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Happy Birthday wishes to Tim Kovalick,  DJ Mark,  Brian Gallagher, Ken Roesel and Tonya Barry. 

Singing sensation Melba Moore turns 62 years old this week. She performed on Broadway,  in the Wiz, and had many hits in the 80's.

Get well wishes to Connie Macdougal. She underwent minor surgery this past week. We wish her a speedy recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.

Best wishes to Carole Phelps for a full and speed recovery following hip replacement surgery on Thursday, October 25. She anticipates a return to the dance floor by the New Year.

Get ready for Swing City Chicago, Jennifer Jeffries has just been added to the Saturday night party. For all the details visit http://www.Swingcitychicago.com

Congratulations to adagio/acrobatic dance stars Dave Paris and Zoe on their recent marriage engagement.  He proposed to her in India in front of the Taj Majal (temple of love), not surprisingly, while holding her in a Star Lift. 

Kudos to George Maderski his radio interview on ballroom dancing will broadcast on Friday, November 2 from 11:30am to 12PM radio station 90.3 FM ( WHPC ). It is being hosted by Mr. Larry Carlson, who has a weekly show entitled, "Music is Therapy". 

Philadelphia dancer / musician Teddy Dormoi will undergo surgery on November 5th to remove 3 aneurysm. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Saturday, October 27th, Starlight Dance Center brings together for one special night the top Hustle DJ's of the New York area. The All-Star Lineup includes Johnny "O" - NJ,  Nelson "Paradise" Roman - NYC, Bobby Morales - NYC & Resident DJ Johnny "V" - L.I.  The night starts with a Hustle workshop by Donna DeSimone 8-9pm. Dancing from 9PM till 2AM! Admission only $15. BYOB OK.

Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich along with Roberto Pagan are starting a new Hustle team, in November. It will take place on Thursday evenings at the Pioneer club in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. For more details visit http://www.divinedancing.com

The man who captures all those dance moves on film, Sam Habit is introducing the perfect gift for you and those who love dance???  Read all about it next week in DanceTalk®.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Stardust Dance Weekend,
Nov  9 - 11, 2007  http://www.stardustdance.com  See more details below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Stardust Weekend

Get ready for an exciting weekend of non stop dancing. An all inclusive weekend where you can focus on having fun and not over spending. The setting is simply incomparable this time of year. You just can't go wrong with a Stardust Dance Weekend.
From November 9th to the 11th, at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, located in  Kerhonkson, New York your be treated to a fun thrilled dance party. This is a true dance vacation. Activities for indoors and outdoor fun, performances and more. The weekend includes dance workshops for all skill levels of dance. Your be treated to  just about every style of dance on the map. Improve your favorite dances and learn new ones. The weekend rates start at $269 plus tax and gratuities. Come enjoy the talented staff and all they have to offer.
The All star staff includes: Fran Chesleigh, Donna DeSimone, Jackie Horner, Raul Santiago & Sergia Louise Anderson,  Teddy Kern, Norton Hyman, Andrew D'Angelo, Ben Murtha & Esther Odescalchi, Brian & Jennie Nash, Dmitri & Svetlana Ostashkin, Lucas Jaime & Yanna Samkova, Carlos Canedo, Sandra Antognazzi, Peter Locuratolo, Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown, Christopher Joe & Lisa Schaupp, Frank Elia, Norma Granofsky,
Gene & Naomi Anolick. Enjoy the beautiful month of November in New York.
For more details and information visit the website at http://www.stardustdance.com

Update on Chris Hemmer

(Chris is well known and loved thru out the US. He is a DJ and dance professional. This is a letter from DJ Vicki. She updates us on Chris's recovery from his recent automobile accident).
 
Chris is now in rehabilitation at St. Marys Hospital (Florida).  He is still in a "Halo" and will be for a couple of months or more, most likely.  The break in his leg was more severe than I was originally told.  He broke the larger shin bone, so he cannot put any weight on that leg until it heals.  He can stand with assistance and is learning to get around in a wheelchair.  He is breathing and eating well on his own now. Chris has physical therapy everyday to make him stronger.  He is speaking well and is in good spirits (has he ever been any other way?).  He smiles and laughs often.  His daughters came to visit him this weekend and he had a wonderful time with them. Chris can have visitors, but he does get tired pretty easily, so if you come to visit, please just be aware of that.  He has a rigorous schedule with physical therapy every day. Chris is still getting better each day.  He has made leaps and bounds the last week.  I still continue to read cards and emails to Chris and will continue to as long as they keep coming in.  He can now read them himself too. If you'd like to send a card or note to Chris, my address is:
Vicki Fearon, 8703 Indian River Run, Boynton Beach, FL  33437
Here are ways to help Chris, if you would like: 
Make a donation to help with his bills or attend one of these events that are sharing the proceeds with Chris. 
http://www.mrdancepro.com/ (parties)
http://www.tampabayclassic.com/id27.html
http://www.sunshinestatedancefestival.net/
Keeping sending your love, prayers and support.
Lots of Love!
Vicki

Its Been 50 years

A personal favorite and the winner of more academy awards then any other musical, West Side Story, the legendary musical, turns 50 years old.
To celebrate, Sony records is releasing a new CD with incredible artists like Julie Andrews, Johnny Mathis, Barbara Streisand, Dave Brubeck and others saluting this incredible score of music by the late Leonard Bernstein. The new CD will also include new tracks by jazz pianist Eldar and Kristin Chenoweth.
With raving reviews the Broadway musical would go to the silver screen 4 years later.
The motion picture lifted the world as it exposed a modern day Romeo and Juliet battling in the streets of NY. The Jets and the Sharks fighting a war over turf, race and power. Natalie Wood stole our hearts. Rita Moreno and George Chakiris danced flawlessly to the choreography of Jerome Robbins. The film won Best Picture of the Year along with 10 other academy awards. I can only hope that Hollywood never attempts a remake of this motion picture - it just doesn't get any better then this. 

DanceTalk * 10-16-07

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Happy Birthday wishes to Kathy Austin,  Gloria Gerhardi,  Andre' Phelps, Denise Nelson  and  Alfie Tinkerman. 

This Tuesday, Oct 16th, Michael's cafe will be having a hustle night. It was originally announced that there was a special event being held, that has been canceled. 

Our good friends at Arkansas Ballroom inform us that Dancing With The Stars  Alec Mazo, 29, and Edyta Sliwinska, 28, were married on September 1 in San Francisco. Sliwinska & Mazo have danced together for 6 years prior to DWTS. They are previous winners in the Latin division of the San Francisco's International Ball and Holiday Dance Classic in Las Vegas. 

Talking about creativity, check out this street dancer at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfx1HBENTPg&NR=1

The 2007 Holiday Spectacular takes place December 9th, Sunday afternoon. DJ Mark returns as our special guest DJ. Hold the date.

The 22nd World Congress on Dance Research takes place in  Athens, Greece, July 2 -6th, 2008, the largest gathering of dance specialists world-wide, All forms of dance are represented. http://www.cid-unesco.org  

Male dancers needed, audition,  for up coming holiday shows, visit http://www.exploretalent.com/display_casting4.php?casting_id=170852&s=7cecfe84abce897078ad2846f4cb7703

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Hustle & Salsa Cruise 2008, taking place Feb 22 - 25, 2008 see more details below. http://www.HustleCruise.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

Time Capsule

The year was 1979,  the country was under the shaky leadership of President Jimmy Carter. The median Household Income was a mere  $16,461. a year. 
A postage stamp was only 15 cents and 'Spectacular Bid' won the Kentucky Derby.
The Sugar Hill Gang released the first commercial rap hit, "Rapper's Delight," bringing rap music off of the streets and into the main stream. The movie theater cash registers were ringing up the top flicks: Apocalypse Now,  All That Jazz, 
Kramer vs. Kramer and Breaking Away. Dancing was growing nationally and disco was off and running. The syndicated dance show 'Dance Fever' premiered giving the world a chance to experience the hustle.  Miquel and Annette Marrero captured first place in the hustle division at the New York Harvest Moon Ball and Derrick Allen and Lilia Parra won first place in the WKTU Cherry's Discotheque dance contest driving home in new cherry red corvettes. In the Fall, twenty - eight years ago, these were the top Billboard Disco Action songs heard in sunny Miami, Florida.

1) Ring My Bell - Anita Ward
2) Bad Girls - Donna Summer
3) Dancer - Gino Soccio
4) Bad Bad Boy - Theo Vaness
5) Music Is My Life - Patti Labelle
6) Forbidden Love - Madleen Kane
7) Stars - Sylvester
8) Have a Cigar - Rosebud
9) Cuba - Gibson Brothers
10) High On Mad Mountain - Mike Theodore

DANCE TIP   (Courtesy of Sonya Elmore - La Luna)
 DO NOT COACH  I have heard of this happening to other people but never to me.  It finally happened to me this weekend at the Congress and I thought this would make for an excellent Dance Tip. I was in the middle of dancing with a gentleman as he quickly said "Dip!" and proceeded to dip me.  A few moments later he exclaimed "Sit!" as he did another "sitting dip".  I began to wonder if he was going to give me a cue before he does something out of ordinary.  The third time, he tried to tell me how to style my arm.  I was getting seriously annoyed.  He asked if I would like to dance another song and I politely agreed.  Right before we started, he asked me:  "You don't mind me correcting you, do you?"  I thought for a moment that this was my chance to speak up and said:  "Actually I do".  He was quite in shock, apologized for correcting me and the rest of the dance was great.  
The moral of the story is that there is no need to teach someone on the dance floor, unless they specifically asked you for it.  Plus. are you sure you are giving the right information and the reason why the pattern didn't work out was your fault?  I say, just dance and have fun, leave the teaching to the dance schools, that's what we do best.

DanceTalk * 10-9-07

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Happy Birthday wishes to Mary Piazza,  Diane K Nardone,  Patty McConnell, Dave Muzzi,  Maria Torres,  Debra Hampton,  John Russomanno, Susan Riccio,  Anthony Romano  and  Cat Tito.

He brought to New York Xenon Discotheque, the Rock Lounge and more recently Au Bar. Howard Stein was a pioneer. He succumbed to Kidney Cancer at age 62. 

Hey dancers its time for the Westie Weekend. Featuring Denis Riley and Lee Mansfield. If you love to WCS or want to learn from the pros, check it out. Rob and Sheila's party takes place October 12 & 13.  See details below.

Billionaire Mark Cuban is squeaking by on 'Dancing With The Stars' but did you know he earned extra money as a disco dance instructor when he was in school?

The VSO, Virginia State Open takes place this coming week. Barry Durand and Jane Ford pull out all the stops for a great Swing and Hustle dance event. See all the details below.  http://barrydurand.com/vso/
 
Announcement: I am excited to welcome to the DanceTalk® team, Christine Long. She will be assisting us in the "Letters to the Editor" department, sponsorships, marketing and layout. Stacy Procopio will continue to oversee the layout, editing and  writing. As DanceTalk continues to grow internationally, its distribution must keep pace as our staff grows too. Christine brings over 15 years of experience in administration and Information technology.  

"Dance For Chris". Chris Hemmer is a dance instructor who was in a severe auto accident, when another driver suddenly crossed the median and hit his car head on.  He is currently hospitalized, awaiting surgery at a Florida trauma center. 100% donation for all entry fees from the upcoming Jack and Jill swing contests at Round Up and the monthly Swing party.  For all the details:  954.344.2732 http://www.Shutupanddance.web.com

The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame 2007 nominees include Donna Summer, Chic, Madonna, Beastie Boys, Afrika Bambaataa and the Dave Clark Five...The five winning inductees will be announced on March 10, 2008.

Swing Dance Champion Robert Royston is co producing the new motion picture,  "Love N Dancing,". The film is based on a West Coast Swing champion and features  Benji Schwimmer and his cousin/partner Heidi Groskreutz, as well as Nicola Royston in a major role. No release date yet. 

Top new dance picks of the week courtesy of DJ D-Nice are: 'Walk Away' by  Tony Moran featuring Kristine W., ' Hold It, Don't Drop It' by Jennifer Lopez and 'I'm Not Featuring You'  by Taylor Dayne 

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Swing City Chicago
http://www.Swingcitychicago.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

Dance Trivia

* Mary Murphy, best know as a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance', was the 1996 United States Professional Nine - Dance Champion.

*The dance troop 'Disco Dance Stars' was formed by Nelly Cotto and Floyd Chishom. The group included (at various times): Ricky Quintana, Lee Rofrano, Danny Llaurado, Carol Famigletti, Evie Hoover, Artie Philips, Lisa Nunziella, Eddie Espinosa, Gina Figueroa and Pat Taverna. 

* "Your My Number One DJ" and "Goody Goody" were big hits. The lead vocalist known to many as Goody Goody is the daughter of Vince Montana Jr. - Denise Montana.

*  In 1979 Dino Georgio and Jean Camaletti won the All Around Title at the New York Harvest Moon Ball in held in NYC at the Madison Square Garden.  

* Ten years ago, 1997, the Bee Gees were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Brothers Gibbs had 19 number 1 hit songs

*Eurpoean dance music writer, singer, producer Gino Soccio also produced recorders under an alias.....Kebekelektrik

A BIG dance weekend

You can't go wrong. There are two big dance choices this coming weekend on the East coast worthy of your time. The Virginia State Open - Swing Dance Championships kicks off Oct 11 thru the 14th in the Washington, DC area. The Hilton Hotel Dallas Airport, (1-800-Hiltons) for the $89 special rate. Hosted by Barry Durand and Jane Ford. This event is NASDE and World Swing Dance Council affiliates. 
The line up includes many dance pros Brian & Silvana Gallagher, Robert & Nicola Royston, Billy Marti, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Joyce Szili, George Garcia, Ken Roesel, Chris Joe & Lisa Schaupp, Debbie Ramsey Boz, Debbie Lynn and many more. http://barrydurand.com/vso/
Not to be out done, Rob and Sheila host their annual Westie Weekend in southern New Jersey. Denis Riley and Lee Mansfield will shine all weekend as they share their skills and talent. They are the special guest instructors and co DJs for a high energy weekend. 8 hours of dancing, 2 dances (Friday and Saturday nights), 2 guest instructors, 4 workshops, 3 DJs, 1 pizza party and more! All your for a low price. For all the details on this first of a kind weekend in the Delaware  Valley area.  http://www.robandsheiladance.com

DanceTalk * 10-2-07

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Happy birthday wishes to Wendy Bess, Barb Marrone, Jerise Massone, Susan Babon, Karol Holmes, Lori Grant and Louis Del Prete.

The 15th Annual Holiday Spectacular takes place at the brand new Stardust Ballroom, (367 West Browning Rd. Bellmawr NJ ). Hold the date, December 9th, Sunday afternoon. Dance Contest, complimentary hustle lesson and much more.

Dancing Under the Stars, takes place Nov. 3. at Thommy G's in Audubon, NJ. In the amateur division 1st place is $1000, 2nd is $500, 3rd is $250. In the open division  there are trophies & gifts. For details: http://dwp.bigplanet.com/unidancesport/nss-folder/dancingunderthestarsdancecontest/

Photos from last weeks birthday dance for Susan Edelstein at Michael's Cafe, courtesy of Scott Michielli http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b356a830e43b&sid=8FYuW7Rw5Zqw

November 13th, is the release date for the come back album by Britney Spears. Maybe it should have been called "I'm my own worst enemy."

Vudu Lounge (1487 1st Ave) NYC Thursday nights, features a Salsa dance contest  http://www.albentertainment.com/emailblastoct.htm 

Images of Steve Salerno's birthday dance are now posted, courtesy of Fred. http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/

The Legendary night club, Studio 6, in Atlantic City New Jersey has closed. Without notice, this popular night spot has been boarded up.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Vai Dance Studio and the Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships. Read all about them below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Vai Dance

This weekend marks the open house for Vai - the brand new dance studio created by World Dance Champion Silvana Gallagher. One of the most artistic dancers of our day, Silvana is a visual statement on the dance floor. She started hustle dancing in 1992 and since 1995 has virtually captured every hustle title from the amateur to Professional ranks. Along with her partner, Brian Gallagher, they have soared. As amateurs they amazed audiences with their high energy, pulse beating style. Along her journey she has been honored with the Top Teacher Award and the prestigious Life Time Achievement award at the 2007 World Hustle Championships. In such a short period of time she has risen to the top of the hustle charts. Her signature speed and precision have made her one of the top dancers/teachers in the field today...she truly has hustle DNA.
As fewer night clubs cater to touch dancing, dancers have been forced to compromise, setteling for less inviting dance venues. Havertown Pennsylvania gets a dance make-over as Vai, a contemporary studio, will put social dancing back on top.  Vai Dance is 2,800 sq. ft. of pure entertainment with a 1,200 sq. ft. œno-impact? dance floor.  They offer a full program of private lessons, group classes, dance parties and showcases. Silvana is dedicated to providing you with the latest and trendiest dance styles, movements, and music. Her staff includes: Brian Gallagher, Victor Colon, Stephanie Risser and Teresa & Juan Carlo Figueroa
Things kick off this coming Saturday, Oct 6, with an Open House. It's a free day to experience all that the studio and the staff has to offer, including Ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa, Country 2 Step, Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Ballet, Salsa, Argentine Tango & "Taller de Tango" From 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM there will be mini-workshops, demonstrations, refreshments and an evening dance event that you don't want to miss. The official Kick - Off Dance Jam reves up from 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM. ($14.00 at the door for the Dance Jam)
Silvana has the "It" factor. She has developed a dance style all her own. Hard work and dedication to dancing has made her a winner. Don't miss the opportunity to learn and continue growing as a dancer under the eyes of a world champion.  
Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083
E Mail - ladyhustle@aol.com - http://www.ladyhustle.com - p.610.789.3248 or c.215.815.1219

Virginia State Open

They saved the best for last. As we move into fall, one of the best events for 2007 is just days away. Whether you like to compete, social dance or just have fun, the Virginia State Open has it all. This is one of the last big events for the year. Don't miss it. Some of the biggest names in Swing and Hustle will be attending, Robert & Nicola Royston, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Brian & Silvana Gallagher, Joyce Szili, Ken Roesel, Debbie Ramsey.....just to name a few.   
October 11 -14th, Washington, DC area, at the fabulous Hilton Hotel Dallas Airport, 1-800-Hiltons for the $89 special rate. And best of all its hosted by Barry Durand and Jane Ford. VSO has been a tradition for nearly two decades in the Washington, DC Area.  The event was started by Craig Hutchinson, flavored with a variety of Swing styles. Lindy Hop, West Coast, Shag, Hustle, and Hand Dance have always had a home at VSO. Come in 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 2 huge dance floors with Lindy & West Coast Swing & Hustle, plus the big Lindy Hop competition & Showcase Swing (NASDE) will be Friday night.  Saturday during the day will be ProAm Competition and plenty of workshops.  Saturday night will feature the NASDE division of Classic plus the new $2000 Team Challenge.  The main ballroom will be jamming with West Coast, the lobby with Hustle mix and Lindy on a 3rd dance floor - the Solarium.  Sunday features the finals competition as well as the famous LINDY VS WESTIE INVITATIONAL JACK AND JILL.  It will be a FUN weekend of your favorite hobby - Dance!  NASDE and World Swing Dance Council affiliates. 
West Coast Swing & Hustle Stars invited: Brian & Silvana Gallagher, Robert & Nicola Royston, Michael Kielbasa & Jen DeLuca, Billy Marti,  Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Henry Pulido & Jeanne DeGuyter, Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson,  Keith & Celeste Gussoni,  DJ Louie St. George, Debbie Ramsey Boz, Terry Roseboro, Guyton Mundy - special guest Hip Hop,  Joyce Szili, Billy Marti, George Garcia, Ken Roesel, Chris Joe & Lisa Schaupp, Frank G & Tara Stotz, Kevin Fitzhugh &Tammy Brown, Markus Smith & Deonna Ball, Shawn Martin, Tony Nguyen (Salsa), Debbie Lynn, Sharon Roberts,  Invited Lindy Personalities: Kevin St. Laurent & Emily Hoffberg, Michael Jagger & Evita Arce, Bobby White & Kate Hedin,
Marty Lau & Jen Urich, Jam Cellar Crew,  Yvonne Evrard, Tom Koerner & Debra Sternberg, Gary & Sue Caley, Michael Johnson & Poppy Friskie, Mike Marcotte & Donna Barker,  Charlie Wyler, Jeff Booth & Greta Thorn,  Orion Hall & Colleen Vernon,  Jerry Almonte, Lindy Coord: Jeff Booth
http://barrydurand.com/vso/

Letters to the editor

Hi Ron, 
It was great seeing you and your lovely wife in NY at the Hilton!! 
I just wanted to acknowledge Lori Brizzi for always doing such an outstanding job.  Bringing all of these wonderful and talented people together was quite amazing and she does it with style! Thanks Lori for keeping this beautiful dance alive! 
I danced  a mambo and hustle with George Velazquez and was blown away by his lead.  He is truly an inspiration to all of us!  
Lisa Nunziella
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Hi Ron,
Oh what a terrific birthday party!  I feel honored to be part of this wonderful dance community; this group of people who love to celebrate each other! Thank you all for being there?for the music?for the laughter?for the dance, and for the joy it brought me.  Thank you Tom, Alan, all my friends, and to DJ Mark and Ron Bess who do so much for all of us every week!
Susan Edelstein
>>>>>>>>>

Scam Letter  (be on the look out)

Subject: Lesson Teacher Needed
Glad to tell you that, my son will be coming to the United State for holiday. Will be more than glad if you can have private lessons with him everyday  from 2pm-3pm or your suitable time(1 hour per day from Monday-Friday  for two weeks making a total of ten lessons.If you can make it, kindly get back to me with the cost of  your teaching for two weeks in the dates of October 15th-30th.He will be  coming to your
house for 1 hour each day for two weeks.I have  someone that will always drive him down to your house His name Sam, he is 13 years old. I will want you to calculate 1 hour per  day from Monday-Friday for the whole 2 weeks and get back to me. Looking forward to read from you. Best Regards

Mark James' Dance Zen Site Search

TO RON

SOME DANCE LINKS

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MARK'S CORNER with Links

Webmaster & Sponsored by Mark James

TO MARK