Ron's Dance Talk - The Archives

DanceTalk - The Archives
September 2007

Thank for
Visiting the Archieves of Ron's Dance Talk

Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa

LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE

Click on Flames to Burn on to the -

Hustle Dance Teacher
Directory

Hustle Links & Comps ++
under Hustle Column

Dance Etiquette
& More

Hustle Letters
Reponses

Ron's Archieves

From iTunes & Mark James

Hustle Mix

West Coast Swing Mix

Cha Cha Mix

Salsa Mix

Foxtrots

DanceTalk * 9-25-07

Happy Birthday wishes to Audrey Rigsbee, Sunny Leigh, Natalie Petosa, Susan Fritz, Sue Edelstein, Chris Harding, Dominick Lauriano, Kathi O'Neil and Charlie Paci.

Singer, composer and conductor, Barry White passed away three years ago today. He left us so many classics from the 70's thru the new millennium.

Get well wishes to dance pro Chris Hemmer. He suffered head and neck injures in a car accident. He will undergo surgery this week. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Hold the date, December 9th, Sunday afternoon for the Holiday Spectacular. Donna Boyle and Ron Bess invite you to join them for their special holiday dance event. Lots of surprises at their 15th annual event. More Details next week.

To view photo images from Terri Murphy's birthday dance at Michael's Cafe, visit http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/ courtesy of Fred.

This Saturday evening, the Disco Ball at Zachary's in Long Island. Featuring singing sensation Judy Torres, performing her hits. http://www.zacharysny.com/

Christian minister and author Marty Angelo is scheduled to appear on Daystar Television Networs live program, Celebration,? Thursday, Sept. 27. The show airs 11am?12noon (cdt) and replays the same day at 8 - 9 PM and 12-1AM. The program will also be streamed online 24 hours a day at: http://www.daystar.com Marty has been a major force in the music & dance industry over the last 4 decades. He will discuss his recently released autobiography, Once Life Matters: A New Beginning and his soon to be released new book, Vision of New Jerusalem

Its not to late to join the festive weekend coming up at the Swing Niagara Dance Championships - Sept 27 - 30, 2007 in New York http://www.swingniagara.com

"Feel The Noise" opens in theaters October 5th, a new motion picture produced by Jennifer Lopez and featuring jazz & hip hop dancing.

The Paladium Night Club in Margate Florida, welcomes back DJ Bobby Gerard for a special one night guest appearance on Tuesday Sept. 25th. Bobby recently won top DJ honors at Diane Nardone's World Hustle Championship. Look for DJ Noel Colon to return next week.

New Jersey's hottest Club DJ D-Nice has his hot new pick for the week. The new release by Jennifer Lopez, "Do It Well."

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Soho Dance Studio and Westie Weekend. Read all about them below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Soho Dance

Raul Santiago and Sergia Anderson are electric. One of the hottest new dance commodities. They've captured multiple titles including, 'Hustle Dance Champions' at the New York Hustle Congress and at the 2007 Disco America Dance Championships. Get ready to get turned on to this talented dance team as they present hustle workshops. A true gentlemen on and off the dance floor, Raul and the beautiful Sergia are sharing their skills with hustle dance enthusiasts of all levels. He is the founder and artistic director at the Soho Dance Studio in Manhattan. With knowledge in many styles of dance Raul and Sergia now offer their services in hustle. To be the best you have to study from the best. Invest in a team that has all the attributes to help you grow and improve your dance abilities.
This Saturday, September 29th, hustle workshops.
1:00PM - 2:30PM for Beginner/Intermediate
3:00PM - 4:30PM for Intermediate/Advanced
Learn to dance like the pros. They light up the dance floor at all the competitions, now let them light up your heart, as they teach you the finer points of the hustle.
Call to reserve your spot at 212.226.6767
Soho Dance 598 Broadway NYC 10012 http://www.sohodancestudio.com

2007 Swing Teacher Directory (part 2)

This is part 2 of our first comprehensive list of Swing instructors from all over the USA. Our goal is to provide our readers with the best teachers regardless where you live. Many of these teachers are on staff at the swing and hustle conventions. Be sure to contact them in advance for their schedule and to book private lessons.

Debra Kee
St. Petersburg, FL.
The Dance Designer
http://www.dancedesigner.com
SyncopatedLady@msn.com

Pat Korn
Atlanta, Georgia
Independent teacher, location varies in Atlanta area, primarily NE Atlanta
patkorn@mindspring.com or 404-325-5676

John Lindo
Morristown, NJ
Nash Dancenter, Randolph NJ
973-538-7147
http://www.johnlindo.com

Karen Lupo
Long Island & New York City
WCS, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing,
Hustle, Adagio, NY "2", Salsa + Rhythm & Smooth
dannsirs@yahoo.com
631-72-1319
http://www.ultimatedancezone.com
http://www.myspace.com/1markjames

Carrie Lucas
Newport Beach Ca.
SWINGSET DANCE PRODUCTIONS
(714)296-8061
http://www.carrielucas.com carrielucas@usa.net

Sam & Denise Miller
Dance Arts Inc.
Virginia
http://www.samdenisemiller.com
757.478.5678
Samdenisemiller@cox.net

Dave Moldover
Dance Jam Productions Inc.
Washington, DC 301.330.7708
http://www.dancejamproductions.com

Steve Neeren
NY, NY
Independent phone: 917-747 1055
djwcswing@nyc.rr.com

Erik Novoa
Southern Connecticut / Westchester
SwingShoes Entertainment LLC
917-414-3105
SwingShoes@aol.com
http://www.SwingShoes.net

Lisa "Sparkles" Paternoster
Long Island, NY
Ballroom Legacy/ Rhythms & Soul/ Variations
(516)241-3179...dance@lisasparkles.com
http://www.lisasparkles.com/

Dara Patrusky
New Jersey &Philadelphia areas.
West Coast Swing and East Coast Swing. Private or group lessons
610-955-4610
darapatrusksy@aol.com

Donna Reinhart
Ambler, PA 19002
Swing Connections, Ambler studio -wedding dance, Lindy, east and WCS, ballroom
http://www.swingconnections.com
donna@swingconnections.com
215 542 0463

Donna Roesel
NY & East Brunswick, NJ
Dance Manhattan , 39 W 19th St.
Studio Phone: 212-807-0802 , Alluring Ballroom/Private Lessons
http://www.Danceisbliss.com
donna@danceisbliss.com
201-475-1208

Gail Rundlett
Brighton, MA
Tempo Dance Center “ Studio is in Brighton,
also have classes in Concord & Acton, MA 617-783-5467

gnrundlett@rcn.com
http://www.tempodancecenter.com

Debbie Lynn Tuttle
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Mondays - De Lounge/Paul Kee Restaurant (Wheaton MD)
Tuesdays - Zodiac Grill (Gaithersburg MD)
Sundays - Crown Dancesport & Cultural Center (Merrifield VA)
email - dancewithdebbie@comcast.net
home studio - 240-235.9235 cell - 301.653.9632
http://dcdancenet.com/dancewithdebbie/

Diane J. Weinberg
New Jersey
856-962-8511
dianedancer@snip.net
http://www.movingtomusic.com

WESTIE WEEKEND
The tradition continues, Westie Weekend is just weeks away. Denis Riley and Lee Mansfield are coming to town. They started as dance buddies, which grew into a friendship, dance teammates, dance partners and life partners. They share a home in upstate Newburgh, NY and now, share their love of dance with you. Students of some of the top teachers in the country: John Festa, Diane Lachthrupp, Angel Figueroa and John Lindo, Denis and Lee continue to study but also compete and teach. They are on staff at Strictly Ballroom in Hudson Valley, NY. They believe that dance is a conversation between two partners, and they want to talk with everyone. They've created a thriving WCS community in the Hudson Valley area of upstate New York. This popular team are national level competitors and bring with them the latest and greatest trends in the dance.
Join the fun at Rob and Sheila's Westie Weekend October 12 & 13 and get to know them, learn something new from them, dance with them and enjoy a weekend of West Coast Swing. You'll be glad you did.
One of the most popular weekends to get your West Coast Swing groove is coming back. A Philly / New Jersey tradition returns.
Oct 12, 13, & 14 - The Autumn Westie Weekend featuring Denis Riley & Lee Mansfield. Pre-registered package price of $55 is only being offered until Oct. 5th. You can pay using Paypal. Friday Oct. 12 - includes admission to the dance and a complementary lesson with Denis & Lee - $12 value - Sat afternoon, Oct. 13 - 3 West Coast Swing Workshops 4:00pm - 5:00PM - Dial "C" for Connection 5:15pm - 6:15pm - Keeping it Closed
6:30PM - 7:30pm - Big & Easy Social Patterns
7:30pm - 8:00PM      Pizza Party !!! included with dance
8:00PM - midnight (at least) - Dance, Dance, Dance $12 admission
Individual pricing $69 - BUY THE WEEKEND PACKAGE AND SAVE $14
Sat. only package (does not include Got Swing?)   $45 - save $12

Limited number of private lessons available on Sunday

DanceTalk * 9-18-07

Happy birthday wishes to Gladys Torres, Ester Hohenberger, Brian Fortuna, Steve Winter and Lana Thomas.

Laura Nugent was in a terrible motorcycle accident last month. A popular dancer from NY, she had to have her left leg amputated (above the knee). Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Rescue and Recovery worker, Alex Jack, has been sick from the effects of his work at the World Trade Center during 9/11. He will be having surgery today. We wish him a speedy recovery and are thankful for all he does.

Dancing With The Stars? judges Carrie Ann Inaba & Bruno Tonioli go at it on Dance War, a new ABC prime time show. All types of amateur dancers 18 years of age and older. Dancers may be asked to sing a few bars of a well-known song, acapella. If you are not a singer do not be discouraged. If chosen, vocal training will be provided. Auditions in NY - Sat, Sept 29, 2007 - 8am sharp / all dancers Central Park Wollman Ice Rink, 830 5th Ave. (5th Ave & 60th St) NY 10021

The new Via Dance Studio's Open House has been rescheduled to Oct. 6th. Dance Champion Silvana Gallagher welcomes you. See more details below.

Looking for a DJ? For the complete 2007 Hustle DJ directory, visit http://www.mjames.org/djs.html

Saturday, September 22nd, The North American DanceSport Championships will be aired on the Comcast network. Originally taped in Cherry Hill, NJ this summer. Co hosted by Ashly DelGrosso from Dancing With The Stars. Details below.

CORRECTION: The New York Hustle Congress, Pro Am showcase division.
1 Lawrence Rush & Carmen Sanchez-Cortez
1 Leonardo Medina Jr & Lisa Fiorito
In the Pro-Am Showcase Division there is not a first & second place. Both couples received First Place honors.

Due to space limitations we will post the second installment of the 2007 Swing Dance Directory next week in DanceTalk®.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Annette Alicanti & DonaMarie Portelli presenting Hustle, Latin & WCS dancing at the Crazy Donkey, with DJ Johnny V. Grand Opening Tuesday, September 18th. See all the details below

Make it a great week,
Ron

Hustle/ Latin Nights

As the summer cools down, things are heating up. Tuesdays have a new twist.
Hustle, Latin and WCS under one roof. DonaMarie and Annette join forces to deliver a new, weekly social. It will be the best dance music all night long. It is going to sizzle as hustle, Latin and WCS dancing rules the floor all night under the careful hands of DJ Johnny V. It doesn't get much better then that. Long Islands favorite son, Johnny V, is well known for his music selection. His classic dance mixes at the Starlight Ballroom and IBBG rock the house. He now brings that energy to the Crazy Donkey. DonaMarie is ready to turn it up a notch. She is no stranger to making things happen. DonaMarie will be appearing in the soon to be released motion picture "Enchanted." She is an accomplished teacher, coach, judge and competitor. She was undefeated, for three consecutive years with Mark James in the grand finals at the annual Zachary's Show Dance Competition. Her professional performances include New York Express; Phantom of the Opera Tour, Principal Dancer, Dance Fever, at the Schubert Theater, Ohio Star Ball . Forever Tango at the Schubert Theater and A Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Weber. She has also appeared in other motion pictures including Let It Be Me and Only With You, Unconnected and The Marconi Brothers, Join the grand opening party on Tuesday night, September 18th, at The Crazy Donkey, 1058 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY and there is more...........
Get ready for three weeks of Thursday night dancing at the new Bianco, formerly the Viper Lounge. 573 Nesconset highway in Haugppauge, NY. Latin dancing. That takes place on Sept 25, Oct 4th & 11th.
You don't want to miss the grand opening of the new Tuesday dance night. It all kicks off this Tuesday, September 18th. Easy to get to.
Crazy Donkey, 1058 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY, For Directions Club (631) 753-1975, For Info Annette (347) 386-6932 or DonaMarie (631) 398-8054
Admission is $15 which includes 1 beverage of your choice and a Free Dance lesson each week.

Letters to the Editor

Hi Ron, on Saturday, July 28th, at the World Hustle Dance Championships, Diane Nardone, Director; honored me, Silvana Gallagher, with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" and inducted me into the World Hustle Hall of Fame. For anyone who attended the World Hustle Dance Championships that Saturday night will remember my complete surprise as Diane announced my name. I was left speechless. In one flash of a moment I was overwhelmed with 16 years of memories and could not sort through those thoughts quickly enough to say anything intelligent. So, now, with having had a chance to sort through it all, I now need an entire edition of DanceTalk. When I really, truly, think about who just awarded me, it still surprises me, even 1 month later. 15 years ago I made a striving effort to follow in the foot steps of some of the greatest women in Hustle, the women who inspired me to be the dancer I am today. Footwork, footwork, footwork, I was fascinated by feet (and still am) that I watched everyone's feet. Not just anyone's feet; I wanted interesting feet, who had the footwork. Progressive, in place, syncopated, who had the feet? Well, it became very obvious to me one night, at Shadow's night club in Valley forge. The night I met the New York dancer's for the first time. And all I remember thinking about was "look at the footwork". I didn't realize the potential of the "3, And 1" until that night when I saw Diane Nardone for the first time. She had enough footwork to fill my head for a week. After that night we made regular trips to New York and New Jersey. Two, three, times a week. She helped me achieve an understanding of more is possible. So I went for more and more and more. So, when I truly think about what it means to me to receive this award, this acknowledgment from Diane, you have to put it into true perspective; stop and see it from that young girl who's eyes were star struck by this woman named Diane.
With sincere gratitude,
Silvana Gallagher
.................
Ron-
What a blast! The Hustle Congress rocked. It was a pleasure seeing all the alltimers and the newbies of the hustle. I felt like I was transported back to Roseland. What and incredible feeling. Not to mention getting the opportunity - seeing you again after so many years and.finally matching the faces with the names you mention so many times in your newsletter.
But most of all, catching up with Billy Fajardo, my old mentor and blazing the dance floor with my buddy Hector Berrios.
I can't wait till next year. Many thanks to Lori for a great job and for keeping the hustle alive.
Luis Rivera
.................
Hi Ron, it was great to see George Valasqez get a award for all he has done. I found it quite inspiring myself. I enjoyed the weekend but have come to the conclusion why many of the pros walk around like sourpuss. I know they teach 24/7. Where as many of us do this on a social basis for fun and exercise. Lori is always up beat and I enjoy that. Others, I know this is their full time job. But if you really don't enjoy teaching change your career. You bring the rest of us down.
See ya at Mad Jam next year.
God Bless,
Taylor
.................
Dear Ron,
I wanted to let your reader Greta know that the song Brazil was done by the Ritchie Family, (Not sure of the spelling), as an accountant, I have developed a very good memory and analytical mind that can also get me in to trouble. LOL, actually Ron, I am very shy and grabbed onto dancing as away to meet folks. Now that I am at an age that my college, home, are all paid for, financially I am very sound, I can spend more active time with my social life. Sadly, it was put on hold for a long time. My career has landed me in Raleigh, NC, should any of your readers have a place to Hustle and West Coast Swing dance, I would love to hear about it. I did have the chance to attend two dance events this summer (based on your newsletters recommendations) I appreciate you listing the events and their websites. It made it very helpful for me - being from out of town.Â I look forward to meeting you and attending more events in 2008. Thanks for all you do Ron,
Anna Longo
.................
Dear Ron: I just wanted to thank everyone who made my birthday celebration more spectacular than the last one!!! So many men, so little time....lol. I also wanted to thank Natalie for making me her World Famous Cake. ( It was low in calories too, lol) It's great getting old!!!
Celie
.................
Hey Ron,
Just wanted to comment on the YouTube site of you dancing with your daughter. I was really floored. I don't know if you still dance with her since this was from a couple of years ago but I can't believe what a little star she is. I find it very admirable to see a father/daughter dance team. I don't remember seeing anything like that in the past.
I hope she is still interested and sticks with it
I wanted to tell you that we really enjoyed the New York Salsa and Hustle Congress.
It was a great pleasure to see you and your wife and so many dancers from the 70 and 80's. Can't wait till next year.
Thank you,
Michael Franco

DanceTalk * 9-11-07

Hustle/ Latin Nights

As the summer cools down, things are heating up. Tuesdays have a new twist.
Hustle, Latin and WCS under one roof. DonaMarie and Annette join forces to deliver a new, weekly social. It will be the best dance music all night long. It is going to sizzle as hustle, Latin and WCS dancing rules the floor all night under the careful hands of DJ Johnny V. It doesn't get much better then that. Long Islands favorite son, Johnny V, is well known for his music selection. His classic dance mixes at the Starlight Ballroom and IBBG rock the house. He now brings that energy to the Crazy Donkey. DonaMarie is ready to turn it up a notch. She is no stranger to making things happen. DonaMarie will be appearing in the soon to be released motion picture "Enchanted." She is an accomplished teacher, coach, judge and competitor. She was undefeated, for three consecutive years with Mark James in the grand finals at the annual Zachary's Show Dance Competition. Her professional performances include New York Express; Phantom of the Opera Tour, Principal Dancer, Dance Fever, at the Schubert Theater, Ohio Star Ball . Forever Tango at the Schubert Theater and A Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Weber?. She has also appeared in other motion pictures including Let It Be Me? and Only With You?, Unconnected? and The Marconi Brothers?. Join the grand opening party on Tuesday night, September 18th, at The Crazy Donkey, 1058 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY and there is more...........
Get ready for three weeks of Thursday night dancing at the new Bianco, formerly the Viper Lounge. 573 Nesconset highway in Haugppauge, NY. Latin dancing. That takes place on Sept 20, 27th and Oct 6th.
You don't want to miss the grand opening of the new Tuesday dance night. It all kicks off this Tuesday, September 18th. Easy to get to.
Crazy Donkey, 1058 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY, For Directions Club (631) 753-1975, For Info Annette (347) 386-6932 or DonaMarie (631) 398-8054
Admission is $15 which includes 1 beverage of your choice and a Free Dance lesson each week.

DanceTalk * 9-11-07

Happy Birthday wishes to Sandra Gonzalez, Kat Clark, Celie McVaugh, Valerie Hunt, Sam Clemente and Gladys Torres.

Can't get enough of dancing on TV, well here comes another show, "Dance War." Hosted by DWTS second season winner, Drew Lachey. Bruno Tonioli & Carrie Ann Inaba, will be featured in the six-week series airing later this season. Open auditions will be held this month in New York, Nashville & Los Angeles for amateur performers who can dance & sing. Contestants will work with Tonioli & Inaba to form "the ultimate dance team," with viewers picking the winning group.

Congratulations to Dance Diva, Jami Josephson. She gets married in just two weeks to Mark Chace. Wishing them a life time of happiness. http://www.JAMIANDMARK.com

Your own personal juke box, songs from every era. Visit http://www.tropicalglen.com/YR-1979.html

The hottest brand new dance studio holds an open house Saturday, September 22nd from 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Hosted by proprietor Silvana Gallagher. The Vai Dance Studio, a full service studio offering a full program of privates, classes and dance parties. 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, Pa More details next week in DT.

Photos from the 2007 New York Hustle Congress. Courtesy of Scott Michielli http://share.shutterfly.com/action/whatsnext?a=67b0de21b351466884c1&idx=0

Congratulations to Dominick Lauriano, owner of Web-Sites Unlimited. He's just signed a contract & recently completed the Web-Site for one of the most popular restaurants in New York. http://www.ParkSideRestaurantNY.com Visit his website at http://www.Web-SitesUnlimited.com to see his work & packages. Dance Talk wishes him great success.

Check out below, more of the competition results from this years 2007 New York Hustle Congress hosted by Lori Brizzi.

DJ D-Nice, recommends the dance version of Elliot Yamin's single "Wait For You". This balled hit number one on the charts - now it has a pulsating dance beat.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing City Chicago. The place to be this Halloween. http://www.SwingCityChicago.com

Make it a great week,
Ron
Swing City Chicago

Only six weeks away from the biggest dance this fall. Swing City Chicago, taking place October 26 - 28, at the Westin Lombard Hotel. What a marvelous way to spend Halloween. Featuring an "All-Star Studded Hour" on Saturday night where you get to spend ten minutes with the All-Star of your choice - for just $10. You can have a mini-lesson, a couple of dances, a chat about push breaks. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to 'Athlete's for Hope,' a charitable organization created by a few very successful athletes of exemplary character who have a deep commitment to charitable and community causes. Just added to this years staff is the dancing man himself, Mario Robau, Jr. He will be judging, instructing and Emcee. He'll be joining Jason Barnes & Erica Berg, ranked 5th in 2005 NASDE tour. They will be instructing and judging. Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson, hometown favorites will be instructing. Jason Miklic is ranked in the top 5 nationally in the WCS Showcase Division and will be instructing and judging. Fred & Tina Price, two of the top swing and hustle pros in the country will be teaching, judging and DJing. Nino DiGuillio, home grown dance pro and owner of 'May I Have This Dance' will be instructing.
Jill Popovich will be instructing but don't miss her morning Pilates at Swing City Chicago it will get you in the mood. Douglas Rousar will be instructing and bringing back his legendary 'workshop for competitors'. Beverly Solazzo will be teaching you the Shag along with her partner Randy Sloan. Bill Cameron, US Open Swing dance champion, will be judging and emcee. Mike Topel, nationally ranked teacher will be the Cheif Judge. Other judges include Cher Peadon, Dawn Bagley and Richard Cooper. To keep you dancing all day and night the Deejay line up includes,
Fred Price, April Prince, Matt Cotherman, Carpio Robles and Glenn Miller
As you can see, this is a weekend you don't want to miss. It will be a spooky good time. Plan to attend now. For registration and all the details visit the website at http://www.SwingCityChicago.com

2007 Swing Teacher Directory (part 1 of 2)

This is our first comprehensive list of Swing instructors from all over the USA.
We hope to build on this each year and provide our readers with the best teachers from their own back yard. Many of these teachers are on staff at the swing conventions. Be sure to contact them in advance for their schedule and for booking private lessons. This is part 1 or 2. Next week - the rest of the best.

Bill Cameron
Willington Ct
Tuesdays in Alrington Ma http://www.danceboston.com
billcameron@dancepros.net
http://www.dancepros.net

Carl Charles
Southern Florida
East Coast Swing
754) 422-0953 -
Cell(413) 294-5427 -
http://www.carlcharles.com

Maria Cirino
Syracuse, NY
Tawn Marie's Dance Centre and Celebrations Dance Center
mcirino@twcny.rr.com or 315-436-3521

Melody Lynn Cochran
Woodland Hills, California (San Fernando Valley)
Braemar Country Club - east & west coast swing,
Adancindiva@aol.com
(818) 395-1120
http://www.MelodyCochran.com

Michele DeRosa & Jerry Siebe
West Palm Beach/ South Florida
http://www.DTYDpros.com
561/248-1455.

Barry Durand
Rockville, MD
Rendezvous Dance Club
durand5678@aol.com 301-468-2582
http://www.dance911.com  http://www.barrydurand.com

Carol Feldman
New Jersey
CJFDanceWorks
609-841-9083
Hillbilly Hall Hopewell-Wertsville Road Hopewell NJ 08525
Prospectors Saloon - Route38 & Ark Road Mt Laurel NJ 08054

Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann
California
http://www.jordantatianaswing.com/
Jordancer98@aol.com

Susan Fritz
Flushing and Manhattan
Independent teacher
(I rent space at Stepping Out to teach privates.)
917.447.6414
http://www.susankayfritz.com

Silvana Gallagher
Philadelphia, Pa
Vai Dance Studio
801 West Chester Pike
Havertown, PA 19083
ladyhustle@aol.com
http://www.ladyhustle.com
215.815.1219

Mark James
Long Island & New York City
WCS, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing,
Hustle, Adagio, NY "2", Salsa + Rhythm & Smooth
dannsirs@yahoo.com
516-835-9996
http://www.ultimatedancezone.com
http://www.myspace.com/1markjames

Gary Jobst / Csilla Madocsai
Irvine, CA (SoCal)(Orange County)
Club One Studio in Costa Mesa, CA - Also - Hacienda Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
GaryJobst@aol.com - SlinkyDancer@aol.com
949-230-4036
http://www.garyjobst.com

NY Hustle Congress (more results)

Thanks to all who attended this year's New York Hustle Congress. There were so many wonderful dancers and people who came out to make this year's event better than ever. People's reaction was that the place was lite up and the feeling was as if we were little kids again on a holiday morning. There was definitely excitement in the air and on the dance floor. There were many of us who haven't seen in each other in years so it was quite a reunion! There were many new faces as well so it is great to see our community expanding. A special thanks to Lisa Nunziella, 1st year's recipient of the David Melendez Inspiration award and this year's recipient, George Velazquez, who now lives in Atlanta. Both Lisa and George's partner Robin flew all the way from California to dance for and with us. Thanks Ron for the special introduction for George, a positive and bright spirit who is a true inspiration to us all. There were people in attendance from all over the country. I had a fabulous staff this year so I am happy you found this year's workshops informative and enjoyable. Thanks to my staff for all of your dedication, hard work, excellence and expertise. Besides all of the social dancing, the increased options for competitive dances turned out to be fun. Thanks to all the teachers for your support and congratulations to all the competitors, great job! Below are your results. As so many of you have said to me, can't wait to see you all again next year!
Sincerely,
Lori Brizzi

PRO-AM HUSTLE NOV LADIES FINALS
1 Donna DeSimone & Lori Saladino Awarded
2 George Garcia & Roscel Garcia Awarded
3 Wajih Dalal & Adelyn Hu Awarded

PRO-AM HUSTLE NOVICE MENS
1 Joseph Badgeley & Donna DeSimone Awarded
2 James Delli-Sauti & Wendy Dalal Awarded
3 HartleyC aulfield & Katie Marlow Awarded

PRO.AM HUSTLE INT LADIES FINALS
1 Luis Rosa & Gisela Rubenstein Awarded
2 Tybaldt Urlich & Sammy Shecter Awarded
3 Wajih Dalal & Elizabeth McGee Awarded

PRO.AM HUSTLE INT MENS
1 James Delli-Sauti & Wendy Dalal Awarded
2 John Ciecka & Silvana Gallagher Awarded
3 Scott Michielli & Silvana Gallagher Awarded

AMATEUR JUST HUSTLE- NOVICE
1 James Delti -Sauti & Nancy Chou Awarded
2 Mark Russomano & Sammy Shecter Awarded
3 Joseph Badgeley & Lori Saladino Awarded

AMATEUR JUST HUSTLE. INTERMEDIATE
1 Brian Schwartz & Nina Marlonova Awarded
2 John Ciecka & Mary Keegan Awarded
3 Kevin Chen & Audrey Yang Awarded

AMATEUR JUST HUSTLE- ADVANCED
1 Jesse Castaneda & Erica Smith Awarded
2 Robert Lawrence & Rosetta Varuola Awarded
3 Steven Shaughnessy & Kathryn Johanessen Awarded

PROFESSIONAL JUST HUSTLE
1 Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson Awarded
2 Wajih Dalal & Wendy Dalal Awarded
4 John Merisier & Diane Nardone Awarded

PROFESSIONAL JUST SALSA
1 Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson Awarded
2 Roberto Pagan & Joelle DePalo Awarded
3 John Merisier & Diane Nardone Awarded

PROFESSIONAL TRI DANCE.A.THON
1 Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson Awarded
2 Billy Fajardo & Sharon Hallis Awarded
3 Roberto Pagan & Joelle DePalo Awarded

PROFESSIONAL THEATER ARTS
1 Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson Awarded
2 Jose Bolivar & Susan Fritz Awarded
3 Jose Salano & Alesandra Molinaro Awarded

PROFESSIONAL CABARET
1 Lucas Jaime & Yanna Samkovo Awarded
2 Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson Awarded

PRO-AM HUSTLE ADV LADIES
1 Roberto Pagan & Erica Smith Awarded
2 Wingo Hom & Rosetta Varuola Awarded
3 Steve Neeren & Sammy Shecter Awarded

PRO-AM HUSTLE ADV MENS
1 Robert Lawrence & Donna Desimone Awarded
2 Jesse Castaneda & Donna Boyle Awarded
3 Steven Shaughnessy & Donna Desimone Awarded

PRO-AM CLASSIC HUSTLE
1 Brian Gallagher & Danielle Odhner Awarded
2 Lawrence Rush & Carmen Sanchez-Cortez Awarded

PRO AM SHOWCASE - Both couples received First Place honors
1 Lawrence Rush & Carmen Sanchez-Cortez Awarded
1 Leonardo Medina Jr & Lisa Fiorito Awarded

NY SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS
1 Kelvin Hernandez & Licellott Maldnado Awarded
2 Luis Aguilar & Anya Katsevman Awarded
3 John Rodriguez & Johana Vasguez Awarded

AMATEUR HUSTLE JACK AND JILL NOV
1 Hartley Caulfield & Linda Marcus Awarded
2 Stephen Barton & Adelyn Hu Awarded
3 Ali Mozzayanpour & Janet Lynn Cooley Awarded

AMATEUR HUSTLE JACK AND JILL INT
1 Philip Spinka & Mary Keegan Awarded
2 John Cieka & Linda Santana Awarded
3 Brian Schwartz & Adelyn Hu Awarded

AMATEUR HUSTLE JACK AND JILL ADV
1 Kevin Chen & Kathryn Johanessen Awarded
2 Steven Shaughnessy & Elizabeth McGee Awarded
3 Jesse Castaneda & Kathi Breen Awarded

PROFESSIONAL HUSTLE JACK AND JILL
1 Tariq Brown & Andrianna Kourdi Awarded
2 Billy Marti & Donna Boyle Awarded
3 George Garcia & Susan Fritz Awarded

DanceTalk * 9-3-07

Happy Birthday wishes to Jose' Gonzales, Rita Dowd, Nan Bohrar, Gloria Gaynor, Amy Lefkowitz, Joe Kernan, Rich Klinger, Patty Kozel, Miriam Sanchez and Marc Nelson.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Noel Colon and his family on the sad loss of his loving mother. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. For funeral arrangements please visit http://www.ILOVELUCYROSA.COM

Condolences to Drew Axelrod. A family member passed away in Chicago this weekend. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Congratulations to Dara Patrusky she just became engaged to Ross Donilow.

Swing into Halloween at Swing City Chicago taking place October 26th to 28th. A thrilling dance weekend held at the Westin Lombard in Chicago. See all the details below. http://www.swingcitychicago.com

New artistic images of Elizabeth Craner and Stanley's birthday celebrations at Michael' Cafe, courtesy of Fred. http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/
and photos by Scott Michielli at: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/slideshow?a=67b0de21b350d29f2500&auto=0&idx=24&m=1&d=1188273185291

Choreographer, performer and judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance', Dan Karaty, has a new movie coming out that he choreographed called "Music and Lyrics." Dan first got noticed on Broadway in Footloose then danced with Britney Spears.

9th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest November 16-18, 2007 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre San Francisco. Tickets are on sale now at cityboxoffice.com 415.392.4400, http://www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

Stay tuned, next week in DanceTalk we present our first edition of the
2007 Swing Teacher Dance Directory. The finest instructors in Swing from all over the country.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing Niagara Dance Championships - Sept 27-30, 2007 in New York, featuring Angel & Debbie Figueroa, Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann, John Lindo and more...see all the details below. http://www.swingniagara.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

NY Hustle Congress - Results

It was a weekend where virtually all the superstars of the hustle, from yesterday and today, danced the night away at the New York Hustle Congress. So many dance alumni packed the room. There were representatives from the class of 1972 right up to the current grads. Many of the early, I'm talking cavemen & women, pioneers of dance came out for the festivities. And guess what, they can still light up the dance floor. This years third annual Congress was dedicated to the late David Melendez. Lori Brizzi welcomed a great turnout to the city that never sleeps. Roberto Pagan's Dance troop performed, George Velazquez knocked them out with a ballero and was the recipient of the David Melendez Spirit Award, a Circle of Love dance where dancers get to pick their favorite pros to dance and the donations go to the Children's Cancer Fund. Raul Santiago and Sergia Anderson won the Professional Hustle/Theater arts title - Lucas Jaime & Yanna Sankova won the Professional Cabaret. Lisa Nunziella returned to the big apple and burned up the floor. Wow, she is ageless. On hand to dance were: Chuck Fetta, Robin Amante, Mia, George Velazquez, Glen Miller, Louis Del Prete, Donna Boyle, Lisa Nunziella, Billy Marti, Louis Rivera, Dave Moldover, Miquel Marrero, Leo Madena, Derrick Allen, Gail Bloom, DJ Dennis, Donna DeSimone, Luis & Maryann Rosa, Steve Neeren, Roberto Pagan, Brian & Silvana Gallagher, Bobby Morales, Johnny O Ortiz, Jonathan Laub, Wingo Hom, Angela McCabe, Robert Vance, Susan Fritz, Jose Bolivar, Raul Santiago, Sergia Anderson, Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow, Erik Novoa, Gregory Harrison, Tony Meredith, Ron Rochester, Lucas Jaime, Bill Cameron, Dara Patrusky, Judy Van Dyke, David Sarul, Elizabeth Darchi, Stephanie Risser, Jose Solano, Kenny Arditi, DonaMarie Portelli, Louie Orlando, John Merisier, Diane Nardone, Roma Moon, Yvette Rivera, Keith Harrison, Joyce Szili, Nelson "Paradise" Roman, George Garcia, Lawrence Rush, Tiffany Brown, Cody Melin, Maria Torres, Lisa Paternoster, Mariann Gonzales, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Mark James, Karen Lupo, Wendy & Wajih Dalal, Lisa Ciao, Tariq Brown, Erica Smith, Randy Atlas, George Azpura. We will post more of the results next week. Congratulations to all the winners. I had a blast. Lori, we can't wait till next year.

Dancing With The Stars...line up

The fifth season of DWTS returns with new stars and a few new professional partners.

1. Marie Osmond, Singer and member of '70s showbiz family the Osmonds. She will be dancing with Jonathan Roberts
2. Wayne Newton, "Mr. Las Vegas", the senior citizen on this seasons show. He will partner with two time DWTS champion Cheryl Burke
3. Melanie Brown, Scary Spice from the power singing group the Spice Girls She will be teaming up with the popular Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
4. Mark Cuban, Billionaire, flamboyant owner of the Dallas Mavericks Basketball team. He will be leading the talented Kym Johnson
5. Jennie Garth, Kelly Taylor on 'Beverly Hills, 90210'. Dancing with Derek Hough, look out this young man is awesome. (the brother of last years winner Julianne)
6. Cameron Mathison, Soapstar, plays Ryan Lavery on 'All My Children'
He will be dancing with Edyta Sliwinska, a regular every season on the show.
7. Jane Seymour, a Bond girl and TV's 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'
She will be dancing with Tony Dovolani, US pro American Rhythm champion.
8. Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather, Jr., Boxing champ and record label owner will be leading the beautiful Karina Smirnoff, former US Pro Latin Champion.
9. Josie Maran, Supermodel and actress will be dancing with the winner of the first season of DWTS, Alec Mazo.
10. Helio Castroneves, Two-time Indianapolis 500 race car champion. Dancing with last years winner the young, gorgeous and just to cute Julianne Hough
11. Sabrina Bryan, Pop singer from the teen group "The Cheetah Girls". She will be partnering with Mark Ballas
12. Albert Reed, Abercrombie & Fitch model a real hunk ladies. He will be dancing with Anna Trebunskaya

Letters to the Editor

Ron, I attended the finals at the contest at the Winner's Circle.
You have got to be kidding me! Although I agree that the couple you say won first place were good, I would have put them second, with Dorothy and the Scarecrow taking first. I don't pretend to understand the criteria that they judge the contestants, but my choices would have been different. I guess the couple that came in second was the first couple to dance; is that right? I mean, they were good, but the "Oz" couple blew me away with their incredible foot work and timing. What do I know? I wonder about the judges' decisions, you know, if they play favorites or if they know some of the contestants.
................................................................................

Dear Ron,
Happy birthday to Mary Poma Rosa,
I am sorry I can't attend the Salsa - Hustle Congres this coming week. My aunt has taken ill and I wount be able to make the trip. I do have two questions as I read Dancetalk every week and enjoy it immensely. Do you know who sung the song - Brazil, an early disco song from around 1976? Also I don't see Jerise and Jaime listed at the competitions? They are from NJ, do they still compete? Thank you and happy Labor Day,
Greta,
..................................................................................................

Hello, hope your summer is going well. We just got back from a safari in Kenya, Africa. We landed in Nairobi and stayed our first night at the Karen Blixen residence and guest homes which is where they filmed "Out of Africa" with Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. From there we went to an animal reserve where we were able to feed giraffes by hand. The next day we flew to the coast to the city of Mombassa and stayed at the resort called Serena Mombassa. We enjoyed the coastal areas and went charter fishing in the ocean, whereupon most of us got seasick in the 8 foot swells and didn't catch anything to brag about. However, Trish did not get sick and helped captain the boat. One of the highlights was finding a really great nightclub
called Tembo which played a great mix of 80's and Latin music. Besides the
tourists, and locals, there were some Masaai warriors out for local clubbing in their traditional attire. So we showed them some hustle and salsa and west coast swing while they danced to their groove...........
Randy Atlas

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