Happy Halloween, check out all the ghostly dance events and parties gouling on. Now is the time to dance and have fun with friends, gremlins and goblins.

To all our friends in Florida, we hope your safe during this challenging times with hurricane Wilma. May the storm dance past you.   

Happy Birthday wishes to DJ Mark, Brian Gallagher and Ken Roesel.

Our dance community family has suffered some losses. Our heart felt condolences go out to: Karol Recca and her family. Karol's father just passed away.
Carole Pearson from Merrick, Long Island just passed. She was only 54 years old and sercom to pancreatic cancer. Lois Shiloh's mother passed away last week. Please keep them all in your prayers. 

What a find, with the holidays creeping up, you have to check out this website for the most fascinating dance oriented clothes. Wearable art   http://www.renitabella.com
The Renita Bella Dance Collection is a celebration and tribute to the world famous dancers of stage & screen, "Ramon & Renita," featured in the motion picture "Gold Diggers of 1935." The photo collection has been created by the daughter of the famous dance duo, and celebrated in all black & white and sepia images featured on the clothing. All of the original colored illustrations are a unique selection of rare vintage dance magazines dated from the 1920's.

Have you visited the all new Hustle Hall Of Fame? Check it out at 
http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/  Make sure you nominate your favorite competitors and those dancers that are at the top of the class.

Check out the latest interview with Vince Montana Jr.  - Electronic Magazine - Germany. http://www.electronicbeats.net/eb/interviews

Every Wednesday night 9-12PM at the Wonder bar  in Asbury park,  NJ (exit 101) off the GSP, big band mostly swing, with Latin &  foxtrot 15 piece band "jazz lobsters"  with free lessons at 8:30pm  http://www.wonderbarnj,com

Soho Dance Studio in NYC, home of the popular monthly Funky Friday? Hustle party features the music of DJ Bobby Morales, is proud to announce the addition of regular and special Hustle classes. World renowned instructor Jami Josephson has started classes every Tues. evening. On Friday, Oct. 28th, Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow will be holding workshops prior to the Freaky Friday Halloween Party.
598 Broadway  (212) 226-6767 or Sohodancedancestudio.com

Congratulations to Henry Stone - producer of many stars like KC & the Sunshine Band, reached into his archives. The Ray Charles track Walkin and Talkin? taken from Henry Stones original Rockin Records label in 1951, has been remixed.  Henry, his son Joe along with Chris Dio have delivered this chart topping dance track. In just 6 weeks, Walkin and Talkin? moves up the Billboard Dance Charts to #6 with a Bullet for the week of 10/29/05.

Reunion party at Michael's Cafe on Nov 15th, music from the early days &  a homecoming for dancers. Call your friends and invite them out for a free night.
http://www.michaelscafebensalem.com/programming/hustlenight_nov15.htm

Next week, get ready to vote, the 4th annual Readers choice Awards kicks off. 

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by the The Virginia State Open.
This annual event takes place November 10th to the 13th in the Washington, DC Area - Hilton Hotel, Dulles Airport. Hustle will play a big part this year along with WCS, Hand dancing, Shag, Lindy Hop and more. Competition in strictly Hustle and Pro Am Hustle and a Friday night Hustle Room along with three ballrooms to dance. 
Book your room now. Visit  http://www.vsoswing.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

DanceTalk * 10-18-05

DanceTalk® is proud to announce the birth of the

                                      "Hustle Hall Of Fame"

Please visit the site at   http://www.HustleHallofFame.com/
Our distinguished panel has created an exciting tribute to the pioneers of hustle, the true legends, dance champions and competitors. We look forward to adding new names to this special list. Readers get to select those dancers for the "Top Of The Class" and "Competitors" categories. This is dedicated to the readers, dancers and legends of Hustle dancing.
Enjoy 

Happy birthday wishes to Andre' Pheleps, we will be celebrating at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa, on Tuesday evening. Come out for the Birthday dance. 

The perfect gift for that dancer this holiday, Bristol Pike Dance Wear has gift certificates for the holidays.  http://www.bristolpkdancewear.com 

Last week, at Waltz Across Texas, Gladys Torres performed with Sidney Beams and received a standing ovation. She also competed with Salsa Eddy. Rick (her husband) say's that a recent examination shows that her cancer is not growing. This is fantastic news.  Gladys is a fighter and has been since she was given a prognosis of "six months to live" two years ago.

The Broadway show Rent comes to the silver screen, nationally, on November 23rd.

The Virginia State Open, VSO, returns November 10 thru the 13th in the DC area.   Its going to be bigger and better.  Read all about it below.

The Philadelphia regional Van McCoy contest was hosted by Brian Gallagher at the Atrium. The finalists were, in the amateur division - Angela McCabe and Wingo Hom. In the profession division - Tiffany Brown and Jameson Kilburn. Congratulations to the winners.

Winners in the Texas Van McCoy contest were:
Raye Avery & Irene Griffin ---------  Profressional division
Bruce Levi & Patty Torres ------- Amateur division
Lucia Dargam & Gerardo Jacquet ------- Salsa division
Keith Gussoni & Peggy Pope ---  Pro-Am

Hustle is back at Club Silhouette in Metairie, La. The studio has reopened. Keith Gussoni & Celeste Pferlee will begin teaching weekly Hustle Class on TUESDAY nights (7 - 8:00PM). Keith & Celeste were fortunate to be offered a place to teach in Baton Rouge (after hurricane Katrina) at Ric Seeling's Dance Studio on Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. They will continue teaching there every Wednesday evening.  

Next week a "one on one" interview with the Queen of Hustle, Gloria Gaynor, as she brings us up to date on whatz new. Stay tuned. 

This weeks edition of DanceTalk®. is sponsored by the original Hustle Cruise. 
Have you reserved your room for the 2006 Hustle Dance Cruise? This annual event has taken a big leap forward. There are many exciting changes planned that you don't want to miss. The ship, Enchantment, has been newly redesigned. It boasts the largest pool side dance floor at sea. There will be a mixed music format with hustle, swing and salsa dancing throughout the cruise dance program. With a great staff of dance teachers, DJs and a vacation at sea, you will be in paradise. Your early refundable reservation deadline is November 7, 2005. The registrations have already exceeded last years - at this time. Don't be left at the dock. Reserve now 954-431-7771 and visit http://www.hustlecruise.com 

Make it a Great week,
Ron

                            Fund Raiser at Michael's Cafe

"Look for Love,  search your heart,  deep inside,  love maybe blind,  seek and you'll find.
Open your heart and show you care."   Cerrone

Dancers from all over the Tri State area came out with their big open hearts to support the Hurricane fund raiser at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa. Together we raised $2,842.00 for the Redcross hurricane relief fund. It was an exciting afternoon. The dancing didn't stop as it popped from hustle to swing with some Latin and WCS.  Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rhythm Kings played, Live, and had the crowd swinging. Donna Boyle joined me for a hustle dance lesson, Bill Poulter and Tiffany Brown gave a wonderful social WCS dance demo, Chris Bates won the 50/50 - taking  home some extra cash and we had our first hustle Taxi Dance - where the pros lended their driving talents and helped collect additional money for the pot. Thank you to all the dancers that purchased fares for this dance. Kudos to the pro taxis: Stephanie Rieser, Andre' Phelps, Tiffany Brown, Diane Nardone, George Dudley, Chris Bates, Donna Boyle, Steven Mitchell, Dara Patrusky, Bill Poulter, Ron Bess, Donna Reinhart, Joe Kerner. Michael's Cafe kept the food hot and plenty of it as we were treated to a yummy buffet. We appreciate all the help we received from the donors, staff members and attendees: Dara Patrusky, Dorit, Naomi, DJ Mark, Terri Murphy, Susan Hiser, Paige Shoyer, Denise Sanchez, Rosalie Bucci, Carole Phelps, Donna Boyle, Andre Phelps, Sarah Jones, Ron Morrison, DJ Mike Gormley, Stacey Stirling, Melissa Martin & the Mighty Rhythm Kings, the management of Michael's Cafe, Axelrod Flowers and Food Designs, World Hustle Dance Championships, NY Hustle Congress, Champions Weekend, Brendi Jewelers, Koresh Dance Performance, Glow, Clothier Tag, Dr. Michael Frezza, D.C., Michael's Cafe - Restaurant and Night Club,  Got Dance?, Hustle Cruise, Bristol Pike DanceWear.
It was truly a wonderful time. Philadelphia and New Jersey showed they care. It was  moving to see so many dancers join together and give back to those in need.
Sometimes in life, we end up on the other side of the fence -  its heart warming to see, as a collective group we can help make a difference. 

Virginia State Open

The Virginia State Open is back, after a one year sabbatical, the VSO is re-energized.  A tradition that goes back nearly two decades in the Washington, DC area, that has featured Lindy Hop, WCS, Shag, Hustle, and Hand Dance. Last year event organizer Barry Durand took over the management of VSO. Strategically moving the event to a new hotel - the Hilton Dulles Airport which has excellent space, easy access, and conveniently located near the airport. This year VSO is in the hands of Barry Durand, Craig Hutchinson and Jane Ford with Lindy Coordinators Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg. Together expect nothing less then excellence.  The party kicks off early on Thursday night for a pre-event dance party.  Then plan to take workshops, watch competition and dance, dance, dance. Friday night will feature 3 ballrooms of dancing with Lindy, WCS, Hustle and more.  The big Lindy Hop competition will be Friday night. Saturday during the day will be Pro-Am Competition and plenty of workshops. Saturday night will feature the NASDE divisions of Classic and Showcase and the main ballroom will be jamming with a WCS and Hustle mix.  2 other ballrooms will keep you partying with Lindy Hop and Shag/Hand Dance mix.  It will be a FUN weekend of your favorite hobby - Dance! Check out this incredible line up of instructors: Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake, Robert & Nicola Royston, Gary Jobst & Csilla Madocsai, Jason Barnes & Erica Berg, Barry Durand, Marcus Smith & Deonna Ball, Johnny PerMar & Lisa Marion, Sam & Lisa West, Phil Dorroll, Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown, Christopher Joe & Lisa Schaupp, Ken Roesel,  Frank G, Debbie Tuttle, Shawn Martin,  Arte Phillips, Brian Gallagher, Silvana Gallagher, Keith Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle, Joyce Szili,  Carla Heiney, Debra Hampton, Yuval Hod & Natalie Gomes, Marty Lau, Jen Urich, The Jam Cellar Crew, Jane Ford, Tom Koerner & Debra Sternberg, Tony and Aurelie Tye,  Charlie Wyler........Book your room now at a daily rate of only $85.00 Hilton Washington Dulles Airport 13869 Park Center Rd, Herndon, Virginia, 1-703-478-2900 
http://www.vsoswing.com

The Legendary Mike Stone,?
You are missed by us all
By Rene Hewitt (Next Magazine)

From January 21, 1954, the day he came into this world,.....until September 20th, 2005, the day he passed, Mike Stone was all about the night life.
Mike was raised in the Bronx and came to prominence in the New York club scene after developing an incredible harmony with Richard Long, the man responsible for the legendary sound system housed in the equally legendary Paradise Garage.
In the years that followed, Mike attached his name to some of the greatest dance clubs this scene has ever witnessed - SoHo, Roxy, Midtown 43, The Playground, Bonds and the epitome of Manhattan nightclubs Studio 54. More recently his name became synonymous with the Warehouse. 
When I first started going to The Warehouse, I use to wonder how Mike was ever going to find enough people to fill a room that large. It wasn't long before he showed me. The crowd would start to get thick by 12:30AM After that, it wasn't long before the room started to come together to the music of resident DJ Andre Collins or one of the many guest DJs such as Louie Vega, David DePino and Kenny Carpenter ...
My friendship with Mike Stone began during my days as a DJ at The Inferno in 1979. In those days, I didn't truly comprehend the power Mike had when it came to promoting clubs. He was a charmer, and such an understanding person that everyone he came in contact with became part of his flock.
I remember one time when his illness that would eventually take him from us first reared its head, Mike's main concern wasn't getting better, but promoting. I can still see the look in his eyes as he asked, "But what about my public? "During his last three years, I would speak with Mike only occasionally-just now and again to find out how he was doing. I use to meet with him during the summer at his aunt's house in the Bronx. Little by little, I could see Mike's condition slowly taking an ever-greater toll on his body. Mike always told me he was going to hold on as long as he could. Toward the end, Mike was taking so many meds-30 or more pills per day-that eventually he started receiving his doses via injection. Mike wasn't the type of person that he had to hide his condition, nor was he the type who was ashamed to speak about it. That's not to say it was easy for him, but being as strong as he was, he dealt with it.
Mike left us with his thoughts-and some dreams. He asked that we keep his memory alive by continuing his drive and throwing a party in his honor every year. He requested that a reunion party be thrown for Studio 54 at Crowbar. And he asked that we not forget the things he'd done for the gay community of New York City. Anyone who's ever experienced one of Mike's parties or a night at The Warehouse knows that that last request is one he didn't even need to make. It's impossible to forget the contributions Mike Stone made for this community.
Like the stone walls of The Warehouse, his accomplishments will stand in silent strength for years to come. The Warehouse at Stonewall (113 Seventh Ave So @ Christopher St, 212-463-0950). Call 718-992-5974 for additional info.
http://www.renehewitt.com

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Letters to The Editor

"Calling All Hustle Competitors"

Are you a competitor in Hustle?  Have you ever competed in a Pro/Am, Just Hustle or other category, checked out your scores and discovered that there was a great deal of inconsistency in the scoring?  Have you ever tried to talk with one of the judges a few hours later and ask he/she to give you feedback on how well you danced only to discover that they had a difficult time remembering the details of your specific competition? Would you be in favor of adopting an entirely new method of scoring, one in which you, the dancer, receive instant feedback on how well you danced versus how you placed against your peers?  If so, then let your thoughts and ideas be voiced.  You can either respond to Dance Talk or email me directly at Scottmichielli@Yahoo.com.
       Scott Michielli

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  Benefits for the Bayou

Although we came up a bit short of our target of collecting $2,500, the four Thursday benefits were still able to generate a considerable portion of our donation, and we thank you for your participation, generosity, and loyalty.  We had four successful nights.  There was wonderful, non-stop dancing to an early mix of ballroom music and our late-night mix of club music, with a little flavor of N'Awlins thrown in throughout the evening to "kick it up a notch."  The classes and the performances were stellar, receiving rousing applause; the overall camaraderie that was shown throughout the month was heartwarming.  I think when we all joined hands and took our weekly moments of silence and then sang "God Bless America," it really brought home the fact the we were there to help others, and how fortunate we were to be in a position to help those less fortunate.  I, personally, would like to salute our friends, our students, and everyone who participated in these events.  And, everyone who joined us shares in our thanks for helping to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
First, a big thanks to everyone who participated in our weekly 50/50 raffles, especially to Jay Berman and Tina Pavez for generously donating their 50/50 winnings back into the pot. Special thanks to some of our other students and friends:  Brett Roberts, Luis Silva, Sal Randisi, Shirley Day, Drs. Turner and Cozza, Ric Aubain and Betty Zhan, and Ric's wife Rebecca, Janet Sahina/Schwartz , Erik Novoa, Paul Rubin and Pat Banner. To all our performers, a special thanks: Mary and Luis Rosa, Jackie Davis and Lenny Seasonwein. Lastly, I'd like to personally thank our staff, Bill Curtis, Brian Gagne, and our newest additions, Francisco Chao and Lenny Seasonwein, for all the little things they did to help make these events successful. Lastly, I'd especially like to thank all the new people who joined us........  Sincerely, and with much thanks, Doug Hagwood
Studio Manager / Instructor - Dance upon a time.... NY Dance Studio

DanceTalk * 10-11-05

Happy Birthday wishes to Diane K. Nardone, Patty McConnell, Maria Torres, 
Debra Hampton, John Russomanno, Susan Riccio, Cat Tito and Kathy Austin.

We welcome to DanceTalk, some new young readers, congratulations to Erika and Jay Neil...they just had a little baby boy, Justin Mark, 8lbs & 7ozs, everyone is doing great. Shari Kahn - Miller just gave birth to Madison Nicole, 8lbs & 4 ozs and 20 inches long. Mommy and Madison are doing fine.  

For 2005, the Holiday Spectacular will take place on Saturday, December 10th.
This is Ron & Donna's 13th annual event. We are proud to announce our new location the Paso Doble Ballroom in Levittown Pa, this beautiful, enormous dance floor is spectacular. All the details are coming soon. Save the date. 

Good luck to DJ Nino Torre, he has saddled up for Virginia. This native New Yorker has moved his family and business to his new home in Richmond. 

John O'Hurley, a recent winner in the rematch for the "Dancing with the Stars" title on ABC, will be dancing on Broadway next year. He will take over the role of lawyer Billy Flynn in the long-running revival of "Chicago" beginning Jan. 16.

The fund raiser held at Michael's Cafe was wonderful. We raised $2,812.00 for the Hurricane victims. Thank you too all those that attended and danced in our Taxi dance, bought raffle and 50/50 tickets and gave to those in need. Next week, a complete write up on this exciting afternoon event. 

Here are some more pictures from the Spinning W fund raiser party, http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/scottmichielli/album?.dir=/fd0b&.src=ph&.tok=phHDRuDBISzXlnIS courtesy of  Scott Michielli

On Nov. 13th, Sunday, the premier, of a new place to dance, HUSTLE etc. ....,
in Hanover, NJ, a new environment for adults that love to dance. See all the details below.

Its coming, one week away, the announcement, Next week, ........ great news for hustle dancers. Stay tuned for HHF, all the details next week.

The TV show œDance Orlando?  airs every Thursday at 5pm on the local viewing channel, brighthouse 10, in Orlando. They spotlight some of their dancers (Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz or Argentine Tango so far), interviews with teachers from Dance Orlando, and dancers who come here to dance, a short basic lesson and lots of ordinary people having fun dancing.  There have been excerpts from the Sunday Social, the Country Western and Friday Fiesta dances shown. It is sure to give a boost to the already heightened interest in Ballroom dancing.  

Platinum singer Madonna has a new album being released on November 15th.

Get ready, coming soon...the 4th Annual DanceTalk® Readers Choice Awards. Where you get to chose the top of the class in dancing and music. Voting will begin in just a few weeks. 


This weeks edition of DanceTalk®. is sponsored by the World Salsa Championships. http://www.worldsalsafederation.com/2005judgesandteachers.htm
Taking place Oct 28 to the 30th in Florida.

Make it a great week,
Ron

2005 AAU Hustle National Championships
(A PART OF THE 2005 WSF WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND)

Come join us for the 2005 AAU National Hustle Championships to be held October 29th at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in sunny Miami.  This contest is part of a bigger weekend sponsored by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and organized by the World Salsa Federation.
There are many activities including workshops, competitions, and great entertainment!  Log onto http://www.salsahotline.net for details or call 786-566-2604 for more information.
The AAU (the Amateur Athletic Union) will be having its first ever National Championship in Hustle, Swing, Argentine Tango, Salsa, and DanceSport.  All amateur dancers are encouraged to participate as all levels from Newcomers through Advanced, and all age categories will be dancing for National Titles!
If you do not have a partner, then grab your teacher for the WSF Pro/Am Competition which will also feature all dances in all levels and age categories!
If that is not enough the World Salsa Federation will also feature multiple World Salsa Championships throughout the weekend including the World Colombian Salsa Championships, the World Cuban Salsa Championships, the World Junior Salsa Championships, the World L.A. Salsa Championships, the World Shine Championships, the World Showdance Championships, and much more!  There is something for everyone!
Looking for a dancing vacation?  Want to watch the competition but you don't want to compete?  Then join the hundreds of dance enthusiasts who will attend workshops by award winning instructors, and then dance the night away to Grammy Award winning artists!  Making new friends will simply be unavoidable.
All this and our legendary Halloween Party will be happening from October 28th - 30th in Miami, at the Miccosukee Gaming and Resort.  This resort has it all.  Just go to http://www.salsahotline.net and click the venue to see an outstanding array of features for the entire family. 
It is not too late to make your reservations and purchase your tickets.  Just go to http://www.salsahotline.net or call us directly at 786-566-2604 and prepare yourself for a weekend that will knock your socks off!

CD Review - "NYC Ultimate Dance Mix"

Are you feeling dance music deprived? Hearing to much rap?  Most of the USA is short changed when it comes to dance music on the radio. Dance music hasn't been getting its just due. Here is the newest fix of the hottest dance music available. "New York City's Ultimate Dance Mix" is just what the doctor ordered. This compilation CD brings 15 great tunes together for non stop dance action. 80 minutes of uplifting tunes that will have dance music junkies tapping their feet. The CD introduces the newest release by Donna Summer - "I Got Your Love." An up tempo song by the Queen of disco but with a new contemporary style. Your also hear a remake of "Love On My Mind," a big dance hit from the 70's. This new rendition is the number one requested song on NY Radio. The summer hit song "Don't Cha" by the Pussy Cat Dolls also gets mixed into the groove.  This CD combines all the current hits that aren't getting the air play they deserve.
The disc starts off with the melodic "You Shine On Me," at a pulsating 130 BPM,
that moves into some great re mixes like Rhianna's "Pon De Replay" and Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together." The Classic dance tune "Fascinated" is included but as a remake by Suzanne Palmer with an updated millenium beat. Remember the theme from the motion picture 48 Hours (starring Eddie Murphy), well, the song has been lifted, tweaked and given a heart racing beat to dance too....Check out "Crazy Frog" by Axel F. Your also hear new tunes by Deborah Cooper, Lola, Murk, Armand Van Heiden and others. This new CD is a keeper. If the record store near you doesn't have it go to  Mondo Music located at 225 Highland Cross Road, E Rutherford, NJ (201) 804-8707,  the Music Factory, Hurlville - Crosskeys Rd, Sewell, NJ (609) 589-5009, or  eBay: New York City's ULTIMATE DANCE MIX (item 4773629850 end time Oct-03-05 18:18:25 PDT)

DJ Marisol Duprey

She has been an avid fan and collector of rare and underground dance music for decades. Marisol took her first love and created a business nitch that has folks seeking her out from all over the world. Her extensive vinyl record collection started as a hobby and has grown into a full time career. This native Philadelphian has made a mark on the music biz. Check out the wonderful write up she received at the DJsprotal website.  http://www.djsportal.com/en/index.php?id=pioneer

Here are some of her favorites. 

Beautiful Bend LP - Beautiful Bend (B.Midney)
Could heaven ever be like this - Idris Muhammad
Love is the Message - MFSB
Moon Dancer - Meco
I'll never forget my favorite disco - Dexter Wansel
Underwater - Harry Thumann
Dancin in Paradise - El Coco
I'll keep you warm - Salsoul Orch.
Any Love - Rufus/Chaka Khan
Harlem Hocturne - Wild Flower
Problemes D'Amour - A. Robotnick
Madison - Hank Crawford
You can hide - David Joseph
Walking on Sunshine - Central Line (L. Levan)
No Memory - Scarlet Fantastic
Fill my life with love - Saint Tropez
Disco Circus - Over and Over
Free Love/Was that all it was - Jean Carn
Moon Child - Captain Sky
I like what your doing to me - Young & Co.
Stone to the bone - Timmy Thomas
Your Love - Lime

DanceTalk * 10-4-05

Happy Birthday wishes to Karol Recca,  Susan Babon,  Karol Holmes and Dave Muzzi.

Happy New Years to our Jewish friends and readers.

Congratz to Jeff Yee who is getting married this weekend in San Francisco.

This coming Sunday is the big afternoon fund raiser at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa, from 1 to 5PM. Come join us for live music, 2 great DJs, a buffet, a dance exhibition, the Taxi/driver dance, a hustle lesson and maybe ? the kissing booth? There will be a raffle where you could win free passes to the next World Hustle Dance Championship, Hustle Congress, Champions Weekend in MD and much more......all for a great cause. Get there early for the buffet. All for only a ten dollar donation. Come on Philadelphia, its our turn to rock for the Hurricane victims.  

Dancer Greg Olsen has made his historical launch into outer space this past weekend. He is part of the Soviet Soyuz crew. Greg plans to perform the first inter galaxy hustle dance. He is front page news all over the world. Way to go Greg.

The Starlight Ballroom raised $4,052.00 for the Hurricane Katrina victims. Thank you to the 260 dancers that came out to lend a hand in Nutley, NJ, and dance for  those in need. Read all about the fund raisers below.

Way to go X dance in Illinois, they had a fund raiser for the hurricane victims and raised $5,470.00 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund!

This week, Wednesday, are the finals of the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance".....8:00PM EST. Who's your favorite?

Get ready East Hanover, NJ, a new place to hustle dance, every other Sunday evening, starting this coming November. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out the photos from the Spinning W Ranch fund raiser held by Wendy Lippincott to benefit Keith Gussoni and Celeste Pfefferle. http://public.fotki.com/fredf/benefiforkeith/    thanks to Fred for the photos

Get ready for the Hustle Cruise 2006. Great DJs, lots of dancing and plenty of sun and R&R. If you've never gone, now is the time. Only $200. reserves your cabin for the Feb 9 - 13 vacation at sea. More details below.

It's coming....in two weeks....a big annoucement. If you are a big fan of the hustle, you don't want to miss this. HHF,  Stay tuned.

Next week, an inside look at the direction of dance music. We speak with programing directors and music authorities on the future & impact of dance music on the radio.    

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Hustle, Swing & Salsa Cruise, the 7th annual Dance event. Visit http://www.hustlecruise.com for more details.
Make it a great week,
Ron

Westie Weekend

Jennifer Lyons has accumulated a list of awards and titles in the world of swing, which explains why she is known as "Doctor Dance," she has that quick ability to spot areas of needed improvement for her students. As a champion level dancer, teacher, judge and competitor, Jen has accumulated some incredible credentials: 
1st ALL STARS Summer Hummer 2005
1st BOSTON TEA PARTY 2005
1st America's Classic 2004
1st WHDC Strictly Swing 2004
1st Indy Swing 2003
2nd Palm Springs New Year's 2005
2nd WHDC J&J 2004
2nd MAD JAM 2004
2nd Boston Tea Party 2003
2nd Swingin' New England 2002
Now that we have your attention, come welcome her to southern New Jersey on Friday, Nov 18th at Got Swing? held at the Atrium in Pennsauken.  Then on Saturday, Nov 19th, Jen will be doing private lessons. On Sunday, Nov 20th there will be two workshops.  There will be a general lesson before the regularly scheduled Got Swing? Jen is highly regarded for her knowledge, showmanship and contagious smile. She is dynamite to work with. If you've seen her on the national circuit you know exactly how good she is.....and if you haven't seen her yet, your in for a big treat.  Call now to schedule a private lesson.  Put this date on your calendar for a great weekend with the Del Val dancers and Jen Lyons! http://www.homestead.com/robandsheila or call 609-519-0793.

  Fund Raiser highlights

On behalf of Nina Marks, Ron Bess and Bobby Morales, we would like to thank all those dancers that attended, assisted and volunteered their times to make our events such a wonderful success. Together, we raised over $5,000. for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Simultaneously we ran two events. One at the spacious ballroom, Starlight in Nutley, NJ and at The Soho studio home of Funky Friday's. Together we exceeded our goals. We cannot thank you all enough.  

....................
A BIG THANK YOU to everybody who came and danced with us for the ones in NEED. Ron Bess was the co-organizer and did a great job.
We had a GREAT night Sept. 30 . Diane Nardone and Lori Brizzi were teaching workshops before the Party. There were at least 40 couples in each workshop enjoying the instructions. After the classes three of the best DJs were taking turns spinning the coolest music ever, including Johnny "V", Nino Torre and Johnny"O." People were dancing non stop until 2 am.
In between we were enjoying a super performance by Maryann and Luis Rosa.
One of the Highlights was the Raffle with the Nano I - Pod as the Main Prize,
which was won by Pura Hernandez.
Every Penny we collected that night including Raffle Tickets, Entry at the Door, Water, Soda and Refreshments went towards the Cause.
We raised $4052.- which will be sent to the Bush/Clinton Foundation.
100% of the money will go to the ones in need.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU,
Nina Marks - Starlight Dancenter

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Friday night's Hurricane Katrina fundraiser was a great success on many levels. We had four fabulous dance performances. David Padilla and Simone Assboeck started us of with a great hustle number. Dulce Bembe feat. Lori Colon treated us to a sexy Boogaloo/Mambo mix. Danny McGee from Top Hat studio in Philly and his dancers put together a great team hustle routine. Archie Burnett and friends brought the house down with their Vogue/Freestyle number choreographed by David Neumann. The DJ's Bobby Morales, Nelson "Paradise" Roman and Victor Rosado kept the party rockin' till 4:30am. Between the money collected at the door and the raffles we raised $1000 and sent a check today to the Clinton/Bush Foundation, which donates 100% of money collected directly to those in need. I want to send out a special thank you to Artie, Rosann and Raul of Soho Dance for their support, the dancers and DJ's that donated their time and sweat and of course, all those who attended and contributed to a special cause and a very special night.
DJ Bobby Morales

Mark James' Dance Zen Site Search

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