A Happy and Healthy New Year's to all our Jewish readers.

We welcome the season of autumn. Now is the time to Fall into the world of dance.
Please check out all the new listing for weekly and monthly socials. Dancing brings people together for a symbiotic - engaging experience that is like no other. As dancers we all know, "the rest of the world just doesn't get it." I'm putting the final touches on an editorial that will answer the question, "Can I actually meet someone at the clubs or at the social dance?" This is a lingering question that has haunted many men and ladies. I think your enjoy hearing some results.
A special birthday wish goes out to the lady, I met in a club, many moons ago. Happy Birthday to Wendy Bess.

Birthday wishes go out to Susan Babon.

He had some of the more memorable, ground breaking videos in the 80's. Robert Palmer was a great innovator and wonderful musician. Popular songs like "Addicted to Love" and "Simply Irresistible" made him an MTV icon. He died of a heart attack at the young age of 54. Donald O'connor was a true song and dance man. He performed on broadway and on the silver screen. "Make Em Laugh" and his unforgettable performance in "Singin In the Rain." He leaves us at the age of 78.

Our condolences to Celeste Pfefferle. Urban J. Pfefferle, her father, passed away last Monday. He was very active and would have turned 80 years old this week. We send our sympathy to Celeste, Keith Gussoni and their families.

Musician extrordianire, Vince Montana Jr. leaves for Paris next week on a promotional tour for his new CD "Heavy Vibes." He'll be attending the grand opening celebrations of "One Way Records" then is off for a concert in Milan, Italy. He'll be performing many of his classics plus renditions of Disco Inferno, Bus Stop Jam, Heavy Vibes.... Vince was the mastermind behind the Salsoul Orchestra and MFSB.

Florida rocks on Sunday nights to DJ Legend Bobby Gerard. Check out his live broadcast on Bobby Gerard's Dance Classics Radio Show, Sunday evenings from 8 to 9PM on WAXY 790 in South Florida... now going 3 months strong. Bobby is the host DJ at Paladium Nightclub in Margate, Florida, staff DJ at the World Hustle Cruise and was formerly at the Limelight Discotheque. Sponsors and advertisers are currently being sought for future shows...please contact Bobby at 954-629-7155.

We send our Condolences to Nancy Price and her family. Nancy's father passed away last weekend in Tulsa. We send our sympathy to Nancy and her family during these most difficult times.

These last few weeks we have seen many friends, family and celebrities pass on, much too soon. This is a reminder to us all - embrace life, share a dance and don't take one day for granit.

Make it a great week.
Ron

DanceTalk * 9-16-03

Happy birthday wishes to Ester Hohenberger and Brian Fortuna.
We would also like to send a special, blessed birthday wish to Gladys Torres.
We wish her a speedy recovery. She has been a great inspiration to us all.

Congratulations to Jami Josephson, the artistic director for "Latin Madness."
The theatrical show is an exciting blend of comedy and dance (with 25 great Salsa dancers) with world renowned musical director, Jose Maderaan. Latin Madness will run from Oct.16th to Nov. 2nd at the elegant Hostos Center for Arts and Culture (450 Grand Concourse, Bx, NY).  Advance ticket prices are $45 and $40. For info. visit www.latin-madness.com/    It's an exciting show with a great Hustle number in it.

Check out the Grand opening of The Sahara Club, (formally Cyberia) on Thursday, September 18th. The new club will cater to a 30's + age group. The music will combine various dance styles. Located at  1815 Broadhollow Rd Farmingdale, NY 11735-1700  (631) 756-8430

Tickets are now available for Hooked On Hustle.  You can order on line,  reduced fee, or see organizer Shannon Johnson this Tuesday at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa. www.hookedonhustle.com

Pop artist, Kristine W, emerged onto the international music scene in the late ’90s with hit songs like "One More Try",  "Land of The Living" "Some Lovin’" and "Stronger," all topping the Billboard music charts.  On Oct. 21, 2003, Kristine W makes a triumphant return (after battling Leukemia) with appropriately titled CD,
FLY AGAIN, on Tommy Boy Records.

Long after his death, Van McCoy's music is still alive and vibrant. This fall marks the beginning of many tributes to this fallen star. See all the details below.

The newest monthly dance social is hosted by Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik, " Platinum WCS & Hustle Parties," taking place at the Empire Dance Studios in NY.
See all the details below.  www.swingshoes.net

Next week's edition of DanceTalk will include the second installment of,
Tips on dance etiquette, courtesy of Bill Poulter.

Make it a great week.
Ron

Happy birthday wishes to Patty Kozel, Kat Clark and Joe Kerner. We invite everyone out to Michael's Cafe, in Bensalem Pa, on Tuesday evening to help them celebrate.

On 9-11-2003, please wear red, white & blue. Show your support for those who lost their lives on 9~11~01 and to honor the heroes who worked to save them and the families left behind. God Bless the USA

David Padilla hosts an evening of Salsa & Hustle dancing every Saturday night starting Sept 13th at Esquelita in NYC. See all the details below.

"The Dating Story" seen on channel TLC will be filming an episode at "La Luna" dance studio in Bensalem Pa, on September 15th. The couple being filmed will be taking a salsa lesson as part of their date. Way to go Sonia

Check out Carlos Cardona's website for photos from Summer Hummer 2003
The New York Swing Dance Server (http://www.nyswingdance.com).
Hi-resolution files of the photos are available for purchase (via email).

Halloween in Harrisburg returns for the seventeenth annual country dance festival Oct. 23-27th. This is the biggest Halloween dance event around. See all the details below.

Coming soon... The Second Annual Dancers Choice Awards. You pick the best of the best (DJ's, best lead dancer, best follower, best dance team, teachers, etc.) This is a peer to peer recognition award. Last year we had over 300 votes cast. We're going to do it again. Stay tuned.

Your going to love this. With some aggressive prodding, I was able to gain some insight, on dance floor etiquette. Bill Poulter has written a well thought out view on sharing the dance floor and ways to go home unscaved from injures (which can occur on the social dance floor). Thanks to Bill for his directness and wonderful sense of humor.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Dance Floor Etiquette (Part 1)

Here is the first of a 2 part comprehensive list of tips to utilize on the "crowded" dance floor. Special thanks to seasoned pro, Bill Poulter. With years of competitive dancing and teaching under his belt, Bill was kind enough to share his perspective on how to make the entire dance engagement an enjoyable one for both the leader and follower....oh yea, and for those around you.
Enjoy, RB

I'm writing in response to a number of requests I've had (usually, from "abused" followers) to address the issue of dancefloor etiquette and floorcraft in the social dance setting. I don't think there's one of us who doesn't know that feeling of coming home from a night at the local dance club feeling like a human pinball machine, having been bounced from one end of the floor to the other by every Tom, Dick & Harriet who, totally oblivious to the fact there is anyone else on the floor, was out to show the whole club their new "cross-body lead with quadruple somersault to inside roll and full gainer with a half-twist to a layout", which they'd just learned as the move of the week at the local dance! Hey followers, tell me if this sounds familiar------you finally get up the nerve to ask that really good leader for a dance and he a) proceeds to quiz you on your level of experience and expertise for 3 minutes or until the song is over, whichever comes first, b) after you've told him you're a beginner and asked him to go easy with you, he proceeds to turn and twist you into a pretzel in the very first move, following that up by unleashing his entire repertoire of "moves of the week" (and oh, aren't you impressed with him?!), c) gives you an unsolicited private lesson in the middle of the dance floor, telling you everything you did wrong* (*don't tell him, but it's probably the result of a faulty lead!), when all you wanted was a pleasant 3-minute experience, or d) all of the above! Finally, and this one goes both ways----it's one thing to be scanning the floor looking for potential collision risks; it's another entirely to dance with someone whose eyes are staring up at the ceiling (usually accompanied by gum-crackling)! or worse yet, they're looking around for their next partner (or just to check out how many people are noticing how wonderful a dancer they are)! Likewise, followers, I've had my share of finger-pokes in the eye from some woefully errant arm-styling, been tripped up and kicked by some of the most beautifully executed, though ill-advised ronde's and sweeps, and had to remind my share of partners that they were dancing with me, not their image in the mirror.

For those that have asked, and in the hopes that some of these people described above (and yes, they ARE out there!) may read this and see themselves, here is a list of some tips on general dance floorcraft and etiquette. I hope some might find them helpful:
1) TEACHING ON THE DANCE FLOOR -- one word says it all ---- DON'T!
There is a time and place for teaching, and it IS NOT in the middle of a social dance floor----even when requested! Our role as a social dance partner is to make each dance an enjoyable 3-minute relationship. It is SOCIAL DANCING----you're not out there to prove how wonderful you are, how great you look, or how much better you are than them. To offer unsolicited advice is just plain rude and unacceptable behavior. On the other hand, if advice is asked for, take the person to a more remote spot away from the floor and walk/talk them through the move. On a side note, if you can't talk them through it, you don't understand it well enough to teach it.

(Stay tuned for Part 2 of this insightful look at Dance Floor Etiquette, authored by Bill Poulter)

Mail Bag (responses regarding letter from 9-02-03)

I agree totally with Karen Pomager about today's R&B being mostly too fast for Hustle dancing. It also lacks the melodic variation of classic disco, which makes it more interesting to listen to while you dance. I don't think you can make kids understand this, though, they are set on being different from their parents! It’s how they establish an identity, by being “NOT THAT”, rejecting what their parents liked. Only grandparents have much hope in getting kids interested in what they liked (notice the Swing Music revival after the death of Rock)....
Carlos C.

.......I agree with Karen regarding the dance skill and speed of the music - there is a very definite correlation. The more skilled the dancer, the more they can dance to faster music. I've been dancing hustle for about 4 years and I can't handle faster music unless I'm dancing with a very skilled leader and the dance floor isn't crowded.... faster music produces sloppier dancing in those who aren't as skilled (me included). It's much harder to maintain good form and positioning when the music is fast. Take an entire dance floor of people doing this and it can get pretty scarey out there. A few weeks ago someone danced into me and broke the strap on my shoe. It was an accident, of course, but it could have been avoided if that dancer was just a little more cognizant and considerate of those around him.......
S.H.

.....I'm not sure who Karen is but to cut to the chase, if you want to encourage young people to get into hustle dancing your gonna have to play their music. 70's music is great but in the eyes of the youth that is for old timers. In your letter ron you have listed some great new music that works great for hustle dancing. Most competent djs can slow the beat down if it is too fast... new music is the way to go...think about it.. what 25 year old wants to dance to Boogie wonder land?
Bob T.

Hi Ron,
I'd like to respond to the issue of new music vs old music.... Everyone has to find that style and tempo of music which fits their individual tastes as far as the dance is concerned. When it comes to the music, neither one is right or wrong, it's strictly a matter of preference. As I progressed in my dancing I discovered a greater appreciation for the older more moderate tempo music. Some of this music, however, lacks some of the drive that seems to pull you up to the dance floor but the same can be said for some of the contemporary music as well. I happen to like both for different reasons. The one thing that I do like about some of the older music is the tempo because it really gives the woman an opportunity to execute properly and make her look good. Isn't that what this dance is all about, making the woman look good? .........When it comes to DJ's I have to disagree with Karen when she says that we don't have a real DJ in the Philadelphia area. In my opinion, Mark who DJ's at Micheal's on Tuesday nights, does a terrific job of blending the old and new music. I would put him in the category of a Bobby Morales or Roman, but like the music, tastes in DJ's is also subjective.
Scott M.

......As one of the few Philadelphia DJ's STILL "out there" I am highly insulted by her remarks. Does she think that guys like Bobby & Nelson, or even a "shlub" like me, can make a decent living by playing music to closed minds like her? How dare she presume to know S*** about music or its use in a nightclub. My guess here is that she's one of those "dancers" we in the club business dread seeing.....all water, no money and wants to be treated like royalty. As for this "non-real DJ in the Phila. area", she can kiss my a**.
OK, now I feel better.
Keep up the good work,
Best regards,
Michael G.

DanceTalk * 9-2-03

Summer as zoomed by ... its time to return to school buses, teachers, crossing guards and a change in the season. The weather feels like it has already turned to fall. Next week I'll begin to list many new events right up till New Years. It's never to early to start planning.

Check out Erik Novoa's website. He has posted some wonderful pictures from this years Summer Hummer 2003. The pictures include competition, social and even the pool party. Congratulations to organizer Bill Cameron. Erik's photos are also available for purchase. www.swingshoes.net

The new Louie DeVito CD is now in stores. "Ultra Dance 04." Many popular dance songs are included by various artists like Deborah Cox, Galleon, BT, Becky Baeling.

A great time was had by all that attended Hustle Beach Day II in Atlantic City, NJ on Sunday 8/24, in front of the Hilton Hotel/Casino. The weather & food were great as was the dancing on the beach which really entertained the crowd. Scott Michielli took top honors in the Jack & Jill contest.

Please note, Mark James monthly social has been changed from October 4th to the 11th. See all the details below.

"Burn The Floor" returns to Atlantic City, NJ for a limited engagement. October 3-5, 2003 at the Trump Plaza Hotel/Casino on the Boardwalk.

Starting October 2nd & every Thursday to follow at the VFW Hall of Washington Twp 639 Jefferson Ave, (Bergen County) NJ. Diane Nardone teaches beginner (7:30) & Intermediate (8:30) Hustle Classes with a 9:30 Social mixer to follow. Visit web www.dkndance.com for more details & directions please call Diane at 201 666 6224

VH1 is developing a new show, "Behind the Song." The new series is aimed to uncover and dispel any rumors about famous songs. One of the first episodes will dig into the popular dance song by Chic , "Le Freak" and reveal the origin of the song, the dance and the impact it had on the night life.

Next week, a special feature on dance floor etiquette (everything you need to know)
A great, poignant perspective from a Philly dance professional.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Spotlight
"Cerrone"

I sat intensely, strategically positioned, in front of the family TV, watching the weekly Saturday morning dance show, "Dick Clarks American Bandstand."
The year was 1977. The studio audience on the Bandstand set went into a frenzy. It wasn't a Hitchcock flick but a new superstar from France, making his US debut. At first I didn't understand it. It was reminiscent of the fab four that descended here in the sixties. This new artist had a different sound and style.
This was Cerrone.
" The trick’ to the fresh new sound was my reputation as a drummer: A kick drum, high in the mix, was to serve in his entire career and to this date," states Jean Marc Cerrone.
Cerrone was not anticipating such a reaction from the American public when "Love in C Minor" hit the East coast in a monumental fashion. At the time, we danced to a pop sound, mixed with vocals which lacked the full sound of a symphony. Cerrone took on Manhattan, playing in NY’s Studio 54 and other trendy venues, he introduced his "sexy wet vocals, funk influenced brass and Barry White type strings"....all combined made "Love in C Minor" the beginning of Cerrone's strong musical outfit. For years, we danced to his nonstop music. It intrigues me today, looking back, to understand that Cerrone, a French euro-disco wizard, was greatly influenced by one of America's shining stars, Barry White. The late great White made great use of a full orchestra in his elegant music, AKA as The Love Unlimited Orchestra.
Cerrone's music captivated us. "The music was created to dance too." The jackets to his albums were ingenious, sexy and typical of his European flair. He was beyond the bleeding edge, even today, his album covers would still be considered "racy" -- twenty-five years beyond their birth. For the next five years this euro-disco sound, drove the dance community as did other symphonic artists - I.E., Vince Montana Jr, Alec R. Constindinos, Boris Midney, John Davis & the Monster Orchestra, El Coco...
Cerrone enlightened us with SuperNature, Love In C Minor, Cerrone's Paradise, Give Me Love, Love Is Here......
Born in Paris, in 1952, Cerrone together with Giorgio Moroder are recognized as Europe's biggest contributors to the Disco-Sound. By the time he reached the young age of 18 he had already become the Orchestra - Leader at the Club Mediterranee. When he was 20, he had a very lucrative contract with the French producer Barclay. Here, in the US, he achieved his biggest success in the international Single-Charts with the release of "Super Nature." in July of 1978. He sold more than 10 Million records until 1979.
Like others, Cerrone felt a change in the music as the mid eighties slid in. The fashion and mood in the US was shifting again. Disco had been on a high for almost six years. "Music is first and foremost one that is to be happy and lend to dancing," reflects Cerrone. "When the change of music occurred in the mid eighties to be replaced with the birth of the lost or famed American youngsters to perform in a complacent and/or plaintiff/groaning rock (rhythm bass and electric guitar) influenced fashion (announcing Rock/Grunge and RAP), the taste for disco, i.e. joy and harmony, sensual body language and taking things ‘lightly’ had been replaced with the younger generations wish to express graver matters associated to the country's political spoilings and glorification's. The sound was no longer in demand as, Art is always, a reflection of society," explains Cerrone.
Today, Cerrone is back. After eight years of silence, he has released a new album "Hysteria." His influence on other artists is wide spread and is easy to see in the many samplings of his work. To date, more then 100 artists have made use of his music in theirs. Cerrone samples have been used by such American artists as Lionel Ritchie, Pink, RAP and groups like Kool G Rap and others. His music didn't go away.

Stay Tuned for Part 2, of my interview with Cerrone, the French euro-disco Wiz, as we prepare you for his new endeavors. Cerrone is back and returns in 2003 to the forefront. ( this interview was conducted via a translator)

Letter to the Editor
(regarding letters printed on 8/26/03)

First, Ryan: Ryan, stated that he has been dancing for one year, and feels that people his age (under 30) would be interested in hustle if DJs played more current music. Then, Jeff: Jeff wrote that "current music should be adapted to today's hustle."
1. You can go anywhere and listen to top 40. If this is what you want to hear, please sit in your car in the parking lot, and turn on the radio. How often can you hear the beautiful, 1978-era music that is played by only a few DJs in this country?
2. The club music of today to which you are referring is a nice addition to classic hustle music, but in case you haven't noticed, it runs about 130-140 BPM (beats per minute), and is difficult to dance to for an entire evening. Ryan, whether you realize it or not, with only a year of dancing under your belt, be mindful of your partners before requesting those Amber songs. Many a rotator cuff has been torn by novice dancers on club music. Enough said-- girls will know what I am talking about!
3. Finally, if you are still doubtful about the value of classic or "old" music to hustle dancing, please talk to (a) a real DJ like Nelson or Bobby; or, since we don't have a real DJ in the Philadelphia area <sadly> (b) a vinyl enthusiast such as esteemed editor Ron Bess, or my dear pal Frank from North Jersey. Personally, I credit all of the above for really keeping great music-- new and old-- alive in the hearts of true, die hard dancers.
Karen Pomager,
President of DanceTalk Fanclub-- Philadelphia Chapter
PS- My best wishes to Gladys Torres and family.

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