DanceTalk - The Archives
March 2005
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 * 3-29-05
Happy birthday wishes to Deano "Dino" Georgio ,Judy Secoda ,Nino Torre ,Bill Poulter and Shari Kahn .
Please keep our favorite Texan, Gladys Torres , in your prayers. She will be going for her MRI and we hope the cancer has gone into remission.
Tony Pace's 7th Annual Cinco de Mayo Dance Festival will be held at the
Houston Marriott North at Greenspoint on Friday, May 6th & Saturday,
May 7th, 2005. This will be a weekend of fun, leisure, recreation, and
entertainment. Hotel reservations can be made by calling
1-800-228-9290. Room rate is $69. Check out www.tonypaceportfolio.com
April 25 - 28, 2005 are the Latin Billboard Awards at the Hotel Intercontinental in Miami. www.billboardevents.com
Congratulations to Steppin' Out Productions as they open their new dance facility. They offer lessons in hustle, WCS, Lindy and ballroom dancing. Located in Sunnyvale, California. www.SteppinOutProductions.com (408) 242-6386
Blackpool Competition , run by the UK Alliance of Professional Dance Teachers (UKA), is set for Saturday, June 5, 2005, and awards the Blackpool Pro/Am Challenge in open American rhythm and open American smooth, as well as A and B categories in open international Latin and open international standard.
Lisa Marie Lopez is serving our country with the National Guard in the Middle East against the insurgency in Iraq. She sends her love and hopes to be home sometime in June for a visit. Hopefully we'll see her on the dance floor soon.
Exciting news, Starlight Dance Center, starting April 3rd for the 1st time, (followed by every 1st Sunday of each month) 100% Pure WCS joins 100% Pure Hustle!
West Coast Swing Workshop with Donna Roesel followed by WCS social 6 - 8PM Then 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny "O" 8PM - Midnight
Stay tuned, next week as we feature the first part of the 2005 Hustle Dance Teachers Directory .
This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Washington Dance Challenge -
The Easterns, visit www.DanceEasterns.com , http://www.5678magazine.com
http://www.BarryDurand.com http://www.MyDanceLesson.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Jenny's Top Ten
Not every major city is fortunate to have a radio dance music station featuring the best of yesterday and the pulse beating sounds of today. For those that are out of touch....here are today's hottest dance songs. Jenny Costa is New York's premier DJ and mixmaster. She gives us her top picks every month and can be heard on WKTU in New York 103.5 FM. You can also hear her live every week on Thursdays at
Mirage, where the hottest singles meet at Long Island's Premier nightclub. Visit www.mirageli.com or call 516 - 794 - 8022
Here are Jenny's Top Picks for March
1. All This Time - Sylver
2. Free Me - Emma
3. 1,2, Step - Ciara
4. Get Right - J Lo
5. Caught Up - Usher
6. Put Em High - Stonebridge
7. Totally Hooked - Egoiste'
8. Listen To Your Heart - D.H.T.
9. Rise Again - Tina Ann
10. Let Me Love You - Mario
Life Time Achievement Award
Congratulations to Marty Angelo. He will be the recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award presented at the IHSC April 9th in Miami.
This award is to recognize all of his past contributions and his on-going work.
Marty created the first original dance television show dedicated to disco. He currently has the most visited disco website Http://www.discostepbystep.com/lifetime_award.htm
Marty started the Dance Hall Of Fame and continues to support the music and dance of this era.
DanceTalk®. sends its congratulations to Marty on this prestigious award.
Check out his bio:
MARTY ANGELO, Disco Step-by-Step™s® producer, writer, creator and first host was a charter member of the original New York Record Pool, a V.I.P. member of Eddie Rivera™s International Disco Record Centre (IDRC) and the founder of the Buffalo New York Record Pool. His show™s play lists often appeared in: Disco News, Billboard Magazine, Cashbox, Record World and others. Disco Step-by-Step® was not only the first disco dance television show in the world in 1975 but also was the first cable produced show to ever crossover to a network affiliate broadcast station. It went on to have the highest Neilson rating for its™ Saturday 3 p.m. time slot. London Records national disco promotion man, Billy Smith picked Marty Angelo amongst the top twenty-five most important disco DJ's for breaking (introducing) a new disco record.
Among his many achievements Marty Angelo was one of the very first disco dj™s dating back to 1969. He managed the rock bands, Raven and Rob Grill and the Grass Roots. He hosted the first ever disco radio show and published the first disco magazine, œGo Disco. Marty helped organize the first World™s Largest Disco. The event was held on September 8, 1979 at the Buffalo New York Convention Center and attracted over 14,000 people. This event is still held on an annual basis.
In 1998 Marty Angelo designed one of the first disco related Internet websites and also founded the Hustle Dancers Hall of Fame„¢, the Disco DJ Hall of Fame„¢ and the official Disco Dance Music Hall of Fame„¢. Marty Angelo has also been a promoter the Experience Music Project™s: œDisco: A Decade of Saturday Nights which was displayed in Seattle at EMP, The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, and currently at the New York Public Library. Marty also helped organize the Van McCoy Open Hustle Dance Competition, and was interviewed in the VH1 special œ When Disco Ruled the World and was the associate producer of the PBS Special œMy Music; Get Down Tonight “ the Disco Explosion. He also is a part of the upcoming DVD disco documentary called œ Disco: Spinning the Story.
IHSC congratulates Marty Angelo for promoting and sponsoring for the last three decades the music and dance that has inspired hundreds of artists and dancers to reach their highest levels of excellence.
DanceTalk * 3-22-05
Wishing everybody a sunny spring and wonderful Easter Holiday .
Happy Birthday wishes to Lauren Bess, Ron Morrison and Sherry Kramer .
Congratulations to Shari Kahn on her pregnancy. A fall baby is on the way.
Two new motion pictures have been released with Ballroom dancing themes. They are currently playing in a limited capacity - not released nationally, yet.
"Mad, Hot Ballroom" and "Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School" staring Mary Steenburgen and Danny DeVito. Check your local newspapers.
Congratulations to Henry Stone , founder of TK Records (The Godfather of the Miami Sound) is receiving a "LifeTime Achievement Award" at the Winter Music Conference on March 24th in Miami, Florida. Henry recorded a young Ray Charles, James Brown and is best known for his work with KC and the Sunshine Band, George McCrae, Anita Ward, Foxy...... http ://www.henrystonemusic.com/
Dance Haddonfield is celebrating its 5th Anniversary on Friday, April 1, at the Grand Versailles Ballroom, at the Quality Inn in Maple Shade, NJ. This will be a grand sit-down dinner from 7 to midnight, with dancing, a showcase and marvelous door prizes. For tickets and all the details write Joe Murphy jemurphy@voicenet.com, or call 856 429-5355.
Check out photos from MadJam 2005 at http://www.swingshoes.net/
Thanks to Erik Novoa for shooting these great pictures.
Philadelphia Festival Championships takes place April 8, 9 &10 and will feature Italian Champions Luca & Luana Fanni from Burn the Floor visit www.phillyfestival.info
The first week - dance contest at Piatto Saturday's Star Search Competition went to Armando Vega and Wanda. The contest continues for the next 7 Saturdays with $1000 In Cash & Prizes for Grand final winners. 2402 86th St. @ 24th Ave. Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY. Free Admission for all...Dance Music Starts At 10PM
This week, DanceTalk® is sponsored by Discoamerica . The 7th annual event takes on Atlantic City...the number one resort in the East. Lock in the $139.00 rate now....it will double after May 15th. The event starts Thursday night with a beach party & workshops all day Friday. Call (609) 344-3535 www.discoamerica.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
The Queen Of Dance (winner)
Last week we featured the story, The Queen of Dance. We had 41 of the top Disc Jockey's around the country cast their votes. These are the music masters that spin on the radio, play at the top clubs and are bombarded with song requests. We felt there was no one better to poll then the DJ''s that played during the disco era.
The votes have been tallied. It narrowed down to a two horse race. Each a queen in their own right, but, the top vote getter and first place honors go to New Jersey's own Gloria Gaynor . Congratulations to Gloria, she continues to sing and perform all over the world. We are proud to recognize her as The Queen Of Dance, selected by the people that drove the music. In this close race, the second place winner was the incomparable Donna Summer.
Thanks to all the DJs that voted and sharing their thoughts with our readers.
Dance Movie Classics
Looking to cuddle up and watch a good classic. Here is a selection of popular dance movies that extends back to the golden age of dance. Each of these motion pictures made a statement - at the time of their theatrical release. Many set new music, fashion and cultural trends. If you can't get out and dance....then buy or rent one of these.
Top Hat - 1935 - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - a real classic rated in the top 100 pictures of all time.
Singin' In The Rain - 1952 Gene Kelly at his best. Ranked in the top 20 pictures of all time.
West Side Story - 1968 Superb from start to finish, the cast and musical score are incredible. Won best picture of the year. Natalie Wood stars.
Roseland - 1976 - Christopher Walkins debuts. A dark side of a dance studio and the business. Features a disco dance contest.
Saturday Night Fever - 1977 - John Travolta rules the clubs and delivers a style that lasted for years. Ranked in the top 100 movies of all time. Top selling sound track.
Flash Dance - 1981 - hip hop & jazz with a great Giorgio Moroder soundtrack. Jennifer Beals becomes a star.
Footloose - 1981 - Kevin Bacon plays a rebel that teaches the town to free style dance, against the wishes of the town folks.
Dirty Dancing - 1987 - Patrick Swayze struts his stuff and breaks women's hearts. Awesome sound track and exciting dancing.
Strictly Ballroom - 1992 - a young ballroom dance champion defies convention and uses new dance moves that pleases the crowd but angers the traditional dancers.
Shall We Dance - 1996 (Original Japanese release)
Dance with Me (1998) - Plot revolves around a ballroom competition. Stars Vanessa Williams also features Maria Torres.
Burn the Floor - 2000 - This helped create the Salsa momentum in the US and abroad. Exciting Latin dancing.
Dirty Dancing - (Havana Nights) - 2004 - More of a remake then a sequel. Lacks the excitement of the original.
Shall We Dance - 2004 - Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez star. Entertaining but lacks the pizzazz of many of the earlier movies.
Letters to the Editor
I was so surprised to hear someone write about Le Jardin. That was the first club of it's kind leading to the other greats like Infinity, Studio 54 & Xenons. It was where I learned to Hustle in 1973. That was a decade like no other. I remember Nicky was one of the great DJs of that time. He inspired DJ Billy Carroll, who now travels the world, working as a DJ & is probably one of the top 10 DJs in the gay community of clubs. Cheers to Nicky for being one of the greats who allowed me some of my best memories of dance.
Robin
........
I'd like to thank everyone who honored me by celebrating my birthday. I want to give special thanks to Sara, Mimi, Mike and Bruce for the cake. It's yummy! Thanks to DJ Mark for pulling off three birthday dances and keeping the dance floor going all night. I also want to thank everyone for their cards and gifts. Once again I was given a memorable night to cherish for years to come. I truly treasure my birthday dance and want to thank everyone who participated. For those of you who weren't quite comfortable doing it, I hope that next year you'll give it a try. No man could be more blessed than I for having been given this extraordinary gift of dancing. The greatest gift of all, however, is each one of you and what you bring to my life. I look forward to many more dances with each one of you.
Scott
DanceTalk * 3-15-05
Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day
Happy Birthday wishes to Caren Casper ,Alex Skutza and Scott Michielli .
Come out to Michael's Cafe as we celebrate the birthdays for Silvana Gallagher, Sara Jones and Scott Michielli. Great dancing, no cover and DJ Mark spinning from 8PM till 12:30AM. Street Road in Bensalem Pa.
Thursday night there is only one place to dance and party..... Mirage in Long Island has it all. The best fresh beats in town and an upscale crowd. Come out and hear the music of the number #1 mixmaster Jenny Costa from WKTU radio.
Take a look at the Disco Exhibit , click below to see some of the memorabilia.
Open to the public at the New York Library.
http://www.discostepbystep.com/buffalospree. htm
Mondays still sizzle in NY City as Dancesport hosts it's weekly hustle party.
Paul Pellicoro's keeps this tradition alive every Monday night from 9:30PM-12:30AM. Free for DS students, $7 guests www.DanceSport.com 212-307-1111
What to wear to a Salsa Congress ? Click on this website for dress tips?
And "NO", your faded jeans are NOT IMPRESSIVE.
Singer / actor Antonio Banderas is to play the part of Pierre Dulaine in the motion picture "Take the Lead". The film begins shooting next month in Toronto. Banderas plays a former pro dancer who teaches dance in the NY public schools. Based on Dulaine's work, the film details the results when his ballroom teaching goes up against the students' favorite hip-hop moves and the two team up together. Pierre along with Yvonne Marcier are former Blackpool champions.
I hope you enjoy this weeks feature on the Queen Of Disco . We had 41 legendary DJs respond to this question - who deserves to wear the crown. Below are some of the responses. Next week I will post the winner based on the results of our panel.
This Weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Stardust Dance Weekend.
April 1 -3 at Kutshers Country Club, Monticello, NY.
www.stardustdance.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
The Queen Of Disco
Who was the real Queen of Dance Music?
The right music made you want to dance.... all night long.
Years gone by, you could hear a song on the radio and immediately say "I've got to dance to that." That is the power of a real dance music superstar. Over the years there have been many divas in the dance genre. Gloria Gaynor kicked it off early then was quickly followed by Vicki Sue Robinson and her classic hit Turn The Beat Around. Then things got turned upside down when the sultry song Love To Love You Baby hit the air waves. Donna Summer kept guard for the next few years. Madonna captured the mid 80 thru the 90's but we can't forget the contributions of Diana Ross, Carol Douglas, Grace Jones, Carol Williams, Andre True, Chaka Khan, Loleata Holloway, Laura Branigan, Cher...
So then, who was the real Queen of the dance age?
Who better to ask then the DJs that played their music day in and all night long.
Thank you to all the music professionals for their insight.
We had 41DJ's respond with their votes.
Next week, I will post the "Queen Of Dance" as selected by our DJ panel.
Here are some of their responses
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The Queen of Disco ..... Gloria Gaynor .... hands down ... she still is selling dance music ... big time. we haven't heard much from any of the others .. such as Donna Summer .... Gaynor is Queen .... she was the first ... and still is in my book!!!
Marty Angelo - Florida
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France Joli is someone I™d like to hand the title to. She was a teen star during the Disco era, back when most of us were teenagers. She had disco smashes like Come to Me, Feel Like Dancing/The Heart to Break the Heart and Gonna Get Over You.... However, her list of hits is not extensive enough and she didn™t have the staying power to rightfully earn the title. Madonna on the other hand has sold more dance records than any other female artist in history. Her hit list is extensive and she continues to pump out Dance Music today.... However, if we™re linking The Queen of Dance Music to our dance Hustle and the Disco Era, then my only reservation is that Madonna™s first big hit wasn™t until 1982. So, Gloria Gaynor wins my nomination as the Queen of Dance Music. Gloria certainly has an extensive hit list which spans the decades and she continues to turn out dance music today. Gloria Gaynor, no surprise, has my vote as the Queen of Dance Music.
Dave Lach - Michigan
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I think Donna Summer would have to be on my top of the list. I think back in her time everyone followed her lead. But then came along Madonna who I think is one of the more talented all around female artists when it comes to dance, and is still going strong. There are quite a few more I could name, but I think I would have to go with Madonna, just for her pure innovative way that she attacks her music.
Johnny V - Long Island, NY
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The Queen Of Disco would have to be the lady with the staying power. Some of my personal favorites would include Madleen Kane (Forbidden Love & Rough Diamond), Vicki Sue Robinson ( Turn the Beat Around & Too Sir With Love), Carol Douglas ( Midnight Love Affair & Dr.s Orders) but the one who hit the top and stayed there the longest had to be Donna Summer...... She wore the crown the longest.
Regards,
DJ Ted "Tex" Lawrence - Detroit
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I would have to vote for Donna Summer. She has survived the test of time. Her musical selections displayed a true sense of versatility and talent. No matter what crowd I am playing for, I am always able to play a Donna Summer song.....
DJ Mark Routzahn - Philly
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Who Is The Queen of Disco? That's a subjective question, like asking who was the best football player, but from my perspective I would say Gloria Gaynor. Way before she released "I Will Survive", she was already considered by many to the The Queen as her hits "Honeybee" and "Never Can Say Goodbye" were universal dance club anthems. Her live performance schedule was incredible and she sounded just as amazing in person as on "wax", which you couldn't say for every other artist. I witnessed Loleatta Holoway bring a crowd to a five-minute standing ovation, I also have a fond spot in my heart for Donna Summer (since I was given one of her gold records), plus the longevity that both Madonna and Cher achieved is remarkable and can't be overlooked, but I still cast my vote for the one and only Queen, Gloria Gaynor.
Regards,
Jackie McCloy
Director - Long Island Record Pool
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Ron looking back on the disco days and the ladies that made the biggest contributions I would have to say the real queen of dance music has to be Donna Summers. Though she was not my personal favorite she helped build the disco business to spread across the country. AS a responsible disc jockey you had to play her music every night. I feel it is important to honor the other queens like Gloria Estefan and Loleata holloway and Carol Jiani, Martha Wash and Melba moore.
I loved working the turntables and spinning and mixing this great music. It was uplifting and full of fun and energy. The sound today is bland and empty........
To reach the popularity it once was it will take another person like a Donna Summer to improve the music of the day.
Carmen Perez - Los Angeles
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If have to choose one ...... Donna Summer for sure.
But in fact there are / were much more and better than those ?! :-)
DJ Yahu - Poland
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When i played at le jardin, and gloria gaynor was crowned queen of dance music sometime in 1974, i was not thrilled....but looking back on gloria's career, HONEYBEE, which was a single on COLUMBIA records was out in 1972, long before anyone else had come along...and honeybee on 45 (the records with the big wholes) was a huge hit...but the queen who was releasing dance orientated records even before the disco had come along was ROSS....even with the impressive career of donna summer...NO ONE HAS HAD AS MANY DANCE FLOOR HITS IN THE SEVENTIES THEN ROSS...from the first tune i remember dancing to at the firehouse in 1970 SURRENDER, to NO ONE GETS THE PRIZE...and LOVE HANGOVER...but then again, i never considered ROSS A "DANCE ARTIST" I CONSIDERED HER A POP IDOL...so, who are we to judge the ultimate queen....one thing i do know, of all these women, the one whose records i reach for the LEAST, whenever i play a classics night, is unfortunately, SUMMER....her songs are so DISCOFIED, they grate my nerves....
Nicky Siano - NY
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We had many "Divas of Dance" in the 70's (does any other decade really count?!?) but only 2 can be considered "Queen", Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor. They were the first female superstars to specialize in the genre. They both burst onto the scene in '75. Gloria's "Never can say goodbye" album hit first. It was also the first "Mixed" album. Donna's "Love to love you baby" was the most erotic dance song to date and at 16 minutes the longest. Their list of follow up hits reads like a hall of fame of dance music and their staying power throughout the decade is what separated them from the rest My love, admiration and respect to the rest of these incredible songstresses - Carol Douglas, Thelma Houston, Tina Charles, Loleatta Holloway, Vicki Sue, Chaka Khan, Sharon Redd, Linda Clifford, Jean Carne, Grace Jones, France Joli, Evelyn King, Cheryl Lynn, Stephanie Mills, Melba Moore, Candi Staton and Diana Ross. But Gloria Gaynor is Queen
Donna Summer is the Goddess
Yours in music and dance,
Bobby Morales - NY
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I heard a lot of music leading up to the great dance years, and Gloria Gaynor's recording of "Never Can Say Goodbye" with that great opening along with Donna Summer's "Once Upon A Time" have me in a dilema. Both!!!!
Frank Pellici - NJ
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I would have to choose the lady as the queen based on the one I grabbed for the most to fill the dance floor. The artist that spun on my platter the most had to be Donna Summer. So many classics. Ron she reached everyone with her dance anthems and pop songs. She evolved and grew as an artist. One important note is that she also has a gifted voice not just a pretty sound but a wonderful range that carries over into over styles of music. Donna Summer is my Queen.
Thanks for asking,
DJ Taz - Philly
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We will make it short and sweet. I stated djing in 1976 when I was a freshmen in High School. The queen of Disco is Donna Summer. Now if you want to talk Diva, there was no better show than the one Grace Jones put on with her naval outfit. Also riding a Harley and singing "I need a man". Here in Miami Celi Bee had her time to rule also. Let not forget the unmistakable voice of Cory Daye. Nothing did it for me more the Dr. Buzzard in the summer of 76. That is all from this Miami Disco Kid. djradar "Let the Music Play" - Florida
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My feelings are from recollection of clubs I played at and places I visited and always observing crowd reaction to music played by the DJ™s. The Queen of disco would have to be Donna Summer. The royal Diva of dance would be Loleata Holloway.... Then a couple of princesses are France Joli and Melba Moore.... The godmother of disco would have to be Gloria Gaynor. The godmother of soul was definitely Aretha Franklin. During the Glitter parties I hosted during 2000 at Windows On The World, I had the great pleasure of booking France Joli as our first featured performer. She sounds as good today as she did five years ago and even 25 years ago. We also booked Loleata Holloway for two shows... She put on spectacular performances each time without doing the same material....
Nino Torre, NY Hustle
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We had Gloria Gaynor on our TV dance show doing "Honeybee"...which I feel was the song that started the BPM dance trend. Keep up the beat Dance
Talk..
Giant Gene - Pa
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The Boss and the Prize were songs composed by Ashford and Simpson. Nice cuts-but not the incrediblness of "It Seems To Hang On", that they cut or "Ain't No Mountain". However for dance, no better singer in our time then Donna, though first out of the gate was Gloria- who is very good, as are many others_Candi, Thelma,to name a few. However the greatest female vocal performance in our life seems to be Etta James' "At Last". It takes more peoples breath away then any. Greatest song coposition during our time is likely Jimmy Webb's "MacArther Park"- which Donna brilliantly made dance-the full lengthg version is to die for. The imagry is leaps beyond other song compositions, with killer lines that reach a peak of depth: "..and I'll never have that recipe again". Thanks for the inquiry.
Kindly in Music,
Marc Fisher - Florida
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Diana Ross came to the "disco beat" when Motown wasn't doing it for her anymore & Cher jumped on the disco bandwagon when her top 40 "bubblegum" music hit a dead-end. Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" is without a doubt a disco classic & every woman's theme song. Loleata Holloway had great dance hits with (Hit & Run, Runaway and Love Sensation).... Vicki Sue Robinson (Turn The Beat Around & Hold Tight) & Carol Douglas (Doctors Orders & Midnight Love Affair) were 2 of the legends that started it all. Grace Jones (I Need A Man) & Andrea True (More, More, More) also gave great contributions in the early days of Disco, but are not queens.
Chaka Khan always comes up with something good & I never really cared for Carol Williams, definitely not queens. In my opinion, Laura Branigan was a 1 hit wonder (Gloria) Madonna is without a doubt "The Franchise". Her music will live on forever & I don't think she can get more popular then she already is. Donna Summer's music is incomparable and she hit the disco music scene at exactly the right time. Her music is without a doubt "Classics" & in my opinion, Donna Summer is "The Real Queen Of Disco."
DJ Dominick, - NY
DanceTalk * 3-8-05
Happy Birthday wishes to Silvana Gallagher and Lorelei Lee .
Thirteen years ago, the dance community lost one of its brightest stars....
Eddie Vega . R.I.P.
Dance Champion Lisa Nunziella received a great write up in "Fit" Magazine. The article covered her dance background, good nutrition and looking great. Lisa recommends an all natural drink, for the active dancer, called Emerald Balance. Visit her website for details. www.dancewithlisa.com
Mark your calendars, The seventh annual Discoamerica comes to Atlantic City, New jersey this spring, June 10 - 12 at the Sheraton Hotel and conventional center...steps away from the boardwalk. www.discoamerica.com
West Coast Wednesday at The Atrium -The place to be for WCS in the SJ/PHILLY area - click here for directions . WCS lessons from 7:00 to 9:00 and dancing from 9:00 to midnight. Lessons $10 each, dancing $5 per person. www.homestead.com/robandsheila
Starting Wednesday, March 9th and every Wednesday there after Classics and Salsa at the beautiful Club LQ Lexington bet. 47th and 48th sts. NYC, 2 Rooms Salsa, Classic Disco, House & freestyle with DJ's Jimmy Cruz and Bobby Morales 6pm and goes till 1AM. Cover only $5 and free w/downloaded e-mail on www.Latinclubs.com
This weeks issue of DanceTalk® is sponsored by The Big Apple , make plans now to attend this great dance weekend in New Jersey. www.bigapplecountrydance.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Mad Jam
Arlington Virginia is a history lesson - Lincoln's Memorial, The Pentagon, National Cemetery (the tomb of the unknown solider, JFK and the eternal flame), ...But this past weekend the lessons were on the hard wood.
Although the weather was cold and windy outside....the weekend was hott and sizzling inside. Congratulations to organizer Dave Moldover. Only in its third year,
this event has ratcheted itself up to an unbelievable convention combing hand dance, West Coast Swing and Hustle. Some of the finest WCS dancers brought the audience to their feet with their incredible dancing. Held at the Sheraton National hotel, Mad Jam has made its mark. Six formation teams entered the team contest division, there was the traditional free midnight breakfast buffet, free hustle group classes, invitational Jack and Jill comps, hours of general dancing, a late night hustle party with DJ Bobby Morales, free popcorn and great competitions all weekend long.
The WCS pros were awesome: Jason Colacino, Katie Boyle, Sarah Van Drake, Kyle Redd, Debbie Ramsey, Donna Roesel, Bill Cameron, Jennifer Lyons, Ligaya Fish, Robin Smith, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Darlene Long Cree, Dean & Dawn Garrish, Ken Roesel, Kevin Fitzhugh, Tammy Brown... along with the Hustle Pros: Elizabeth Darchi, Donna Boyle, Arte Phillips, Debbie Tuttle, Silvana Gallagher, Laura Cozik, Tiffany Brown, Bobby Morales, Brian Gallagher, Keith Gussoni, Joyce Szilli, Louis Orlando, Fred & Tina Price, Erik Novoa, Danny McGee and Ron Bess.
Special thanks to my MC partners, Debbie Ramsey and Bill Cameron.
Here are some of the highlights:
Professional Hustle Invitational
1 Silvana Gallagher & Danny McGee
2 Louie Orlando & Tina Price
Professional (open advanced) Just Hustle
1 Joe Kerner & Donna Boyle
2 Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik
3 Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
Professional (open advanced) Jack and Jill Hustle
1 Joe Kerner & Stephanie Risser
2 Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
3 (tie) Joey Commentucci & Tiffany Brown
George Garcia & Angie Cameron
Team Competition
1 Smooth and Easy
2 Top Hat Hustle Team
3 Capitol Swing
Professional Hustle Classic
1 Rob Finocchio and Tiffany Brown
2 Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich
Professional WCS Classic
1 Jason Colacino & Katie Boyle
Pro Am Solo
1 Dean Garrish & Heidi
2 Silvana Gallagher & Sam Habit
3 Pat McDonnell & Danny McGee
Photos can be seen at www.printroom.com/pro/kermitdukesphotos
For all the results of the competitions visit www.Atlanticdancejam.com
; Tyrone "Ron" Kersey (1949 - 2005)
Only 56 years young, "Ron" accomplished so much in so little time. He received a Grammy Award for "Producer Of The Year" for co writing one of the biggest Disco Hits of all Time, Disco Inferno. Born in North Philadelphia he majored in music at Edison high school. After serving our nation, in the Air Force, Ron returned to do some studio session work with the assistance of long time friend Norman Connors. He would write, arrange, produce and do some background vocals. He joined the popular musical group, The Trammps, as one of the original members. His first love was working in the studio as a member of MFSB and the Salsoul Orchestra. Philadelphia, being the home of R & B and the dance sound he worked with Vince Montana Jr., Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Thom Bell and performed on albums with Lou Rawls, First Choice, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Dells, Teddy Pendergrass, The Manhattans, the O'Jays, The Whispers, The Temptations, Major Harris .........
With such wonderful success, Ron decided to move to Hollywood, where he could continue to write, arrange, produce and perform in studio work. He cowrote songs for Atlantic Starr, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Stephanie Mills, Rose Royce, Stevie Wonder, Robert Palmer, B.B. King, Grace Jones and Gloria Gaynor..just to name a few.
In 1997 Ron suffered a massive stroke. His daily life became a struggle. But, Ron always took the high road, not to complain and was focused on getting better.
This hard working soldier lost his battle but will always be remembered.
His hit song, 'Disco Inferno' continues to be used in movies, commericals....and can currently be heard on the Dannon Yogurt commercials.
Ron leaves behind a daughter, 2 loving sisters and brother, his father and a united caring family.
Zachary's - The Grand Finals (thanks to Bobby O for this report)
There were over 800 people in attendance for the finals...the line was wrapped around the building just like the old Studio 54 days. We thank Zachary's management for a job well done. There were videos playing of past Zachary contests. The room was full of dancers from all areas. DJ Stevie P started right off with Disco Classics. It has been an honor and pleasure to be involved in the 2005 Zachary's Dance Challenge,
Thanks to all the great judges, Diane Nardone, Derrick Allen, Donna DeSimone, Judy Van Dyke and of course the audience. Then we heard the words "Are your ready to Rumble"
Then each couple performed solo:
1
**Couple one, Frank Perez and Raluca Georgina, costumed performing an adagio to Whitney Houston, clean lines, aerials, very smooth, poetry to music from The picture the Body Guard.
**Couple two, Luis & Mary Ann Rosa, half hour prior to the comp, Mary Ann was ill and doubtful of being able to compete, plus, Luis has an injured thumb, they danced to the music from the picture with John Travolta "Staying Alive",
**Couple three, Adrien & Tatiana, from Manhattan, We hear Billie Jean and Adrien is doing a solo with the hat imitating Michael Jackson, the crowd is going wild. Then Titiana comes out in her knocked out costume dancing a Cha Cha, technique was flawless, the crowd was pop eyed. ,
** Couple four, Lucas Jaime and Yanna last years winners from New Jersey.
The winners were:
THIRD PLACE---500 DOLLARS-LUIS AND MARY ROSA
SECOND PLACE-800 DOLLARS--ADRIEN AND TATIANA
FIRST PLACE-1200 DOLLARS---LUCAS AND YANNA
Thanks to Savannah, Rhythm Force, DJ Stevie P, DJ Johnny V, Manager Scott, General Manager Charlie Waley, the owners, Madeline O and all the contestants and of course to Mr. Charlie Pace.
Sincerely,
BOBBY O
Letter to the Editor
Ron, Hope everything is well with you...I wanted you to know that I miss seeing my friends at Michael's Cafe. I've had a major accident with my foot.... it has made it very uncomfortable and painful for me just to walk in the recent past.... I've been disabled since the fall and it has slowed me down quite a bit......That's the bad news......The good news is I had a joint replacement on 2/21 and my first follow up w/the doctor yesterday yielded a slow but very positive recovery.....He sincerely commented to me that he wants to see me dancing and playing hardball again and without pain..I've been dancing and playing baseball w/alot of pain for the last couple years or so. Walking on my own at this point is probably a month away..I saw my new foot yesterday, for the first time, since the surgery and must tell you it is a work of art..It actually looks like a real foot...No, I didn't have TO's doctor but I have one that is excellent at Presbyterian Hospital in Philly...(Reference is available for anyone that needs podiatry help)....I highly recommend this man...Funny thing is that I heard his name in the dance community....My sincere regards to you and everyone..Take care,
John (Bigfoot) Rajchel
DanceTalk * 3-1-05
Happy Birthday wishes to David Seneca ,Kathleen Harbison, Jeannie DeVas, Beryl Zarlie, Bernadette Currie, Riff Wysoczanski, Mike Couris, Donna DiSimone and Rene Hewitt .
This Tuesday we are celebrating Mike Couris's birthday at Michael's Cafe . Brush off the snow and join the party and birthday dance. DJ Mark keeps the music hot with classic disco and current beats. Located in Bensalem Pa.
The ink isn't even dry yet but you can still mark your calendar for the 6th Annual Hustle Paradise Cruise with WCS scheduled for February 9-13, 2006. More details coming soon.
Australia's biggest all time box office draw is known other then Kylie Minogue .
They have a great appreciation for dance music, down under.
The action is heating up at Zachary's in Long Island as the couples returned to qualify for the finals. First place qualifiers were Lucas Jaime & Yanna. Second place honors went to Luis & MaryAnn Rosa and third place went to Frank Perez & Raluca Georgia. It was an explosive evening. Congratulations to those couples moving on and to DJ Stevie P, DJ Johnny V and Bobby O.
A quick update on the Motor City Jam , The event will now be held at two locations over the weekend of March 4-6, 2005. All Friday events will be held at the Lafayette Grande, located at One Lafayette in Pontiac, Michigan. All events on Saturday and Sunday will be held at the Amber House located at 7012 E. Nine Mile Rd in Warren, Michigan. For info call 313-790-2311 http://artspectrum.org/mcj.htm
This year, the World Hustle Dance Championships celebrates their fifth anniversary. The weekend will reunite the West and East coast. The theme is entitled "Viva Las Vegas." Check out the website www.dkndance.com
The deadline for the Philadelphia Festival DanceSport Championships is March 15th. The Fortuna's are negotiating with The Italian Champions, and 4th place finishers at Blackpool 2004 - Marco Gozzoli & Alessia Betti to perform and judge at this years event. They also expect between 10 & 15 Italian Amateur Couples to make the trip here to compete against our top American couples. www.phillyfestival.com
She just returned from performing in the 'Florida Follies' with the incomparable Francois Szony. Next week, the spotlight is on Lorelei Lee.
This weeks issue of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Tony Pace and the 7th annual
Cinco De Mayo Festival www.tonypaceportfolio.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
Jenny's Top Picks
She has been at it for the last few decades, Jenny Costa is, the DJ's DJ, mixing and spinning the top dance music. You can here her vibes on radio station WKTU in New York, 103.5 FM. She has that special knack, the skill to uncover the hits of tomorrow. You can hear her live on Thursdays at Mirage, where the hottest singles meet at Long Island's Premier nightclub. Visit www.mirageli.com
or call 516 - 794 - 8022
Here are Jenny's top picks for February
1. Caught Up - Usher
2. 1,2,Step - Ciara
3. Tempted to Touch Remix - Rupee
4. All This Time - Sylver
5. How Do You Feel - David Moralez
6. Call Me - Anna Vissi
7. If You Don't Know Me By Now - Aubrey
8. Get Right - J-Lo
9. It's Like That - Mariah Carey
10. Free Me - Emma
CBS television is taking a look at the Disco Phenomenon
There is a story on Disco (pegged to the opening of EMP's disco exhibit at the NY Public Library) which will probably air sometime in the next few weeks on CBS News Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood (9AM EST).
The producers are using a clip of the Disco Step-by-Step® Dance Television Show in this feature.
Please be advised that air dates on pieces like this (not news) change all the time, even as late as Saturday night. It is possible that even if this piece is scheduled to air, it could be bumped at the last minute. I will do my best to let you know the exact date but keep in mind that everything is TENTATIVE.
Break out your Tivo or VCR. The best bet is to tune in the show for the next few weeks if you are interested in seeing this interesting and informative feature story on Disco.
Thanks
Marty Angelo
http://www.discostepbystep.com/producershistory.htm
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