Happy Birthday wishes to Debra Kee,  Frank Santan,  Eddie Vega (RIP),
DJ Johnny Vicino,  Steve Tusio and Magique.

Set your Tivo, get the record going, on Tuesday, May 23rd, Dr. Marina Peredo will be a guest on the nationally syndicated television show the View. Marina is a member of the dance scene in Long Island and will be on the show to discuss sexy summer legs. Tune in at 11:00AM EST.
Also,
Marty Angelo will be on CBN's 700 Club - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 (9:00 Am est /6:00 Am PST ).  In his final stages of distributing 20,000 copies of his electrifying testimony memoir, "Once Life Matters" to interested prison inmates and substance abusers, prison evangelist Marty will be interviewed by 700 Club's Scott Ross.

Congratulations to Erica Smith, she just graduated from the University Of Berkeley School of Law, receiving the degree of Juris Doctor. Erica is a young up and coming Hustle dancer with a strong dance background including performing with the Geoffery Ballet.

"So You Think You Can Dance," the second season, kicks off this week on Thursday nights. Be sure to tune in for the best young talent in the country.

Latin music singer/song writer Soraya passed away last week. This young gifted beauty was stricken by breast cancer. She was only 37 years young. 

In June "America's Got Talent," the new Simon Cowell production debut's. Regis Philbin will host with celebrity judges including singer Brandi and David Haselhoff.

Every Saturday night thru out the summer, WKTU mixologist Jenny Costa will be at "The Drink" in Bluepoint NY.

What makes the perfect dance event? When is the perfect time to hold it? What kind of music should be played? For the answers to these and many other questions, stay tuned as we present an insightful, indepth look at feedback from a focus group made up of dancers from all over the country ....coming soon to DanceTalk.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Stardust Dance Weekend, taking place June 16 - June 18th. Spend the weekend in Ellenville New York. All inclusive dance weekend. Visit http://www.stardustdance.com or call 800-537-2787 or write stardust@ponetisp.net   

Make it a Great week,
Ron

Get Active Magazine

Dancing and staying fit go hand in hand. Who better knows that then World Champion Lisa Nunziella. This dancing dynamo made us melt whether she was crowned at the USBC's, on Dance Fever, undefeated on Star Search or performing on the big silver screen. Lisa applies the same energy and passion that she has for dance towards fitness and ......writing about it. In the April edition of the periodical "Get Active," Lisa penned the article "Red Hot Salsa."
"The Latin American dance craze has invaded your gym....and it can change your life," informs Lisa. Losing weight and getting back in shape should not be a turn off. Why not have fun and accomplish a top priority in your life - good health. Get your heart elevated by learning the hot sexy Latin steps while having fun, recommends Lisa. Dancing is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise. Not only are you burning a great number of calories, you are using every muscle in your body, Lisa reminds us. Clearly dancing is now taking a new level of notoriety in the USA. Everyone is tuning into the dancing on television, in the movies and on the dance floor. Anyone, any age, can catch the fever. Lisa notes many of the advantages and benefits of cardio dance classes:
Manages stress, cuts risk of stroke and heart attack, reduces blood pressure,
helps relived depression, helps to maintain bone mass reducing the risk of osteoporosis, improve coordination, improves self esteem, provides motivation to work out consistently, ignites and burns body fat, improves memory and sharpens mental acuity....
If your in Venice, California, take a class with Lisa at Gold's Gym. Across the USA, gyms and fitness centers are now offering dance cardio classes. Now is the time to check it out. In addition to her prestigious awards and titles, Lisa is a member of the Hustle Hall Of Fame and was recently among a small group first inducted as a Life Time Achievement recipient.  Visit the site below to see pictures. 
http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/
To see and learn more about Get Active Magazine,  visit the website at getactivemagazine.com

Time Capsule


The year was 1978, a year of firsts. Hollywood would memorialize a rock & roll legend with the motion picture 'The Buddy Holly Story'. We also saw the heroes of war given their rightful dues in big box office movies like Coming Home and The Deer Hunter. We got spooked with the franchise classic by John Carpenter - Halloween. 
A major score that year  was the hilarious and memorable National Lampoon's Animal House starring the late John Belluci. And who can forget the classic Superman with Christopher Reeves and Marlon Brando. Three decades ago,
Merv Griffin held his legendary dance contest to celebrate the release of the motion picture 'Thank Gods Its Friday'.  Floyd Chishom and Nelly Cotto stole our hearts when they showed us the future of dance when they exposed the world to the hustle. It made our eyes pop and they were crowned the "King and Queen Of Disco."  
Dance music had a big impact on the Grammy awards that year. Best producers award went to the Bee Gees. Album of the Year was the sound track to 'Saturday Night Fever'. The best New Artist of the Year was A Taste of Honey for their classic Boogie Oogie Oogie. Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male Copacabana? Barry Manilow. Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female Last Dance,? Donna Summer.
Best Country Vocal Performance, Male Georgia on My Mind,? Willie Nelson.
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female Here You Come Again, Dolly Parton.
Twenty-eight years ago, here are the songs that rocked the Billboard Disco Action top 10. They are still popular classics today. 
1) From East To West - Voyage
2) Come Into My Heart - USA-European Connection
3) Macho Man - Village People
4) Gimme Some Lovin - Kongos
5) Romeo & Juliet - Alec R Costandinos
6) West Side story - Vince Montana Jr. Salsoul Orch
7) Nuber One - Eloise Laws
8) Under My Thumb - Ronnie Jones
9) If My Friends Could See Me Now - Linda Clifford
10) Chattanooga Choo choo -  Tuxedo Junction

DanceTalk * 5-16-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Julian O,  Bobby Gerard,  Michele Kahwajy,
Mark James,  Karen Montaldo,  Minnie Ruiz  and  Cathy Rankel.

Congratulations to Sue Babon, she just became a grandmother....Jackson Roy.

Dance Champion Mark James will be interviewed on a popular radio show. The topics include the resurgence of dancing, how teachers instruct dancers, how couples get along during a dance lesson.... its captivating radio. The show will air on Dr. Duffy Spencer's radio show - Just Relationships, which airs twice on Mondays on WHPC 90.3 FM. Tune in on June 5 &12 Monday (Western Suffolk & Nassau, LI, NY) 8:30 & re-aired @ 4:00  a different show each Monday

The Disco Ball at the Taj Mahal returns to Atlantic City, NJ this June 10th, some of this years performers include Santa Esmirelda, Loretta Holloway, Linda Clifford, Lime, The Trampps, Evelyn "Champaign" King, Gloria Gaynor, France Joli, Tavares.....

Here are the pictures from this years  IHSC 2006. Sam Habit took over 15,000 shots. To see these wonderful pictures and other photos visit his site at http://www.SamsSnapShots.com

Wishing only the best to Judy Secoda. She is getting married June 17th.

Just two more weeks to go in the Zachary's $10,000 dance contest. Last weeks winners were, 1st place Adrian Brian & Irina Boubnorskia, 2nd Hrant Antreasyan and Kat and 3rd was Ron Rochester and Jo Jo Jack. The judges were Chuck Fetta, Patty and Franny and the Mayor Tony. 

Coming in July, the 2nd annual Salsa Contest with big cash prizes at the Marin Fair in San Rafael in Calif. More details coming soon.

One of the most recognized individuals in the world of dance and music is none other than Marty Angelo. His autobiography has just been released, "Once Life Matters."
Please read more about the book below.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge taking place June 9th -10th,  read more below and visit http://www.philadelphialibertydancechallenge.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge

Get ready dancers, here is an event that is going to make a major impact. The Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge. You've seen Bookends competitions but here is the real deal. A dance convention dedicated to same sex dancing - exhibitions, competitions open to all levels of dancers of all ages. The PLDC will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 9 & 10, 2006 at the University of the Arts- Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium- Gershman Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. Come out and experience the best in Ballroom dancing and some of the most popular social dancers of the day.
International Standard: Waltz, Tango, Vienesse Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep
International Latin: ChaCha, Samba, Rumba, Jive, Paso Doble
American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Vienesse Waltz
American Rhythm: ChaCha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue
Country Western: 2-step, Waltz, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, ChaCha
Single Dance Events: Hustle, Salsa, Polka, Country Western Waltz, Country Western ChaCha, Texas 2=step, West Coast Swing
Open to All: Standard, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Country Western, Hustle
for all the details visit the website at
http://www.philadelphialibertydancechallenge.com/

Marty Angelo
Once Life Matters

When your life takes you to the top of the mountain but you quickly slip back down, one usually learns a quick lesson. Marty Angelo candidly pens his life without missing a detail. It is hard core. No punches pulled. Marty had the distinct opportunity to climb to the top, on more then one occasion, but didn't always look around. For many pioneers, when you get to the top you observe, take it all in and in some cases...climb higher. Marty had a different approach, he jumped to another mountain - a new challenge a new adventure. Once Life Matters is a look back at the making of a man that spent the majority of his life in the crazy topsy turvy world of music. Marty's book is a journey that expresses the opportunity to change your life, but like many, there was someone knocking for him but he didn't respond. In his heart, he knew he was burning the candle at both ends but the temptations from the environment were too strong. In his early years, Marty managed one of the hottest new bands on the scene....at the time they landed a national record deal, the band simply disbanded. Ouch.  He then managed one of the premier bands of the time, 'The Grass Roots'. From there he moved into the ground breaking dance movement. He created his own dance show for television which included dance lessons, exhibitions and musicians. Credited with developing the first Disco television show dedicated to the music and dancing but prior to national syndication, fame and monetary success, Marty moved to a new mountain. He was a professional record reviewer giving many performers their first break. He hung out with music legends such as Jimi Hendrix, had a disagreement with Janis Joplin and would later develop the much heralded discostepbystep website. But, along the way he had a battle, this time he lost. The temptation of sex drugs and rock and roll would challenge his every move. Marty began to change as he crystallized and developed the mature vision he lacked in his early years. It was time to look out, up, down the mountain and take in all those around him and the impact they had on his life and others. His revelation would now move him to help others and to assist them over come their issues.  Marty's biography is an inspirational book. Its fast paced and shares with readers his ground breaking days in Rock & Roll as well as being a major catalyst for the disco era. All along, Marty acknowledges his short comings and how the paths we select in life can take us in different directions. Its all about making the right choices. The book serves dual purposes - an entertaining read / and the signals to changing your life. Visit Marty's website to order your copy of his book, read it and take the journey. You will be moved by his honesty and the messages he shares towards leading a more complete, fulfilling life. It's a keeper.  The book is free for any size tax-deductible donation. http://www.martyangelo.com/book.htm

DanceTalk * 5-9-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Bobby O,  Norma Varrichio-Rivera,  Gloria Rothstein and  Shannon Johnson. 

Congratulations to Wendy Lippincott, she just became a grandmother, Laine Alexander is a Cinco De Mayo baby.

Great friend to the dance community, Gary Ulaner, has suffered a near death accident. Please read his letter below.

The Christina show, WXTV - Spanish network will host a show with popular recording artists and a number of dance couples from all over the world, including, dancers from the USA. Dance Champions Luis & Mary Ann Rosa represent New York. The show premiers on May 15, Monday, 10PM EST. The Rosa's will perform a hustle/ theater arts. http://www.latindanceconnection.com

La Luna proprietor and dance teacher Sonya Elmore was on Fox television teaching host Nick Smith how to Salsa as part of Cinco De Mayo celebration. Sonya also performed with Victor Colon their "Zoom, Zoom" competition routine

You can view photos from DJ Kenny Arditi's birthday at http://fredf.fotki.com/kenny06/ courtesy of Fred

Only 2 weeks until Jennifer Lyons descends on NJ at Westie Weekend, May 19th-21st.  The Saturday workshops with Jennifer are filling up. Don't be left out.  http://www.homestead.com/robandsheila  or call Sheila 856-858-6753, C - 609-519-0078 Sheila, C - 609-519-0793   

For a comical look at the evolution of free style dancing check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg&eurl

New York's first lady of music, Mixologist Jenny Costa, joins XM satellite radio every Friday and Saturday evening from 10PM till  2AM EST, on channel 83 XM Chrome

Its narrowing down to the last few weeks of the Zachary's Dance Contest. This past weeks results, 1st place Lucas Jaime & Valerie, 2nd place Rich & Cat, third Hrant & Laurie. DJ Johnny V rocked the house along with MC Charlie Paceaka.

For the complete results of the IHSC Dance competition, held in Miami, visit http://www.hustleandsalsa.com/

This weeks edition is sponsored by the Easterns Dance Championships, May 11-14th, 2006 at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport. See the details below. http://www.danceeasterns.com/

Make it a great week,
Ron

                       DanceTalk® turns 6 years old

Every week, DanceTalk® takes its readers into the world of dancing, music and fun. My goal was to keep dancers in touch with events, socials and basically, one another. When I launched DanceTalk 6 years ago, it primary was a vehicle to keep dancers informed of local dance activities. Back then, it reached about 300 dance friends in the Philly/NJ area. Since then, we have grown and expanded. We now reach thousands and thousands of readers all over the country. Many thanks to you - our readers, sponsors, dance organizers, DJs, musicians, instructors and my reporters out in the field. Without you, I couldn't make this happen.
Special thanks to Mark James for your on going support with the website, Marty Angelo for your inspiration and wisdom, The Hustle Hall Of Fame committee and to Wendy, Stacy, Lauren and Brandon for your understanding, support and patience.
Please send us your birthday date, if you would like it listed. General listings for dance socials, competitions etc...should be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.
If you would like to be a sponsor, write to me for more details.
Below is a peek back at a couple of older articles, enjoy. Hopefully we can continue to grow and bring dancers together from all over the continental USA.  To view more of the original issues of DanceTalk®, please visit the archives at   http://www.mjames.org/ronbessarchieve.html 

The first year, the 2002 Readers Choice Awards 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

   The Top Songs

So your getting ready for that big dance contest.  You know, the one where the DJ selects the song - HMMMMMMM, whether its a Jack & Jill contest, getting down at the club or just shaking your groove thang, ... you never know what tune the DJ may play?

DanceTalk® polled some of the most knowledgeable and influential DJs on the Planet, to get their selection for best hustle songs.  Here are the experts top picks.
Thanks to all the DJs for their input.

Here are their selections
* Romeo & Juliet   by Love & Kisses - ( DJ Lenny B.G.)
* Love Is The Message   by MFSB - (DJ Rene Hewitt)
* All I Do   by Stevie Wonder - (DJ Donnie Shields)
* Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet   by Gonzalez - (DJ JohnnyRocks)
* Circles   by - ( DJ Kenny Arditi)
* Close to Perfection    by Miquel Brown - ( DJ Johnny "O" )
* Love is the Ultimate (Medley)   by Ultimate - ( DJ Radar )
* Jingo    by Candido -  ( DJ Mark Routzahn )
* Date with the Rain    by Eddie Kendricks -  ( DJ Stan )
* Love In C Minor    by  Cerrone -   ( DJ Jerry Lane )
* Native New Yorker  by Odyssey - ( DJ Jimmy Yu )
* Runaway   by  Salsoul Orchestra -  ( DJ Joey Tess )
* Too Hot for Love    by  THP Orchestra  -  ( DJ Mike Gormley )
* You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine  by Lou Rawls - ( DJ Dave Muzii)
* Save The Last Dance by  Free _expression -  ( DJ Johnny V )
* Peanut Vendor   by Ritchie Family  -  ( DJ Frank Pellicci )
* Aint Nothin Gonna Keep Me From Lovin You   by Teri Desario - ( DJ Frankie Z )
* Love is the Message   by MFSB -  ( DJ Bobby Morales )
* Ten Percent   by Double Exposure - ( DJ Marty Angelo )
* Love Unlimited Theme   by Love Unlimited Orchestra  - ( DJ Roscoe Alverez )
* Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel   by Tavares  - ( DJ Nino Torre )
* Was That All There Was   by Jean Carn -  ( DJ Bobby Gerard )
* The Hustle   by Van McCoy -  ( DJ Giant Gene )
* "Dancin"  by the Crown Heights Affair  - ( DJ Steve Tursio)
* More, More, More   by Andre True Connection - ( DJ Cesar Ricaurte )
* Midnight Love Affair   by Carol Douglas - ( DJ Mike Brooks )
  Dance Etiquette and Beyond.

A dance guide to sharing space, avoiding accidents and having fun.
Many dancers love to showcase their skills by taking center stage on a crowded dance floor. Naturally this can lead to injuries and a chiropractic visit the next day if your partner wasn't expecting to be dipped, lifted or thrown across the dance floor.
Here are some tips to make the dance experience enjoyable for everyone.   
* Don't over extend your bounds on a crowded dance floor.
Respect the space of those around you. Don't over project with your arms or over use the dance floor at the expense of colliding with another couple.
* Refrain from bringing bottles or drinks onto the dance floor. This can lead to a slippery dance floor, broken glass which could cause an injury.
* Respect others feelings -- birthday dances, special events etc.. give the dancer their just do's. Wait till their "15 seconds" of fame are over.
* Dance attire, dance shoes are always best for balance and movement. Shoes and or dance sneakers designed for dancing will give you ample toe flexibility and comfort. Avoid baggy clothing, strappy outfits that can swing and hit your partner.
* Dips and lifts are best executed in shows and competitions. Avoid these type of movements in a club or social setting unless you're par taking in a competition. Injuries can occur when positioned in correctly on a crowded dance floor.
* Social dancing includes patterns and leads that bring dancers very CLOSE to one another. Good hygiene is a must. Be cognizant, carry a pack of mints, cologne, etc...check it out before an embarrassing situation takes place.   
* Respect others privacy to video taping or snapping pictures, unless, given consent. Nobody minds being taped but to zoom in on someone for an extended period of time can be perceived as offensive. 
* Keep the dance area clear of smoke. Avoid smoking near the dance floor.
* Cutting in is considered socially acceptable as long as both parties are in agreement. Make sure you get a nod or a verbal agreement that cutting in is okay.
* Take the time to dance with someone new. Get into the habit of making new friends and giving everyone the opportunity to dance.
* A well executed lead/follow comes from a good hand connection with your partner. Avoid wearing to many rings that may interfere with a comfortable grip.
* Slips and falls can happen. Be attentive by giving your partner support should they lose their step or balance.
* Dance to the level of your partner. Dancing takes two, adjust to the skill level of your partner.
* If you have the misfortune of bumping into someone, step on a toe etc... take a moment to make sure they are okay by extending an apology. It goes along way.
And, Their real names are:
Cher - Cherilyn Sarkisian
Fred Astair - Fredrick Austeritz
David Bowie - David Robert Jones
Joel Gray - Joe Katz
Madonna - Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone
Rita Moreno - Rosita Alverio
Ginger Rodgers - Virginia McMath
Stevie Wonder - Stevland Morris
Donna Summer - La Donna Gaines

An Important Letter

As many of you know, Gary Ulaner is a dance champion, physician and wonderful human being. He recently suffered a near death traffic accident. Please read his letter below. He was scheduled, as a staff member, for the World Hustle Dance Championships this July. We wish him a speedy recovery and send him our love, 
...............
I wanted to send out an email and let you know what has been happening to
me. The night of April 22nd, I was in a car accident on route 60W in LA.  I'm
afraid I don't remember it all.  The police report that after an initial accident, I was outside my car and I was struck by another vehicle coming down the highway.  It was a bad accident.  I needed emergency surgery to remove parts of my abdomen that were bleeding, and I owe my life to the incredible doctors, nurses, and medical personnel at LA County/USC trauma center.  In addition to the abdominal injuries, I also broke my pelvis, multiple ribs, right wrist, nose, upper jaw, and several teeth.  My left shoulder is separated and my right lung collapsed.  I spent the next 2 weeks
in the intensive care unit and had multiple surgeries to fix my pelvis, my wrist....
But now the worst is over.  I have left the intensive care unit, and I have started rehabilitation at Glendale Memorial Hospital.  The hard part now will be recovering from the pelvis fracture, which is severe enough that it will be at least 3 months before I can walk again. I want to thank everyone who called, wrote, sent flowers, and especially visited me in the intensive care unit.  So many people visited that the unit
stopped keeping track of my visitors.  I'm afraid I wasn't fully aware of what was going on, and I don't remember all the visits, but they are all greatly appreciated.  I have been told that I made requests to see people (some of whom don't exist), that I demanded for something to be posted on Strictly Westie (a tribute to its popularity), and made a marriage proposal. I don't remember any of this, but I have no doubt it's all true.  A good delirium is truly under-appreciated. I want everyone to know that my spirits are excellent, and I am thankful to be alive.  All the really important things, my mind, my spine, and my heart, are all OK.  I plan on fully recovering.  I can't wait to see, laugh, and dance with you all again.
Peace, Love, and Dancing,
Gary

DanceTalk * 5-2-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Bobbi Petri,  Nancy Carillo,  Anita Giacone, 
Silvia Piccininni, Tony Pace,  Frank Pellici,  Steven Mitchell and Laura Cozik.

Condolences to Stanley Smalanowicz on the loss of his mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Dancing continues on television as "So You Think You Can Dance" returns for a second season on Thursday, May 25th, on Fox television, 8PM EST. Last year Nick Lazzarini danced away with the title and a cool 100K. 

Check out the 19th annual Easterns Dance Championships coming to the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport May 11 -14th, 2006. This is where Swing, Hustle, Country and Line Dancers join forces. Great staff and dance instructors, see details below and visit the website at  http://www.danceeasterns.com/

May 30th, Tuesday night, is a special dance night at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa. DJ Mark will be featuring great hustle songs with a Latin touch. Current grooves to classic 70's dance music. Hold the date. 

Lets applaud Randylyn Masse', on May 5th she is running a Chance to Dance event in Rhode Island. A nonprofit organization that raises funds to teach children about the arts. Randylyn personally adopts schools that have a large population of less fortunate circumstances that can't afford dance lessons. The money she raises will go to the schools so instructors can be paid to teach the children between 4th and 8th grade how to dance. See details below.

April's Showers brings May Anniversary's. Check out all the great anniversary parties going on this month. Come out to dance and celebrate. 

Here are the past two weeks of winners at Zachary's Dance Contest. 
1st place Alex Skutza and Annette Alicanti
2nd place Cat and Richie
3rd place Be dorn and Steve Jackman

1st Jose Solano & Nina Rosado
2nd Cat & Mike
3rd Mark & Jill

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Millennium Hustle, now celebrating its fourth year. Read below how Lori Brizzi created this social event that today, continues to be a major crowd pleaser and one of the most popular dance socials.............bar none. 

Make it a great week,
Ron

Millennium Hustle - (The four year journey)
How it all began?
It all started in 2002. Lori Brizzi had just finished a tour with Swing Dance America and before that a long contract working on a cruise ship. She was trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. "Bernard Martinez asked me if I wanted to co host a hustle party with him. I thought "hustle party? Never crossed my mind to host parties. Let me think about it". I then went to the Miami competition for fun. There I heard the music of Bobby Morales and found myself dancing until 5am every morning. I tried to sleep but the music kept running through my head keeping me awake. It was intoxicating. I couldn't wait to get up and start dancing again the next morning. I had just gotten over a broken heart and this was the best therapy I was finding to heal me and make me smile again. But something else interesting was going on. Not only were they playing the music from my youth but the competitors were now dancing to new contemporary music. I was so excited. I decided to come back to New York and get started on the New Millennium Hustle Party. This hustle party would not only have the classics that we know and love but new and current music. Hopefully this could bring the dance I had always loved into the "new millennium". I was hopeful it would become something the newer and younger dancers could enjoy as well those of us who have always loved and appreciated it. But I wanted it to include some salsa and WCS so crossover dancers like me could do some of the other fun club dances within the 5 hours. Hence it all began?
First stop?
Ballroom on 5th. I got the word out to all my friends at dance studios all over NYC. The opening was a fabulous night and it kept right on but something interesting happened. I found out in the hustle community there are several camps and not a lot of unity between the dancers. I decided that I wanted to bridge that gap and help try to bring us all together. I didn't need to know why or how it happened, just what can we do about it?  I decided to have a dance contest that involved all the current hustle parties in NYC. Everyone would get a night of the preliminary amateur Hustle and Salsa contests. Dancesport's Monday night hustle party was first, Maria Torres' Wed night at Stepping Out was next and lastly was Roma Moon's Friday night at You Should Be Dancing. The finals were held at the Millennium Hustle party  at Ballroom on 5th. People were there from all over and it was a great night. From the beginning, I'd offer a free beginner dance lesson for new dancers and when possible had performances. I also had some guest teachers doing workshops including Donna Boyle and Danny McGee, Diane Nardone, and Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik. Bobby Morales & Nelson Roman were the DJ's that first year and we couldn't have done it without them. After a year and 1/ 2, Bernard and his wife decided to move to CA and I could either go it alone or find a new space?
Next stop? St Jean's the Baptiste on the upper east side. I moved there January 2004 and started having different DJs including Donny Shields. The second anniversary in May was spent there but Larry Schultz at Sandra Cameron recommended me to the 92nd Street Y, since they had a Saturday night opening. I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of this wonderful cultural institution with it's history and it's roomy wooden dance floor, chandeliers and mirrored ball. While waiting for that to be available in Sept, starting in July, I had two parties at the lovely restaurant IL Campanello. They liked our crowd so much that they asked me stay until the end of the year. The dancers loved the elegance of the place, the bar and restaurant so they really felt like they were getting a Saturday night out on the town. That is how I started increasing the party to more than once a month. When "You Should Be Dancing" asked me to take over the hustle party in their new Club 412, it then became a third Saturday night party on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Every place has a different feel, energy and vibe to it and although most hustle dancers go to all, some have preferences. That is why this fourth year, I will celebrate all three of them. Millennium Hustle for the most part, has over 100 dancers every week. I'm most thankful and appreciative to God and to the hustle community for all the success the last four years has brought me and to my friend's for all their support.
I'm thankful to all the performer's who have entertained us throughout the years for less money than they are truly truly worth and that includes not only dancers but wonderful singers as Tyrone Stanley who sang and played at the piano for us at the 92nd Y. Most importantly, to all the Millennium Hustle DJ's including the two terrific Johnny's?  NJ's Johnny O and LI's Johnny V,  DJ Henry Duran (drunken Santa) (special thanks to goes out to Johnny V & Henry Duran for doing the extra just to be oh so nice) DJ Mark, Donny, Victor Rosado and of course, Bobby Morales the Great who started us off and I'm glad to say is back on board. These guys are what makes it all happen and bring on the magic? so many many  thanks to all of them and especially to Nelson "Paradise" Roman who has been consistently there for me over the last 3 ? years. Lastly, thanks to Ron and DanceTalk for helping to get the word out!  My quest is still to get new dancers to fall in love with our dance as we have. I have teamed up with the New York Salsa Congress at the NY Hilton every Labor Day with a full scale hustle event with workshops, competitions and social dancing to provide not only hustle dancers from all over the country a chance to improve their skills and have a great time in one of our country's greatest cities but also expose our dance to other dancers as well. I have also teamed up with one of NYC's hottest salsa parties on Sundays with "Hustle Meets Salsa" to give us a place in the city to dance hustle on Sundays but also to give salsa dancers an opportunity to see and learn our dance. But, we do need to keep adding new & current music to what we already dance to. I am asking the hustle community to stand behind me on this. Otherwise someday, years from now, there may not be anyone dancing this fabulous dance anymore and that would really be a shame. Hope to see everyone in the next coming weeks!
Lori Brizzi

Mark James' Dance Zen Site Search

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