Ron's Dance Talk - The Archives

DanceTalk - The Archives
September 2002

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DanceTalk 9-23-2002

Belated birthday wishes to the big cat, Kat Clark.
Happy birthday to Natalie Petosa and Sue Edelstein.

Good luck to all those couples competing this weekend at Hustle USA. Don't miss all the pre and post parties, listed below.

Five time Grammy award winner, Donna Summer has signed a deal with Random House books to write a "tell all" book. Her biography is expected out next year. "There's more mystery to her life than people realize."

Please note, the new Hustle cruse web site is up. Visit www.hustlecruise.com for all the details. See more details below.

Dancing Poll (we need your input)
With the overwhelming responses I received for the 2002 DanceTalk Emmy's, some great ideas were raised. Please consider the following questions and respond to me at Rowenlb22@aol.com
I will print the results in a future issue of DanceTalk

1) What is your all time favorite dance oriented movie?
2) What are your three favorite classic dance songs?
3) What is/was your all time favorite club to dance at?
Thanks for taking the time to respond. Your name and address will not be shared or published.

Make it a great week.
Ron

Great article by DEBORAH SCHOENEMAN,
Maybe this is the start of a positive trend?
There are seven giant new dance clubs about to pump up the volume of New York's night life in the coming months.

September 19, 2002, -- BREAK out the dancing shoes - discos are coming back. In the next few months, so many cavernous clubs are opening it's practically "Saturday Night Fever" all over again. Between now and February, seven new dance emporiums are debuting below 28th Street. Club impresarios - mainly from outside New York - are betting a ton of money there's a ripe market for the re-incarnation of Studio 54, though you probably won't find Bianca Jagger - or even Jade - swinging from the rafters. Since the famed party headquarters fizzled, the disco scene has been anything but exclusive. At this time last year, small clubs like Pangaea, Butter and Go opened downtown - and all are still packed a year later. So why - with the weakened economy and the wake of the terrorist attacks - are there so many upcoming new venues that hold more than 1,000 people or more? Even party entrepreneurs are scratching their heads. "I think it's definitely surprising that so many are opening," says nightclub and restaurant publicist Ron Berkowitz. "Especially considering what we saw last year." Michael Ault, owner of downtown's 350-person successful lounge Pangaea, says "I think it's a very tough time to open a big club." During the past two decades, Ault was involved with most of the city's giant nightclubs, from Studio 54 to Chaos, but now he prefers packing a small house. "I wouldn't touch a big nightclub with a ten-foot pole," he adds. One reason so many cavernous clubs are opening is that many went out of business after Sept. 11 - like Limelight and Ohm, which are about to re-open after extensive renovations. Others delayed their openings last year, banking on a better economy this year. And some properties were scooped up for bargain prices. Midtown's Exit II, which opened last year with a $4 million DJ booth for celebrity resident DJ Junior Vasquez, has been raking in cash from crowds of 18-and-older bridge-and-tunnelers. They've already booked superstar Paul Oakenfeld for their New Year's Eve bash. Jason Strauss, a co-owner of Chelsea's popular Suite 16, says there's room for more clubs like Exit II. "There haven't been a lot of places to go dancing," says Strauss. "There's such a need for the big clubs that dominated a few years ago."

"Letter to the Editor"

In response to your ongoing topic of the more experienced dancer being respectful to the less advanced people who would love to learn more by dancing with the best. I recently had an experience that was most rewarding. In a recent Jack and Jill competition on Long Island, there was one man short and they asked a more advanced dancer to join in just to fill in the gap. After random rotation, I had the pleasure of dancing with on of the greatest dancers of all times Mr. Derrick Allen. At first I was very intimidated, but after a few steps he encouraged me to do my best and to just enjoy myself and have fun. This was by far the most rewarding dance I have ever had with an experienced dancer. Not only did I treasure the opportunity (it was like dancing on air) but he later encouraged me even more by telling me to "keep dancing." This is what continues to make me want to learn more. Thank you "Derrick" for your kind words and encouragement.
By the way we came in 2nd Place! It made me feel great....
(Anonymity was requested)

DanceTalk 9-17-2002

Happy New Year to our Jewish friends.
This Tuesday we are heading to Michael's on Street Road in Bensalem, Pa. for a night of Hustle / WCS / Salsa, DJ Mark is back and will be spinning music from the 70's to current dance. I hope to see you on the dance floor.

ABBA, Chic and The Dells have been nominated to The 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Artists are eligible when 25 years have passed since their first recording. The inductees will be announced later this year.

The 9Th annual Billboard Magazine Dance Music Summit takes place in Manhattan from Sept. 30 - Oct. 2nd. Confirmed artists on the panel include: Vince Montana Jr., Yoko Ono,
Jody Watley, GrandMaster Flash, Claudja Barry, Candi Staton and Tom Moulton.

Happy birthday wishes to Gladys Torres and Philadelphia's Esther.

Make it a great week.
Ron
The Hottest "New" Dance Music
Kylie Minogue - Love at first sight
Who Da Funk - Shiny Disco Balls
Gloria Gaynor - I Never Knew
Whitney Houston - Whatchalookinat
Amber - The need to be naked
Lasgo - Something
Christina Aguilera - Dirrty
Widelife - Don't want U

"Retro"
In 1976, one year before the release of Saturday Night Fever, the disco sound was still evolving. The music was fusing funk and soul. The Billboard "Hot Soul Singles" reflects mostly American performers at the time. In the years to come, the DJ's would import European dance music which would have a major impact on Disco. Extended instrumentals and the melodic orchestral tracks were on the horizon.
Twenty-six years ago, these were the top 10 songs played in the USA.

1) Shake Your Booty - K.C. & The Sunshine Band
2) Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
3) Getaway - Earth, Wind & Fire
4) Get the Funk out Ma Face - Brothers Johnson
5) Give it up - Tyrone Davis
6) Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
7) Just to be close to you - Commodores
8) You should be dancing - Bee Gees
9) Only you Babe - Curtis Mayfield
10) Harvest for the world - Isley Brothers

"Letters to the editor"
(We welcome all letters. Send them to Rowenlb22@aol.com)

When competitive dancers are in a club, they should realize that it is a social environment. In my mind, dance etiquette in a social environment does not allow one to say no to a beginning dancer for any reasons other than coarse behavior or inebriation. To say no because one is preparing for a competition is (to me) a thinly veiled excuse for being a dance snob. Competitive dancers were beginners at one time and should remember that. I believe it is everyone's responsibility, but especially the more experienced dancers, to demonstrate the best manners possible as dictated by proper dance etiquette. If competitive dancers want to practice, rent some floor time in a dance studio. The other benefit to bringing along beginning dancers is that the dance community might get larger. We all know that there is strength in numbers, and we may just reap the benefits such as more accommodating management and DJ's in dance clubs.
I was shocked and amazed to learn that people bring their own drinks (bottled water) into clubs. I always thought club management didn't care for the hustle crowd because we didn't drink alcohol, but it seems they don't care for us because some of us are cheap and rude. Can't blame them for that.
Thanks for allowing me to respond.
(Anonymity was requested)

DanceTalk 9-9-2002

This week marks the one year anniversary of the attack on the USA.
A time to reflect back on these tragedies. Our society and way of life have been altered. I will be traveling to Las Vegas this week. I'll think about it again and again before the flight, comforted in knowing that in some small way I am making a statement, that life goes on. We must never forget all those heroes lost.
Make it a great week.
Ron

Happy birthday to Patty Kozel!

Contest results
The finals for the "Millennium 2002 Dance Contest" took place at Ballroom on Fifth Dance Studio this past week.
Judges for the "Just hustle" finals were Derrick Allen, Elizabeth Darchi, Tony Giordano, Bobbie Petri and Robert Vance. In the "Just salsa" finals, Bobbie Petri, Robert Vance, and Ron Rosario.
The "Just hustle" winners were 1st place - Tiffany Brown & Rob Finocchio
2nd - Armando Sanchez & Robert Ortiz
3rd - Keith Harrison & Susan Duffy
"Just Salsa" winners were 1st place - Jason Myra & Annette Borres
2nd - Florenzio Suares & Anne Schager
3rd - David Padilla & Jesus Candelario
Congratulations to all the winners and to the organizers: Lori Brizzi, Bernard Martinez, Roma Moon, Dancesport and Stepping Out.

"From my Mail Bag"
(I encourage your letters, including opposing points of view, please send to Rowenlb22@aol.com, (anonymously if you prefer).

Radio station 103.5 FM did a nice thing for our Hustle Community (Florida) by holding a big contest. In the process their legal department weighed in with a few essentials about holding fair contests - be it dance or talent, etc. Judging must be "impartial." The station gathered information that made them take steps to assure the contestants it was going to be fair in the end. "Questionable" judges would get "removed," if not sooner, certainly by the Finals. Some people understood the radio stations moves, some did not. Dancers, please don't confound skills as a dancer, an instructor, or an Event Organizer with the rare ability to "judge" fairly. Contrary to what one thinks, it is not easy to even detach oneself from one's buddies. Relationships such as teacher/student also can weaken the position of judgeship. Mega 103.5 had concerns that the contest results would get challenged under its own rules. There had been people judging linked in some way or another to contestants, and do to the stations own FCC concerns about fair practices, Mega's promotions department deferred to their legal department.
Subsequently Mega 103.5 FM had the Finals judged by "no" Hustle Community
members! This appeared to benefit the winners the most, as they had become
winners with no ties to the judges' panel. All hustle competitions need to be
impartial. Any existing "Buddy System" should be tweaked to assure integrity
in the Hustle Community at large. The West Coast Swing Community has some
very forthright judges; and we could greatly benefit by those examples.
Down here there were some renewed hostilities that occurred over the judging issues. I feel it's always best to bury the hatchet. Though not easy, I have never regretted the times I buried the hatchet. Let go and move on is the best policy!
Merrily wishing the Hustle Community at large to be a place,
"Where The Happy People Go."
All The Best, Marc Fisherrs Mail 104K(Hustle & Swing Music Producer, and DJ Goldcoast Ballroom in South Florida).

"Editorial"
Letter from the editor: Ron Bess

Where have all the Dance shows gone?
Back in the 70's & 80's, we were bombarded with high energy (weekly) television dance shows.
*Dick Clark had his famous American Bandstand, *Ed Hurst hosted his TV show from the famous Steel Pier in Atlantic City, *Marty Angelo had the first dance show dedicated to disco music and hustle dancing, *Don Kirshner's Rock Concert had dance segments featuring the Dance Dimensions, *Don Cornelius still has the long running Soul Train, *The Soap Factory, *Soul Alive, *Disco 77 and *Dance Fever had the entire family glued to the TV.
These shows drove dancing to a new stratosphere.
Today, these shows have run their course. Even cable channel TNN (which featured country dancing) has changed to a non-dance format. Public Broadcasting, PBS couldn't raise the viewer funding to air the annual Ballroom Championships.
MTV use to shoot from NY's Palladium and gave the club dance party TRU a shot. Cindy Margolis debuted a dance show from Florida but it had less then a half life.
Has dancing or it's "image" really lost interest and popularity in the USA?
Where have all the dance shows gone?
It would appear to be the perfect time for a new show to emerge. A substantial percentage of today's dance music has a beat which is conducive for WCS, Hustle & Salsa. The right producer could create a dance show featuring a variety of social dancers performing to the music of today. This would require the knowledge of an experienced leader in the business, willing to step up to the plate.
Please visit Marty Angelo's web site. With his past history and experience, he would be an ideal candidate to bring this social art form back to life.
Please visit his web site: http://www.discostepbystep.com/

DanceTalk 9-2-2002

Brush off your dancing shoes, take some crash course lessons, "Star Search" is coming back. With the overwhelming success of Fox's "American Idol," CBS is reviving the old Ed McMahon hosted show.

*Congratulations to Noel and Carmen Colon, the grand prize winners of the Mega Radio stations (103.5 FM) $5,000.00 Hustle Dance Contest in Florida. Hats off to Clear Channel for sponsoring this event.*

Happy birthday to Joe Kernan and Raye Avery.
With all the rain this weekend if you didn't get your dance fix, come out to Michael's Cafe in Bensalem, Tuesday, as we say good-bye to summer.

The music buzz -- three divas are all releasing fall records. Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey.

Check out "Spotlight." Of all the styles of dance, Hustle dancing tends to get little credit. Please read this issues "spotlight." This guy broke out of the mold.

Check out the pictures from Summer Hummer, Erik Novoa has posted them on his site. Please write to Erik for purchasing procedures. The Pictures from Summer Hummer are finally online and available for viewing. http://public.fotki.com/Swingshoes/dance/events/summer-hummer2002/
There are about 550 pictures to look at including: Novice, Intermediate Advanced, ChampionOff Broadway, Cabaret, Performance, Club Challenge The Pool Party Missy Harvey’s Birthday to order write to (Swingshoes@aol.com)

Hope you had a great holiday weekend.
Ron

From the Mail Bag (put on your crash helmet)
A professional dancer wrote

#1 How do we attract the younger dancers? Well, working at ......., where the music is 150 mph, I can answer.
Seems like whenever I go to a "disco" event, they play classics, but then they slow it down to a crawl. Let's not forget that hustle is the street dance of ballroom. It's made up of all the other standardized dances. Hustle is supposed to be unpredictable, exciting. Duh. It's up to the "established" dancers to keep up with the young kids. We can do what we do to their music, just a little quicker. I'm sorry, maybe we're getting....what's the word...OLD. Where's originality, spontinaty, and just plain old fashioned fun?
#2: The social dancers vs. competition dancers: Competition dancers are professional for the most part and you know what, if you want to dance with me, buy me. After years and years, I've socialized enough. I learned from driving 3 hours to Alexis, standing against a wall for 2 hours, then getting in my car and driving home. Please, if you really want to learn and get better, WATCH. If you like what you see, try it. If the move works, it works. If it doesn't, you'll be doing it in your own original way, which makes it a brand new move. That's the way it works, that's the way it has always worked, and that's the way it will continue to work.
Ok, I feel better now.

"Spotlight"
Hector Berrios
It's been said, the ultimate goal in life is to get paid to do what you love.
Many dancers, over the years, have left their mark on the hustle. Some of yesterdays greats branched off in various directions. Some have conquered multiple careers.
Hector Berrios did all the above. He took his street dancing to a competitive level then bumped it up a notch to performer. At the top of his game he made a lateral move and ended up playing professional Baseball. Not bad for a guy from the South Bronx.
Literally dancing in the streets and at the youth centers, Hector, as a teenager developed his crafts. Once he came upon the Manhattan club dancers (a more polished style) he was inspired to climb to new levels. After witnessing his first contest he was hooked and motivated to be the best. He began dancing with Debbie Benitiz (sister of world renown producer Jelly Bean Benitiz). Together they began performing with the legendary Latin Symbolics. The Symbolics, under the guidance of George Vascone, picked only the finest dancers. Hector quickly befriended fellow Symbolics Eddie Vega and Lourdes Jones.
As the disco era took stride, Hector was compelled to compete and put his talents to the test. Joining forces with Jacqueline Cruz, they became an incredible hustle team. They took first place at The Boys Club competition defeating Eddie and Lourdes. The judges at the competition were none other then the Disco Dance Dimensions (Billy Fajardo, Sandra Rivera, Frank "Perico" Reyes, Debbie Ferro).
So impressed with Hector & Jacqueline's style and showmanship, they were invited to join the dance troop. The Dance Dimensions would grow to three dance teams.
Jacqueline and Hector would continue to compete (winning first place on the televised show "Soul Alive") but would turn their attention exclusively to the dance company. The troop went on to perform all over the US and abroad. They landed a three year deal with the nationally televised show "Don Kirshner's Rock concert." Each week they would showcase a routine for the millions of viewers at home. The dance troop was booked at the Chateau Madrid when Latin Superstar Tito Pointe came to observe. So impressed with their performance he booked the troop to appear with his Orchestra at Madison Square Garden.
The dance dimensions would soon lose CO-leader Perico and on board came Eddie and Lourdes. The shows and concerts kept coming. But a defining time had come! Many members of the troop, were at a turning point in their lives. Hector wanted to pursue his high school dream. It was time to take his Baseball skills to the next level, college. "Unintentionally, this would pull apart the core and nucleus of this seasoned dance troop." The Dance Dimensions would go on but with new faces.
Hector was recruited to play ball at Oklahoma University. After college he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants but signed with the Kansas City Royals. He played for two years but experienced a minor set back with an arm injury. In 1987 he went to spring try outs with the Detroit Tigers and joined the club for four years.
While playing professional ball, he would still find time to frequent night clubs as he began to focus on Salsa dancing while in Puerto Rico.
In 1992 he retired from Baseball. As quickly as he removed his uniform he was slipping back on his dance shoes. Along with Debbie Benitiz he would perform in the acclaimed motion picture, "Carlitos Way," with Al Pacino and many other area dancers. He followed this up by assisting with the choreography for the movie, "The Cowboy Way."
Long time friend Nelly Cotto, approached Hector and brought him along to perform for a large Salsa concert with Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, and the late Tito Pointe. With his vast knowledge of lifts, tricks and adagio, Hector helped pioneer the use of these skills into Salsa.
Today, Hector is happily married to Claudia Vavela and they have three beautiful daughters. He returned to Baseball in 1997, with the Tigers, but is now with the Toronto Blue Jays, in a coaching roll. It has always been his goal to help and give proper instruction to the younger players. Since Hector is bilingual his communication skills have helped him train and develop new players. But, dancing will always be a big part of his life. He currently partners with Stracy Diaz. Together they perform a hustle routine with "Descarga Latina."
Gratefully for all the opportunities he has had, Hector remembers those days dancing at the "serious dance clubs - The Inferno, Boombamacoa, Latin Times and performing with Liza Minelli and Robert Merrill."
It is rare to see such a talented individual excel in two different skills. Hector looks forward to working with kids and teaching them the fundamentals and mechanics of Baseball. This is one dancer that can still hit one out of the park. I'm sure he's glad the Baseball strike was averted.

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