DanceTalk - The Archives
March 2003
Thank for
Visiting the Archieves 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
DanceTalk 3-25-03
This past weekend, Danny Llaurado passed away. He inspired so many dancers. He was a wonderful human being. For more insight on his dance career, please read his biography below.
This Tuesday, come out to Michael' s Cafe in Bensalem, Pa. to celebrate Ron Morrison's birthday.
Coming soon to DanceTalk, a complete listing of all the musicals now appearing on Broadway in the Big Apple.
Witness the birth of the region's newest, most exciting Swing & Hustle event! Mad Jam, this coming weekend. Hope to see you in Baltimore. Details below.
The media is watching the Hustle world. New Jersey Monthly Magazine is covering the Hustle era and is doing a feature article, including, how the dance has evolved.
The ever popular American Idol television show will feature music from the Disco Era this week. The contestants music selection will be chosen from this important time period.
Vince Montana Jr. is returning from Miami. He was attending the Winter Music Conferences. We will announce the winners of the song contest next week.
The Motion Picture "Chicago" cleaned up with academy awards.
What a great boost for musicals.
Every Friday, starting April 4th, Starlight Dance Center will be hosting a West Coast Swing night!! Only $12pp Featuring WCS, Hustle & Salsa for your dancing pleasure. WCS lessons available at the studio. For more details,
www.Starlightdanceuse.com or call us at: 973-235-9835
God Bless our Troops, make it a great week.
Ron
Danny Llaurado
"A Dance Giant"
He had Errol Flynn's good looks and the dance grace of Fred Astaire, rolled into one. Danny's drive and love for dance was second to none. I had the pleasure of performing with Danny & Lisa Nunziella and getting to know this dance giant.
Just weeks ago, we were corresponding, and in the early stages of writing his biography, a Spotlight feature for DanceTalk, prior to his passing.
Along with other dance greats, I will share with you the fond memories we have of our friend, Danny Llaurado.
His hustle career started back in the early 70's, pre-Saturday Night Fever and the hoopla. He was a high energy hustle "street" dancer. He quickly began to hone his craft, creating his own distinct style and dramatic look. For five years, Danny partnered with Carol Famigletti. They became a very popular dance team and collectively joined forces with Floyd Chisholm and his partner Annette. Together they formed an exciting dance troop - "The Disco Dance Connection," They were booked six nights a week at the premier New York Supper Clubs. The shows would feature four couples performing: group numbers, solo spot light dances along with two female singers. Along with Danny & Carol, Eddie Espinosa with his partner Barbara would tour Paris for a month. As a troop member, Danny's relationship with fellow dancers extended beyond just business, they became a brotherhood. Nellie Cotta, Ricky Quintana, Lee Rafrano, Deano "Dino" Georgio, Jean Camaletti, Gina Figueroa and Lisa Nunziella.
In addition to competing in contests, Danny and Carol would dance back up for Pop singer Patrick Hernandez (Born to Be Alive) and perform on weekends at Plato's Retreat. Eventually, the dance troop lost ground and disbanded.
Danny would continue to perform with new partner Maria Torres. But things heated up when he joined forces with long time friend Lisa Nunziella. The dance relationship clicked - combining two great talents. Together they would compete and perform all over the country. They rose to the semi-finals on the televised "Dance Fever" show and would display a ground breaking double' along with Deano Georgio and Sandra Rivera on the syndicated TV show "Star Search."
Recognized for his creativity, Danny built on ideas but gave them a new twist, taking lifts and tricks to a new level. His ability to thrust his partner high into the air, as she executed a triple, then catch her effortlessly with a smile on his face was..... electrifying.
After achieving so much via his dance, Danny started a new chapter in his life.
He was the manager of Pierre Michelle Saloon in Manhattan. He recently purchased a home in upstate NY. After persuasion from long time friend Deano "Dino" Georgio, Danny agreed to reflect back upon his dance career with me. We never completed our discussions.
Danny touched so many friends in our dance community and helped raise the hustle bar. He will be sadly missed by so many and never forgotten.
Danny was only 46 years old.
We send our condolences to his family and many friends.
Danny was a wonderful partner and friend as well. I'll always cherish those memories as some of the best of my life.
I'm very grateful for all the years we had together.
Carol Famigletti
I was shocked to here the news....Danny was a wonderful partner and caring friend. He was funny and witty, we had a great time dancing together. We competed and traveled the world performing. He will not be forgotten. He was a true professional....
Lisa Nunziella
Danny was one of the innovators that basically invented the hustle as we know it today. Our friendship was always first and the dancing came after ... we were really a close group.... All of us, from the 70's dance group are devastated by this huge loss.
Mike Babbino
Letter to the Editor
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all of those who were at Michael's last Tuesday and celebrated my birthday with me. In all sincerity, it was the best birthday celebration that I've ever had. To have so many ladies, not to mention a couple of men, waiting to dance with me during my birthday dance was overwhelming. I'm honored to be a part of this dance community and wonderfully blessed by each and every one of you. I look forward to getting to know all of you both on and off the dance floor. In a world often full of conflict, pain and suffering, we have something rare and unique that brings joy and pleasure to the heart and soul. I can only hope and pray that I will be a part of this special gift for many years to come. If you know of anyone who doesn't get this newsletter but was at Michael's, please pass along my gratitude. From My Heart to Yours, Scott
Happy St. Patty's Day
Happy Birthday to Lauren Nicole Bess, she turns 7 years old this week. She will be performing at the Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships the weekend of April 11-13 2003.
Happy birthday wishes to Silvana Gallagher and Ron Morrison.
Come out to Michael's Cafe on Tuesday the 18th to celebrate Scott Michielli's birthday.
Tuesday nights will be the "New Generation" Hustle night at the Potomac Swing Dance Club in Vienna, VA (Formerly the Taproom.)
FREE LESSONS DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH
to sample the learning and development power of the "New Generation Hustle Count" and the "Danceflow " dance development technique.
($5.00 dance charge applies for those wanting to stay for dance)
7:00PM Dance of the month SALSA Beg/Int (Free w/ class purchase) 7:30pm - 810pm Beginner/Novice Hustle 820 - 9pm Intermediate/Adv. Hustle Instruction with Ken Roesel 9PM- 1130pm Dancing DJed Hustle Mix ( Lots of Hustle - w/some Salsa and W/C) $10 - 1lesson and Dance FREE LESSON DURING MARCH
$12- 2lessons and Dance FREE LESSON DURING MARCH
$7 Dance Only DanceBuddies@Starpower.net or phone (703) 282 4187
Web Site http://www.DanceBuddies.com
GRAND OPENING OF SONYA'S DANCE STUDIO - LA LUNA
4610 Bensalem Blvd., Bensalem, PA on Sat, May 3rd, 2003 $5 advanced ticket purchase only, buy your ticket from Sonya, cash only $10 at the door if any tickets are left, don't wait!! For info call 215 327 3249 or email at sonya@wildonsalsa.com
If you missed the theatrical release of "Empire," good news, it is available on DVD. Written and directed by Franc. "Perico" Reyes, a hustle dance pioneer. Empire is a very stirring drama that takes you from the back streets to the high times of society with many twists in between. The movie is well portrayed but, is not for the thin skinned viewer.
In the making: A new motion picture called "Shall We Dance" staring Jennifer Lopez as a dance instructor with Richard Gere playing the role of her student!
This Thursday evening at 10PM the original "Shall We Dance" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on TCM, the Turner Classic Movie channel.
Star Search is doing limited auditions for the Young Dancer division (ages 8 to 20) they are accepting applications by mail.
Applicants must complete the online PERFORMER APPLICATION at www.CBS.com along with a CD of the music, a video tape of your performance, photos (headshots). Send application materials to the following address:
STAR SEARCH
P.O. BOX 290
LOS ANGELES, CA 90078
Coming soon, a listing of current instructional video's for all levels of hustle dancing. Stay tuned.
Make it a great week.
Ron
MAD JAM
Mad Jam is heating up. Here are some additional (Hott Off the Press) up dates for this Xciting event.
We are only 11 days out from this new, creative competition.
Mad Jam takes place on March 29th in Maryland.
Just added to the celebrity list, Jason Colacino & Katie Boyle from CA will be teaching a swing workshop. Cash, Prizes and plaques for all Jack & Jill divisions. Passes to "IHSC" in the Hustle Jack & Jill competition. Win passes to the "America's Classic" in the swing Jack & Jill Competition.
As of this writing, over 200 dance enthusiasts have already pre registered,
Have you? There is over 500 dancers expected.
It's not to late to register for the Show case. First place takes home $400.00 in cash. See ya in Baltimore Maryland.
http://www.AtlanticDanceJam.com
Vince Montana Jr. Favorite song contest. (continued)
Here are the last three entries that we have selected to celebrate Vince Montana Jr.'s birthday. Next week, we will announce the winners.
Thanks to all those that participated in the contest.
*
Regarding "The God Father Of Disco," Vince Montana Jr.'s work; He is obviously a keystone in the foundation of Disco Music. Begining with his involvement with soulful ballads such as "I Just Don't Want to Be Lonely," into his collaborations with bands like the O'Jays, you can see the transition from R&B Classics like "Bad Luck" and "Back Stabbers," into Semi Disco cuts like "The Love I Lost," "Love Train" and "I Love Music" which then morph into full blown Disco Classics, at the very beginning of the Disco era, as evidenced by his involvement with the Tramps on "Disco Inferno," the transitions are clear. This man is one of the greatest musical pioneers of our times and a true leader who put Disco on our turntables, on our radios and in our dance. His groundbreaking work has evolved into the Dance Music of today. The Winter Music Conference will be embracing one of their founding fathers this year when Vince Montana Jr. and his Orchestra take the stage. Regarding my favorite Salsoul/Montana song of all times, Love Break is my pick. It's everything that I'm looking for in Hustle Dance Music. The song has an energetic, Latin/Jazz/Funk fushion, flavor that's fun to dance to.
Thanks,
Dave Lach
*
Song: “Magic Bird of Fire”
Explanation: “Magic Bird of Fire” is my theme of dancing Hustle. The title itself is very powerful. Breaking down the choice of words really explains who I am as a dancer. “Magic Bird” symbolizes how free I feel while dancing; like a bird exploring the universe without limitations and restrictions. Dancing is having the finesse to express oneself while uniting with a song you feel. “Magic Bird of Fire” gives me the ability to express my feeling in the moment of the music. Each time I listen to the song I experience something new due to the blend of smooth disco, orchestra, and Latin beats. “Fire” is the ability to adapt to the changing tones throughout the song. Within every inch of the song you have an opportunity to really stress an emotion. The energy of the song allows me to truly express what I feel while hearing the constant swirls of soaring blends of various styles of music. My muscles burn as I continue to feel the music throughout my soul. Blood temperature rises as the excitement rushes throughout my body. Each time I hear the song; the dance is never the same. The song provides me with the ability to be creative in order to express what I feel at that moment. There are so many dimensions within “Magic Bird of Fire” how would I be able to dance using the same accents at each point of this song. Right now I am listening to “Magic Bird of Fire” to truly capture what I would feel as I'm dancing. Recently a good friend asked me to review this song for possible future use in a performance. Being new to the “Sal Soul Orchestra”, I fell in love with the song right away. I remember the first time hearing this song…capturing my attention as my body fills with energy wanting to take action on the dance floor. The song makes me want to dance and allows me to take dancing to various levels throughout the song, a perfect way for dancers to express themselves in a performance. “Magic Bird of Fire” gives you the opportunity to “Dance Your Ass Off”!
Jennifer R. Nitka
*
Hey there Ron, I have always enjoyed the music of Vince Montana and the Salsoul orchestra. My all time favorite song is Runaway. I had entered a dance contest at Bonds Discoteque in the city (manhatten),
in the earlier 80's. The DJ picked the music until you made it to the finals. I lucked out, my song was Runaway. We won the preliminaries contest that week - a hundred bucks and a bottle of Champaign. Great memories. We didn't win the finals but I'll always remember that night.
Thanks for your newsletter and the hard work you devote.
Michael Terra
Letter to the Editor
I thought (Jordan & Titiano) were great.
I think they should have a dancer on the judge's panel. Technically they were superb. The Hawaiian team needs to credit their choreographer instead of their individual talent.
Finally, break dancing is break dancing. That's it. If you have other type of music, what will you do? What will you do?
Personal opinions ---- J* (dancer, actor, singer)
DanceTalk 3-11-03
The Long Island Dance Connection welcomes you to Club 56 in Long Island. Every Wednesday is Hustle & Swing with "HOT Salsa & Latin Tuesdays" The Long Island Dance Connection has a web site www.lidance.org
On March 13th at 9:15 PM, Shana Vitoff from the Society Hill Dance Academy will be hosting a Mlonga at her studio. Academy award winning actor, Robert Duvall, will be attending with his girlfriend and the costar of his new movie "Assassination Tango." There will be no cover, just some great tango dancers. Hope to see you there. 401 South 2nd street in Philadelphia. www.societyhilldance.com
Congratulations to Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann (from Orange County Calif.). They performed a wonderful WCS, with a contemporary twist on "Star Search," winning the Young Dancer (ages 8 to 20 years old) preliminary round. They now advance to the Semifinals this Friday, March 14 at 8PM ET/PT on "Star Search" www.cbs.com/star
This week I have listed the first three finalists in our Vince Montana Jr. favorite song contest. I will post the other three finalists next week. Thanks to all those that sent in their letters - sharing their musical/dance memories with us. The winning letters will be chosen in two weeks.
"Third Annual Relaxation 7 Day Fun Cruise," coordinated by Gladys Torres:
Date: November 30-December 7.
Leaving from Galveston, Texas.
Category M: $505.55 per person (that's it.. that's the whole price)
Contact Gladys Torres, Cell: 713-875-6991 or email: GTorresRC@aol.com
MNN (Manhattan Neighborhood Network), cable channel 67, is going to feature a LIVE broadcast show on West Coast Swing.
This will happen on Thursday, March 20, in NYC. They would like at least 50 dancers to participate. For more information, check out this thread from Westiemonkey.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Vince Montana Jr. Favorite song contest.
Here are three of the top six letters that we have selected to celebrate Vince Montana Jr.'s birthday.
*
"Salsoul 3001" is my favorite song. Back in 1976 - 1977 I was in college and Fridays and some Saturday nights I worked as a Bartender at a Disco in the Bronx called the Act III. All the bartenders loved Salsoul 3001 and when the DJ played the song all the bartenders would pick up their metal mixing glasses and a spoon or drumstick and play the percussion along with the song. The crowd loved it and the patron would cheer for the bartenders to play anytime they heard the first couple of beats of the song. I will never forget the fun we had playing and dancing to that song.
Ron Rochester
*
Ron,
Probably his best "Artistic" work would be "Magic Bird of Fire" based on the Firebird Suite" by Igor Stravinsky.
While it was a great dance floor diddy, and the production quality was most astounding on the larger sound systems, as in The Second Story, Studio 54, et al,. Only those with an appreciation of the "talent" that Mr. Montana possesses, to adapt a Classical piece, with full orchestra, into a dance piece, without sacrificing the original composers foundation and vision. Mr. Montana may be one of the most underrated producer/arrangers of the recording industry, and how blessed we are that he’s a “Home Boy”.
This piece may have been overlooked by many, but the DJ's, those who I had constant contact with, were the people who had the greatest appreciation of this astounding recording.
It's also should be noted that the original score was used in the Disney classic, Fantasia. This film was also the product of another Philadelphia based act......Leopold Stokowski & The Philadelphia Orchestra, 1940 orchestral scoring.
How many people actually realize the importance of this City in the World of Music.
Best Regards,
Michael Gormley
*
I suppose I don't have a good chance of winning since I did not truly become a Salsoul fan until a few years ago, but I'm still inspired to write about my favorite
song. I have heard different versions, including "Love is the message", but (correct me if I am wrong) I believe the original title of my favorite song is - "Ooh I
love it (Love Break)". I was first made aware of the Salsoul Orchestra about
5 years ago when I started dancing hustle and hanging around the hustle scene. As we know, all Salsoul music is wonderful to hustle to. But I was already
exposed to many of their songs, including "Ooh I love it (Love Break)" in the 80's when I first started listening and dancing to club music.
As a dancer, (and I'm sure many dancers will agree) "Ooh I love it (Love Break)" is the best dance song out there for many reasons.
First and foremost, it is the only song that I NEVER get tired of no matter how much I listen to it. That's a powerful song. Because believe me, I have listened to
it a lot! So one day about 6 months ago, I gave hought to what it was about this song that made it so special.
The best thing about "Love Break" is the variety of
sounds and the way it was so creatively put together. There are so many different instruments and sounds and varieties of tones, and the way it flows from one
sound to another, then harmoniously mixes a few sounds together, then adds men chanting, and women singing (sexily, of course) just a couple of words. The
people, of course, are just additional "instruments", for as we know, this song is completely about THE MUSIC.
I am also a latin dancer, therefore more used to listening and responding to the different sounds and instruments of a song. This inspires us to move in different ways. We often think of latin music as having a certain "feel" and "flavor". "Love Break" gives the listener such a variety of flavors, and every time I listen to it, I can get something different. That must be the reason I never got tired of it.
This song is really a blend of "flavors" -from African, to Latin, to sensual, to jazzy, to funky, to ballet, to hip hop, to smooth.......(indeed, I have heard this song on many different stations) Therefore, "Love Break" is a great inspiration for many dances, but especially the hustle. What makes hustle so special is exactly that- the blend of all different dances. I hope this blend of flavors we can feel from "Love Break" inspires all dancers as much as it inspires me.
Carolyn Grimaldi
(can I have the autographed CD, please?)
VH1 lists the top dance video's
VH1 has identified their viewers choice, top five dancer(s).
1) Michael Jackson
2) Madonna
3) Janet Jackson
4) N'Sync
5) Paula Abdul
And here are what the experts chose for the top five dance videos of all time.
1) Livin La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
2) Beat It - Michael Jackson
3) The Twist - Chubby Checkers
4) Vogue - Madonna
5) Believe - Cher
DanceTalk 3-4-03
Disco Bells are in order for two happy couples that recently became engaged.
Steve Salerno & Denise Sanchez and
Ron Troy and Carol "CK" Kalish
Congratulations
Happy birthday wishes to Randy Atlas and Billy Fajardo.
"Hustle Into Paradise" HUSTLE DANCE CRUISE 2004, announces
February 13-16, 2004 for the next Hustle Cruise. Valentine's Day to President's Day, aboard the Royal Caribbean's "Majesty of the Seas"
sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Paradise Island and to Royal Caribbean's Private Isle, "Coco Cay." Cabin prices start at $325 plus tax. Call Rita Anderson at 800-503-9600 for reservations.
I hope you enjoy this issues third installment of "Dance Fever," a look back at the syndicated TV show. Scroll down.
The Big Apple Dance Festival takes place in just ten days. March 14, 15, and 16th at The Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ. This event continues to grow and attract more dancers from all over the country. There will be plenty of social dancing each night in Country, Swing, & Hustle with three Ballrooms going at once! There are over 50 hours of Workshops from beginner to advanced in all dances. Plus you don't want to miss the exciting Professional Dinner Show Extravaganza!
Competitions will take place in Country, Swing, and Hustle - in all levels and Divisions. Check out The Big Apple Dance Festival Web Page for more Information at: The Big Apple Country Dance Festival
Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann will perform a West Coast Swing live on
"Star Search" this Wednesday, March 5th, 8PM on CBS-TV, Don't miss it! Then go to www.cbs.com/star and vote!
For those that like to express their passion for dance thru art work, check out www.dancingart.com or call 800-716-0080. They sell original art, posters, bronze
statues and more.
"Hooked On Hustle" returns with another dance event in May. All the details will be listed next week in DanceTalk.
Every Thursday in March and April its the Colorado Cafe,
large Wooden dance floor/large parking lot approx. 7:30 Hustle Lesson with Diane K Nardone followed by Mixer Dance with DJ Dave Muzii, admission Only$7
for more info Call Diane 201 666 6224 or visit www.dkndance.com
Arlene Dahl, has helped initiate the East version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A committee nominated the 100 greatest performers. Possible this fall, ten former legends of theater, music, film, dance and TV will have stars installed on Broadway.
Next week I will list the finalists in the Vince Montana Jr. / Salsoul Orchestra Contest.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Dance Fever - Part 3 (A look back at the nationally syndicated TV show)
As the "reality show" popularity grows, many of the originals series from the 80's are getting a face lift. Star Search has made a strong come back, enjoying high ratings.
ABC Family (American Broadcasting Company), has announced that they too will relaunch their popular dance show, Dance Fever. The original Merv Griffin show ran from 1979 to 1987. During the course of those nine seasons, 234 episodes were produced. Virtually every popular star of the day made an appearance on the show. Dance Fever was seen in 125 markets. This high energy dance show ranked as the #1 original syndicated weekly half-hour show in every key category.
After seven years, Denny Terio, the original host, said good-bye. A former judge on the show and good looking actor, Adrian Zmed took center stage. He would serve as the host for the next three seasons. With a strong list of credits to his name, Adrian was a good fit for the show. He received positive feedback on his adaptation in the movie sequel, "Grease 2." Playing the lead role initiated by John Travolta from the original Grease movie.
Could he maintain the role developed by Denny?
Things were changing. As Denny exited so did long time side kicks Diane Day and Janet Jones (now married to Wayne Gretzsky). They were members of the supporting dance team "Motion." Motion went thru a metamorphosis during the course of the series run utilizing eight different dance members in all. Their weekly dance routines with Denny became a fan favorite.
The show initially featured "disco" dancing and catered to hustle, free style and theatrical dance couples. But it became apparent that the original formula ran its course. The casting department quickly changed gears attempting to keep viewership while appealing to a larger audience. The hustle couples were put on the back shelf for clogging, ballroom, swing, Latin, jazz and other forms of dance. The magic seemed to run out.
Dancing in general was losing its luster and experiencing a slow down in interest. Dance studios were also falling on difficult times as during the mid 80's.
At its pinnacle, the Dance Fever show had 13.7 million viewers per show. This was incredibly 64% more then those that watched the popular late night show, Johnny Carson!
Ratings for the Dance Fever show were diminishing, ultimately, the plug was pulled.
The kiss of death planted its self on most of the dance shows of that time.
With the rebirth of Dance Fever this summer, the intentions are to expand the former weekly half hour show to a full hour. Look for a new spin on this popular dance show.
Hott New Music
These songs are getting more air play and the highest ratings from the dance clubs request lines.
Janeiro - Solid Sessions
The Way - Devine Inspiration
Just for Tonight - Seiko
Music and Wine - Blue Six
The Boys of Summer - DJ Sammy
I Should Know - Dirty Vegas
Anyway - Amber
All the Man I need - Gloria Gaynor
Love will set you free - Starchaser
When the Money Is Gone - Cher
I'll Drive All Night - Celion Dion
Anything Is Possible - Zoe girl
All around the World - Cooler kids
No One Is Gonna Change You - Reina
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