar Rivera, Angela McCabe, Lynette Allen and Frank Badolato. Wow what a list!
Something totally new, coming this fall, the newest, hottest, most exciting hustle dance event. Hold the dates, Colmbus/Hustle Day weekend, October 6th & 7th. More details coming soon.
Many actresses and models have put their vocal cords to the test. Some have hit pay dirt, others, have hit only the dirt. Paris Hilton now gives it a shot with "Stars are Blind" a reggae/pop dance tune. Which actually aint bad.
Take a listen to the new demos posted from the brand new CD - Gwen McCrae Sings TK. This is Gwen McCraes 2006 rendition of thirteen all-time great TK hits. Two new demos are available for download right now. Visit producer extrordianire
Henry Stone's website. http://www.henrystonemusic.com/history.htm
July 6 - 9 is the Baltimore Bash, held at the Wyndham Inn Harbor in Baltimore Maryland. Hold the date for line dancing, country couples, Swing, Hand Dancing and Hustle. All star staff and more. Visit http://www.baltimorebash.com/
The next registration discounted rate Cut off for the World Hustle Dance Championships is June 26th. There are no more Double Bed Rooms available at the Hilton hotel - only King size beds. Reserve your room now they are almost sold out. For more details on WHDC visit http://www.hustledanceworld.com
Saturday, July 8th at Montgomery Mall, North Wales, PA - Step Up & DANCE
To end child hunger in the United States, there will be dance contests throughout the day. WIN A $50 MALL GIFT CARD! REGISTER ON LINE AT
http://www.dvolwebservices2.com/forms/index.php?form=fm_f0bf0
Keep watching and voting for Heidi and Benji Schwimmer, her cousin on "So You Think You Can Dance," every Wednesday night. They are both awesome.
The Zachary's Annual $10,000 dance contest has come to the end. This years champions were Adrian & Irene. Second place went to Ricky Quintana & Lisa and the third place winners were Luis & Maryann Rosa. Congratulations to them all.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Swing Fling, taking place in Virginia this August 3 - 6. Host Barry Durand brings all styles of dancing to this wonderful dance festival. Read more below and visit the site. http://www.swingfling.com/...
Make it a great week,
Ron
The Ultimate Dance Weekend
A "how-to" create the ultimate dance event
How does an organizer develop and meet the needs of their attendees?
Do we really know or understand what is important to a dance junkie?
We are in search of excellence. In search of the ultimate dance convention.
To host a successful event you have to know what makes your customers tick. Many of the great dance events of the day do just that - ask for feedback, set up suggestion boxes etc....
Currently, there are a number of wonderful dance weekend competitions that take place all over the country. We have seen many events blossom while others have gone by the way side. What makes one event more successful then another?
Is it all about competing?
The chance to observe great dancers in action?
Or would you rather be out there doing your own thing? Why do folks patronage certain dance comps but pass on others? When is the best time of year to attend a national event?
These are just a few of the questions we set out to uncover. Our mission was to ask dance enthusiasts these and other direct questions to unlock the mystery to the "ultimate dance event" Does it even exist? We felt this report would bring attention to dance event producers and potential dance planners on what folks attending look for at an event.
To get started we created a focus group.
The focus group was made up of active dancers. The criteria would be:
Those dancers surveyed would typically attend at least 2 events a year.
The candidates are knowledgeable and active in at least 2 social dance styles.
We then selected 9 major markets where the hustle, WCS and Latin dancing are strong and well supported. We then selected, (primary), amateur style dancers to take part in the survey. We did poll 4 professional dancers to bring in a different perspective.
We solicited 58 dancers and ended up with 55 completed responses to our questions. In addition to the questions we invited their insight on ways to build and improve a dance weekend.
Here is a break down of the dancers and their demographic profile
*Total of 55 dancers responses were used
*33 female (60%) , 22 male (40%)
*Median age 45(ish)
*From Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, California, Washington, DC, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Long Island, NY
*73% are single 25% are married 2% N/A
*53 of the dancers (96%) have full time, non-dance jobs.
*All dancers surveyed have been dancing a minimum of five years.
22% surveyed have been dancing 20 or more years
53% have been dancing for more then 10 years
25% have been dancing around 5 years or more.
*51 of the 55 dancers surveyed (93%) currently compete at events in either Jack & Jill, amateur, Pro-Am or in the Professional divisions.
None of the dancers surveyed are themselves, currently, organizers or producers of a weekend dance competition.
Back in March 2006, we sent our list of questions to our focus group. We then collected their responses, crunched up the responses and are now rolling out the results.
Next week, the answers to "How to create the ultimate dance weekend."
Stay tuned.
Top Ten Down Loaded Songs
When it comes to downloading music singles, dance tunes are at the top of the list.
Here are the top songs downloaded this past week according to Verizonwireless.com
1) Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado
2) SOS by Rihanna
3) Unfaithful by Rihanna
4) Hips Don't Lie by Shakira Feat. Wyclef jean
5) Ridin by Chamillionaire
6) What you Know by T.I.
7) What's Left of Me by Nick Lachey
8) Bad Day by Daniel Powter
9) Gimme That Remix by Chris Brown
10) It's Goin' Down by Yung Joc
DanceTalk * 6-13-06
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Happy birthday wishes to John Merisier, Robert Lawrence and Mark Rappa.
Keep watching "So You Think You Can Dance," as NY/Philly teacher Heidi Groskreutz, has her eye on the crown. She has made it to the top 10 females. She accompanied her cousin to the top 10, partnering with him in a swing routine. The show combines all styles of dance. Watch for Heidi and vote this Wednesday.
British dance music sensation Bananarama return with a new dance album "Drama," Kenca Woodward and Sara Dullia are back. They had platinum hits with 'Cruel Summer,' 'Venus' and 'I Heard A Rumor.'
The semi's are history. Zachary's just concluded the second round of semi finals. This past week, first place winners were Adrian & Irene. Second place went to Ricky Quintana & Lisa. This coming Friday are the finals. This is the battle where last weeks winners Luis & Maryann Rosa, Jose Solano & Alexandra go head to head with the new winners for $1500 - 1st place, $1000 - 2nd place and $500 - 3rd place
More then 12 million people bought tickets to attend a show in NY this past year. A record. The 60th Tony Awards winners were, John Lloyd Young for Jersey Boys and LaChanze for the Color Purple. Best Musical went to Jersey Boys, the life of Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons.
The tradition lives on, this July 12th Wednesday night from 7 PM to 10PM, Dancing at Lincoln Center in NY - Midsummer Night Swing at Josie Robertson Plaza. Dance under the sun to Maxine Nightingale along with DJ Nelson "Paradise" Roman. There is an after party at Stepping Out from 10PM till 1AM.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Discoamerica. Read al about this exciting dance event below.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Discoamerica
He was billed as the Eighth wonder of the world, King Kong, reigned over New York City. In its eighth season, Discoamerica takes over Atlantic City. Kong was great but fiction. Organizer Donna Boyle brings her 'real' convention to the Clarion Hotel.
Come experience Discoamerica 2006. Could there be a better place to celebrate then in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Discoamerica has gotten a face lift. Donna returns to the adult playground with a new setting. No restrictions, we can dance till dawn. It only happens once a year - June 30th to July 2nd for hustle, WCS and Salsa at the Clarion Hotel and conference center. There will be poolside dancing, so pack your bathing suit, dance shoes and be ready for hot fun in the city. Folks from all over the globe come to AC to enjoy the casinos, famous boardwalk, shows & reviews, fine dining and night time action. Its all here. Can you spell Borgata, the billion dollar casino or the new Quarter at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino. Check out Ripley's Believe it Not, Steel's famous Fudge, world class shops, The Steel Pier, Donald Trumps Taj Mahal Casino, White House Sub Shop, Fralinger's Salt Water Taffies, Planet Hollywood, comedy shops, Rainforest cafe and miles of beach and fun under the sun. You can register on Line at the website. Plan to stay at least a week for the July 4th festivities. But you must, let me repeat, MUST book now. Rooms are almost all gone. Come and join this years staff: Ron Bess, Donna Boyle, Brian Gallagher, Silvana Gallagher, Kenny Gonzales, LoriAnne Greenhouse, Keith Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle, Jami Josephson, Joseph Kerner, Daniel McGee, Diane Nardone, Louis Orlando, Paul Pellicoro, Arte Phillips, Joyce Szili. The DJs are ready to keep you dancing all day and night under the careful direction of Bobby Morales and Ken Arditi, Mike Brooks, Mark Sakowski, Ron "RJ" Joseph, Brian Gallagher. Don't miss the fabulous dinner show, exhibitions, vendors and many surprises.
It only comes once a year....don't miss out on the event that everyone will be talking about. Visit the site at http://www.Discoamerica.com
New Music
Here are the hottest new songs to cool you off this summer.
Great music to listen too and dance. Various tempos for free style, hustle, WCS and other forms of touch dancing. Lots of new fresh beats including some wonderful remakes of classic rock songs with a dance twist.
Hips Don't Lie by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean
Dreams Deep Dish featuring Stevie Nicks
Love Generation by Bob Sinclair
Say I by Christina Milian
Faithfully by Judy Torres
Gallery by Mario Vazquez
Because of You by Kelly Clarkson
Alone by Kim Sozzi
S.O.S. by Rihanna
Every Time We Touch by Cascada
Love of My Life by Lucas Prata featuring Reina
Raindrops by Stunt
Just Like That by Amber
Kiss the Sky by Danielle Bollinger
Window To My Heart by Jon Secada
DanceTalk * 6-6-06
Happy Birthday wishes to Michelle Russomanno, Colette Antonelli, George Dudley, Nellie Cotto, Cindy Lehning, Mona Walker and Ginny Carey.
Please visit the Hustle Hall Of Fame for new candidates and wonderful new pictures. http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/
The first round of the semifinals took place last week at Zachary's. This coming week (June 9) is the second round. In first place and moving into the Grand finals are Luis and Maryann Rosa. Jose Solano and Alexandra came in second and also qualify for the finals. Ron Rochester and Kat took third.
This Saturday, head to Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge, a Same-sex competition in all styles of dance. See more details below and visit the website http://www.philadelphialibertydancechallenge.com
For the international competitor, take notice to the traditional dance festival "Crimea Trophy 2006." Folk, classical, modern dance, Argentina tango, Oriental dance, Caribbean, Latin, Tap.....http://www.dance.sebastopol.ua
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the World Hustle Dance Championships. Don't delay, register and reserve you room now....right now. Rooms are going fast and the rates are going to go up. See more details below. http://www.hustledanceworld.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Alisa Apps
Every few years a new star lands. In many cases the talent is so shiny that it permeates all types of music lovers taste buds. We have heard the tunes of Britney, Pink, Christina Agulara.... but here is a new artist with a burning glow that just can't miss. Alisa Apps, the product of Cleveland Ohio, has a cross over album that will debut August 15th. Radio stations thru out the country have already started playing her title tune - 'A Simple Life'. Uncommon in today's music landscape, Alisa lays down solid songs including ballads, dance tunes, pop and soft rock all composed by herself.
A true multi talented artist, music Master Bernie Grundman praised her talent and was moved to hear that "Alisa wrote all the songs." He is a man that has worked with the likes of Michael Jackson on his Thriller album, Mary J Blige, Eminem, Madonna, U2, Prince......
Bound to achieve commercial success with 'Simple Life,' the next song off the record that jumps out is the soft ballad 'Come Closer,' a moving song that starts off slow but grows with a haunting theme with a tearfully tone. If your in the free style mood check out 'Every Body's In', an upbeat song with a typical Alisa Apps sound, very fresh and crisp.
I adore the song 'Get Into It' a soft sweet ballad that has a chilling beat which expresses the music maturity from a young artist. You can then move to the dance version of 'Get Into It' which is double hot. The entire CD takes you thru various music genre's. Imagine a collision course between the Go Go's and Madonna.....bang, you got a new sound that is all about Alisa. The music has new fresh beats that grows on you. Alisa writes for those that "see things differently, the rebels the fireballs." She is not afraid to put her self out there, in the same sense as artist Pink, minus the white - trashy feel. Alisa will tickle your brain and ears.
Although young, vibrant and drop dead gorgeous, she is not a teeny bopper. I can vision her songs on various radio stations: dance, top 40, pop contemporary and even on the Disney radio station. Ten tracks in all, look for Alisa Apps debut album "It's Time". Write her name down and remember - you heard it here first, its her time.
Visit the website Alisaapps.com
DanceTrivia
* Linda Clifford, best known for her hit single "If My Friends Could See Me Now" was born in Brooklyn, NY and was a former Miss New York.
* More then 5000 DJs attend the International DJ Expo held each year in Atlantic City New Jersey. Going strong for 16 years, its the biggest industry show for DJs.
* In 1979, dance champions Miquel and Annette Marrero won the New York City Harvest Moonball Dance competition at the Felt Forum inside Madison Square Garden in front of a packed sold out audience.
* Rolling Stone Magazine selected the 500 Greatest albums of all time. The top spots were captured by the Beatles, Michael Jackson's Thriller was #20, Stevie Wonder's Innervisions was #24, James Brown Live was # 25 and Saturday Night Fever was #131
* Singer song writer Barry Gibb (Bee Gees) is credited with producing 14 number # 1 hit songs.
* The impeccable Fred Astaire was considered by many to be the greatest dancer of all time. Fred, however felt he had a flaw .....his hands were to big. He made a conscience effort to always hide his thumbs.
*George McCrae had the #1 hit song in 1974, "Rock Your Baby" but did you know his wife Gwen McCrae also had a number one hit, "Rockin."
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