DanceTalk - The Archives
May 2003
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 * 5-27-03
Happy birthday wishes to: Steve Tursio, Jenn Nitka, and Michelle Russomanno.
Wishing Shari Kahn, a wonderful Wedding reception this coming weekend.
Congratulations to Zulma Rodriquez. She joins the Class of 2003 as she just received her Masters Degree.
The Line up for The Disco Ball 2 has been announced. See all the details below, June 7th at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ.
The new show Fame debuts on NBC network this week (Wednesday at 8:00PM EST), Debbie Allen will host this initial 2 hour talent show. Debbie acted in the original motion picture "Fame" and choreographed the television show that followed.
The Tony Awards will be broadcast live on June 8th, on CBS.
Check out the Disco Dancing website http://esther0998.tripod.com/frame.htm
Make it a great week,
Ron
Hooked On Hustle - Recap
Shannon Johnson gave the dance community another memorable dance party. Attendees were treated to complimentary dance lessons, exhibitions, a Jack & Jill contest and more.
Donna Boyle & Bill Poulter dazzled the crowd with a West Coast Swing demonstration. Ettie Kurtz & Joey Cammatuci showcased their winning classic hustle routine. Brian and Silvana Gallagher bumped it up a notch as they displayed their professional theater arts performance.
The evening featured freestyle dancing upstairs to DJ Mark and Hustle dancing, with a taste of WCS and Latin, downstairs with DJ Kenny Arditi. There were many professional dancers in attendance including: Donna Reinhart, Ernesto Diaz, Debbie Tuttle, Andre' Pheleps, Alex Abraham, Dara Putrusky, Bill Poulter, Silvana Gallagher, Donna Boyle and Brian Gallagher.
The Jack and Jill dance contest featured two heats with the judges selecting the three best. They danced to a packed house at DanceSport 101. The winners were:
Gold Medals - Mimi Doi & Stanley Smalanovich
Silver Medals - Jenn Nitka & Joey Cammatuci
Bronze Medals - Marni & Jeff Gessner
Hooked On Hustle raised $275.00 for HOPE Worldwide which sponsors a child to the Summer Camp program. "Stephanie Orner has been "starving" for a positive atmosphere and thrives on friendships that the Summer Camp program (for teens) will provide," explained Shannon. Her family has suffered with financial and medical burdens for the past 6 years.
DanceTalk is happy to report that the next Hooked On Hustle will take place this coming fall. We will keep you posted on all the details. Please visit the website for additional information on Hooked On Hustle www.hookedonhustle.com
Celebration Of Life
Twenty (plus) years ago, it was common place to dance seven nights a week. For our generation, dancing was the great American past time. Friendships were developed on the dance floor. As teenagers, it proved not only to be fun and great exercise but for many it developed into a career opportunity. With the recent tragic loss of a gifted dancer, Danny Llaurado, an old band of friends came together to reflect back on those special times. Jean Chriss, Carol Famigletti, Linda Rodriquez, Ava Lev, Mike Babbino, Arte Philips, Eddie Espinosa and Dino Georgio.
For some, this was the first time being reunited in some twenty years. Careers and families have taken them in different directions. Dino was visiting the NY area (from California) and the timing couldn't have been better for a reunion. Mike and Dino orchestrated the gathering. It was the opportunity to have a memorial dinner for Danny. "Danny's funeral was private, we were at a loss of what to do." We never had the chance to talk with our friends and remember the good times." says Mike Babbino. "This gathering was way over due."
These dancers helped pave the path for many of the hustle dancers of today. Their involvement and dedication exposed many others to this exciting dance. Years ago this group was inseparable. At the dinner memorial they decided, as a group, to stay in touch and made a commitment to get together as a group on a more regular basis. It is clear, that Danny Llaurado will live on in their hearts and minds forever.
DanceTalk * 5-20-03
Happy Birthday wishes to Mark James and Cathy Rankel.
Come out to Michael's Cafe, on Tuesday, May 20th as we celebrate ....
"The Class Of 2003." Jenn Nitka will be receiving a Masters degree in School Counseling and Patricia Caballero will be receiving a Masters in School Administration. Congratulations to our new grads.
On Saturday, June 7th Dave Muzii and Carlos Cardona say GOODBYE.
They will hold a FAREWELL Country Western, Swing and Hustle Night at Stepping Out Studios in NY. "We have had a great time these last 2 years bringing you this event"! Thanks to Diane Lachtrup and everybody at Stepping Out Dance Studios for allowing us to bring you Country Western and Swing dancing in New York. Its time for Dave and I to move on to other challenges." See details below.
Congratulations to Shannon Johnson on another wonderful installment of Hooked On Hustle. Next weeks edition of DanceTalk will feature a complete review of the exciting evening including the contest winners.
There is still time to win the hot new dance CD "Ultimate Disco" ?
To be eligible to win visit http://www.klewmedia.com/contest.asp?id=254&refid=105. The contest will run for two more weeks. Three DanceTalk readers will be chosen.
Winners will be posted on DanceTalk.
Good luck
Le Hexegon, night club in RittenHouse Square (17th & Sansom in Philly) has Latin night on Wednesdays with Salsa, merenque & cha cha.
The curtain falls on the second longest running Broadway musical, of all time, Les Miserables. After over 6000 performances, at the Imperial Theater in NYC, the show has come to an end.
Below are some features/dance news that ran in DanceTalk, over the last three years. Last week marked our three year anniversary.
It was a pleasure conducting these interviews, I hope you enjoyed them as well. (Due to space limitations I could only share a snippet from each.)
Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend.
Make it a great week,
Ron
A Look Back - Here is a glimpse back at some of the features that have been printed in DanceTalk over the last three years.
Danny Llaurado (RIP)
"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....
His hustle career started back in the early 70's,.....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," ....... 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, Eddie Espinosa, Gina Figueroa and Lisa Nunziella.....
Giant Gene Arnold
He danced on the original, " American Bandstand Show," hosted by the ageless Dick Clark, in his home town, Philadelphia. Virtually born with a microphone in his hands, Giant Gene Arnold started singing and doing rock n' roll shows in the early 60's. As a young performer he would grow to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.....
His new found success took him in a new direction, spinning dance music (later known as disco) before it had its name.
Gene felt the "disco" era began about the same time he called his DJ company "Gene Arnold's Discoscene.".......
Feathers Dance Contest
Back in the day, the most exciting dance contests were held at some of the best discotheques in the country......
One memorable contest took place in the summer of 1981, at the beautiful Feathers Disco in Long Island, NY. Each week the best couple qualified to return for the finals. These were some of the best couples in the country. The Silver Screen never witnessed the high energy provided by these teams. Their electrifying performances would still stand the test of time:
*Roma Moon and Joseph Harris danced to Salsoul's "It's good for the Soul"
*Lucas Jamie and Kathy Young chose the classic "Shine on Silver Moon".
*Ricky Quintana and Lee Rafrano danced to Melba Moores "Pick Me Up I'll Dance" *Derrick Allen and Lilia Parra performed to Meco's "Star Wars".
*George Valesquez shocked the crowd dancing to "Savage Lover" in full caveman attire
*Billy Fajardo and Sandra Rivera selected the theme from "Star Wars"
*Ralph Rameriz and Maria Gomez chose "Latin Odyssey" by Voyage
*Miquel Marrero and Annette performed to "In the Socket"
*Billy Assmus and Annabelle danced to "Fame".
And first place went to Eddie Vega and Laudes Jones as they performed effortlessly to "Ten Percent" by Double Exposure. The applause was deafening.
Francois Szony
Elvis shook his hips, The Beatles wanted to "hold your hand" and Francois Szony paved the path for future dancers.
The living legend, continues to dance, choreograph and perform in Davie, Florida.
76 years young, he still does cartwheels and hand stands....
His repertoire includes hundreds of lifts (and nearly a dozen with one arm over head). The Szony's did special appearances on the most popular television shows including, The Merv Griffin Show, The Hollywood Palace, Ed Sullivan and The Show of Shows.....Unquestionably one of the greatest Theater Arts dancers of all time, he is a true inspiration to us all.
Marty Angelo
He loved the television show American Bandstand soooo much,.... he started his own TV dance show. As one of Dick Clark's biggest fans, his mission was to show the world that touch dancing was back. All the dance shows focused on freestyle.
Marty wanted to expose the hustle and the wonderful music that went with it.
Marty Angelo's life began in the 70's, so to speak.
He developed the first Disco Dance Show. His objective was to "teach you how to dance right in the privacy of your own home, step by step." Marty really saw disco as hustle dancing..........
TimeCapsule
During the 80's, Hustle was on a roll......The Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden, was hosting the most prestigious dance contest of the year, The annual New York City "Harvest Moonball."
This was the crown jewel of all dance contests. The preliminaries were held a month earlier at Roseland (another historical location). From the dozens of entries, the judges narrowed down the field of competitors (at Roseland) to 12 finalists.....
Michael Angelo and the Lady (artistry from Florida), Floyd Chishom and Laudis Jones (True pioneers of the Hustle), Steven Mitchell and Lisa, (one of Phillys hottest dance teams), Diane Nardone & James Garcia (Classic hustle at its best ), Ralph Ramerez & Maria (new on the scene with high energy), Arte Phillips & Maria Torres, (Very eye catching, creative hustle), David Padilla & Baby (high flying dance style), Kelvin Roche & Evelyn Perez (a seasoned, polished team), Ron Bess & Lisa Zimmerman (old, run down and arthritic), plus four other exciting teams. But only one couple would emerge as the best. With little surprise, and sporting matching costume Eddy Vega & Nelly Cotta took first place......
Wanda Soto (1965 - 2002) (RIP)
"Our NY Treasure"
Last Monday was a different type of evening at Dancesport in Manhattan.
What I didn't know, at the time was, when I said good night to Wanda Soto, it would be the last time I would say good-by.
In her typical fashion, she was smiling and full of energy. She was a proud young women. As a caring mother and wonderful dancer, she was loved by all.
She lifted our spirits......
Susan Marolda
....As an accomplished performer/competitor, Susan Marolda can still light up the dance floor. The beauty in her dance is an extension of the beautiful, warm person from within. Today, dancing, for Susan is just for fun. But there was a time when it was 24 - 7. .... At only eight years young, Susan began ballroom lessons. Under the careful guidance of Joe Mehegan, Susan began to compete. By the age of 14 she partnered with Tony. The chemistry was magical. In 1976 they became the USBC Amateur ballroom champions. The following year they captured the Untied States Amateur Hustle championship. Their training and hard work was paying off. In 1978 they won New York's crown jewel, the prestigious "Harvest Moonball" All around title, held at the Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden.......
The Awards for the first "DanceTalk Emmy's."
......I feel it's always positive to acknowledge those who stand out among the crowd. It is only fitting to let the readers have the opportunity to also play judge. You picked them, so here they are.
The 2002 Winners
Favorite DJ - Mr. Bobby Morales
Favorite Female Dancer - Debbie Ferro
Favorite Male Dancer - Donnie Shields
Favorite Dance Couple - Brian & Silvana Gallagher
Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) -
Robert Royston & Laureen Baldovi
Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone
Favorite Male Instructor - Arte Phillips
Congratulations to all the winners. The readers have spoken
James Garcia (RIP)
He was always up beat, always with a smile on his face.
He didn't win the most trophies or claim the most titles but he had the biggest heart on the dance floor. As a gifted dancer, teacher, competitor and friend, he had a fan club as long as your leg... At age 18 he was perfecting the Hustle. He became one of the original members of "The Hustle Kings," a wonderful dance troupe out of Brooklyn, NY. This high energy dance troupe performed and traveled all over. James
"Jimmy" Garcia will be missed by thousands....
Lisa Nunziella
...... Who can forget the impact this petite, 5 foot dynamo had on our Dance
generation. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she literally conquered the Hustle world. Lisa competed and performed all over the world, winning virtually every title with various
partners (Eddie Vega, Danny Llaurado, Ricky Quintana, Arte Phillips & Deano
Georgio)......Lisa won the World Hustle title, two time winner of the United States title, semi-finalist on Dance Fever, Harvest Moonball winner at Madison Square
Garden and was undefeated winning 13 consecutive weeks, (never done before) on Ed McMahon's Nationally televised "Star Search," winning the $100,000.....
Franc Reyes, AKA, Perico
"Dancing saved my life. It helped get me out of a hard up bringing in the South Bronx." Those are the words of Franc.Reyes, known back in the day as Perico.
He was one of the original Hustle kings, dominating the dance circuit in the 70's and early 80's. One summer evening in 1976 he was watching Floyd Chishom and partner Evelyn and described them as "the most incredible thing I ever saw." A short time later he met Billy Fajardo and Sandra Rivera at Club Ipenema (this club along with Lime Light were two of the top Hustle clubs ). Billy and Perico formed the legendary dance troupe, The Disco Dance Dimensions.....
Extra Extra: Read all about it
BUFFALO, NY (2002-11-29) Buffalo is officially part of disco history. A new exhibit at the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Washington features footage and memorabilia from the 1970's Buffalo disco TV show, "Disco-Step-By-Step." Marty Angelo had no idea how popular disco would become when he first launched the Disco-Step-By-Step TV show here in the 1970s. In Buffalo, and cities all over the world, disco became a cultural phenomenon....
Deano "Dino" Georgio
For many of the great dancers of the 70's, the Hustle, was a spring board for their career paths ahead...... Deano was able to catapult his dance / acting career into the movies and television.
Born in Brooklyn, NY,...............Deano moved to California to join forces with long time friend Lisa Nunziella. He quickly became a screen actor guild member. Together they would embark on a partnership including movies - sitcoms - commercials and videos, that had never been achieved in the hustle:
Dance doubling for Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in "The Mask,"
Leslie Nielson and Pricilla Presley in "Naked Gun
s 11," Christopher Walkins in "Wayne's World 11,.........
Walter Darian
He served our country.
He then returned home, to New York, and served the dance community.
Darians Dance Studio was legendary.
In 1974, Walter's eyes "bugged out" when he saw the hustle being danced at Roseland. Walter began teaching, what was then called the "American Hustle" at his Brooklyn studio. For the next five years, 1975-1980, he canceled all of the other classes being taught, to accommodate the enormous growth of the hustle.
Registration for classes tripled. Over 90% of his students were now under the age of 35. At its peak, he had over 600 students in one week......
Debbie (Rosado) Ferro
What do you get when you take an Uptown girl, throw in 10 years of classical Ballet training and put her in the Hustle arena? Clearly one of yesterday and today's sharpest dancers.....
In high school she started to learn the hustle when she hooked up with George Vascones.......He wanted her to partner with a fellow "Latin Symbolic," an exciting, innovative dancer by the name of Perico (Frank Reyes) ...They won the prestigious televised "South American Dance Championships" held in Venezuela. Back in the states, Perico established an alliance with Billy Fajardo and the "Disco Dance Dimensions" were underway.....
"A Tribute to Ginger" (Rip)
On Wednesday, March 29, 2001, Approximately 10:00PM, our Beloved Ginger Left Behind Those Of Us Who Love Her.
Our hearts are heavy with the pain of her leaving, be assured it was not her plan to leave us grieving.
Unsuspecting of her charm, she touched our lives and made us love her. How could anyone resist something that felt so natural?
She is now an angel whose dancing will be performed on heavens dance floor. She is sure to take first place every time. She will be dancing with the best. She is the star that she had hoped to be, whose brilliance will burn bright for all to see. On those of us whom she has cast a spell, she will always be, our beloved Ginger.
Written by Joe Reggie
Hott New Dance Music
Here are the driving sounds at the most popular dance clubs on the East coast.
Heather Headley - "He is"
Novaspace - "Time After Time" (remake of the Cyndi Lauper hit)
Mia - "Dream Girl" Part 2 ( sampling of the Who)
The Roc Project - "Never" ( 128BPM, nice beat for Hustle or WCS)
Mary Griffin - "Without you" - great dance beat BPM 126
Pro Cut - "Feel So Right"
Solid Sessions - "Janerio" (136BPM, great melody)
Lee ann Rhimes - "Tic Toc"
Jocelyn Enriquez - "No way no How"
Sizequeen - "I'm ready"
DJ Sammy - "Boys of Summer"
DanceTalk * 5-13-03
Happy Birthday wishes to Shannon Johnson. Come out to Michael's Cafe to help her celebrate on Tuesday evening. Belated birthday wishes to Laura Cozik and Silvia Piccininni.
Singing sensation Luther Vandross is still hospitalized, he slipped into a coma since having a stroke two weeks ago. Pneumonia has complicated the matters.
Look for the motion picture Grease 3 this fall. Paramount pictures is already in the works bringing back John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John to play the parents. The new segment will take place in the 70's (as opposed to the original - in the 50's) which means it will carry a disco beat. This could be awesome.
American Open has been postponed until June 18, 19, 20, 2004.
Check http://artspectrum.org/amopen.htm for updates on teachers, the schedule,
hotel and travel info. Write info@artspectrum.org with questions or call 800-647-9464 or 313-790-2311.
"Wednesday Night Hustle Dancing" at The Hop, in Houston Texas. "DJ Marky D" will play all the dance favorites. Beginner Hustle class at 7:30 to 8:30 taught by Raye Avery & Irene Griffin. There is "NO COVER CHARGE" but $5.00 per person for the class.
La Luna will host Latin nights 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month, the next one is Saturday, May 24th. La Luna is located at 4610 Bensalem Blvd., Bensalem, PA 19020 Check out the full schedule www.wildonsalsa.com
June 7, Disco Ball at the Taj Mahal, more to come.
The American Idol, television show, has experienced run away ratings, last week it featured the music of the Bee Gees with guest judge Robin Gibb.
Wow
DanceTalk turns three.
Next week, we will highlight some of the most requested spotlights from the past three years. Thanks to all the organizers, teachers, DJs, dancers... for keeping me up to date on all the current events. I would like to thank all the websites that currently post DanceTalk. My sincere appreciation to Marty Angelo http://www.discostepbystep.com/dancetalkdec2002.htm
and Mark James http://www.mjames.org for their unwavering support.
DanceTalk is now reaching thousands of enthusiastic dance readers all over the globe.
Make it a great week.
Ron
SpotLight
"David Nyce"
He caught the fever even before folks knew it existed. By the time, the movie "Saturday Night Fever" exploded, on the silver screen, David had already established his own dance studio, "Disco Step Inc." in Virginia.
Twenty-eight years ago, David Nyce caught a glimpse of hustle dancing and it changed his life for ever. "What really turned me on was seeing Craig Yee and Linda Rodriquez perform at the Plumb Disco." At that time, David was into street dancing but was overwhelmed with the tricks and lifts. His fever spread as he went from partner to partner climbing the disco ladder.
As a forerunner of hustle dancing, in Washington DC, David was driven to be the best he could. Yet, David may have been held back from 'catching those stars'. Possibly becoming a victim of being "too nice." While many dancers grew with one partner, David enjoyed the pleasure of having many. The time restraints limited his ability to reach that higher plateau.
Still in all, David did achieve gold status in 1978, along with Cindy Mead, winning the prestigious United States Hustle Championships. David next danced with Kim Oliver. They succeeded, making it to the second round on the syndicated television show "Dance Fever." Performing to the dramatic beat of "Savage Lover," he created an electrifying routine combining overhead lifts, flips, kicks, and exciting hustle moves. David always took pride in choreographing his own routines although his real passion was adagio. The art of lifts and tricks became his focus.
As one of the first hustle teacher's in the DC area, David quickly out grew teaching at the local clubs as his classes became so popular. This lead to the opening of "Disco Step Inc.," the largest school in Washington DC, dedicated to disco dancing. The dance studio became very popular and was written up in all the area magazines and newspapers. On Wednesday evening's they held their hustle dance party which attracted over 100 dancers every week. All along, David would continue to perform and compete with long time friend Annette Fillipini. "I was always ready with new tricks for the local contests that popped up" David remembers.
For five years his dance studio would continue to thrive. His staff was made up of the finest hustle teachers from the DC area, Joyce Szili, Allen Vital, Juan Hernandez.... he had a staff of 14 professionals. After he represented Washington, DC on "Dance Fever," David would train and develop over teams. Since the tide was changing, David gave his couples a competitive edge by combining dance with martial arts - choreographed to music. The combination was a hit. Two of his couples won their auditions and went onto Los Angeles to compete on the televised "Dance Fever" show.
Along with new partner Jennifer Mitchell, David competed at the 2001 Disco America competition in the Professional Theater arts division. "Today's dancing and style is the best," reflects David. Still very passionate about the hustle, the fever hasn't gone away. "I felt of myself as the person with the highest amount of potential but was always hindered by not having the 'perfect partner."
Today he is married and has two kids. He owns and operates his own karate studio in Fairfax, VA called "The BlackBelt Academy." David still makes it out twice a week to get his dancing fix. He has competed from the 70's up till 2001.
From teaching hustle to competing and owning his own dance studio, David is viewed with great admiration by the many friends he has made along the way.
Obviously, his name suits him well.
Hooked On Hustle
This weekend marks the second installment of Hooked On Hustle.
Last Year, Shannon Johnson threw a memorable hustle party. TV station WB was on hand to cover the event. This Saturday's party, by all indications, should exceed the last one. Come join Andre' Pheleps, Bill Poulter, Brian Gallagher, Dara Patrusky, Debbie Tuttle, Donna Boyle, Donna Reinhart, Ernesto Diaz, Kenny Arditi, Ron Bess, Silvana Gallagher, and the hottest dancers from the Delaware Valley at Dancesport 101 studio. www.hookedonhustle.com
Letter to the Editor
As the Quinto CInco De Mayo Dance Festival comes to another successful end...., I would like to take this opportunity to write a few words of thanks from Rich and me.
I would like to personally thank Tony Pace for the beautiful Cinco De Mayo Service Award 2003. It is an exquisite frosted statue of two dancers on a mirrored base which Tony designed himself. It was a total surprise and a wonderful honor from a cherished friend. Thank you, our wonderful family of dance friends. There are literally hundreds of you whom we have met across the land all because of Tony Pace. Tony's vision, inspiration, ingenuity, and gift of dance for all is the motivation for us to dance, and learn, and share with everyone. It is this coming together of all dancers, newcomers and pros alike, and all genres of dance, that sets Tony Pace's Cinco De Mayo Weekends and Ultimate Dance Nights Out apart from the rest. We are at a window of opportunity to be part of a unique phenomenon in the dance history of Houston. You can make the difference.
If you haven't been fortunate to attend one of these, you are missing out on a truly special day. At Tony's events, a name tag is not needed. All that is needed is a smile and a few words, "May I have this dance?" Acknowledgements have been given by Tony to us and all the pros.... Rich and I believe in what Tony Pace stands for in the dance world. Your support this weekend makes all the weeks of hard work and effort worthwhile....Happy Birthday to Tony Pace today, God bless you and keep you in His care.
Regards, Cathy and Rich Rankel
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