DanceTalk - The Archives
May 2004
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Ron Bess & daughter
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LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE
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DanceTalk * 5-25-04
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend.
Happy Birthday wishes to Debra Kee, Steve Tusio ,Magique & DJ Johnny V .
Congratulations to Elena Nirenberg as she walks the isle, this coming week, with fiancee Dave Kim. We wish them both a happy future together.
The 2004 Soul-Patrol East Coast convention takes place July 30 to 31st in Willingboro, NJ. This year has a spectacular line up of talent with many internationally known recording artists. For ticket, hotels and travel information visit
http://www.soul-patrol.com/convention
Congratulations to Angela McCabe and Wingo Hom . They won free passes to the upcoming Discoamerica Dance Championships (including the dinner show) June 11th to 13th in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Midsummer Nights Swing at Lincoln Center, NY takes place July 8th with DJ Bobby Morales . Read all about it below.
The dance contest at Zachary's continues to rock Long Island, NY. This past weeks competition was judged by Norma Varrichio, Diane Nardone, Domingo and Frank Perez. In first place was Lucas Jaime & Yana, second place went to Jose' Solano and Alasandra Montalto and the third place winners were Walter Levy & Raluca Georgio. These couples qualify and move onto the semi-finals.
The 13th Annual Hustle Dance Excursion 2004 returns September 29th to October 2nd. Kim Vanaman hosts this year event which includes tickets to the Broadway show Lion King. The deadline to reserve a seat is June 10th, 2004. There is an extended weekend of dancing, workshops and other fun adventures in and around NY. Stay tuned for more details to come.
The new release Shrek 2 features the music of the late great John Whitehead ...."Aint No Stopping Us Now," his music will live on forever.
Next weeks issue of DanceTalk®. features a review of a "Cool" Hustle lesson video.
Make it a great week.
Ron
Discoamerica
Mark it down...Discoamerica is back, bigger and better.....
One of the longest running Hustle competitions returns to beautiful Cherry Hill, New Jersey in less then one month...June 11th to the 13th. With an all star cast of dance instructors, DJs and competitions, this years event is bound to be a blast. There are many new additions for 2004 that will make this years event even more Xciting. For the first time a "Professional Dance Off Championship" competition. This is a solo, spotlight couple division where lifts and tricks are permitted providing hustle dancing is still executed. There is also a juniors Latin dance division and pro/am Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive, Samba categories. Also new for 2004 is an Open Salsa Showcase division on Friday night where the couples pick their own music. DJ Bobby Morales will not only rock the ballroom but brings his grooves outside for a pool party. This year welcomes DJs Kenny Arditi, Mike Walton and Nelson "Paradise" Roman. While the competitions and social dancing takes place in the main ballroom there will be a second room dedicated for a "California Mix" with plenty of WCS, Salsa, Hustle and more. Arte Phillips returns as he unveils another production for the Saturday evening dinner show. Arte's choreography never disappoints.
There will be hours and hours of general dancing. Many of your favorite divisions return including the bookends and theater arts. And in one word the late night parties go....late.
The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center is a wonderful setting for the weekend event. Located minutes from Philadelphia there are plenty of restaurants, historical sites and shops near by to satisfy everyone's needs. Bring your family, bathing suits, dance shoes and prepare your self for an enlightening weekend.
This years staff includes: Raul Ante, Ron Bess, Bill Cameron, Barbara Capaldi, Elizabeth Darchi, Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Brian & Silvana Gallagher,
Keith Gussoni, Mark James, Karen Lupo, Jamie Josephson, Joseph Kerner, Daniel McGee, Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik, Louis Orlando, Paul Pellicoro & Eleny Fotinos, Arte Phillips, Joyce Szili, Maria Torres, Kim Vanaman...
If you have never attended a Philly style event, then you have to check this out. The dance area measures 6,600 square feet. We are expecting dancers from all over the east coast. Come out and see old friends and make new ones.
This is an IHDA sanctioned event. Members receive 10% off registration. Be sure to show your cards.
For details visit www.discoamerica.com "Where the World Hustle Dancers meet"
Summer Scholarship
A summer scholarship will be extended to an able-bodied male dancer that would like to partner a female in the "wheelchair class" held at Universal Dancesport studio in Collingswood, New Jersey. The American DanceWheels Foundation is looking for a volunteer to dance "duo" with an extremely talented, athletic and musical young woman. She is the current Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania and just spoke to the US Senate on disability issues. She is also attractive and accomplished. Interested male dancers can contact us through the American DanceWheels Foundation website.
Please visit the site for additional information,
www.AmericanDanceWheels.com or call 215-588-6672
DanceTalk * 5-18-04
Happy Birthday wishes to DJ Bobby Gerard ,Mark James and Cathy Rankel.
Denise Sanchez and Steve Salerno will unite their lives as man and wife. We wish them only the best as their marriage takes place this coming weekend.
We are saddened with the death of music master John Whitehead, best known as McFadden & Whitehead, the duo wrote many classics and epitomized the Philly Sound. "Aint No Stopping Us Now ," "I'll Always Love My Mama," and other songs made famous by The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Intruders and Archie Bell & The Drells. John was mistakenly gunned down at his Phila. home.
He will be missed.
This Tuesday night, at the Palladium, in Margate Florida, they will be celebrating DJ Bobby Gerard's birthday. Come on out and here one of the best classic DJ's spin and celebrate his birthday.
Looking for the best in freestyle dance music???? Then visit www.badboyjoe.com
Your find compilations and great classic dance CDs.
Last Thursday night Karen Lupo &Mark James performed for over 230 people at the United States Ballroom Foundation's "Dancing for Hope first FundRaiser" for 911. Other performers were:
Randy & Viktoria Dias - Waltz
Mike Rodriiquez & Andrea Golembe - Bolero
John Don & Evelina Basak - Paso Doble & Rumba
Michael & Natalie Lepore - Waltz
Yuriy Kravets & Elena Frovolva - Fox-Trot
Mark James & Karen Lupo - TA - HUSTLE
more info at www.usbfoundation.com
On July 31, in Washington, DC there will be a formal ceremony to honor the legend, Van McCoy. Take part in the free performances and special presentations. See more details below.
The semi-finals of the Zachary's Dance contest got under way this past Saturday evening in Long Isalnd NY. The judges included Derrick Allen, Judy Van Dyke, Susan Marolda and the Honorable Mayor of Long Island Tony Torino. In the winners circle. First place went to Ron Rosario & Lori Brizzi, second place Peter Altum & Denise and third place Luis Rosa & Mary Poma
The great Ralph Lew has been battling health problems for the last couple of years.
This years 20th Hispanic Dance Festival is named in his honor. It takes place June 25 to 27th at the Nevele Grande. Read all about it below.
The disco diva, Grace "I Need A Man" Jones is joining the British aristocracy, as she plans her wedding to Brit socialite Nicky Haslam. This will be her 4th marriage.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Hooked ON Hustle
Minutes after Smarty Jones crossed the finish line, birthday girl Shannon Johnson made a big splash with another edition of Hooked On hustle. The evening kicked off with hustle lessons provided for by Diane Nardone for the beginners ..while Brian Gallagher tackled the intermediate dancers. DJ Johnny "O" made his Philly debut and didn't let anyone down.. nor let them sit to longer as the crowd danced till 1AM.
Joe Kerner and Carolyna performed a hip-hop-hustle to Beyonce's Crazy In Love. The routine was well received by the audience, which included many area pros. A competitive Jack and Jill contest was won by Pat McConnell and Stanley Smalanowicz...they each received trophies. Many instructors were on hand to dance, show their support and encourage dancers to learn the hustle: Debbie Tuttle, Danny McGee, Andre' Pheleps, Elizabeth Darchi, Samisen Kilborne, Silvana Gallagher, Donna Boyle, Arte Phillips, Alex Abraham, Diane Nardone, Louis Orlando, Joe Kerner......
Capping off the evening was the "15 Seconds Of Fame,".... this shy group initially didn't want to take center stage but gradually rose to the occasion. By audience applause first place honors (and trophies) went to Ron Troy and CK.
Congratulations to all the winners and Shannon for making this a fun filled evening for everyone.
Classic Bands & Musicians
Planning that summer Bar-B -Q? Want to liven up your next event? How about some live music. You can hire some of the original groups, singers, bands that exploded on the dance scene in the 70's and 80's. Check out the list below and see what groups are still actively performing and what their going rates are.
Boney M $6,000 (Daddy Cool)
Eruption $4,000 (I can't stand the rain)
Evelyn "Champagne" King $5,500 (Shame)
France Joli $3,000 (Come To Me)
Gloria Gaynor $20,000 (I will Survive)
Hues Corporation $5,000 (I Caught Your Act)
Jesse Green $1,500 (Nice and Slow)
Leo Sayer $17,000 (You Make Me Feel Like Dancing)
Musique $4,000 (Keep On Jumping)
Patrick Hernandez $4,000 (Born To Be Alive)
Peaches And Herb $7,500 (Shake Your Groove Thing)
Ray Goodman & Brown $6,000
Rose Royce $3,500 (Wishing On A Star)
Sister Sledge $12,500 (We Are Family)
Tavares $6,500 (Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel)
Thelma Houston $4,000 (Don't Leave Me This Way)
The Gibson Brothers $3,500 (Cuba)
The Three Degrees $5,000 (Dirty Old Man)
Viola Wills $2,500 (Up On The Roof)
Letter to the editor,
I had the good fortune of attending the Disco Ball at the Trump Taj Mahal........
My good friend called it the "best musical experience" of his life, and I have to say that watching these classics come alive on stage by the original artists is indeed the best musical experience you can ask for.. Nearly every performer did 2 to 3 of their greatest hits and left us begging for more. I won't run through all, just the ones I consider the highlights of the night: Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes opened the show with "The Love I Lost" and "Bad Luck", Candi Staton treated us to "When You Wake Up Tomorrow", "Young Hearts Run Free", Loletta Holloway was the show stopper, now here was a treat...She entered from the back of the arena, wiggling down the center aisle, displaying some killer vocal prowess for the intro to "Relight My Fire"...up on stage she dazzled us with this classic but as she segwayed into "Love Sensation", she addressed all of us, asking had we ever been in love and lost, she laid down on the stage, rolled around every which way then kicked her legs up in the air akimbo, shaking them like anything...it was quite the sight...JT Taylor from Kool & The Gang came out with female backup singers/dancers ...and this was probably the coolest act of the night..he sang "Celebration", "Fresh" and of course, "Ladies Night"..and you ladies, I don't know what you thought of him back in the day, ....but Saturday night, he was the hottest looking man around...25 years did him some kind of justice....so sexy he was.. JT was the only one to mention the state of affairs in the world today, asking us to please remember our soldiers what they're facing out there for us....France Joli...another show stopper..every single lady in the house sang our hearts out to "Gotta Get Over You", "Heart to Break the Heart" and "Come To Me" along with her...she was so moved by the love we showed her she cried at the end of her set...she sang as beautifully as she did at 16....The Trammps, who may look like Grandpas now, still burned down the house with "Disco Inferno", they sounded as great as they did back then..and I really have to say that about all the performers, it's like time stood still for them..they all sang live and they sounded beautiful... every single one of them.....Sugar Hill Gang closed the show with "White Lines" and of course, "Rapper's Delight"... In between each act, Joe Causi, who is sooo funny with that booming Italian-American accented voice and the big goumba persona, was on stage ...introducing KTU's DJs and talking about all the New York area clubs that were popular during the disco era but he left out the New Jersey clubs!! All in all it was a beautiful show.. If you love this music as much as me, to see those classics recreated live will make you laugh, cry, dance..what other music can make you feel that way and give you such a warm tingling sensation and chills at the same time?
Jessica
Chatham, NJ
DanceTalk * 5-11-04
DanceTalk
Happy birthday wishes to Shannon Johnson.
The dance contest at The Swingers nightclub at the Sands Casino in Atlantic City, NJ continues thru the month of May, every Friday night. Deney Terrio & Motion will be picking the winners, two every Friday Night. Dance Contest starts at 10 PM, the weekly winners go on to the finals held on May 28th.
609-441-4000 or www.acsands.com
For the complete DanceTalk listing of " Hustle Teacher Directory " go to http://www.discostepbystep.com/hustle_teachers.htm
This edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Dance America Seattle January 21-23, 2005. Where $15,000 in cash awards for Salsa, Hustle, WCS and Showcase competitions . Also $2,000 in cash awards are reserved for a newly added Salsa Team competition.
www.danceamericaseattle.com
The 6th annual Cinco De Mayo Dance Festival, hosted by Tony Pace brought dancers from both coasts together. Tony presented special awards this year: The Lynn Ferguson Humanitarian Award went to Diane Nardone. The Gladys Torres Spirit Award for 2004 went to Gladys Torres. Many great instructors were on staff and in attendance including:David Appel, Chris Bates, Eddie Deynes, Bobby Gerard and his wife, Dorothy Sillano, Debra Hampton, Nichola Hill, Lynn Ferguson, Debbie Ferro, Sheryl Forrester Guidry, Teresa Mason, Connie Macdougal, Diane Nardone, Cathy Rankel, Gladys Torres, Josh Zuniga. A wonderful performance was presented by Eddie Deynes and his Salsa couples.
Zachary's held their 10th week ( dance contest) as it now narrows down towards the finals. Next week starts the semi finals. The judges this past week were Yvette Rivera, Judy Van Dyke, Tony DiMaio and Mia. Capturing first place was Lucas Jamie and Jamma, 2nd place went to Maureen Golasko and Rugino, third place went to Doreen Chrichio and Kevin Birto. Jose Solano & Alisandra qualified for the semi finals.
"La Dona" is the new album by Teena Marie, her first hit in 13 years. You may remember her hit songs, Square Biz, I'm a Sucker for your Love and Fire and Desire, where she collaborated with Rick James. Now all grown up she is back and touring again with Rick singing her classic R&B.
City Scene rocked as they celebrate Bobby O's birthday. Dance exhibitions were performed by Mr. C and Yvette Rivera, Robert Lawrence and Miquel Marrero and Stacy Redler. In 2 weeks, a big birthday bash for DJ Johnny V at the club in Rockaway, NY.
Visit www.djjohnnvv.com
I hope to see you this Saturday night at Hooked On Hustle,
Make it a great week,
Ron
"Jenny's Dance Picks"
Your reading them here first, Mixmaster Jenny Costa gives DanceTalk readers her exclusive top picks that are rocking the dance clubs. "The first lady" of dance is on 103.5 FM, the number one dance station in the nation WKTU in New York. Jenny is currently working on some CD projects and will be releasing a CD with some of her remixes this fall. In addition, she has been working with the God Father of Disco, Vince Montana Jr. putting together a CD of incredible new dance cuts. This should be hott. Jenny currently spins on Thursday evenings at the Mirage in Westbury Long Island from 8PM until 4AM... and on Friday's at Mirage from 4 to 9PM.
www.Jennycosta.com
1. Just a Little While - Janet Jackson
2. How Am I Supposed to Live Without You - J Costa
3. Just a Little More Love - David Guetta
4. Elle Tiene Fuego - Celia Cruz
5. Get Better - KMC
6. Dreamining - Hanna Rose
7. Easy As Life - Deborah Cox
8. Move Your Body - Nina Sky
9. Here For You - Angela DeNo
10. The Air That I Breath - Judy Torres
Letters to the editor
Disco Message Songs
While many disco songs are about dancing, partying, and romancing, there are other songs that have deeper messages......
If disco "sucks" due to "vapidness" then does that mean that artists like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Mamas and the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, the Carpenters, and Gordon Lightfoot -- where some of these lyrics came from -- "suck" too? And all those instrumental melodies by Beethoven, Rymsky-Korsakov, Aram Khachaturian, Mike Oldfield, and Percy Faith really "suck" just because a disco beat and funky bassline have been added? And the discofied themes from "Twilight Zone", "Star Trek," "Star Wars," "Battlestar Galactica," "Superman," "I Love Lucy," "James Bond," and "Pink Panther" also "suck"? All of them, or just some? As you can see, there's much more to disco than fun but simple-minded lyrics about dancing all night long. Not that there's anything wrong with those kinds of songs either. It's understandable that someone who's enjoying their leisure time doesn't necessarily want to hear songs about strife, hardship, patriotism, and current events. Why don't disco-bashers similarly complain about the banality of some of those 1950s and early 1960s rock-and-roll songs which were clearly about dancing, having a good time, and falling in love? Look beyond the anti-disco myths to discover the treasures. There's more to disco than BOOGIE OOGIE OOGIE, RING MY BELL, and DA YA THINK I'M SEXY.
Kevin Brook from Disco Savvy
http://www.discosavvy.com/messagesongs.html
DanceTalk * 5-4-04
Happy Mother's Day.
Wishing all those celebrating their special day this week a Happy Birthday.
Wendy Lippincott ,Tony Pace, Steven Mitchell, Laura Cozik, Bobby O,
Frank Pellici and Norma Rivera.
Zachary's night club in Long Island packed in 800 to watch this weeks dance contest. This past weeks judges included Donna Disommone, Judy Van Dyke, Loriann Greenhouse and Mia.
First place winners were Miquel Marrero & Stacy Redler, second went to Jose Salerno and Alasandra Montalto and third place was Robert Lawrence and Rosette.
The Party continues next Saturday night,
April 29th to May 5th, The Swingers nightclub located in the Sands Casino in Atlantic City, NJ is holding a 70's Disco Explosion Dance Contest every Friday Night. Deney Terrio & Motion will be picking the winners, two every Friday Night. Dance Contest starts at 10 PM, the weekly winners go on to the finals held on May 28th.
609-441-4000 or www.acsands.com
Winners of the La Luna Salsa Classic, 1st place- Kobie Horne & Star Sequinot (Philly, winning $1,200 & a trophy) 2nd place -Christian Evans & Janice Woodward
(DC/Virginia, wining $800 & a trophy) 3rd place-Ramon Machuca & Cintya Uggarizo (Virginia, winning $600 & a trophy) 4th place-Michael El Sonbaty & Shiho Hoshino (Philly, winning $400) 5th place-Michael Halpern & Sherri Sclaroff (Philly, winning $200) 6th place-Kelvin Harris & Delphina Preston (DC/Phila, winning $100) For more info visit http://www.wildonsalsa.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2 ,
Congratulations to Zulma Rodriquez, she passed the board and is now a Licensed Social Worker/Therapist!
Special Mother's Day party at City Scene, Rockaway Cafe, hosted by DJ Johnny V, with Bobby O and Keith Harrison. Come out and celebrate Bobby O's birthday. Valley Stream (43 Rockaway Ave. 516 872- 2223) . Doors open at 8PM, free tap beer until 9PM. Free buffet served. $6 cover charge. www.DjJohnnyV.com
New York Salsa Open " Salsa Dance Contest " will be held at El Flamingo's every Monday at 10:30PM for 4 weeks....Each weekly winner will qualify for the final round on May 24th... you will have to dance twice... First part is a social dance for everyone, second part, each couple will dance one at a time to their music. Registration is $25 per person. Grand prize: Roundtrip Tickets for two & accommodations for San Juan, Puerto Rico with a chance to win a first prize of $10,000. US (professional level) Top 3 finalist will automatically qualify and be registered to compete in the Puerto Rico Salsa Open 2004. To register-contact Jami Josephson: Jami@learn2salsa.com or 1(917)783-2911
Make it a great week,
Ron
The timing couldn't be better for another installment of Hooked On Hustle.
Shannon Johnson is rolling out a super event which should outshine her last one.
She has assembled an all star staff that will have you dancing all night long.
Philly will be treated to the sounds of New Jersey's finest, Johnny Ortiz,
AKA Johnny "O." Many will remember Johnny playing at Joey's in Clifton, Krackers,
Dimples... and now his newest gig, bi monthly socials at The Starlight in Nutley. With over 30,000 titles of music in his collection, Johnny takes the classic club songs and weaves in a touch of new dance anthems for a fresh hott dance mix.
If you've never had the chance to hear this DJ, this is your chance. Ladies look out, he can glide quite well on the dance floor too.
To get the evening started, two of the premier hustle instructors will be on hand. Diane "Queen Bee" Nardone will be teaching a group beginners hustle class.
Diane started hustle dancing over 25 years ago. She is the two time recipient of the DanceTalk readers choice award. As a teacher / dancer she is recognized for her technical skills and her ability to demonstrate and break steps down to the basic core. Diane is also the organizer of the World Hustle Dance Championships that takes place in Parsippany, NJ this July.
Just returning from Miami with the coveted Van McCoy Dance Championship Title, Brian Gallagher will be teaching the advanced hustle class at HOH. Brian has been teaching and competing for the last 10 years. Along with his partner Silvana they have captured all the top hustle titles recognized today. Brian also hosts his monthly dance socials at the Atrium in NJ.
Due to the great success from the last party, yours truly, will return to MC and host the "15 Seconds Of Fame." Possibly the funniest part of the evening where everyone gets a chance to strut their stuff. The audience gets to judge and pick the winners. The evening kicks off at 7PM with the group lessons, which are free, with your paid admission, and the music goes till 1:00AM.
Mark this one down, you don't want to miss this party. Visit the website for directions to Dancesport 101 in Philadelphia.
http://www.gethookedonhustle.com
"Disco: A Decade Of Saturday Nights"
Henry Ford Museum Catches Boogie Fever With "Disco: A Decade of Saturday
Nights" Exhibit exploring influential musical trend hits museum summer, 2004.
Love it or hate it, disco changed the way we dressed, the way we danced and the way we partied in the 1970s. "Disco: A Decade of Saturday Nights" captures this funky and sometimes freaky musical phenomenon in a major exhibition. And it dances into Henry Ford Museum June 15, 2004.
Timed tickets at $7 (general museum admission also required) go on sale
April 15, 2004 and can be purchased at www.TheHenryFord.org or by calling
(313-982-6001. Disco: A Decade of Saturday Nights follows this highly influential musical trend from its beginnings in the clubs of New York to the fad generated by
the film, Saturday Night Fever, to disco’s backlash and to its’ ultimate resurgence.
This eclectic display features more than 200 artifacts from the disco era including one of the infamous white suits John Travolta wore in Saturday Night Fever, outfits that donned divas such as Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor, and rare photographs of Studio 54 taken by Andy Warhol. The spotlight also settles on legendary nightspots such as the Loft and the Paradise Garage and on artists including Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers of Chic, the Bee Gees, Sylvester, A Taste of Honey and more.
Beyond the artifacts, Disco also features a fully operational dance floor complete with light show; interactive DJ booth and of course the unmistakable sounds blasting through listening stations and kiosks along the exhibit route. Disco Step by Step is featured at the exhibition. For details on the preview parties go to http://www.discostepbystep.com/henry_ford_disco_preview.htm
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