Happy birthday wishes toEvie Roderer, Al Pasa,  Deano Georgio,
Judy Secoda,  Nino Torre,  Bill Poulter,  Mike Reher and Shari Kahn Miller.

The Nevele Resort in Ellenville, NY has been newly renovated and is the setting for the Stardust Dance Weekend June 16 -18th, What a great get away. For all the details visit http://www.stardustdance.com or call 800-537-2787

Congratulations to WKTU radio station mixologist DJ Jenny Costa of New York.  She will be airing her own show on XM satellite radio this April. She is putting mixes together that will be played every Friday and Saturday nights from 10PM until 2AM

Get ready for the theatrical release of "Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing and Charm School" it opens nationally Friday, April 8th.

If dancing wasn't hot enough, Latin heart throb, Roselyn Sanchez, from the hit television series "Without A Trace," has written and produced a new dance motion picture, expected out soon. Stay tuned.

The dance contest is up and running at Zachary's in Long Island, NY. This past week's winners were Donna DeSimone and Tariq Brown. The judges were Derrick Allen, Judy Van Dyke and Jerry Hobbs. Charlie Pace was the MC and the music master was DJ Johnny V. The competition continues this Friday night.     

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Discoamerica. The 8th annual dance competition returns to Atlantic City, NJ, this year at the Clarion Hotel & Convention center. Free shuttles to the casinos & beach. Free parking.  Fabulous dinner show and a talented staff. July 30 to July 2nd, visit the website http://www.discoamerica.com  or call 215-740-3472

Make it a Great week,
Ron

DanceTalk * 3-21-06

Happy birthday wishes to Lauren Bess,  Producer/Songwriter Patrick Adams
and Ron Morrison.

Check out the pictures from Silvana Gallaghers birthday party held at Michael's Cafe last week, courtesy of birthday boy Scott Michielli
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8FYuW7Rw5YUU

You can help dance Dementia away. A study conducted at the Albert Einstein Center in NY found that participants who danced 3 or 4 times a week showed 76% less incidence of dementia than those who danced just once a week or not at all. Want to help your mind as well as your body? Try dancing as reported by the New England Journal of Medicine Vol 348 No25.

Dance shoes on line, at fabulous prices by Donna M. Roesel
visit her new site at  http://www.danceisbliss.com

Please visit the Hustle Hall Of Fame for new pictures of members.
http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/

Thanks to all those who wrote and sent their condolences for Michelle Mikalena Nau. Please see below memories and thoughts from her loved ones. We miss her.

Coming soon, the 2006 DJ Directory. A comprehensive list of the best dance disc jockeys and mixers around the country. Stay tuned.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk®. is sponsored by the World Hustle Dance Championships coming to East Brunswick, NJ this July.
http://www.hustledanceworld.com

Make it a Great week,
Ron

              Michele "Mikalena" Nau  (1969 - 2006)


For weeks she went missing - without a trace. We relied on the television and tabloid journalism for our information - people wrote about Michele, with "authority," yet they never met her?  Here are "real" words and memories from her friends and love ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with her sister Gabriella and her family. We miss her and will never forget the love and energy she brought.


I got to see a side of her that most did not.  I remember the girl that loved spending the whole weekend in her pajamas and just watching TV and movies.  I also can not forget joy on her face everytime you lent me a record to burn on to CD with that awesome hustle music.  She really loved music and loved to sing along with it and played it everywhere we went.  Not too many things in her life gave her joy but music did for sure.  Honest Ron this is tough for me today a year ago she was here at my work handing me tools and helping me work on my car. Plus signing my tool box Mikalena loves Tim 3-11-05. Acting silly laughing and having a good time i can not forget.  She had dreams and hopes and wanted love but she just did not know how to get there i guess.  Most that saw her out would never guess she actually had a soft side as well loved hugs and her favorite mushy pillow. She loved that Grace Jones " Sorry" and "Foot Steps" they  would bring a smile too her face.  Believe me what a difference by knowing you guys when she started dancing until now made in her life. 
I have no regrets of spending that year and a half with her seeing the side most did not see.  I hope she is at peace dancing and singing those classic hustle songs she loved.  In my way i will miss her very much.  
Tim

She told her younger sister Gabrielle "I want to be famous." Today, her name, her picture are posted all over the city. Ironically, Michelle is not here to witness all those people worrying, caring, heart broken missing her. We truly love her.
Nothing would have made us any happier then to see the smiles on her families faces on her safe return.
She will be forever remembered for the beauty in her dance and the kindness in her heart. She was passionate about dancing and had a rich, natural talent.
She wanted to be a great dancer....learn lifts and tricks and be a true show stopper.
At times, she lost her way but like Marilyn Monroe - she was simply fragile, she needed friends. I'm glad she spent time in my life. 
Ron Bess

I remember back at Rumors, Judy and I would take Michele to the back dance floor when she first started to dance and help her with her spins and moves. She was always nice to me. Whenever I baked a cake, she would have some and tell me that she never eats cake, but she would always eat my cake. Dara used to tell me the same thing..trust me...that's quite a compliment when people won't eat stuff that is not too good for them, but made an exception for my cake. The last time I saw her, we had a cake for someone (I think it was either Trish or Chris Bates), but either way, she was there.  I remember her coming back from Florida with this gorgeous body, dark tan and an awesome dancer.  She had style and grace, along with a super backstep and footwork.  She will be missed.  I just wish they would not damage her name by putting all this crap in the papers.  It's nobody's business what she did, she still did not deserve to die so young.  Her killer will be answering to someone much higher, real soon! I will keep her family and friends in my prayers; I lit a candle for her today in Church (that's such an Italian-Catholic thing).  
Nat

I am so very sorry about Michelle.  I knew Michelle as a fun loving young women, who always had a smile  on her face and treated me and everyone with love and respect.   I can see her face as if it were yesterday.
Michelle will be in my prayers and I will remember her for her love of dance, the twinkle in her eyes and the bright smile she had always had for me. 
Love Laura and Mike Cobb


I met Michelle in the summer of 1988, she was 19 years old. She was dating Stu, the DJ at the Airport Hilton night club and I saw her dancing alone on the dance floor, trying to learn the hustle. Besides being young and beautiful I noticed she was dancing in white cowboy boots. That was different.  I started dancing with Donna Boyle and Michelle stood there watching when she came over and asked me to teach her to dance. We became best of friends. I believe in the dance community, I was Michele's closest friend. Other then occasionally drinking a sambucca, I never knew her to take drugs or deal with them. I will miss the way she lit up the dance floor when she stepped on it. I have had many dance partners but even though we never competed or performed together, when we danced and practiced she was not only the sexiest dancer, she was the most fearless. When we would practice she would try any lift without question and would then do it to perfection. I will always think of her whenever I go out dancing.
Gypsy Stevie

I believe we first met Michelle Nau at Club Egypt when we were going there on Sunday nights, they were running a dance contest in the early 90's. She was pretty and fun, always had a smile on her face. She had a lot of interest in the hustle, and she got very good very fast. One funny thing I remember vividly, her boyfriend at the time was driving a "kit car." It was a Toyota MR2 made to look like a Ferrari, even had the Ferrari emblem on it. Well, Michelle absolutely insisted it was a real Ferrari. I can remember Vince, Bob and myself teasing her about it and it was probably the only time I ever saw her get mad. I met her sister Gabrielle a few years later. Karen and I took her and Michelle to Bumpers at the Ramada in Trevose when we used to go there on Monday nights. The "Ferrari" was gone by then so she needed a ride. Her interest in hustle dancing had really taken off, and she was getting better and better. Michelle could hold her own with any of the top female dancers, she was definitely one of my all time favorites. She did "the wrap" better than anybody, she was quick to adapt to any style and extremely athletic. She was a fun loving girl, never said a bad word about anyone, and was loads of fun to be around. I don't know the person the newspapers are writing about. Not once in all the years I knew her did I see her drugged up or even drunk. This is the person who went into "a cocaine fueled rage" and threatened to burn down an apartment? I doubt we will ever know what really happened that night, but it doesn't matter. I just know we have lost a friend and a great dancer. I'll miss Michelle a lot. God bless her.
Bob
 

I barely knew her but I feel for the family just the same.  I have tears in my eyes as I am typing this letter.  I met Mikalena probably less than a year ago at Michael's Café on a Tuesday night.  She said she broke up with her boyfriend and that she was going to Florida.  I was disappointed when she told me but when I saw her at Michael's several times after that I was happy she was still here.  She was a great Hustle Dancer and I am happy I got to enjoy a few more dances with her.  Little did we know that those were all we would get.  She was a very nice person.  I™m glad I had the chance to dance with her and I miss not seeing her out anymore and dancing with her and just talking to her.  When two people dance-whether they realize it or not-they share a bond for those brief moments.  This bond is not the same that non-dancers feel.  It is different.  It is upsetting to see and hear what happened and how the media is making her look.  We will always wonder why her life had to be cut short.  I regret missing the opportunity to ask her to the ballet especially when I think about the fact that the ballet I had tickets for fell on the fourth of February.  There are a lot of guys who adored her and who would have loved to have her by their side, to cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie together, and fall asleep in each other™s arms.  I can™t help but look up to people who dance better than myself and feel privileged that they would dance with me.  I will always remember her as the nice person and great Hustle Dancer that she was.  I hope her family will take comfort in knowing Mikalena was loved by a lot of people and we share in their sorrow.
Michael Couris


I have known Michele for a number of years. We use to go to differnt clubs like the Eighth Floor, Egypt, Bumpers and of cause Michael's Cafe. She was always up beat and fun to be around. She was a very good dancer and had great focus. She was a quick learner but was very down to earth. If she made a mistake she would ask you to do it again so she could learn the step. She took responsibilty, thats just the way she was. She was planning on being involved with the Discoamerica dance troop and was looking forward to competiing this summer. It breaks our hearts to hear such bad news. She was part of our dance family. We will miss her and send our prayers to her family.
Donna Boyle


She fit no mold or stereotype. Michelle would borrow $20 from you, and the next time she saw you she would try to give you $200. She loved to be the center of attention (especially on the dance floor) yet when you talked with her, she made you feel like there was a spot light on you. Michelle's flirtatiousness unnerved many a wife and girlfriend, yet she was a girl's best ally when betrayed by a guy. Michelle was a natural beauty who didn't need expensive clothes or jewelry to be noticed, yet she never failed to compliment others on how good they looked. Michelle was a great dancer who never took a lesson in her life. Often Michelle wouldn't be out for several months, yet when she made a surprise appearance it was like she hadn't been gone at all. Like many of us, Michelle's personal life was complicated, yet when she was out she was always upbeat, energetic and happy. Michelle would give the shirt off her back to a friend, and once at a club, she literally did. Michelle was a health-nut who smoked like a fiend. You always knew where you stood with Michelle; she didn't have a phony bone in her body and she was never shy about sharing her opinions. Michelle was very proud, especially about her dancing, yet when she would goof up and fall on her face on the dance floor, she was the first one to shout, Did you see that!  I guess I'll try to remember Michelle from the early days, dancing at Bumpers on Thursday nights. One of her favorite songs was Native New Yorker. While writing this I listened to it a few times and couldn't help but shake my head and think of her.
"Love is just a passing word, It's the thought you had, in a taxi cab, That got left on the curb... You should know the score by now...Where did all those yesterdays go?
When you still believed, love could really be like those Broadway shows"
Michelle, wherever you are now, I'm sure the line of guys waiting to dance with you is long, but knowing you, it's not long enough! Take it easy on them and save a few dances for us...
PK

 
"Though I didn't know her very well, Mikalena always greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly hug when we would see one another at Michael's Cafe.  She always had time to ask how I was and chat for a few minutes.  I will remember her as a beautiful, spirited, outgoing woman who loved being around people. I wish her family comfort and peace in the aftermath of this horrible tragedy."
Susan
 


"Bad Dreams Can Make You Cry, Sometimes It's Hard To Smile, Don't Cry though Your're Hurting Inside, You Can Be Strong, Try To Hold On..... Look For Love" Cerrone

World Hustle Dance Championships


We teach our kids, for one to grow a flower you need just the right ingredients: not too much water or over exposure to the sun but just the right mix. Creating the ultimate event requires the perfect blend of music, teachers, competitions and dance styles. This year, the World Hustle Dance Championships has blossomed. Under the careful watch of organizer Diane K. Nardone, she has assembled and invited an All Star Staff: Paul Pelicoro, Donna Boyle, Mark James, DonaMarie Portelli, Derrick Allen, Debbie Ferro, Arte Phillips, Susan Marolda, Chris Bates, Silvana Gallagher,
Raul Ante, Donna DeSimone, Phil Lamothe, Fred & Tina Price,  John Festa,
Gary Ulaner, Maria Izzo, Tony Pace, Melody Cochran, Nino Deguilio, Robert & Nicola Royston, Dave Muzzi, Bobby Gerard, Ron Bess, Lori Brizzi, Mark Routzahn, Anthony Lee,  Evan Macdonald, Keith Gussoni, Luis Rosa, John Lindo.......
This year the theme is about the children. "Everybody's Children Foundation"  will be in attendance to collect new toys for needy children. It's time to give back, show our love and make a difference. Come enjoy the positive energy and dance experience at the 6th Annual WHDC. All this at the Hilton East Brunswick, NJ Hotel.
A new hotel, a new look, with old and new friends.
The 2006 World Open Hustle Title is up for grabs with a $5,000.00 purse and just added a Cabaret division (no hustle)
Whether you hustle, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Country dance.....this is the place to dance  as we celebrate Christmas in July (the 27th to 30th). Bring a gift or a donation....just don't forget to be there and be a part of the mix.  More details coming soon.
Reserve your room now at 1-800-445-8667 and mention the event and code WHD for the special $92 room rate. Visit http://www.hustledanceworld.com

Letters To The Editor

Hi Ron:
I just wanted to say I am so Glad that people like Eddie Vega are still being kept alive in our hearts and mind for his contribution to what the hustle is today.
I knew Eddie well and I am glad to see that he lives on in our memories what a great dancer he was.  Also I am glad to hear about Mad Jam and how well it did.  That is AWESOME.  I met Dave Moldover in 1997 right after his accident ........I am proud to say In his quest for recovery and going back to a normal life I was a small part of that. The man had overcome it and as you can see he is rising to the top.  You make all this information possible and I hope that somewhere out there others feel like I do.  You have put a lot of us back in-touch with each other and you have kept those who have passed, alive in our hearts. And for that, I thank you. 
George Velazquez

>>>>>
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in my birthday celebration last Tuesday.  The past three times that I have celebrated my birthday at Michaels have been the best of my life and its because of the very special people who are a part of our unique dance community.  I also want to thank everyone for their cards and gifts and DJ Mark for extending my dance time with one of my favorite tunes.  Special thanks to Nancy for getting me that awesome cake and for being a part of my life.
Scott Michelli

DanceTalk * 3-14-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Scott Michielli and Donna DeLuca.

Congratulations to Staci and Susan Suter, a baby is on the way.  

March 31st is the motion picture premier of Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School, staring Robert Carlyle, Marisa Tomei, Mary Steenburgen, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Devito and John Goodman, 

Last week Carl Charles was in a horrific car accident. A large pickup truck drove into Carl's Honda while he was waiting at the traffic light. After the incident the young man drove away from the scene but his vehicle tag was identified. Carl is not injured, he is fine but shaken up a bit by incident.  He can stress enough about Florida having the worst drivers on the entire planet. 

The annual dance competition in Long Island, NY at Zachary's Dance club kicks off on Friday, March 24, and continues every Friday till the finals. Cash and prizes totaling $10,000.  Read all about it below.

If you missed the complete list of The 2006 Hustle Teacher Directory, you can visit http://www.mjames.org/ronninstructors.html for all the names and contact information. 

Every Wednesday, area dancers come out to dance WCS with DJ Rob & Sheila at The Atrium, Rt. 130, in Pennsauken, NJ. Great WCS music. Only $5. Free parking. 9:00-11:30.http://www.homestead.com/robandsheila

Next week, great words and memories of Michele 'Mikalena' Nau, (1969 - 2006)  shared by her friends and loved ones, as they say their good byes.   

Make it a Great week,
Ron

Mad Jam rocked. Over 1150 people attended the 4th annual event. Each year this competition has grown and the caliber of dancers has ratcheted way up to the top. Dancers attended from 45 states including Canada. Organizer Dave Moldover has uniquely created a joint venture of West Coast Swing, Hustle and Hand dancing.  The energy ran on high all weekend. The Novice swing Jack & Jill was the largest competition division with over 100 entries. Friday's late night Strictly Westie party on the ballroom balcony and Saturday's "Club MadJam" hip hop jam with Jordan Frisbee were two standouts among the many exciting late night activities. As usual the midnight buffet was outstanding.
The 2007 Mad Jam will return to the beautiful Sheraton Premier in Virginia, same date, same hotel. Stay tuned. Congratulations to Dave and his staff for once again putting together a first class event.

Classic West Coast Swing
1 Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann
2 Arjay Centeno & Melissa Rutz
3 Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann-Drake

Jack & Jill Hustle Invitational
1 Keith Gussoni & Donna Boyle
2 Brian Gallagher & Kim Vanaman
3 Fred Price & Celeste Pfefferle
4 Arte Phillips & Tina Price
5 Erik Novoa & Kim Vanaman

Jack & Jill Hustle Intermediate/Advanced (38 entries)
1 Wingo Hom & Alysia Bonvino
2 Shawn Brennan & Angie Cameron
3 Jesse Castaneda & Catherine Cogut
4 Steven Borth & Kathy Yeager
5 Philip Spinka & Mary Hood
6 Doug Rousar & Erica Smith
7 Stacy Suter & Danielle Odhuer
8 Dave Raines & Jeanette Nielson
9 Tom Robertson & Punkin Habet
10 Sam Habet & Randi Cohen


Jack & Jill Hustle Novice (27 entries)
1 Keith Stremmel & Vickie Spitzer
2 Mark Mansfield & Peggy Polk
3 Chris Harding & Margaret Muraszkiewicz
4 Jeff Sanchez & Anita Saha
5 Scott Raymond & Sally Meints
6 Greg Kirkham & Jennifer Gordan
7 Ralph Granger & Angela Cays
8 Ralph Granger & Cindy Dupree
9 JC Nachtwey & Mary Keegan

Classic Hustle
1 Robert Finocchio & Laura Cozik
2 Billy Marti & Suzanne Conway


ProAm Female Hustle Advanced
1 Beth Baird with Kimberly Vanaman Gold

ProAm Female Hustle Intermediate
1 Leslie Bricker with Fred Price Honors
2 Danielle Odhner with Brian Gallagher Honors
3 T Evon with Christopher Joe Schaupp Honors
4 Tracey McGrade with Cody Melin Gold
5 Jeanette Nielson with Kimberly Vanaman Gold
5 Elizabeth Gutzwiler with Fred Price Gold
Suzanne Conway with Billy Marti Gold
Janet Kenney with Brian Gallagher Gold
Mary Ellen Hood with Keith Gussoni Gold
Deborah Ford with Danny McGee Silver

ProAm Female Hustle Novice
1 Christina Henderson with Christopher Joe Schaupp Honors
2 Erica Smith with Christopher Joe Schaupp Honors
3 Kelly Meints with Daniel McGee Honors
4 Peggy Polk with Keith Gussoni Honors
5 Sally Meints with Daniel McGee Gold
Natalie Leon with Frank Glowczewskie Gold
Teresa Hsu with Robert Finocchio Gold
Cindy Dupree with Keith Gussoni Gold
Jodie Zucchero with Fred Price Gold
Beverly Solazzo with Fred Price Gold
Margaret Tuttle with Debbie Lynn Gold
Anita Saha with Christopher Joe Schaupp Gold
Anita Giacone with Donna Boyle Gold
Amanda Kirkham with Daniel McGee Silver
Alysa Haas with Robert Finocchio Silver
Cheryl Youtz with Daniel McGee Silver
Sara Jones with Danny McGee Silver
Vicki Dreyer with Frank Glowczewskie Silver
Carol Bryant with Keith Gussoni Silver
Mary Ferguson with Hazel Ulrich Silver
Maria Santillo with Donna Boyle Silver
Dottie Johnson with Bill Marti Silver
Amy Wright with Keith Gussoni Silver
Rosemary Cataldi with Donna Boyle Silver
Loretta Westler with Brian Gallagher Silver

ProAm Female Hustle Youth
1 Celine Nguyen with Debbie Lynn Silver

ProAm Male Hustle Advanced
1 Jesse Castaneda with Donna Boyle Honors
2 Sam Habet with Silvana Gallagher Gold
3 Steven Borth with Kimberly Vanaman Gold

ProAm Male Hustle Intermediate
1 Jim Coakley with Debbie Lynn Honors
2 Philip Spinka with Donna Boyle Honors
3 Scott Michielli with Silvana Gallagher Gold
4 Eddie Gooden with Joyce Szili Gold
5 Jeffrey Myers with Joyce Szili Gold
Kenneth Via with Debbie Lynn Gold

ProAm Male Hustle Novice
1 Chris Harding with Donna Boyle Gold
2 Scott Raymond with Debbie Lynn Gold
3 Greg Kirkham with Tiffany Brown Gold
4 Brian OConner with Joyce Szili Gold
5 Ralph Granger with Donna Boyle Gold Top Teachers

Just Dance Hustle Novice
1 Chris Harding & Anita Giacone
2 Dave Underwood & Wendy Gohn
3 Greg Kirkham & Sally Meints
4 Brian O'Conner & Carol Feld
5 Don & Cheryl Youtz
6 Paul Brundage & Judy Litty

Just Dance Hustle Intermediate/Advanced
1 Philip Spinka & Patricia McConnell
2 Dave Raines & Jeanette Nielson
3 Stacy & Susan Suter
4 Jim Call & Leslie Bricker
5 Jeffery Myers & Mary Ellen Hood
6 Joel Halsband & Cindy Dupree
7 Sam & Punkin Habet
8 Todd Irzyk & Catherine Cogut
9 Steve Mcarthur & Hyunki Raab
10 Douglas Rousar & Elizabeth Gutzwiler
11 Bruce Payne & Lee Warren
12 Greg Yukl & Jennifer Stonerock

Just Dance Hustle Open
1 Daniel McGee & Ginny Carey
2 Keith Gussoni & Laura Cozik
3 Gary Ulaner & Tina Marie Price
4 Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich
5 Fred Price & Angie Cameron
6 Jesse Castaneda & Marilyn Bardai
7 Steven Borth & Kathy Yeager

ProAm Spotlight Solo
1 Gina Madera with Joe Kerner
2 Ed Malone with Dawn Garrish
3 Dave Megaffin with Leslie Daniell
4 Beverly Solazzo with Carlos Garcia
5 Sam Habet with Silvana Gallagher

Top Teacher
1) Debbie Lynn
2) Donna Boyle

For the complete list of the competition results and to order your copy of the weekend video visit http://www.atlanticdancejam.com To view and/or purchase photos from Mad Jam 2006 visit: http://www.samsSnapshots.com.

and http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8FYuW7Rw5YTI

If you've been waiting for some new dance music to move you....here they are.
These are brand spanking new and sure to get the party started.
All these songs are climbing the dance charts.

Sorry - Madonna
Love Of My Life - Lucas & Reina
After Dark 2006 - Patti Brooks
Faithfully - Judy Torres
Just Like That - Amber
And Then We Kiss - Britney Spears
Hello - Alex Santer
Alone - Kim Sozzi
Mezmerized - Faith Evans

DanceTalk * 3-7-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Silvana Gallagher, Caren Casper, Randy Atlas and Alex Skutza. 

At the young age of 29, this dancing superstar returned home. Hall Of Fame - Life Time Achievement recipient, Eddie Vega passed away 14 years ago.

Social dancer Michele "Mikalena" Nau, has been missing since February 4th. Last seen at an ATM machine in Philadelphia, her car has been found but she has vanished. There has been an aggressive search by area police and the FBI.  Mikalena has been a regular in the Philly dance scene over the last 15 years.
Lets pray for her safe return.  

Get well soon Mr. C, Carl Charles. He was involved in a bad car accident, a hit and run in Florida. We wish him a speedy recovery.  

The winners at last weeks regional Van McCoy dance contest held at Dancesport in NYC were: Amateur
1) Jerise Massone & Jaime Serna
2) Tariq brown and Jamie
3) Robert Lawrence & Rosetta Varoula
 
Professional
1. Loriann Greenhouse & Kelvin Roche
2. Miguel Marrero & Amy Lefkowitz

Save these dates, April 7,8,9 2006 for the Philly Festival Dancesport Championships.  Come witness live, what has made "Dancing With the Stars" the number one hit show in the country. The best ballroom/Latin dancers in the nation. Come join Sandra and Andy Fortuna at the Philadelphia Airport Marriot Hotel.  http://www.phillyfestival.info

Mad Jam 2006 was awesome. High five to organizer Dave Moldover for the positive energy he brought to this wonderful event. Over 1000 attended to: dance, compete, participate in workshops and watch the best dancers on the planet. Read the highlights next week in DanceTalk.


Make it a great week,
Ron

                 Dancing With The Stars - Aftermath

The Dance world has been moving their feet.
Just like shifting the weight from your left foot to the right, we witness shifts all around us.  The stock market has been going up as the barrel price of oil comes down. As interest rates creep skyward home sales have plummeted.  The pendulum continues to move. This shift has had a positive impact on ballroom dancing...the new Television shows have been astounding hits, new motion pictures and an energized following of dance fans. Dancing is cyclical, a new wave comes with the evolution of a new dance craze, a new hit motion picture or a hot television show like Dancing With The Stars. Will this shift have the same effect on dance studios, student enrollment and classes? Is ballroom getting a mild tweak or is this a boost that is here to stay? Over 27 million viewers watched the finals of Dancing with the Stars...the most watched show a week from last Sunday.  To better understand this hot trend, we reached out to the teaching professionals.
According to dance veteran Jami Josephson, Dancing with the Stars? has been so great for the ballroom biz? My clientele is up 150%!  What s so great is people don't look at ballroom as old people's fuddy-duddy dancing? and they even like the idea of wanting to compete in competitions? I'm also finding that a lot of students want to work harder at learning these styles just like the stars do on TV?. What's even cooler is that you now see commercials for Arthur Murray s dance studio on prime-time TV? amazing! I am one happy ballroom instructor no longer struggling to find students!
Jami Josephson - NY -  http://www.learn2salsa.com 

In Nutley, NJ, The Starlight Ballroom has experienced an upsurge. Owner Katrina Marks is delighted. "Yes, most definitely the sign up for new students is higher. We already experienced this after the first season of "Dancing With The Stars." We increased approximately 30% because of that. Even more kids are coming to learn ballroom.
Katrina Marks -  NJ - Starlight Ballroom http://www.starlightdanceusa.com

In Bensalem Pennsylvania, the artistic director of La Luna Sonya Elmore has noted the reaction and success of the show. "We are definitely getting more calls about Ballroom dancing then we have before and seems like all the wives want their husbands to learn how to dance because they are watching Dancing with The Stars. I also have more people expressing interest in competing.  Attendance at the parties has been normal as usual.
SONYA ELMORE - Pa - LA LUNA DANCE STUDIO http://www.LaLunaDanceStudio.com

In the Big Apple, the dance capital, Paul Pellicoro can visibly see the response at his studio DanceSport. "I cant give you a solid figure but business is clearly up at DanceSport as a result of all of this Dancing with the Stars? promotion. This is the biggest boom to date. It has all been building up to this. This is it. Ballroom is now officially mainstream. We ve come a long way baby. Will it continue to grow in popularity? I hope so. But being a realist I know that what goes up must come down. But this is not the color of the month. It has been a slow strong climb with a steady base being built over the past 34 years. But I think ballroom will stay in vogue for easily another 10 years.  It will never disappear!  It s here to stay."
Paul Pellicoro - NY -  DanceSport  http://www.dancesport.com

In Chicago you have to visit "May I Have This Dance", under the careful eyes of Nino Digiulio, he acknowledges the impact of the show. " Our  dance classes and events have always been really well-attended.  Nevertheless, since the recent media attention on Ballroom Dancing, we have noticed more totally new folks contacting us, and a dramatic increase in private lesson requests.  We have had to scramble and hire more staff and are currently looking to open a second and possibly third location". Nino Digiulio - Chicago - "May I Have This Dance Inc"  info@mayihavethisdance.com

In the Sunshine State, transplant Carl Charles has witnessed a new view of dancing.
"dancing has always been around but somehow since the Television program "Dancing with the Stars", has brought Americans front & center with the dance world. They are no longer thinking that this is a 'girly' thing to do, it s difficult, as they had witnessed from the show. The only downside to this for the short term frenzy is classes held on Thursdays during the TV show now have low attendance. However, the long term benefit is that more people will and are signing up. Since hustle is not the only dance I teach, I truly benefit by teaching the variety of dances that the public is now asking for". 
Carl Charles - FL-  http://www.mrcdance.com

Letters to The Editor


Hey Ron,
Just love your news letter. When I read the article on the Life time achievement winners I was over the moon. I knew all those dancers and am so glad to see them get their due. I grew up in Great Neck and have so many great memories of dancing. I currently sing in a 4 piece band and now reside in Clinton, NC.  Hustle dancing in my eyes never got the credit it deserved. It still is popular and the dance of choice at weddings, sweet sixteen's, bar mitzvahs and New Years events and stuff like that. I look forward to hearing about so many of these great dancers. Thank you for keeping their achievements alive and helping us to stay in touch.
With great admiration
Debbie Colter    
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Hi Ron,
     I want to thank everyone for dancing with me on my birthday.  As usual it made my birthday very special.  Also thanks for the cards and thank you to Sara, Scott, Dusty and Karen, Art, and anyone else who contributed for my birthday cake-it was phenomenal.  Thank you to Donna Boyle and Susan Laura for taking me out to dinner for my birthday Wednesday night.  The people are the ones who made my birthday very special.  Without people my birthday would not have been very happy. 
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!! 
Affectionately, 
Michael Couris
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Hi Ron; 
I hope this email finds you well. I  enjoy your DanceTalk news. Thank-you for having it for us to read.  My daughter Brandy Lee just landed the lead dancer in Las Vegas at the Stratosphere in a show called "Bite." It is based on Dracula and she is the Queen. She was up against the best of Vegas dancers but landed the part.
Also Francoise Szony will be returning to Branson in March for the second leg of the "Follies" show.
Thank-you once again for your informing newsletter.
Best regards,
Lorelei Lee
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Dear Ron,
The Hustle, Swing and Salsa Cruise, which just returned in mid-February, was
a huge success thanks to the fine efforts of a great staff. We partied, took workshops, and held competitions in six venues throughout the ship, including: the main lounge, the discotheque, the main theater stage, the salsa club, the poolside bandstand, and the 9-story lobby atrium dance floor. Royal Caribbean's gourmet food, service and ambiance was exceptional this cruise, plus everything went exactly according to our schedule down to the minute. Our staff of instructors, group leaders, deejays, MCs, and dance contest judges included: Lori Brizzi, DJ Nino Torre, DJ Johnny V, Donna Boyle, Jeff Sandler, Vinny Munno, Carl Charles, Billy  Marti, Caren Casper, Margaret Burns, Edie the Salsa Freak, Jose Solano, Georgie Azpuru,
Chris Hemmer, DJ Vicki Fearon, Hector Berrios, Keith Harrison, Penny Sullivan, Bobby O, Gregory Harrison, Drew Axelrod, Noel Colon and Norm Gewirtz. 282 dancers joined us! My gratitude, also, goes to the owners of both the Feather's Dance Studio and Paladium Nightclub, Erica & Dave, for hosting our pre-and post-cruise parties. I'd especially like to thank Caren Casper for assisting me in every aspect of this national cruise event, and you, Ron, for taking your valuable time - consistently every week - to publish your DanceTalk newsletter which has greatly benefited us and all of the other listed events and socials.
All the best, Drew Axelrod
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Hi...I have read your article about Disco Dance in your archives....My husband
was one of the dancers that competed in NY and went on to California and starred
on Danny Terrio's "Dance Fever"....He and his girlfriend (at the time) danced in
the Boston clubs and then went on to NY...I have several newspaper clippings and
some photos from the competition. Do you have any other info or list of the
finalists that competed? His name is Alfonso Robles and his girlfriend was Janet
Cutting. Thanks. Joyce Robles
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Dear Ron,
I was very moved by the letter from Nelly Cotto, although I don't know her your comments give me a vivid picture of who she is. I am new to the hustle but not young in years. Thru the dance society's kindness, dancing has given me a second life after the loss of my husband. I practice hustle dancing in the studio but learn my hustle history and theory thru people like you and Nelly and your newsletter.
I am very grateful and wanted to say to Nelly Cotto you are an inspiring women.
Thank you,  Sally Ann S.D.

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