Category — Miami

Happy Birthday wishes to Mark Ballas, Mike LoCicero, Erik Novoa, Michelle Russomanno, Lisa Berger, Collette Antonelli, Sandra Rivera, George Dudley, Nellie Cotto, Cindy Lehning and Philip Taylor.

We sadly report that Disco DJ pioneer Barry Lederer was found dead this past weekend in his NYC apartment. Barry helped shape the disco sound in the early 70’s. This is a great loss for the music industry. “The difference between ignorance and awareness is wisdom. We don’t know where we are going unless we know where we’ve been. Without that knowledge history is gone with the wind” by Barry Lederer

Six years ago, an angel was tragically taken from us. A young dancer that had just begun to touch on her potential. Wanda Soto was magical. We miss her and honor her on the Hustle Hall Of Fame.

Who says you can’t find love on the dance floor. Congratulations to Steven Shaughnessy and Kathy Johanessen or their recent wedding engagement. They have been dance partners and will now tie the knot.

Please note: the hustle dance party held at Michael’s Cafe (Bensalem Pa) has now been switched to Wednesday nights. DJ Mark will be spinning, no cover, free parking. The club is now closed on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, the irresponsible management failed to give us adequate notice.

Cheers to Keith Harrison and Lena Spurdis, the winners of the May 23rd dance contest at Zachary’s. Get ready amateurs for the June contest.

FYI - June 7th, Saturday night Millennium Hustle party has been CANCELLED at Campanello. The next party will be August 2nd. Please pass the word.

Don’t miss the Cha Cha amateur dance contest this Saturday at the ULTIMATE DANCE ZONE, hosted by Mark James & Karen Lupo. Swing, hustle and more from - 8:30pm -12:30 am, see more details below. http://www.mjames.org/zone.html

June 7th, the annual NY Daily News Salsa Contest, 2:30PM, McCarren Park, Lorimer & Driggs St. Greenpoint Brooklyn. Susan Fritz is a judge. Free to participate, no lifts or tricks. Fabulous prizes, 1st place a five-day Caribbean Salsa Cruise/round trip airfare to Fort Lauderdale, two $100 Rincon Musical gift cards & 2 Daily News Gift bags. Great 2nd & 3rd place prizes also plus trophies to the winners. Register on-line www.nydailynews.com/features/2008salsaregistration/

June 2nd, Monday, the new reality show “Legally Blonde” begins where ladies audition for the lead role “Elie Woods” for the Broadway Musical. MTV 10PM EST.

This past Saturday, Louis Del Prete hosted an extraordinary “Evening of Dancing with the Stars” presenting Karina Smirnoff & Louie Van Amstel. The Surburban Temple was sold out as Louis came out singing “Quando, Quando, Quando”, followed by the “Lorenz Salsa Group.” Then the “Stars” Karina & Louie danced onto the floor a Cha Cha to “She bangs.” Followed by a Rumba, Jive, then a very informative Q & A section and ending to a Tango/Paso climax. If that was not enough Karina & Louie - stayed and took pictures with “All” their fans from the crowd. As usual Louis Del Prete delivered the goods.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Stardust Weekend. The all inclusive dance weekend. http://stardustdance.com/June08Faculty.htm

Make it a great week,
Ron

Spot Light “David Padilla”

In the early 70’s, this tall talent literally began by dancing in the streets. He would go to vacant lots, the parks, even basketball courts to practice dancing with his friends. This is where the hustle was born. “We just did it, no one taught us” shares dance pioneer David Padilla. He was one of the originators of the hustle, a true pillar in the dance community. In the beginning it was called the Latin Hustle, ” we started to do a salsa style dance back in 1968,” says David. “there were no actual steps to this dance at first, nothing was formalized.” Raised in Spanish Harlem, David never took formal dance lessons, but his natural skills took over as he applied himself, working his craft along with fellow dancers William “Butchie” Everett, Floyd Chishom and Melvin Curry. This band of self taught dancers were very creative and leaps ahead of the pack. In 1975, David along with Floyd, Annette Rivera, Eddie Espinosa & Gina Figoroa had the luxury of appearing in the first motion picture, “Roseland” that exposed the hustle to a national audience. Although he didn’t have a starring role, he was on the ground floor of a dance bubble that was still 2 years away from turning the country upside down with hustle frenzy. Standing six foot two, with long side burns, David stood heads above the other dancers. In the late 70’s, while hanging out at the “Silver Slipper Club” in Brooklyn, David met one of his first dance partners. An unknown dancer at the time by the name of Maria Torres. Together they would practice and then exhibit their skills on television competing on the popular New York dance show “Soul Alive.” Good friends Melvin and Butchie helped develop and refine the young Maria, “we taught her how to become a diva.” The experience of competing on television would be a major turning point for David, lifting his confidence & challenging him to be better. He set his goals to capitalize on the opportunities that were popping up for dancers. David was driven to be a part of this cultural revolution. His ingenuity and powerful expression set him apart. In the dance turnstile of life he found himself training and developing new partners. He struck it very big with a tiny partner he met when dancing at Club Ipeniama. Migdalia Medina also known as “Baby,” (before Dirty Dancing), created instantaneous chemistry with him. “She was another partner that was fierce.” He taught Baby how to do the cork screw then while spinning place her other leg behind her head. David was a dance wizard but practicing was a challenge as Baby had a jealous boyfriend who didn’t appreciate her dancing. They were forced to sneak out to practice, compete in dance competitions and ultimately had to hide her costumes from her boyfriend. Their hard work paid off as they would be victorious in several dance contests including Zachary’s where they won approximately 7 times in a row. They also took part in the first hustle contest that was held as part of the Harvest Moonball. It was a dramatic event as some 60 couples competed in this landmark competition. David & Baby captured third place. This was a special time in David’s life as he would see his picture displayed in the popular magazine “Details” which covered the Harvest Moonball. David was in his glory. Another memorable contest took place at Cherry’s, in Long Island, where the owners gave away matching new cherry red Chevrolet Corvettes for the grand prize. Although they didn’t win, they took third place, besting some of the finest couples of all time. The turnstile of dance would spin again for David, as Baby would leave dancing to marry and start her own family. David’s dance compass now pointed him towards Hollywood. He would join forces with one of the premiere dancers from Philadelphia. Donna Boyle, was also a “fierce partner” that complimented his dance repertoire. “We took turns going to each other city’s to rehearse,” David recalls. ” Donna would drive to New York and I would take a two hour bus ride to Philly.” This new partnership set their eyes on the syndicated televisions show “Dance Fever.” Winning the preliminaries earned them the privilege to compete on the televised show filmed in California. An all expense paid trip landed them on this top ten television show. ” When I danced on Dance Fever with Donna, the trip was as much fun as the competition.”, shares David, ” that was my first time to California, it was a fabulous time.” Their successful win advanced them to the semi finals. This exposed them to a national audience as their pictures would pop up in newspapers and magazines everywhere. David would once again get the opportunity to appeared on the silver screen as he auditioned for the New York thriller “Summer of Sam.” Not only did he perform but he was hand selected by director, Spike Lee, to train the acting stars, Miro Sorvieno & John Leguzamo, ” the correct way” to dance the hustle. Although the stars had been personally training for a month on the hustle, the director asked David to give them the real look and feel for the dance. In 1991, David didn’t see this one coming, as he became the victim of a bad accident. Subsequently, both of his ankles were severely broken. It left him confined to a wheel chair for one entire year. Doctors were very skeptical and warned him that he may never walk again. Support pins were placed in both of his legs, which he has been living in pain with ever since. This gave David even more determination to get back on the dance floor. He pushed himself to new heights in efforts to regain his dance skills. The turnstile would spin once again as David would begin working with a new up and coming dancer, Wanda Soto. They competed at Hustle USA and began performing in shows and contests when tragically, this budding star was killed in a horrific motorcycle accident. A with drawn David was left speechless. His heart was broken. Management at the popular dance studio “Stepping Out” was looking to re-energize their weekly hustle socials after relocated to 37 west 26th street. They pursued David to co host along with Simone Assboeck. David provided a keen knowledge on how to attract dancers to the gathering, similar to how it was back in the 70’s & 80’s. Not an easy task, but after applying his years of experience, they have enjoyed tremendous success. “We have the best place to dance Hustle & Salsa every Wednesday night”, explains David. This great achievement has lent itself to the creation of the first Friday of the month party at the studio. ” It brings back the memories of the old school dancing (Dale Dance studios in Brooklyn & Alexis Dance studios combined)”, shares David. Over the last 4 years while holding down a full time job, running his dance gigs at Stepping Out, David has partnered with Jesus Candelario. They took first place in the annual Queens Pride Salsa Contest in both 2006 & 2007. They also won a Salsa contest held by the Joyce Dance Theater at battery park in NYC which was hosted by his old friend, Maria Torres. There were 7 couples and one male & male Couple (David & Jesus). The crowd in attendance went wild when they saw two men dancing together. The decibels went even higher when they won the $1,000.00 dollars first place prize. This past April, after nearly 16 years of living in pain, David finally had the pins removed from his legs. Now recuperating, he is ready to launch the next chapter in his dance career. “Hustle has been a great part of my life it has kept me in great shape, great spirits, dancing is an excellent stress reliever. I’ll be dancing till the lord says that is enough time till sit down, until then I will keep the hustle alive” explains David. His dance turnstile swings again as he will compete with Simone at this summers Discoamerica. David has gotten his mojo back. His statuesque physic has always framed him above the majority of dancers, but his kind soul has made him a great asset to the dance community. Expect more great things from this hustle pioneer.

Stardust Weekend
Get ready for an exciting weekend of non stop dancing. Celebrating their 75th Stardust Dance Weekend at the HUDSON VALLEY RESORT. Len Moss, your host, invites you for a splendid weekend of dancing. Over the past few years this lovely hotel has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation and is now the most beautiful resort in the Catskills. (This was formerly the Granit Hotel). It includes luxurious guest rooms, beautiful public space and superior dance floors, all combined to make this a memorable dance weekend. An all inclusive weekend where you can focus on having fun and not over spending. The setting is simply incomparable this time of year. You just can’t go wrong with a Stardust Dance Weekend. From June 27th to June 29th, at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, located in Kerhonkson, New York, your be treated to a fun thrilled dance party. This is a true dance vacation. Activities for indoors and outdoor fun, performances and more. The weekend includes dance workshops for all skill levels of dance. Your be treated to just about every style of dance on the map. Improve your favorite dances and learn new ones. The weekend rates start at $269 plus tax and gratuities. Come enjoy the talented staff and all they have to offer in all styles of ballroom, Swing, Latin and Hustle. The All star staff includes: Fran Chesleigh, Donna De Simone, Jackie Horner, Nick Lecakes, Teddy Kern, Norton Hyman, Ben Murtha & Esther Odescalchi, Frank Elia, Ed Britten, Nell Mooney, Solomon Singer, Norma Granofsky, Fidel E. Gonzalez, Gene & Naomi Anolick, Jason Myra, Kristina Maria, Karina Romero, Dardo Galletto, Paolo Lanna & Vanessa Telona, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich. Enjoy the beautiful month of June in New York. For more details, rates and information visit the website at http://stardustdance.com/June08Faculty.htm

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)

Hey Ron, thanks for keeping us updated on all the dance news, old and new. Your a God send. I wanted to say that losing Nan Bohrar was a great loss. Nan was one of those people that did so much to promote and advertise hustle dancing for all the new yorkers. As many had written she was a competitor at hustle USA and helped organize the event. She gave so much of herself. I hope everyone realizes and appreciated Nan and all the other dancers that give so much.
Forever missed,
Gloria,

First, Ron,
Congratulations on raising that much $ for scholarships. Second, perhaps the name of the dance…the Hustle…should be changed if people want the dance to be taken seriously, or at least to not be thought of in one lump package as leisure suits, Studio 54, and the little ditty “Do the Hustle”.
Here’s a little true and humorous story. During a conversation at a family party with an older gentleman friend of my Dad’s, a danceable piece of music started. Rather than abrubtly leave this man in mid-sentence to seek a partner, I politely asked him if he would like to “Hustle”. He declined, but not because he didn’t know the dance, but because as I later found out, he thought I was propositioning him! We all got a chuckle when the mis-understanding was brought to light. So, maybe the name of the dance should be altered.
Paige

Ron,
I’d like to respond to Ava Apple’s call for discussion about how to market Hustle. I’ve written in this news letter and on the IHDA site several times about doing something to improve Hustle’s image. My
proposals have been 1) to use music that is currently popular: House, Hip Hop Merengue, Latin House, Dance, and Euro, and their variants; and 2) take hustle out where it can be seen…take groups to popular clubs that play this kind of music and blow people away with the hottest club
dance ever! I will be doing this, this coming summer in Chicago. Anyone interested in joining me, let me know. I have more ideas too.
Paul Jones
pbj [at] cmicdo [dot] com

Hi Ron,
Look forward to seeing you and your family at Disco America this summer. I wanted to echo the song selection by DJ Louis Del Prete. Begin the Beguine by Johnny Mathis is a Classic. What a song, romantic and energetic at the same time! One of my favorites, ever!! I agree with some of the readers that the hustle dance has bad connotation attached to it. Most people think of being hustled as a bad thing, being taken advantage of or given the run around. I vote to give the hustle a make over. Hope you had a great memorial day,
Rich Castor

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…..

June 2, Mon - NY - Dancesport - Legendary Hustle Mondays at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, with DJ Donnie Sheilds, 9:30PM -$10 admission; DS registered students free. 22 West 34th St East Entrance 4th Fl between 5th & 6th avenues. www.dancesport.com for more information.

June 3, Tues - Pa - Michael’s Cafe is Closed…now on Wednesday nights.

June 3, Tues - NY - IBBG, “The Original Tuesday Night Hustle Party” Spacious Dance Floor, DJ Chris playing the best of old & new Hustle with a dash of Latin & WCS hosted by Doreen. 50/50 Raffle & door prizes. 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City, Exit M3W off Meadowbrook 9 PM. Only $8

June 3, Tues - NY - HOT LATIN, WCS & HUSTLE TUESDAYS at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant/Lounge, Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7:00 to 11:00 PM, $14 includes Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, HUSTLE Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR, door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

June 4, Wed - Pa - Michael’s Cafe, now on Wednesdays, spread the word, same great music and dancing. (the club is closed on Tuesdays) the best in hustle, Swing and Latin in between. DJ Mark plays the grooves from 8:30 to 12:30. No cover and free parking. Join us for the best dance night of the week. Located on Street Road, Bensalem near the Casino/Race track.

June 4, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your hosts Simone Assboeck & David Padilla for a WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm til 12:45am, DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman spinning the best in hustle & latin $9/PP; $5 for SO Students - Tonight’s Special is “Lucky Draw” Everyone has a chance to win perx!

June 5, Thur - Step It Up, finale of the weekly dance show. Bravo network

June 5, Thurs - NY - LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at MIRELLE’S,!! 170 Post Ave,
Westbury, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 7:30PM to 11:30PM, Great Hot Buffet, 45 Min. HUSTLE Dance Lesson starting at 7:30w/Louis. State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, Cash Bar Available Admission $14 call Louis (516) 819-9016. This event runs every Thursday.

June 6, Fri (Every 1st Fri) - PA - “Ballroom Extravaganza” @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown: w/ Host & Instructor Silvana Gallagher! The best mix of ballroom favorites; DJ JR mixes Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Bolero, EC Swing/Jive, Quick Step: 7:30 PM Free Samba Lesson - 8:30 PM dance party w/ refreshments. $12.00 at the door.

June 6, Fri - Pa – California Dance Mix at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, West Coast Swing Lessons at 8 pm and 8:40 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight DJ & instructor Lynne Stevens. $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 6, Fri - NY - “A Salute to the Puerto Rican Day Parade” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W 26 St - Simone Assboeck & David Padilla present their monthly Hustle Classics & Latin party, 9:30 till 2:00, DJ Bobby Morales spinning the best in Classics and Latin. $15/PP, $10 SO students, special performances, free buffet, open bar. Hats, t-Shirts, jackets by David Padilla, for sale just in time for the Parade & a Special Treat Pasteles by Fran Can Cook!

June 7, Sat - NJ - Central Jersey Dance Society presents “No Name” Hustle workshop with Brian Gallagher & California mix social dance. Int. Hustle workshop 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM, $12. Beg.hustle lesson 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Open dancing 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM.Workshop. Cost $12. Dance $12, $8 per student with ID. Workshop/dance combo $22. www.centraljerseydance.org or call 609-945-1883

JUNE 7, Sat - NYC - CANCELED Lori Brizzi’s MILLENNIUM HUSTLE at IL Campanello. Next party is August 2nd. www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

June 7, Sat -Pa - Swingkat will be closed for the Pottstown Car Show

June 8, Sun - Pa - Havana in New Hope…West Coast Swing dancing with the David Barry Trio. Get ready for this awesome 5 man band that plays for WCS dancers. Join them from 6 -10PM. Free lesson in WCS with Dave Kim, followed by three live sets with David Barry and DJing in between with Dave Kim. No Cover, 105 S. Main Street, New Hope, 215-862-9897 http://www.havananewhope.com/

Great American Jack & Jill O’rama June 12 - 15th Santa Maria, CA Hyatt Regency Orange County, Jack & Jill contests, 5 day Skippy Blair mini intensive, workshops & tons of open dancing. Music by David Koppelman, Mike Pyle, Jack Smith. Costs: $115 p/p by May 29, $135 at door. Hyatt Regency $99. room rate call (714) 750-1234 visit www.centralcoastswingdance.com ccsd@thegrid.net

June 13, Fri - Pa – Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, Lessons at 7:30 pm & 8:15 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight - DJ Carol Coffinger. $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 13, Fri - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE 8:00PM to 12:00AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, Fruit & Veg.Platter! 40 Min. Dance Lesson at 8:00w/Louis. State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle,Cash Bar Available, $13, call Louis for info (516) 819 - 9016

JUNE 14, Sat-NYC-Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle’s “SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL” & AFTER PARTY for DANCE PARADE ‘08 3 DJ’s, 3 Rooms for dancing. DJ JOHNNY O-Hustle, DJ JEFF-Latin, DJ ASHLEY Ballroom (Tango,Swing) $15 includes free class either hustle, latin or ballroom 8-9pm & Dancing 9pm - 1am.Cash Bar. CLUB 412, 412 8th Ave 4th Fl. 516 728-6101 www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

June 14, Sat - Pa - Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, Lessons at 7:30 pm & 8:15 pm with John & Kathy Augustine, dance 9 pm - midnight with DJ Philip Spinka, $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 15, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny O 8 pm - 12 am, or whenever Johnny stops spinning - Great music, great company on a great floor. $12 or $10 with pass or print out - Starlight Dance Center 7 High Street, Nutley, NJ 07110 973-235-9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com

June 21, Sat-NYC-Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle’s “SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL” & AFTER PARTY for DANCE PARADE ‘08 3 DJ’s, 3 Rooms for dancing. DJ JOHNNY O-Hustle, DJ JEFF-Latin, DJ ASHLEY Ballroom (Tango,Swing) $15 includes free class either hustle, latin or ballroom 8-9pm & Dancing 9pm - 1am.Cash Bar. CLUB 412, 412 8th Ave 4th Fl. 516 728-6101 www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

June 21, Sat-PA California Mix @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown:DJ JR mixes Hustle & WCS w/a splash of Salsa, Country 2 Step, Waltz, NC2 & Hustle & WC Swing: start with a 7:30 Free Country 2-Step Lesson & 8:30 PM dance party w/refreshments. Every 3rd Sat $12.00 at door.

Stardust Dance Weekend June 27- 29th Upstate New York at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa Kerhonkson, New York, Vegas caliber shows and food. Rates starting at $285 Includes dance workshops for all levels! (plus tax and gratuities) www.stardustdance.com/

Disco America July 4-6, 2008 Crown Plaza Valley Forge 260 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, PA Hosted by Donna J. Boyle & Joyce Szili. This is the 10th Anniversary of DiscoAmerica: Dance Workshops, Social Dancing, after Dinner Show, Exhibitions & Championships, contact Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, Joyce Szili - JoyceDancr@aol.com www.discoamerica.com

Big Apple Country Dance Festival July 10 - 13, Renaissance Newark, NJ Airport Hotel, Hosted by Anthony Lee, On line Registration. Country, Swing, Hustle, Jack & Jill and Ballroom competitions, 50 different classes taught by the very best instructors, Dinner Show extravaganza packed with fabulous high-energy entertainment by top dancers, Swing, Hustle, Country Couples and Line Dance social dancing Hotel reservations at 908-436-4600, http://bigapplecountrydance.com/

July 12, Sat - NJ - American DanceWheels Performance, Ocean County Library welcomes you to a free performance,demonstration and discussion of wheelchair ballroom dancing with a mini-lesson at 3:00 pm at Toms River South High School. Presented by the first & current United States Wheelchair Dancesport competition champions Melinda Kremer & Ray Leight. Free and open to the public. 55 Hyers Street in Toms River, NJ 08753, www.americandancewheels.org.

Miami Dance Magic July 17-20, Miami Hyatt Regency Hosted by Debbie Lynn, first annual event. West Coast Swing, Hustle & Salsa. Triple Threat competition, Showtime Contest, WCS & Hustle Strictly, Pro/Am & Jack & Jill’s. Skippy Blair Summer Intensive. Workshops & continual social dancing. Debra Lynn (954) 270 - 0232 e mail - MiamiDanceMagic@aol.com www.CoastalDanceConnection.com

World Hustle Dance Championships July 24 - 27
The 8th Annual hustle competition returns to East Brunswick New Jersey. Host Diane Nardone brings hustle, Swing, Salsa, Ballroom and country to the Hilton East Brunswick, Three Tower Center Blvd, East Brunswick. Lots of great workshops, competitions, a FABULOUS dinner/show and much more! Vendors will be available throughout the entire event! Visit www.hustledanceworld.com for regular updates and to register on-line!

Grand Pacific Dance Championships, AUG 14-18, 2008 San Jose California. A new dance event hosted by Billy Fajardo, Raul Ante and Debra Hampton. The Doubletree Hotel San Jose, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, Rooms will be available at the rate of $105.00 per night. Reservations will be accepted starting this May 18th. phone 408-453-4000, fax 408-437-2898 toll free 1-800-222-TREE

New York Hustle Congress August 28 - September 1, 2008 The 4th Annual hustle event in New York City. Hosted by Lori Brizzi This is a Hustle weekend with more social dance time then any other event. Featuring Jack & Jill competitions and more at the Hilton. 1800Hilton, mention SAL before rooms sell out. (516) 728 - 6101 Loribrizzi@aol.com www.nyhustlecongress.com

Hudson Swing Affair August 29 - Sept 1, 2008 Hyatt Regency, Jersey City on the Hudson, presented by John Festa. West Coast Swing Social Dance Event w/ instructors Ramiro Gonzalez, John Lindo, Mary Ann Nunez, Sylvia Sykes, Charlie Womble & Jackie McGee www.HudsonSwingAffair.com (212)779-2700

International Dance Cruise - Oct 10 - 16th, 2008 on the Queen Mary 2, Six day cruise, enjoy a complete dance program for ballroom enthusiasts. The largest grand ballroom at sea, Live Big band & DJ, 3 cocktail parties, 3 formal balls, dance workshops with championship instructors &demonstrations. Rates start at $1,499pp for details call 754-246-2874 www.BallroomCruise.com

Swing City Chicago Oct 31 - Nov 2nd, 2008 At the Westin Lombard Hotel in Chicago. The perfect spot for a Halloween weekend. Jack & Jill, Strictly Swing and DJ Challenge, plus a pro-show/Exhibition, Friday night Pizza Party and Saturday, late night buffet. Come join Maren, Jason Barnes, Erica Berg, Bill Cameron, Jason Miklic, Fred & Tina Price, Mario Robau Jr, Mike Topel for an incredible fun weekend of dancing. For more details and registration information visit: www.Swingcitychicago.com

Mediterranean Dance Cruise, November 17th - 29th 2008, A once in a life time event, on the Queen Victoria for 12 wonderful days starting in Athens & stops in Volos, Greece – Dikili, Istanbul, & Kusadasi Turkey, Port Said & Alexandria Egypt; Valetta in Malta, Messina Naples & ending in Rome, Italy. From about $2200 for the cruise, prior Cunard guests may get better rates. Call for lowest rates. This cruise is selling out fast. 25% of cruise fare due at cabin assignment & final payment due Aug.12, 2008. All prices per person based on double occupancy & include special dance events open to our group only. Call 215-855-2711 or info@blsdc.com for more information and a brochure.

Stardust Dance Cruise III January 25 - February 1, 2009 7 nights on Costa Cruise Line’s 5-Star Costa Fortuna, now accepting reservations, Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday: Fort Lauderdale, Mon-Key West, Tues-Cozumel, Mexico Wed-at Sea Thurs Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Fri Grand Cayman Island, Saturday - At Sea, Sunday - back to Fort Lauderdale, www.stardustdancecruises.com/

The coveted Triple Threat was the big comp of Sunday and the competitors continued to grind it out…



Congratulations to all the Triple Threat Finalists!



Not just one winning check, but two



Awards, awards, awards…

Take a look at a very quick peek of Raul & Sergia’s Salsa portion of their Pro Triple Threat winning dances.



Raul & Sergia are this month’s Hustle Stars, stay tuned later this month for the post!

The International Hustle & Salsa Competition happens every Spring, attracting some 2500-3000 attendees. Stay tuned for more wrap up updates and information about next year’s event dates.

Saturday’s flow was hectic; cramming in the fun, a party poolside, just off the glorious aquamarine Florida ocean, to the Gala show, awards and finally dancing! Highlights & 3 videos below:

Pro (and stylist to the Hustle stars) Louis Orlando watching the Gala show, flanked by Donna Boyle and Joyce Szili of Disco America (an inaugural event coming up July 4th), this is their 10th Anniversary!



Legendary fashion photographer Bruce Weber with wife Nan Goldin and Lisa Nunziella-Hockley who was awarded the Augie & Margo award along with Eddie Torres.



Lisa Nunziella-Hockley flanked by award namesakes, Augie & Margo Rodriguez.



IHSC Event Organizer and doyen Billy Fajardo & Hustle Pro and past Augie & Margo award recipient, Derrick Allen with Augie Rodriguez.



IHSC Event Organizer Katie Marlow glamorous in her performance costume.



Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse. Lori Ann was sporting a brand new inverted bob, very chic and looking 10’s across the board!


Lisa Nunziella-Hockley and Louis Orlando with once again, all eyes on them!



Kim & Wendy from Hustle San Diego hanging tough late-late in the Hustle ballroom.



Our music maestros Noel Colon and Johnny O shared the spotlight all weekend



Donna Di Simone, head judge of the Competitions and fierce Hustle dancer in a rare moment of repose.



Raul Ante, Billy Marti, and Joe Kerner taking a break from social dancing


The last dancers standing Saturday night in the main ballroom.

The 9th Annual International Hustle and Salsa Competition saw a perfectly balmy Miami Beach weekend. Check out the pics of attendees and winners. More updates in days to follow and check out video below…stay tuned…

Friday was a fierce day of competition! Pro Just Hustle Winner’s Circle; in First place-Stephanie Risser & Joe Kerner, Second place-Wajih & Wendy Dalal, Third Place-Shay & Michelle Dixon



Amateur Intermediate Just Hustle Second Place Winners Elizabeth McGee & Peter Maranan performed strong heats, bringing home medals to rep SF Bay Area righteously…nice!



Amateur Advanced Just Hustle Winners Jesse Castaneda and Erica Smith, they also won the next day, Saturday; see pics tomorrow. Both Jesse and Erica (now bi-coastal) repped the West Coast strong by winning consistently in multiple categories…go you two!



Pro Just Hustle Winners that everyone was thrilled to see win, Stephanie Risser and Joe Kerner. The entire room erupted on random bursts of joy, as they took the big Hustle prize, well done!

After the winner’s were announced; tension, excitement & anxiety eased, it was finally time for everyone to enjoy! The Hustle Ballroom was a gorgeous Rotunda with dance floors flanking a beautiful marble circle mini dancefloor. Take a look at Lisa Nunziella and Louis Orlando, eternal benchmarks of classic dancing…




More video, photos and updates in the days upcoming, stay tuned…