DanceTalk - The Archives
August 2008
Thank for
Visiting the Archives of Ron's Dance Talk
Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa
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DanceTalk * 9-29-08
- 
Happy Rosh Hashanah. In observance of the Jewish holiday we
are sending DanceTalk out early. Next week we'll resume to our regular
time slot. La Shana Tovah.
Happy birthday wishes to Kathi O'Neill,
Charlie Paci, Wendy Bess, Barb Maroney, Jerise Massone, Susan
Babon, Barbara Almo, Chris Donfrio and Karol Holmes.
We wish Fran Richman a fast recovery. We
look forward to seeing her back out on the dance floor soon.
Check out the newest website for hustle dance pioneer David
Padilla's. For photos and his dance schedule. visit
http://www.uhustlesalsa.com
10th Anniversary San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest,
November 21-23, at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street,
San Francisco, Two Entirely Different Performance Programs 22 Companies
From Around The Globe. http://www.cityboxoffice.com
Interested in joining a hustle team? Just Hustle DC
Dance Team, are forming. New teams in two
locations, Maryland (Rendezvous in Rockville on Sundays)
& Virginia. In Maryland on Sundays with
place & time TBA. If you are interested please email Joyce
Szilli ASAP at Joycedancr@aol.com You must be an
Intermediate dancer to join.
You've seen him on Dancing With The Stars now Brian Fortuna appears on
the United Kingdon's version, "Strictly Come
Dancing". Here is a clip from the practice sessions.
http://www.theblueroom.me.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22375
High Five to Margie Gillis she won
the $50,000 Walter Carsen Prize for excellence in the
performing Arts. Born in Montreal
this dancer/choreographer is best known for her solo
work, but has achieved great reviews for her
choreography.
Oct 9th, Thursday evening is the Grand Opening of a new weekly
classic dance party at Cafe Remy (formerly
"T.J. Bentley's), in Brooklyn NY. DJ Johnny V
will be spinning hustle, salsa, cha
cha, WCS. Don't miss this special inaugural party.
See more details below.
Top Dance picks from DJ Fancy are,
Disturbia by Rhianna, Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson, American
Boy by Estelle, Single by New Kids, Green
Light by John Legend and
Faded by Cascada.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Tampa
Bay Swing Classic visit the webstie at,
http://www.tampabayclassic.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
"Spotlight"
Tony Marolda
They say, if you can make it in New York, you can
make it anywhere. Well, that's exactly what this young
man set out to achieve. When just 16 years old, while
living at boarding school, Tony Marolda accompanied
his brother to some ballroom competitions. Growing up in
Queens, New York, Tony's brother was actively competing in the
junior division when Tony got the desire to compete and "go
for his own trophies." His cousin Ginny was a dance
instructor at the George Connelly Dance studio. The owner of
the studio approached Tony to partner with an
advanced student for an upcoming competition. Although
Tony was a novice, he was always up for a
challenge. "I learned six routines and off we went to
Connecticut," explains Tony. "There were 24 couples and we came in
4th". His drive and confidence would be seen through out all
of his ventures in the field of dance. In addition to
ballroom, Tony began to study jazz. He had the inclination to ask a
fellow student to practice with him. The new
partnership, with Donna, clicked. At the end of that year,
they competed and won the
Junior National Ballroom Championships. With quick success,
Tony continued to dance with Donna for the
next couple of years until her admission to nursing
school eclipsed dancing. As a competitor Tony
befriended dancers from other studios including the highly
regarded, Joe Mehegan Dance Center. "There was a girl dancing
there in the Novice Pro/Am competition named Susan", recalls
Tony, "you could see that she was a natural
talent". He began dancing with Susan
and the chemistry was electric. They had
similar dance goals in addition
to visually complimenting one another on the
dance floor. Tony, with his machismo and powerful
interpretation complimenting Susan, with her
contagious smile, not to mention she was strikingly
beautiful. Tony had already conquered the hustle
under the accomplished eyes of Ralph Lew. With a background in music,
(he had won a scholarship), Tony was able to
synergize the music with his dancing. Applying a hard
work ethic towards his dancing he went from ordinary to
extraordinary. Tony & Susan were now ready to take on
the world. All along, Tony's brother was actively competing,
along with his "wife to be", and won the 1977 Harvest
Moon Ball in New York City. As amateurs Tony &
Susan would compete and capture the most prestigious crowns
including the USBC National Amateur Ballroom Championships and
the US National Hustle Championships. Then in 1978
they would follow in his brothers dance steps and
win The All Around title at the famous Harvest Moon
Ball. This was a special achievement as they
became the first dance team in the
rich 50 year history of the Harvest Moon
Ball to win 5 Preliminaries - Four Ballroom dances and
the Hustle Competition. In 1979 they were
invited to return to the Harvest Moon Ball for a special
competition, "The Battle of The Champions," competing against
many of the previous winners. Tony and Susan once
again prevailed. Understanding
the value of constantly learning and improving, Tony &
Susan knew it would be advantageous to explore
training from Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau in theatre
Arts. Pierre also took the young couple to train under John
Roudis, "between the two of them we learned so much that we
won The Blackpool Exhibition Division in 1980," shares Tony.
With these championship titles under their belts the door
started knocking and the phone wouldn't stop ringing.
"We received invitations for the next few years to do shows
throughout Europe: Germany, Holland, Belgium and England,"
recalls Tony. As the disco fever heated up so did Tony
& Susan. Their popularity and success led
them to dance on National French TV after winning a Hustle contest at
Regine's in NYC. Another huge win
was the national televised "Phil Gary's Disco
contest." By this time, Tony & Susan
Maroolda had mastered the choreography of
their incredible hustle/theater arts routine.
This flawless number was created by Tony and
featured their signature moves. Susan had a "Vegas
- style" fire red sequin body suit that blazed, setting a
new fashion trend in dance. Viewers
were spell bound by this complete package -
they had the look. Tony's ingenuity and powerful
expression set them apart from other couples. After
winning the hearts of television producers and audiences at
home, Tony & Susan were invited to Brazil to
dance on National Brazilian TV and to judge the Brazilian
Disco Championships. "That was a real blast, shares Tony, "...the
contestants would stop our car in the streets and make us dance right
there". The opportunities didn't stop coming. While in
Blackpool, England, the couple was approached by a
cute little woman that had
observed them perform and invited them
to do a show in Indonesia. Sure
enough, one month later they received a
call that airline tickets were in the mail. They did a week of
shows in Indonesia and judged the Indonesia Disco
Championships. The opportunities kept coming including
performances on popular TV shows like "Soul Alive" and the
"Soap Factory". They then won a
special competition at Regine's Discotheque, in NYC,
to appear on the initial taping of the new Merv
Griffin production, a show nobody quite heard of yet
called "Dance Fever".
Staying in the spotlight kept them busy doing shows all over the
country. Then it was time to move on as these world
champions would retire their partnership after a
final performance at the UCBC's. Along the
way they had stacked up many home runs. Together, Tony
& Susan operated their own dance studio for
10 years - called TJ's Dance Center. In 1980
Tony produced his own Dance Competition called "The American Star
Ball". A restless Tony was still anxious to keep
dancing. While coaching in Nashville at David Elkin's studio.
Tony was out for a drink at a Country Dance Club when
he was amazed to see so many young people waiting to get in
to dance the Two-step. Once back
home, he took a Two-step lesson with his friend
Sharon. They were encourage to compete and
do Division 4 at a country dance weekend in the
Catskills. They had to do 5 dances
- Polka, Cha-cha, Waltz, Two-step and Swing. "We
watched what they were doing on the floor on Friday night and went in
the back and put 4 quick routines together," recalls Tony. Neither one
of them had ever competed in Polka - 2 Step before. After
dancing each dance multiple times, Tony
& Sharon Leigh took 2nd place out of a competitive
field of 20 couples. "A girl from a Ballroom Studio heard this
and came running up to the stage and said,'Tony is
that you, I never thought I would see you in a Cowboy
Hat and Boots", explains Tony. " I turned to Sharon and said, That's
it, I'm changing my name". At the next event, they signed up
as Anthony Lee & Sharon Leigh. It was a cute play on
words which seemed innocent since they hadn't planned
on doing much more together. Little did they anticipate that
the following year they would win The Country
World Grand Championships and ultimately go on
to the Master Division winning several
Master Competitions including the Worlds Master Waltz
competition.
For the past 15 years Tony has been producing The Big Apple
Dance Festival which takes place each year in mid
July. He has also been directing The Country World
Championships for the last 6 years and the World
Swing Invitational Championship. He has been the recipient of
three Hall of Fame awards: World Hustle Hall of
Fame, World Country Hall of Fame and the Hustle Hall
Of Fame - Life Time Division . "It takes Two to Two-step and I
owe these accomplishments to my partners as well", a humble Tony
shares. " I have been able to win World and National Titles in
four different genre's of dance: Ballroom, Hustle, Theatre
Arts and Country. I have been very lucky and
fortunate to have talented, wonderful and great dance partners
in my life. Besides Donna, Susan and Sharon I have also
performed routines with Debbie Monk, Resa Henderson, Sarah
Fenn Tye, Diane Nardone and Lynn Heyden."
Tony has always had a deep rooted connection with dance. He
has taught, performed, competed, coached, choreographed and continues
to produce his own events. With a great sense of humor and the
ability to create on the fly, he has been an instrumental leader at
many of the events. "Dancing has been a great joy and sense of
accomplishment in my life, but for all of it nothing compares to one
day with best two people in my life, my son Anthony and my
daughter Nicole. I could not be more proud of them and it is they who
make my life worthwhile. Thanks guys".
The curiosity factor and the challenge is what drew Tony into the world
of dance. He didn't realize at the time that he would spend
the majority of his life involved in this visual art. He has
inspired and touched many people throughout the various fields
of dance. He continues to push the envelope and we
anticipate more great things to come. Tony says it
best."... I am grateful for all the friends I have made
throughout the World and hopefully somewhere along the
way some hearts were touched ... because people will sooner -
later forget who won - lost but they will always remember who made them
feel something. To this end... I dedicate all of this to my
greatest fan ... my Mother Rose."
DanceTalk * 9-23-08
-
Happy birthday wishes to Renee
Dorsa, Harvey Maroney, Sunny Leigh, Natalie
Patrusia, Susan Kay Fritz, Susan
Edelstein, Chris Harding, Dominick Lauriano
and Joy Glass.
"Dancing With the Stars" kicks off the
new season tonight. There are 13 new stars including
2 gold Olympians and a 82 year old singer. Swing Pro Lacey
Schwimmer joins the staff. She shined on SYTYCD. She
will partner with Lance Bass. Tune in to ABC
television, 8PM EST, it's Live.
Check out this incredible video of dance diva, Lisa
Nunziella, featuring a montage of some of her films, videos,
Vegas shows, stills and performances with various dancers
including Eddie Vega and Dino Georgio. A true show stopper. Click
Here
November 14 & 15, is Westie Weekend
featuring the versatile Jason Colacino. A
weekend of Got Swing?, workshops, social, private
lessons and more with this seasoned West Coast Swing
veteran. Hold the dates, more details coming soon.
Looking for a dance partner? Do you want to compete? How
about for social dancing? Check out this new website,
for hustle dance partners. Go to Click
Here
Riveras Cafe, the new home for
Hustle & Salsa in the Great Neck,
L.I. shopping center, near Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx
& LI. Free parking or the LIRR station is
steps away. Great music & amazing food,
dancing every Friday & Saturday. This
Saturday, Sept. 27 dance from 9:30pm - 3am to the music
of DJ Bobby Morales. Admission is 1/2
price that night, ONLY $5. Added bonus, the first 50
paid entrants receive a free BM mixed CD &
entry into a raffle (basket of cheer).
More info contact Riveras (516)
466-6380 or riverasfusion.com
Save the date, October 9, for the new salsa social hosted by Star Seguinot, at
"Ballroom on High" in Pottstown, Pa. Don't miss the premier, see
details below.
Check out the photos from Donna's birthday and the youngest new
dancer at the Palladium.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare
Uc=w6779eq.cfcl9fmu&Uy=-wqpszj&Ux=1&UV=617519621851_54189588713
The Stars Ball 2008, hosted by nonprofit
organization Little Smiles, allows children suffering from illness
to be the stars November 8th, at the Independence
Visitor's Center. The ceremony, black tie optional, models
itself after the Oscars, but the award recipients are local
children - kids of all ages who are battling cancer
& other diseases. From 7pm to
midnight, a full blown gala, awards
ceremony, silent auction, food, music, open bar, dancing, and
much more. Tickets are $100. Call Beth Grandizio at (267)
235-6486.
Next week, DanceTalk does an up close,
"spotlight" feature on an incredible dancer that won dance
championships in four different styles of dance. Stay
tuned.
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing City
Chicago, taking place Halloween weekend, visit Click
Here Read all about it below.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Swing City Chicago
Considered one of the friendliest events bar none, Swing City Chicago
returns for a frightful weekend from October 31st to November 2nd at
the Westin Lombard hotel, in Chicago. There's no better place
in the fall then the windy city. There are hours of general dancing,
workshops for all skill levels - for beginners to the
experienced dancer, an All Star Hour for charity, the DJ Challenge,
competitions, costume contest for Halloween plus lots more.
This is the perfect spot for the Halloween weekend, Join the
talented staff of teachers, judges and DJs. Including: Mario
Robau, Jr. • John Lindo •
Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson •
Jason Barnes & Erica Berg • Jason Miklic
& Sophy Kdep • Nino
DiGuillio • Jill Popovich •
Douglas Rousar • Beverly Solazzo, Bill
Cameron • Jennifer Jeffries, Mike
Topel, Cher Peadon •
Dawn Bagley • Richard Cooper •
Yvonne Antonacci and DeeJays: Fred Price • April
Prince • Matt Cotherman •
Carpio Robles • Beth Bellamy.
In addition, there will be a professional show/exhibition,
a Friday night pizza party and Saturday evening,
the late night buffet. Last year the Halloween party
brought out the strangest (and the kindest) of characters.
The overall winner was Ken Paton, who dressed as a homeless
man for the Halloween party. Swing City Chicago along
with the attendees raised over $1200 for the Autism
Society of Illinois last fall.
This year there will be lots of competitions going on. Swing City
Chicago is a member of the World Swing Dance council
and points will be given. In the Jack and Jill divisions
there will be comps for novice, intermediate, advanced, All Stars and
masters. There are also competitions in Strictly Swing and
Pro/Ams Strictly Swing.
Come and join a great event with the superstars of Swing in Chicago.
For more information and registration visit the website a t: Click
Here
The Discotheque - dis-k-tek
The name comes from the French, referring to a library for
music, but in the USA it took on a new
meaning.
The early days of "disco," started in the mid 1960's,
years before the "Saturday Night Fever" explosion. Mirror
balls, strobe lights and hustle dancing would
follow years later. Dance clubs began to pop up in major
cities across the states. Many entrepreneurs
replicated the format successfully
developed in France. "La Discothèque", in
Paris opened in 1941.
The Copacabana opened in 1940, in NYC, spear
heading the venue for bands, singers,
comedians and dancing. The new "discotheque" was
different from the traditional American night club, instead of being
entertained by live music, you were the star. Some
of the early night clubs initially had bands but converted to
disc jockeys spinning vinyl records. One of the
first discotheques to open in the mid 1960's was "Le
Jardin", located in the Diplomat Hotel, in Manhattan.
At the time it was the premier
club creating the blue print for future
clubs like "Studio 54". The design and format at "Le
Jardin", became a viable business model that future
discotheques would imitate. Another early discotheque
to open was "Arthur Disco" which appeared in
May of 1965 in NYC. That same year, in Chicago the "Whiskey a Go Go"
promoted their club as a 'discotheque spa'.
The following year, in New York the ever
popular "Electric Circus" discotheque opened on St.
Mark’s Place. Many hotels and fine restaurants retro - fitted
discotheques right into their existing
establishments. In the late 60's, on 62nd street in NYC, the
"Hippopotomus" opened. It lasted for years surviving the ups
and downs of the dance era. On the West coast, in 1973, "Pips"
in Los Angeles, California debuted to a trendy
audience. It was an elegant disco where you had to be
hand selected by a scrutinizing door man to gain
entrance. In Washington, DC, "Tramps" was the oldest and most
successful disco to appear. With time, this successful
concept became part of a franchise. "Studio One"
featured a dance floor the size of a football field. This
unique club, located in Los Angeles, opened in 1974. In New
Orleans, a very popular disco opened in the early 70's - "The
Civic Theater Disco". In Bay Ridge Brooklyn, a
famous spot caught everyone's eye, "Odyssey 2001". It
became the setting for the motion picture "Saturday Night
Fever". With the success of SNF and the popularity
of the music and dancing, clubs started popping up everywhere.
"Zorine's" in Chicago, Illinois, a French up scale disco that
welcomed in celebrities. "Penrods" in Atlanta,
Georgia, "Dillons" in Los Angeles with four floors of dancing,
" 'Elan" in Houston, Texas which was exclusively for members
only, "Fran O'Brien's and "The Library", in
Philadelphia, located in the center of the ultra chic media
district. Singer/actor Paul Anka opened his lavish 3 million
dollar "Jubilation" disco in Las Vegas, equipped with medal detectors
as patrons entered. The urban clubs created a
fascination and curiosity hook at their popular discotheques.
Some catered to the rich and famous, inviting popular
stars and athletes to attend, creating a buzz among
club goers. Many discos developed strict policies which were
limited to members only. Before you knew it, long
lines began to form as the demand to get into these popular dance
clubs grew. Some membership
fees could range from $100 dollars to thousands and some
instituted age requirements.....in select cases, a
minimum age of 25 to enter.
Back in NYC, "Infinity" the first neon disco, opened at 633 Broadway,
which cashed in on the popularity of other glitzy
clubs. Without question, the most
infamous club was born in April of
1977, right in the heart of the city. Partners Steve
Rubell and Ian Schraeger launched "Studio 54" on West 54
street, a former CBS broadcasting studio. The
paparazzi covered the club non stop as celebrities, sports
figures and politicians frequented on a regular basis. If you were
lucky enough to get in, you could experience the 5,400 sq. ft size
dance floor. It was a different show every night at "Studio 54" making
use of an automated fog machine, perfume machine, red smoke
rising from the dance floor, fake snowfall and an enormous
half moon that lowered from the ceiling. Its notoriety spread
internationally. T shirts, records and jeans carrying the "Studio 54"
logo were sold to meet the popularity of this tourist
attraction. It became the template for more clubs to come. In
Miami, Florida, "Scaramouche" opened in the Omni Hotel using all the
newest achievements in neon tubes. High up on the 13th floor
of the New Orleans Hilton, the "Rainforest" disco premiered.
Club owners were aware of the short shelf life that a disco
could meet if you didn't retain your customers
loyalty. The goal was to over deliver and make you feel like a
star. As the number of clubs multiplied, you
had disco designers and sound specialists creating the newest
technology for these million dollar fun palaces. Sound control
devices, computerized turn tables, expensive mixers and huge speakers
everywhere. "Her Place" became the dancers choice in
Cherry Hill, New Jersey along with "Disco World" and
"Valentino's". In 1976 everyone that loved to dance the night
away had to go to the gorgeous "Limelight" in Miami, Florida.
If you lived in Jacksonville, Florida, the hot spot was
"Zachary's". The best hustle dancers all frequented "Ipanema's" in
NYC. "Faces" discotheque was the hot joint on Rush
Street in Chicago. Wayne Geftman opened the "Second Story" in
Philadelphia for the music lovers, providing....you had a
membership. For the night owl, the "Chez Paree" located right
off the boardwalk in Atlantic City stayed open till
6am. An old Boeing 747 airplane became the home for a disco in
Buffalo, NY where Marty Angelo hosted his television show - "Disco Step
By Step". In northern New Jersey a former soap manufacturing
plant was converted into a discotheque which hosted the top
disco bands and a weekly television show. "The Soap Factory" had
bubbles floating down and the craziest dressed dancers
anywhere. In 1978, " New York New York" opened on 33
west 52nd street in NYC. It had neon, fog and the glitz for
the fashionable crowd. In Los Anglos the "El Privado" was the
celebrity disco but, for members only. "Regines", in New York,
brought the successfully tested "formal dance club"
concept from France to 502 Park Avenue, in the big
apple. "Regines" would also support the avid dancer by hosting many of
the biggest dance contests in Manhattan.
By 1978, it was estimated that there were over 2000 discos in the USA
with some 300 located in New York alone. The Gay clubs became the place
to be for the best in underground dance music. The "Cartwheel" and
"Baron" in New Hope, Pa, the "Ice Palace", "Paradise Garage" and the
"Loft" in NYC, "Widows Watch" in Trenton, NJ, "Catacombs" in
Philadelphia, all had the best in new dance music. As the
popularity of disco and dancing grew, so did the size of the
clubs. The popular "Latin Casino" dinner theater was
converted into a huge dance club that attracted dancers from all over
the tri state area. Under the banner, "Emerald City", it brought the
defunct dinner theater back to life for dancing in
southern New Jersey. In Manhattan, near Times Square, "Xenon"
was established. Previously the Henry Miller Theater, located
on west 43rd street, "Xenon" was enormous and had mirror balls
everywhere. It hosted 2,500 guests on opening night.
In the early 80's other memorable clubs would rise, "Uncle Sams",
"Feathers" and "Penrods" all in Long
Island. "Bonds" and "The Red Parrot" in Manhattan. "Numbers"
in Virginia and "Galaxy" in Chicago, which boasted a huge
pattern-changing lit dance floor.
By the mid 80's the discotheque concept peaked and wore out its
welcome, as cigar bars, punk music, sports bars bit
into the business. The popular disco beat was served a pink
slip. In many major cities new ordinances
would shutter clubs based on the concern
and threat of drug and health issues
that circulated.
As many investors saw the over saturation of clubs with
diminishing demand, the huge, classic
design of discotheques slowly slipped by the
way side. Club formats have down sized and evolved
based on the music and the clientele's demands, but the
discotheque will always exist.
The term "disco" became a sign of the past and carried some
negative connotations. The new era of clubs tend
to reject the "disco" name but the
fundamental formula and concept has stayed the same.
Contributors - Jack Villari, Kitty Hanson
DanceTalk * 9-16-08
-
Happy birthday wishes to Sam
Clemente , Gladys Torres (RIP), Ester Hohenberger, Brian
Fortuna, Audrey Rigsbee, Sandra Elliot
and Ray Mennan.
The maestro, Barry White passed away just
four years ago. Recognized as an accomplished singer he was
also an incredible orchestrator and writer. He is missed.
The hottest new dance event, with host Star Seguinot,
kicks off on Thursday October 9th. A Salsa social at
"Ballroom on High" in Pottstown, Pa. Don't miss the premier, including
a beginner salsa lesson at 8PM and general dancing till 11PM. Boasting
a huge dance floor and advanced lesson at 7PM. For details call
215-920-4511 or write Star@netcarrier.com
Cheers to Tony & Lina Dovolani
, from "Dancing with the Stars". Twins born last
week. Son Adrian Driton - 7 lbs and daughter
Ariana weighing 7 lbs., 10 oz. Not to be out
done......Laila Ali, a top contestant on DWTS just
gave birth to Curtis Muhammad Conway, weighing in at 6.8 lbs
Congratulations to dance pro Angela McCabe.
She and husband Joe are expecting their second bundle
of joy. Another little dancing girl is expected this
December.
Enjoy the images from Trisha Caballero's
birthday party at Michael's Cafe, courtesy of Fred. Click
Hold the date, Saturday night, December 6th, 2008 for
the 16th annual Holiday Spectacular. Donna Boyle
and Ron Bess return to the beautiful Stardust Ballroom in
Bellmawr, NJ. The floor is huge and the party is going to be hot. More
details coming soon.
Say good bye to summer and all the hits with DJ
Fancy's hot CD. This was one of his best
and you can still get one now. Featuring "Closer", "When I
Grow Up", "Pocketful Of Sunshine", "Damaged", "Leavin" and the
remake of "Don't let Me Be Misunderstood". 16 hot new dance songs in
all. Only $15 includes shipping. To order write
to him
sparda3636@hotmail.com
For great photos and videos from Lori Brizzi's 2008 New
York Hustle Congress be sure to visit the Hustle Lounge at Click
Here
Dancing With The Stars premier for a
special three day hoop la next week. Monday Sept
22nd the new season of fun begins on ABC television
at 8PM EST.
The newest event in Florida, takes place Oct 4th, Sunday. Get ready
for the Salsa/hustle Summit, for details
visit Click Here
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Vai Dance
and DJ Fancy. Get ready for a Champions
weekend. Read more below.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Champions Weekend
Get ready for the "Champions Weekend" taking place at Vai Dance on
Saturday, September 20th and Sunday the 21st. Head lining this weekend
are the World Dance Champions Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann
Greenhouse. There is an allure with this couple unlike any
other. Kelvin and Lori Ann will be teaching, performing and
hanging out with the Philly/NJ gang. It will be a Champions Weekend as
the couple that has dominated the scene for the last few years will
bring it to Vai Dance. Kelvin has a long dance history going back to
the hustle days of the 80's. A close friend of the great Eddie Vega,
Kelvin and his partner were top competitors placing in the New York
Harvest Moonball and many other competitions. He would move on to
senior instructor at Paul Pellicoro's Dancesport in NYC, teaching all
the Latin dances. While he was focused on teaching and performing, Lori
Ann was breaking hearts as she was triumphant with her partner Roberto
Pagan winning all the national comps. She was a World Hustle title
holder and appeared in the motion picture "Let It Be Me". When Lori
Ann's partnership with Roberto ended she began teaching at Dancesport
and teamed up with Kelvin. Incorporating classic hustle with difficult
lifts and tricks these performers have traveled the circuit capturing
all the titles in the Hustlesphere. Along the way they have become
independent teachers and have been featured dancers in multiple motion
pictures including Disney's "Enchanted" and "El Cantante".
They continue to dazzle audiences all over the country as they perform
their various Latin and theater arts routines. Like very few couples
can do, once they take the floor, they own it. True performers and
dance artists. You don't want to miss their special visit to the
Philadelphia area at the beautiful Vai Dance center. Owner and artistic
director, Silvana Gallagher, has compiled an exciting weekend. There
will be three hustle workshops, a dance party with DJ Brian G, raffle,
door prizes and spectacular
show.
It all kicks off with a 5PM workshop on Saturday. Fun & Playful
hustle. This workshop is perfect for beginners. The cost is only $20.00
At 6PM - is "Hustle Like the Pros" geared for intermediate and Advanced
hustle dancers. This workshop is $20.00
At 7:30PM - A progressive hustle lesson for all levels followed by a
California Mix Dance Party with contemporary and classics with DJ Brian
G. There will be hours of social dancing and refreshments will be
served. The progressive workshop and dance party cost is only $25.00
Register now for workshops by phone at -
610.789.3248
Kelvin & Lori Ann will be available for private
lessons. Their background is extensive from Ballroom
& Latin to Salsa and Hustle. Don't miss this opportunity to
work with this amazing couple. Book your Private Lesson now,
there are limited time slots for Saturday & Sunday! See you at
Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown,
PA, 19083 | 610.789.3248 | info@vaidance.com
Letters to the Editor
(our goal is to post readers letters twice a month,
unfortunately due to space limitations we can not publish them all)
Dear Dancing Friends,
Thanks to all who attended this year's New York Hustle Congress. I hope
your feet feel better because I was told they hurt from dancing so
much. The DJ's had the music jammin from beginning to end. I am glad
you thought the dinner was delicious and you enjoyed the dinner show
and concert with the Trammps. All the dancing stars were there and as
always, the teachers and staff were terrific. Thanks to our MC, Ron
Bess and to all of our judges. Congratulations to all of the
competitors. The results will be posted on the website soon but whether
you placed or not, you are winners for getting out there and
participating. Every year I strive to learn so I can make the next
year's event a better one. I thank each and every one of you for your
participation.
Sincerely,
Lori Brizzi
....................
Hey Ron,
I wanted to share a funny story with you. I was helping my
mother down size at her home as she will be moving to a retirement
village not far from me. I was helping her discard junk when I came
across an old foot locker from my younger sister Deb. It has
to be nearly 30 years old. Well its got a lock on it that I had to
brake off and what comes flying out...about a dozen of my old 33
12 inch records. She must have been mad at me and
took some of my favorites at the time. Sad thing is I don't
even have a record player any more to play them on. anyway, here are
some of the titles. Gino Soccio- I wanna Take you there, TS
Monk- Candidate for Love, Melba Moore - Pick Me Up I'll Dance, Madleen
Kane - Rough Diamond, Michael Theodore Orchestra - The Bull.
Keep up the great work, Jordan
....................
Dear Ron,
I dealt with a great loss almost a year ago. As an only child,
I was thrown in to a deep, severe level of depression when my mother
suddenly passed away. I'm only writing to you now because for
the last year I just couldn't do a thing. It is only recently that I
began to dance again and catch up with old friends. I attended some
counseling, a grieving group but nothing seemed to help. Sometimes we
are not aware of the pain one another is going through. It
seems crazy to think that for almost a year I was
still depressed and unable to face the day to day challenges.
I wanted to stress the point of friendships and dancing and together
they helped bring me back to see the importance of everything
else in this world.
Please, understand when others are not smiling, it may have nothing to
do with you, but you can help them get back on they're feet by being a
friend. I am very grateful to my dance friends and to
you Ron for your newsletter,
With the utmost respect,
Amy Katz
....................
Dear Ron,
My daughter, Susan Fritz,won the professional Jack and Jill
with Derek Allen at Diane Nardone's WHDC. I was not able to attend the
event. I would so like to see my daughter dance. If anyone out there
taped them, could they please put it on youtube so I can view Susan and
Derek.
Thank you so very much.
Kay Fritz
....................
Hey Ron,
Glad we had a chance to talk at the New York Hustle
Congress. You made some interesting analogies that I hope you
will permit me to share with everyone. First off, I apologize
for being a bit negative and condescending towards you. I did not mean
that in a personal way. Just me being
........ stupid............ When we were discussing the
attendance at dance events you made an interesting point that I now
have come to realize that I think you were correct. Not
everyone comes to competitions to compete. Some folks come to watch,
some come just to dance and for some it is a vacation. They get excited
about getting dressed up for the evening, putting on their new outfits
like a big school reunion. Regretfully, I didn't go to the
dinner show but others told me how great it was and that sitting
together as friends made it extra
special..................... All in all, I do agree with your
point. These hustle weekends are more then just dancing, it is about
hanging out with your buddies, having a few drinks and
dancing.
Thanks for keeping me in line,
Harris Sulken
....................
Dear Ron: My birthday was a blast! I just
wanted to thank everyone who joined in in helping an
"old lady" feel young! LOL Thanks!!!!
Celie
DanceTalk * 9-9-08
-
Happy birthday wishes to Joe Kernan, Rich
Klinger, Patty Kozel (RIP), Marc Nelson, Sandra Gonzalez, Kat
Clark, Celie McVaugh, Jimmy Talena, Will Carley,
Valerie Hunt and Stracy Diaz~Hernandez.
Congratulations to Chris Bates and his family on
the birth of his granddaughter Cadance. Look at that, she already has
dance in her name.
Swing Niagara takes place this coming weekend. Take
a car or plane but get there for all the fun. At the Adam's
Mark Hotel, 120 Church St., Buffalo, NY (800) 444-2326
http://www.swingniagara.com
Starting Oct. 9 and every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month thereafter,
salsa social at Ballroom on High, 310 High Street,
Pottstown, Pa. The Party starts at 8PM with a
beginner salsa lesson then open dancing till 11PM. $10
admission includes lesson. $5 for students with valid ID. Also, come
early at 7 p.m, and for an extra $5 take an advanced beg/inter salsa
lesson or a bachata/merengue lesson. Hosted by Star Seguinot,
former Cuba Libre featured dancer and also Brasil's
instructor. Call Star for more details at
215-920-4511.
This years MTV dance music awards were
honored to: Chris Brown - “Forever†, Danity Kane - “Damagedâ€
, Madonna (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) - “4 Minutes†,
Ne-Yo - “Closer†, Pussycat Dolls - “When I Grow Upâ€.
You can hear them all at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa, this
Wednesday night, with DJ Mark.
Images from Terri Murphy's birthday party at
Michael's Cafe, courtesy of Fred. http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/
This years 2008 Pioneer Awards are being
held at the Kimmel center in Philadelphia. The Honorees are:
Lifetime Achievement - Chaka Khan, Individual Artist Awards -
Teena Marie, Bill Withers and Sugar Pie
Desanto, Group Awards - Kool & The
Gang, The Whispers, Sidemen Award - The
Funk Brothers, Legacy Award - Donny
Hathaway, Leadership Award - AL Bell of Stax
Records.
View photos from last weeks NY Hustle Congress,
courtesy of Scott Michielli,
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=51921220401390206/l=427725857/g=6882511/cobrandOid=1000131/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Actor and DJ Mike Brooks can be seen in the new
television series on ABC, Life On Mars.
Mike appears in the second episode as a bad guy doing some
stunt acting as well.
Broadway choreographer/producer, Adam Shankman, is
choreographing the third installment of "Step Up 3", in 3 -D.
The new motion picture will feature this years "So You Think
You Can Dance" winner Joshua.
The motion picture, "Mamma Mia" is the
highest grossing musical since "Chicago". This stage to screen
adaptation features the music of "Abba".
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Hustle
& Salsa Dance Cruise and the newest dance Ballroom
on High. Pass this newsletter on to your friends.
Make it a great week,
Ron
Hustle & Salsa Dance Cruise 2009
It's the grand daddy of the dance cruises, and its coming again soon.
The 10th Annual Hustle & Salsa Dance Cruise will take
place February 23 - 28, 2009. With a staff that has years of
experience, they will help make this an incredible,
memorable, dance time, that you don't want to
miss. Your set sail from Fort Lauderdale,
Florida on Royal Caribbean's "Navigator of the
Seas". There will be stops in Cozumel and Belize.
This is a full week of fun and dancing. You decide your daily
pleasures. There are so many options that this beautiful ship has to
offer: swim in one of the 3 pools, gamble at Casino
Royale, take a whirlpool, enjoy the challenge of the rock
-climbing wall, ice skate, workout at the fitness center
& spa, play basketball and enjoy all the night
clubs, restaurants and shopping on board (including Ben
& Jerry's Ice Cream shop. But if you want to dance,
ship ahoy. This trips talented invited staff
includes: Diane "queen bee" Nardone, Issac &
Laura Altman, Tina Price, DJ Nino Torre, Billy "the
prince" Marti, George Garcia, Carl Charles, Keith &
Celeste Gussoni, DJ Johnny O and DJ Johnny V.
Since 1999's World Disco Classic, Drew Axelrod has been hosting a
national hustle dance event annually headquartered in Fort Lauderdale.
Come and enjoy your 2009 vacation on one of the world's best-rated
cruise ships with our hallmark dance classes, jack 'n jills dance
contests, dance socials and pool parties. There is an
incredible early bird discount special: Book by September 15th
and receive $50 off per person.
Your cruise package includes: our hallmark dance classes, cocktail
receptions, social dances and pool parties. The dance
workshops will cover hustle, salsa, mambo, cha-cha, west coast swing,
merengue, and tango. Rates start at $590 per person
plus taxes. For reservations, please contact Caren
Casper at 754-246-2874 or for more details, visit our website: http://www.HustleCruise.com. In
the past year, Drew has hosted over 1000 dancers on dance cruise
vacations. Make your plans now for this 5-night exotic
Caribbean fantasy with dancing under the spotlights, sunlight,
moonlight and the stars
Memorandum
Hi Ron,
I wanted to let you know with deep regret that my father has
passed away. He was a strong, courageous man who believed in
discipline, education and hard work. He sent me and my sister to
private schools and believed in us. When I wanted to learn how to play
drums he encouraged me. When I learned martial arts, he encouraged us.
When I started taking dance lessons, he encouraged me. Good values and
morals were his corner stone. Although you and some others in the dance
world did not get to meet him, some on Long Island did. He touched
everyone. He was there for me 10 years ago at the rehab where I have
remained sober and free from a life of active alcoholism. He was there
and proud of me when I recently (12/07) finished my Bachelor's degree
with a 3.9 GPA. He helped me get my first (current) home. His name is Robert
M. Lawrence and I have some information if anyone wants it.
Again thank you for DanceTalk and everything that you
do.
Deceased: Robert M. Lawrence expired on September 4, 2008 of heart
failure at 9:30AM while in Franklin General Hospital in Valley Stream.
He had been recovering from a colon cancer operation. He also had COPD,
and emphysema from smoking 70 years.
Wake and viewing will be Thursday 9-11-08: hours: 2pm-4pm and/or
7pm-9pm at the following location: Hunger, Ford & Clark Funeral
Home 110 Pine Street, Freeport, NY 11520. 516-379-3119.
Funeral will be the following day 9-12-08 at the Church of
the Transfiguration South Long Beach Ave & Pine St. Freeport,
NY 11520.
My address is 21 North Cardinal Ct. Bayshore, NY 11706 cell#
516-567-9431 or call my home at : 631 - 357 - 3970
Robert D. Lawrence - Always improving, one day at a time.
...........................................................................................................................
Below is the information regarding the Memorial Celebration for my
brother, DJ Barry Lederer. For those of
you I have met, I look forward to seeing you again, for those of you
that I will meet, I look forward to meeting you and hearing your
stories and thoughts on my brother. Thank you all who have
supported me and my family during this time. Now it is time
to celebrate Barry! Below is the posting we have placed on
discobarry.com. Please RSVP if you will be
attending.
Regards, Jo Ann Chew
The Memorial Reception honoring Barry Lederer will he held on September
18th from 6P – 9P at: Cielo 18 Little West 12th
Street New York, NY 10014 Tel: 212 242-8539
We are still looking for photos of Barry during his career as Fashion
Consultant, DJ, and Event Planner as well as any personal photos
you may have of Barry. We will be creating a CD
honoring Barry and his life from childhood to the present.
Please RSVP to: discobarry@c2va.com if you will be attending as well as
sending photos to discobarry@c2va.com as soon as
possible. We (Barry’s family) are looking forward
to meeting his friends and associates on this special evening to honor
him.
DanceTalk * 9-2-08
-
Happy Birthday wishes to Annmarie
Randazzo, Jenny Costa, James
Stanford, Mary Ann Rosa, Asia Bautista,
Heidi Groskreutz, Cindy Sherman, Jose Gonzales, Rita
Dowd, Amy Lefkowitz and Miriam
Sanchez.
Our dear friend Nan Bohrar would have celebrated
her birthday this week. Nan was the back bone for many of the
dance events and studios. Please keep her in your
prayers.
The ageless Disco Diva Gloria Gaynor turns
59 this week.
We send our best wishes to dancer/performer Stracy
Diaz. She ties the wedding knot over this
beautiful Labor Day Weekend.
On September 15, DJ Frank Pellici goes in for
surgery to replace his knee. We wish him good luck and a fast
recovery. See you on the dance floor
soon.
Vivian Beiswenger reminds us that National Ballroom Dance Week
is September 19 - 28. Studios and clubs are encouraged to
have free, discounted, or special events to celebrate our
sport.
Photo images from Dance At The Ranch are
now available for viewing. Visit them at the site below, courtesy of
Fred. http://whatsnew.fredf.fotki.com/
Make it a great week,
Ron
NY Hustle Congress (review)
Throwing a party is what makes Lori Brizzi tick. The 4th
annual NY Hustle Congress was nothing less then a dance extravaganza.
The Labor Day weekend was electrified with a dazzling dinner show
entitled, "Saturday Night Fever: Classic, Contemporary and Future". In
addition, Billy Fajardo was the recipient of the "David
Melendez Inspiration Award". The annual
"Circle of Love" dance was held for Alex Jack. On 9/11,
Alex was at ground zero as a rescue worker helping
others. Dancers raised $660.00 for his recovery.
The dinner show had special guest performers, The
Trammps featuring Earl Young, who rocked the ballroom. The performers
in the show included: Lori Brizzi & Eddie
Simon, Raul Santiago & Sergia
Anderson, Cicely Thompson's Hip Hop Dance company, Piel Canela
Salsa dancers, Raul & Sergia Dance Company, Dancin Feet, David
Paris & Zoe Klein, the Cicely Thompson
dancers and Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow. We saw the
classic steps of the hustle featuring the rope, the Latin hustle and
the bus stop, then we got a taste of
today's influence of hip hop and a breath taking
lyrical hip-hop, performed by Cicely Thompson. This was
the routine that she choreographed for the 2008
finale on "So You Think You Can Dance".
The stars shined bright in NYC, along with Angela McCabe,
Karen Lupo, Glen Miller, Miguel Marrera, George Garcia,
Diane Nardone, Billy Marti, Lisa Nunziella, Jerry Hobbs, Mark
James, Annette Alicanti, Louis Orlando, Lawrence Rush, Raul
Santiago, Sergia Anderson, Billy Fajardo, Katie Marlow, David
Sarul, Donna Boyle, Derrick Allen, Gregory Harrison, Bobbi
Petri, Arte Phillips, Eddie Simon, Luis & Maryann Rosa, Erik
Novoa, Dave Moldover, Alex Kim, Frank Pellici, George Dudley, Keith
Harrison, Susan Fritz, Jose Solano, Leo Madera Jr, Zulma Rodriquez,
Roberto Pagan, Rosa Peredes, Kim Vanaman, Elizabeth Darchi, Doug
Hagwood, Lisa & Christopher Joe Schaupp,
Maer Bardai, David Paris, Zoe Klein, Bobby Morales,
Donna DeSimone, Johnny O, Brian Gallagher, Nelson "Paradise" Roman,
Franklin Ayala, Tybaldt Ulrich, Robert Vance, Silvana
Gallagher, Dennis Matera, Wingo Hom, Tony Meredith, Robin
Amante, Carolyn Grimaldi, Rob Finocchio, John Merisia......
There were competitions in all levels of ballroom, Swing, Salsa and
hustle. For all the results visit the web site at http://www.NYhustlecongress.com
Professional Open Cabaret
1) Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson
2) Roberto Pagan & Rosa Paredes
3) Joe'l Caceres & Anndriana Kurach
Professional Theater Arts (hustle)
1) Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson
2) Luis & Maryann Rosa
3) Roberto Pagan & Rosa Paredes
Letters to the Editor
(our goal is to post readers letters twice a month,
unfortunately due to space limitations we can not publish them all)
Dear Ron,
I'd like to say a sincere "Thank you" to all my
friends at Michaels for celebrating my birthday with me last
week. The cake, cards, gifts and birthday wishes were
wonderful! My favorite part, of course, was dancing with all
the hot leaders (you too, Anita!). As always, a special
thanks to DJ Mark and Ron because you are the guys that make it all
happen in our dance community.
Elisabeth
.........................
I agree with your editorial, I think one of the main
differences today is they expect the music to conform to their style of
dancing. It is one reason why I never wanted to learn ballroom dancing.
The music did not move me. They would try to take popular music and
transform it into something that would work with their dance.They are
in love with their dance not the music.In the 70s & early 80s
We loved the music and danced to it accordingly.If it was a good
song-fast or slow,we adjusted to the b.p.m. Not only could you
recognize where a dancer was from by his dance style, the music varied
by region due to the amount of one shot wonders.I was at a dance in
Ct.that Johnny Rocks was the D.J.at. I asked him to play a song that
few D.J.s know called LikeHer. He had never heard it either,so I went
into my car & let him hear it. He played it & the crowd
went wild. He said to me ,these people know this song. I told him that
many in the audience went to the same clubs. We had a great D.J. that
was on the cutting edge of dance music. I know now, we were spoiled.I
will see you in New York friday .Bob Frione
.........................
Hi Ron,
I think you hit the nail on the head. A good, knowledgeable dancer can
dance to any speed, fast or slow. We all did it back then in fact Ron,
we danced to the God Father of Soul too.
The hustle should include everyone like you stated. There
should be no barriers.
Peace
Jimmy B.
.........................
Dear Ron,
I'd like to thank you and everyone at Michael's Cafe on Wednesday the
27th who helped me celebrate my birthday! It is a night I will
remember for a long time to come. I appreciate all the cards
and good wishes. A special thanks to Susan Hiser for my cake, DJ Mark
for the great music and to all the guys and gals that joined in my
birthday line! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I felt like a star with
Fred snapping photos and Carole taking video...it was just too much
fun! I am so grateful and happy to be a part of such a wonderful group
of people.
Love to all! Terri
.........................
Dear Ron,
I wanted to respond to your editorial from last week. You have written
in the past about great dance studios that everyone went to like
Dariens, Phillips and Alexis in NY. We went to discotheques but for
dancers it was difficult, dark settings, strobe lights, fog machines,
people smoking and drinking on the dance floor and dance floors that
were slippery or sticky and not really good for serious
dancing. Today it is no different, we still go to
clubs like Zachary's, IBBG but we enjoy the lit setting of studios like
Stepping Out and Paul's Dancesport. I know some people hint
that we have been pushed out of the clubs. That is not true. We prefer
to go to the studios, as we always did going back to the 70's.
Thank you,
Gina Lance
.........................
Hi Ron;
I would like to thank all my friends from Michael's Cafe who helped me
celebrate my birthday last Wednesday. I had a really good time
and danced all night thanks to the great music that DJ Mark
played. Thank you for the delicious cake, for the birthday
cards and for the precious gifts I received from my loving friends.
Thank you to all those who took pictures and videos so we can remember
how much fun we had. Thank you to those who showed up "just
because it was my birthday". ... and to all the handsome men (and
lady... Anita) who led me in the birthday dance: Thank you! I felt
honored to dance with you! I cherish these moments I
spend in the good company of all of you. After all,
that is what life is all about: Relationships of all
kinds- people - moments - feelings - laughter
... Thank you all for being in my life and for creating
memories that will never leave my heart.
Love Trish
oxoxoxox
.........................
Dear Ron,
I remember a great dance couple from the 80's that competed in many
contests. their names were mary and ray. she had incredible beautiful
strawberry blonde hair. she looked like a movie star. ray was well
built and very macho. I think he took ballet because he did lots of
jumps and kicks. they danced on all the tv shows and I believe
they were a couple. I would love to know what has become of them.
ooops, almost forgot, they were from new york.
thank you,
doris longo (originally from staten island)
TO RON
SOME DANCE LINKS
Webmaster & Sponsored by Mark James
TO MARK
