Ron's Dance Talk - The Archives

DanceTalk - The Archives
November 2002

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Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa

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DanceTalk 11-26-02

Happy Thanksgiving, drive safe during this holiday weekend.
We would like to wish our friends a happy celebration of Chanukah.

Happy birthday wishes to Connie Macdougal.

*The Hustle is still alive and well in Philly. Michael's Cafe, in Bensalem Pa., was the center of a special feature last week. The Philadelphia Daily News, included pictures of dancers taken at Michael's Cafe accompanied by a positive article on the disco era and hustle dancing. Check it out. Way to go Philly.
Click here: Philadelphia Daily News | 11/21/2002 | Still doing the hustle
Hope to see you this Tuesday, for the weekly party at Michael's Cafe featuring DJ Mark. No cover, free parking and dancing all night - Hustle, WCS & Salsa

A hot new Dance Club opened in Westbury, New York.
Check out the brand new Mirage Night Club. Featuring DJ Jenny Costa from WKTU.
Wednesdays are Ladies night with free admission. Its truly one of the most spectacular clubs. Located at, 737 Merrick Avenue,
(516) 794 - 8022

Up coming event: The 2003 "Three of A Kind" Tour.
Starting in January 2003, a new tour starring Disco Superstars Thelma Houston, Evelyn "Champagne" King and Maxine Nightingale. Some tour dates will include A Taste Of Honey.
Grammy Award Winners. Over 20 Million combined records sold.
RDMJ Entertainment Management Company, Randy Lopez or Jay Hazlett (Agents), (714)323-6166. RDMJENTER@aol.com http://www.stationave.com/bios.3ofakind.html

Some hott new dance songs playing in the clubs:
Anny - "Purple God"
The Sicillian's - "L'italaliano"
Kylie Minogue - "Dance Floor"
Jakatta - "So Lonely"
Deborah Cox - "Mr. Lonely"
Marc Anthony - "I've Got You"

Make it a great Holiday.
Ron

"Holiday Spectacular"
Dance Party
Ten years ago, the hustle scene was looking bleak. Many of our favorite dance clubs had gone by the way side: some shuttered others changed to a non dance format. We decided, it was important to maintain the interest in the hustle and help keep our circle of friends united. In 1992, Susan Fisher, Donna Boyle and Ron Bess launched our first Holiday Dance. It stated at "Bumpers Night Club," located in the Radisson Hotel (in Bensalem Pa). With great local support we continued to hold this annual event. A few years later, Susan reluctantly moved to Florida. Thru the years, many new smiling faces have joined our dance community. As the event grew we changed the location and Disc Jockeys. One thing that has stayed consistent is the fun loving, friendly dancers that attend our holiday party. What started as a local Philly / NJ social has now expanded to dancers attending from as far away as Virginia, Florida, Maryland, Delaware and New York (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Long Island).
You, are cordially invited to attend our tenth annual Holiday Spectacular. Just like we did 10 years ago, we will hold a Jack & Jill dance contest. (The winners will receive a complimentary Day pass to Donna Boyle's "Disco America 2003."). We return to Degenhardts in Mount Ephraim. They have the largest dance floor in the area.
We are honored to have Brian Fortuna and his new partner Stephanie Pouliot perform for you. Great music (Disco, Salsa, Swing, WCS) finger food, a Dance Jam, guest DJs, free parking and wonderful dancing all night long. Dress to impress. Admission is still only $15 per person.
We hope you can join us, as we continue to provide this one special night of dancing for our friends.
Happy Holidays
Ron & Donna

"DR Disco"

We all look forward to that special night of dancing.
The frequency of locations and the selection of nights for dancing has diminished. The disruption of missing a night can be disappointing. What do you do when a cold or the flu sets in?
Do you take that chance and go dancing at the risk of compounding your condition? You really need you dance fix, but is it safe to dance when your under the weather?
The general rule of thumb.
If you have "above-the-neck" symptoms, including a sore throat, stuffy nose and sneezing: light social dancing is fine. Avoid over extending your self and stop if you feel your condition getting worse.
If your condition is classified as "below-the-neck," with symptoms such as vomiting,
diarrhea and/or a high fever (100 degrees and above), muscle aches, chills: you should take the night off. If you over exert yourself, in this condition, you will become sick from dehydration and this can even lead to heat stroke. It's recommended to recover first, then gradually ease back in.

DanceTalk 11-19-2002

Happy birthday wishes to Carole Phelps and Bobby Morales.

Just added to our "Holiday Spectacular" dance party, the incredible dance team of Brian Fortuna & Stephanie Pouliot.
If you've never seen this young couple perform, your in for a treat. Their dancing elicits a gamet of emotions. Brian has performed at many of our Holiday Spectaculars over the last 10 years. Stephanie was the 2 time Canadian Amateur Latin Champion, she represented the World Amateur Latin Championships 3 times and was the two time North American Amateur Latin Champion.
Brian & Stephanie will represent the Philadelphia area in all major International Latin Championships throughout the US and Europe. Their first major competition will be "La Classique Du Quebec" this February in Montreal Canada. They are bound for greatness. Mark your calendars for December 15, see all the details below.

Erik Novoa has posted pictures from The Swingin’ New England competition on his website. They are available for viewing and purchase http://www.swingshoes.net/photos.html
Photos include, WCS Advanced – Jack & Jill, WCS Advanced – Strictly Swing,
WCS Intermediate – Jack & Jill, WCS Intermediate – Strictly Swing,
WCS Novice – Jack & Jill, Lindy Advanced – Jack & Jill, Lindy Advanced – Strictly
Lindy Intermediate – Jack & Jill, Classic Division, Champions Jack & Jill and more. You can contact Erik at: Swingshoes@aol.com www.swingshoes.net 917-414-3105

Thunderpuss, the Hip-Hop/Lindy team, took FIRST PLACE in the team division this past weekend @ Swingin' New England in Cape Cod. Thunderpuss is headed up by Carol Fraser, and features Susan Fritz, they will be competing at the US Open later this month in California.

La Luna Dance Studio & Banquet Facility is the name of Sonya Saamova's new dance studio. The address is 4610 Bensalem Blvd., Bensalem, PA 19020 (not far from Michael's Cafe) The schedule and grand opening date will be announced soon.
Congratulations to Sonya on the announcement of her wedding engagement.

Make it a great week.

Ron

"One Hit Wonders"
Billboard Magazine tracks those artists that have had one song place on the top POP 40 list but were unable to do it again. This is not to suggest that they aren't still writing music but only that they have failed to strike gold twice.
I have listed those musicians that are the one hit wonders in the Dance Music category during the 80's.

* Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Hooked on Classics - 1982
* SOS Band - Take Your Time - 1980
* Lipps Inc. - Funky Town - 1980
* Taco - Puttin on The Ritz - 1983
* Shannon - Let the Music Play - 1984
* Limahl - Never Ending Story - 1985

"Retro"
At the peak of the disco craze, hustle dancers flocked to the clubs to dance and be seen. The newest clubs were huge, plush and Xciting. Studio 54 was for the stars, dancers wanted to hustle. Bonds, Coconuts, The Red Parrot, Emerald City,
Faces, Pete & Lenny's, Inferno, Level 3, Library, Disco 79, Pulsation's, Lime Light,…
In Palisades Park, NJ, a former soap factory, was converted into a night club.
Not only a high tech dance club, they televised a weekly dance show. The producers were always on the look out for cutting edge performers, crazy costumes, lots of skin and superb dancers. The show would feature national recording acts along with a weekly dance lesson with Jeff and Donna Shelley. In addition, the show would feature dance exhibitions. Miquel Marrero and Annette, Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau, Frank "Perico" Reyes & Debbie Ferro with Billy Fajardo & Sandra Rivera (the Disco Dance Dimension) were spot lighted on the show.
One memorable "Soap Factory" show was dedicated to the finals of a national Dance Contest.
In 1978, Phil Gary organized a national disco competition. Preliminary contests were held all over the USA. Local winners went to 7 regional finals. Ultimately, they were flown into NJ to compete on The Soap Factory for the finals. The judges: Kay Conners and Douglas Clark were from Fred Astaire studios, Henry Dior was with Dale Dance Studios and Marilyn Green Fisher was head of Top Disco DJs.
The seven final couples performed at Roseland the night before the TV taping. Representing "Club Max" in Boston was Richard & Kathy. From "The Sports Page" in California was Gary & Barbara, from the "Deju Vue" Disco in Texas was Rene & Paula, from "Broadway Disco" in Michigan was Mike & Cindy and in 2nd place ($2,000) was Vicki & Doug from "The Plumb" Disco in Washington DC, in first place ($3,000) was Donald & Debbie from "Xanadu" Disco in Florida and the winners ($5,000) represented the "Copa Cabana" in New York. The competitors couldn't out shine the incomparable Tony & Susan Marolda.
The contest was simulcast on radio station WBLS. Tony and Susan were then eligible to compete in London at the World Championships.
Like all good things, the smoke stack was eventually capped, soap bubbles were canned and the factory was shuttered. That was the end of an important chapter in the Disco Archives.

DanceTalk 11-12-2002

Happy Birthday wishes to Robin Amante. Come celebrate at The Winner's Circle
Sunday, November 17th, at 8:30PM, and Tuesday, November 19th at Club IBBG

Ten years ago, the Gallaghers began their competitive / social dance partnership.
We commend them on all their dance achievements and their commitment to helping grow the Hustle. Congratulations to Brian and Silvana.

Unfortunately, some of the 70's musicians, nominated for this years Rock and Roll Hall of fame, did not make the final cut. Chic and ABBA and the Dells will have to wait a bit longer to get their recognition.

Check out the newest dance event, taking place March 29th in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dave Moldover has assembled an incredible group of teachers for this one day event.
Its jammed pack with competitions, open dancing, workshops and more. See details below for "Mad Jam" 2003.

Singing sensation Cher, will receive this years 2002 Life time Achievement Award presented by Billboard Magazine.

Make it a great week,
Ron

"Dance Review"
A High energy dance review is performing at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ until November 28th.
"Fercos - Untamed Illusions" combines magic, dance and mystery in this Ziegfield & Roy style show. But, you don't have to travel to Vegas to see it.
Lead dancer, Jose Gonzalez, demonstrates his jazz, partnering skills and "old school" dance style. Jose, a Philadelphia product, has been performing and choreographing at the Casino's for the last 15 years. Back in the 70's, he single handedly dominated the hustle scene in Philly/Southern, NJ. Regardless of who his partner was (Angie, Susan, Donna, Marcie or Rocki) he always was in the winners circle. Jose was part of the legendary Merv Griffin Show, for the promotional roll out of the Motion picture, "Thank God It's Friday." This televised dance contest gave birth to the syndicated "Dance Fever" show. He was a semi finalist in the New York Harvest Moonball and competed in Los Angeles on Dance Fever. Jose has performed on stages thru out the Northeast. He has always been lionized by his fellow dancers. Friendly and always helpful with a dance step or maneuver. Check out Jose with his patented "smile" and the wonderful cast at The Tropicana show, Fercos - Untamed Illusions. It is family oriented and very affordable. For more information call. 1-800-526-2935, you wount be disappointed.

"Dr. Disco"
Fitness has become a big part of the American life style. Today, along with Dancing, there are so many types of exercise programs to take part in. It seems, every few months, a new program "Du jour" pops up. In our fast paced society, what is In today, could be out tomorrow.
Stepper classes, Pilates, blading, Yoga, Kwando, Boxing, Tae-Bo, all provide excellent cardiovascular exercise as well as strength and flexibility.
Whether your running on a tread mill or pedaling a stationary bike, your get a good workout but there is a hot new trend on the horizon with a dance overtone.
Belly dancing.
Many of today's entertainers have helped give this ancient dance a boost. Shakira and Brittany Spears have included this form of dance in their videos and live performances. Donna Boyle, dance teacher and organizer of Disco America, has been performing and teaching belly dancing for years.
This is not the belly dancing of old: seductive young harem girls entertaining Arab sheiks. Performed thousands of years ago in the Middleast, it doesn't require years of training. Since the 9-11 attacks, many Americans have been seeking knowledge on Mid eastern society. This has revived and interest among young and old. The Middle eastern Culture and Dance Association says membership has grown more then 30% over the last year.
So, if your looking for a new form of exercise, prefer the feel of dance and want to rotate your pelvis, check out a Belly dancing class near you. I'm sure work out video tapes will soon follow.

DanceTalk 11-5-2002

Happy Birthday wishes to Donna Boyle.

"DanceTalk" is now two years old. I thank everyone for their letters, postings and help keeping me on top of all the news and events. Please keep the information coming. I couldn't do it without you.

Congratulations to Lori Brizzi. She is now the Dance advisor and Teacher supervisor at Paul and Eleny's Dancesport, in New York. We wish her good luck.

Our 10th annual Holiday Spectacular Dance Party is shaping up. We return to Degenhardts in Mount Ephraim, NJ on December 15th, Sunday. Easy to reach from Route 295 and the NJ Turnpike. Non stop dancing, *Classic DJs, *Jack & Jill Dance contest and the best friendly crowd around. We expect dancers from Virginia, Maryland, Penna. New York, Delaware, Florida and New Jersey. You never know who may show up. Mark your calendars for this one night of hustle, Salsa and WCS excitement. For additional details write me at Rowenlb22@aol.com

Now, every Friday at MIRAGE NIGHT CLUB, 737 MERRICK AVE, WESTBURY, NY (516)-794-8022 HAPPY HOUR 4PM TILL 9PM FEATURING WKTU JENNY COSTA SPINNING YOUR FAVORITE PARTY MUSIC

Check out Tami Harris's new WCS website, www.westiemonkey.com

Patricia McConnell won 1st Place, (Novice Swing Pro-Am) with Bill Poulter, her instructor, at Michele Kinkaid's Mountain Magic Swing Dance Convention, Lake Tahoe Nevada, this past weekend. She also took 4th Place in the Open Just Hustle division.

Off to sunny Florida for a family vacation.
Make it a great week,
Ron

"Spotlight Update"

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of writing a spotlight on the multi talented Franc "Perico" Reyes. His new movie release will rock the theaters this December.
Franc was one of the early pioneers of hustle dancing. Along with Billy Fajardo, they formed the legendary dance troupe, "The Disco Dance Dimensions." He teamed up with dance partner extrodinaire, Debbie Ferro (AKA Rosado). They performed with the D.D.D. at the Grand Opening of "Studio 54" and on many TV shows including Don Kirshner's Rock Concert and The Soap Factory. Franc continued to perform and danced with various partners and was a semi finalist on the hit TV show "Dance Fever." In search of more challenges, he put his talents to the test choreographing for major entertainers. Working closely in the music industry he composed a hit song for Corina. In 1990, "Just waiting for you" hit the charts. This was followed up by another Franc original, "Together for Ever," performed by Lisette Melendez. In 1991 he wrote the highest charting free style song ever recorded, "Temptation," also performed by Corina. His artistic creativity then carried over to writing two screen plays, "Headliners" and "In the Deep South"
We are very proud to announce that the move "Empire," will be playing in theaters starting December 6th, 2002. Franc is the writer and director. The movie trailer is now being featured at theaters everywhere.
From the hustle to the Silver screen.
We'll keep you posted on the opening night extravaganza and his continued success.

"Music Today"
Planning a holiday party? Want to liven it up. Need some musical entertainment? Here is the going rate, to hire a "back-in-the-day" artist.

The Crown Heights Affair - $7,500. to 10,000 (Dreaming a Dream)
Gloria Gaynor - $15,000. (Never Can Say Good-by & I will survive)
Maxine Nightingale - $3,000. (Right Back where we started from)
Sister Sledge - $12,500. ( We are Family & Lost in Music)
Thelma Houston - $4,000. (Don't Leave me this way)
Carol Douglas - $3,500. (Midnight Love Affair)
Hues Corporation - $5,000. (Caught your Act)
Tavares - $6,500 (Heaven must be missing an Angel)

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