Dance Talk 12/1/08

Happy Birthday wishes to Bruce Haslam, Stacie Stirling, Lori Offredo, Carl Charles, Dottie Sillano, Elise Alvarado, Hyunki Raab, musician Dan Hartman (RIP), Jose Ruiz and Kymberly Chester.

Congratulation to dancers, Mary & Ivan Nunez, they are new proud parents. Mary had a baby boy, Oscar William Nunez, on November 20th. He is 7 Lbs 7 ounces. All are in good health.

Wishing Dr. Ken Friedman a speedy recuperation from this weeks knee surgery. We look forward to seeing him out on the dance floor soon.

Trained dancer/ actor Patrick Swayze has suffered a health turn for the worse. It is reported that the star and heart throb from the film “Dirty Dancing” has pancreatic caner that has now spread to his liver.

This Wednesday night, Dec 3rd, Michael’s Cafe opens early, at 7 PM, for a special “Memorialesque” for our dear friend Arte Phillips. You have the opportunity to share a few moments & reflect your memories on Arte on the mic. At 9PM the music starts.

The 16th Holiday Spectacular is just days away. Don’t miss the last big dance event of the year as dancers from all over the tri state area (and further) come out for this annual dance reunion. It all happens on December 6th, Saturday night at the Stardust Ballroom in Bellmawr, NJ. There will be a dance contest where we will crown the new King & Queen of hustle. Also, finger food, door prizes, DJ Mark, deserts, dance lesson and more. Hosted by Donna Boyle and Ron Bess. See more details below

New York radio station WHPC, 90.3 FM, the Dr. Duffy Spencer’s show will feature dance champion Mark James. The topic will be “The Joy of Couple Dancing - Part 1″. Be sure to tune in on Wednesday, Dec 3rd at 3:30 PM. They will rebroadcast on Friday, Dec 5 at 11:00 AM and on Sunday at 9:30 AM, Dec 7th.

High Five to this years winners of the DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards. Drum roll please, and the winners are…read the results below. Thank you to all our readers that participated by voting and sharing their kind thoughts.

Photo images from Donna Boyle’s birthday celebration, courtesy of Fred, here.

New York City’s Broadway will bid farewell to some long-running musicals by spring 2009. “The Drowsy Chaperone”, “The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee”, “Rent”, “Hairspray” and “Monty Python’s Spamalot,”

Ballroom dance star Brian Fortuna makes a big splash in London on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Watch this professional showcase performance, here.

Some great photos from Pat Stewart’s birthday celebration at Michael’s Cafe, courtesy of Scott Michielli, here.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Cruise Connection Inc, read all about them below. www.cruiseconnection.org

Make it a great week,
Ron

The Cruise Connection
Since 1986 they have been planning adventurous vacations at sea. The Cruise Connection has assembled a wonderful package detailed for dancers this coming January 18 - 24, 2009. Now is the time to plan your leap into the New Year. “Rockin’ The Boat” is taking place and you don’t want to miss it. It all takes place on the beautiful Royal Caribbean, mega ship, “Independence of the Seas.” This cruise will feature many dances to appease the appetite of enthusiasts that love to hustle, country, salsa, belly dance and Latin dancing. It doesn’t matter if your a beginner or advanced, there are levels for everyone. Disco Queen Donna Boyle and Miss Vicki are on staff to show you the ropes. There will be hours of dancing and lessons. It’s a western Caribbean cruise, 6 nights of splendor. In addition, there will be workshops, prizes, give away’s, free cocktail party that is all included.
The ship leaves Fort Lauderdale and will visit Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel and will be 2 days at sea.
The rates are great, starting as low as $ 659 per person for inside cabin, Outside cabin $849 per person, Balcony $999 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy & availability. Taxes are $96.05 and fuel surcharge is $48.00 Call today before prices go up.
Marie Periu (954) 755 - 3518 or 800 882 3948 Maria Ciaramitaro (561) 441 - 4457 or e mail mariaciao@bellsouth.net Carylann Bantz (609) 654 - 4858 or e mail carylann@live.com
Located in Coral Gables Florida doing cruise vacations Cruise Connection Inc, www.cruiseconnection.org

2008 Readers Choice Awards - the Winners
Thank you for voting and making this our biggest year, EVER. To all our winners, Congratulations. You have been selected by a large readership. This is a true cross section of the United States, that appreciates you, for not only your talent and skills on the floor but for your kindness and positive spirit in our dance community. You are not only gifted but deeply loved and respected in the dance world. The votes have been counted, here are your winners. Make sure you take the time to let them know that they have been chosen, the “best of the best.”

2008 DanceTalk® Readers Choice Awards Winners
*** Favorite DJ - Mark Routzahn AKA DJ Mark
*** Favorite Female Dancer - Stephanie Risser
*** Favorite Male Dancer - John Merisier
*** Favorite Dance Couple - Kelvin Roche & Lorianne Greenhouse (voted 2 years in a row)
*** Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann
*** Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone (voted 7 years in a row)
*** Favorite Male Instructor - Roberto Pagan (voted 2 years in a row)
*** Most Improved Dancer - Alexandra Cebollero
*** Favorite All Time Dancer - Arte Phillips Derrick Allen (2007) Eddie Vega (2006)
*** Person of the Year - Lori Brizzi (voted 2 years in a row)

Wind of change
The presidential campaigned fostered the term “change” at every political corner. Change, evolution, is vital to an economy as well as to the field of arts. Have you listened to the top songs on the radio recently. Has the previous monopoly of rap songs run its course? Clearly, there is and always will be rap but it appears that dance music is on the road to recovery. Is Sexy back? Is Dance music returning? Last year some of the top artists included Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Timberland, Carrie Underwood, and Nelly Fatado. More recently, NeYo released a dance tune that rocketed up the charts, landing on the penthouse level. “Closer,” has a great dance beat, fusing R& B with a gritty euro dance beat. Other R&B singers like Chris Brown (nominated Artist of the Year) along with the younger generation of performers have been testing the waters of dance music with great success. Danity Kane, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Snoop Dog, Kanya West, Jessie McCartney, Girliousious, Will.I.AM, John Legend, Christina Agulara, Robin Thicke and Jordan Sparks. These young artists are achieving success with the dance beats. Throw in some seasoned veterans like Madonna, New Kids On the Block and…you now have a full spectrum of performers embracing dance music. Some have incorporated a touch of rap but the core of the songs have the heart and soul of true dance tunes. With the on slaught and popularity of dance television shows, could the artists be trying to accommodate the interest level of partnership dancing? Is dance music, that you can touch dance too, making a serious come back? Artists are driven by the clubs and listeners reaction. With so many dance songs now getting recognition, its not surprising that other artists will replicate this successful formula. It appears that the Euro disco sound has had a major impact on many artists. As this new breed of singers and bands continue to test the waters and hit the bulls eye, we can only hope we are on the ground level of a dance music revolution.

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…
Dec 1, Mon-NY Dancesport Legendary Hustle Mondays at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, w/ Nelson “paradise” Roman spinning every Monday night, the best in dance music from 9:30PM $10 admission; DS students free. 22 W. 34th St East Entrance 4th Fl bet. 5th & 6th aves. www.dancesport.com

Dec 2, Tues-NY Special guest DJ Johnny O at BACKSTAGE NIGHT CLUB A new elegant night club to call home for our Tuesday Night Dance Party. Opening early 8PM. With mixed CDs from 8-8:30PM DJ starts at 8:30PM, Come early for light menu. Spacious Dance Floor, Great Sound System, Beautiful Bar! (Parking lot across street opposite CVS) 948 Broadway, Woodmere NY 11598 Admission $8 (need directions, contact Robin)

Dec 2, Tues-NY Bet U Can Dance, the Newest Hustle Dance Party in Western Suffolk, Featuring our New Resident DJ Johnny V mixing all of your Fave Hustle Dance Music. Huge Dance Floor. Doors open at 9PM till 12:00AM $10 Cover Please park in rear of building; we have a large parking lot. www.betucandance.com

Dec 3, Wed-NY “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your hostess Simone Assboeck 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!

Dec 3, Wed-Pa Michael’s Cafe, with special “memorialesque” for Arte Phillips starting at 7PM. Open mic; 9PM the hottest dance music starts w/ DJ Mark spinning the best hustle classics with current tunes, WCS & Latin. No cover, free parking Street Road in Bensalem, near the Casino/Race track.

Dec 3 - Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday 2 WCS lessons followed by a fun dance 6:30-7:30 Fundamentals; 7:45-8:45 Int/Adv lessons $10 each 8:45-11:30 Social Dance. We do lots of WCS, we add in some Country 2, NC2, Hustle, Shag & more for added flavor. $5 admission includes snacks Parking is FREE. www.robandsheiladance.com

Dec 4, Thur-FL THURSDAY NIGHT WEST COAST SWING class and Party at Shall We Dance; WCS Class starting at 7:00 pm-basics, then on to Int-Adv from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm every Thursday Night with MrDancePro Christopher Hemmer. $5 for the lesson; $10 for the party; Party after the Lessons will start at 8:30 pm WCS, Country, Cha Cha, etc. 600 S Federal Hwy, Deerfield Beach, (561) 876-1099, email: Chris@MrDancePro.com or DJVic@MrDancePro.com www.MrDancePro.com

Dec 4, Thurs-NY LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at MIRELLE’S,!! 170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, Celebrating Jose Bolivars Birthday Bash!!! 7:30-11:30PM, Great Hot Buffet, 45 Min. SALSA ON “2″ Lesson 7:30w/Jose. Student Showcase & Pro Show w/ YAMULEE DANCE COMPANY Door Prizes, Cash Bar Available, Admission $14, call Louis (516) 819-9016 every Thursday night.

Dec 5, Fri-PA Vai Dance Studio Ballroom & Latin Extravaganza Dance Party. The best of Ballroom & Latin Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Samba, Tango, Cha Cha, EC Swing, Merengue, and more. 7:30 PM Cha Cha Lesson w/Silvana Gallagher 8:30pm Dance Party w/refreshments. $12 at door 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, www.vaidance.com

Dec 5, Fri-NY “ABSOLUT DISCO” presented by Simone Assboeck. DJ’ed by the fabulous Nelson ‘Paradise’ Roman. 9.30pm-2.00am at Stepping Out Studios, 37 West 26th St (9th floor), Separate Salsa Room! We are happy to announce that our FREE Buffet now offers ORGANIC and Dancer light food. Also enjoy the OPEN BAR and Intriguing Performances! Admission: Current Stepping Out Students $10. General Public $15.

Dec 6, Sat-NJ-The 16th annual Holiday Spectacular, hosted by Donna Boyle & Ron Bess at the wonderful Stardust Ballroom in Bellmawr. The Holiday dance event of the season. Please plan to join us. Dance Contest, group lesson, give aways, food and more, kids are welcome. Dance to hustle, Swing and Latin with DJ Mark. Hustle dance lesson with Ron & Donna at 7PM, dance till ???? Kids under 16 are free. We will crown the new “King & Queen” of Hustle at our dance contest. Lots of surprises, door prizes and a friendly smoke free atmosphere. Located at 363 W Browning Rd. Bellmawr, NJ 08031 $25 per person Stardust - (856) 931-4000 For information contact: Donna at donnaboyledisco@aol.com or Ron at Rowenlb22@aol.com

Dec 6, Sat-NY MARK & KAREN’S ULTIMATE DANCE ZONE monthly dance social, Holiday Party from 8:30-12:30a at the beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center For all the details www.mjames.org/zone.html

Dec 6, Sa-PA Vai Dance Salsa Rendezvous Dance Party. The best of Salsa w/ Cha Cha, Bachata, and Merengue. 7:30 PM Salsa Lesson w/Victor Colon 8:30 PM Dance Party refreshments included. $12 at door. 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. www.vaidance.com

Dec 6, Sat-NYC IL CAMPANELLO, Lori Brizzi’s MILLENNIUM HUSTLE w/ DJ Nelson Roman, playing hustle, salsa, cha cha, WCS 9:30pm-2am. Those having dinner pay only $10 Admission. Regular Admission $20 incl.s $5 drink coupon. 136 W.31 (6/7 Ave). Advanced tix available for this year’s New Years Eve party @ the 92nd St Y, Wed, Dec 31st. call 516 728-6101 or email loribrizzi@aol.com

Dec 6, Sat-FL CHRIS & VIC’S 1st SATURDAY DANCE PARTY, SWING & THE MIX (the Mix a little bit of everything else) Basics/Warmup Lesson 7-7:30pm, Inter WCS lesson 7:30-8:30 pm w/ MrDancePro-CHRISTOPHER HEMMER; PARTY w/ DJ VICKI KAY-8:30 pm SHALL WE DANCE BALLROOM, 600 S Federal Hwy, 2nd Fl. Ballroom, Deerfield Beach, FREE Decadent Cake, Water, Beverages, Non-Smoking, (561) 876-1099, Chris@MrDancePro.com or DJVic@MrDancePro.com www.MrDancePro.com.

Dec 7 - Sun-NJ 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny “O” $8 before 10pm/$10 after. GIVEAWAYS! Party passes, CDS, dance 9pm-1am classes & more. New Music Hour by Johnny O at 11pm Dont miss out!
starlightdanceusa.com 973-235-9835

Dec 7, Sun-NJ Salsa Latin Dance Social, Hosted by Marc Liebeskind, Music by DJ Javier Mambo, Dance Social 5-9 p.m. incl. Salsa, ChaCha, Bachata, Merengue, Rumba $12; Students $10. Light refreshments. Location: IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park 08904. Site, hpds@optonline.net or 201-320-9176

Dec 10, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your hostess Simone Assboeck 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 “Munchie Night”: Snax Galore!!!

Dec 10-Wed NJ Westie Wednesday 2 WCS lessons followed by a fun dance. 6:30-7:30 Fundamentals; 7:45-8:45 Int/Adv lessons are $10 each. 8:45-11:30 Social Dance. We do lots of WCS & add in Country 2, NC2, Hustle, Shag & more. Only $5 includes snacks. Parking-FREE. We’ll be giving away a FREE pass for Got Swing? this week, be sure to get your raffle ticket at door. www.robandsheiladance.com

Dec 11, Thur Pa Starry Ferrari Salsa Social-BALLROOM ON HIGH, 310 E. High St. Pottstown, Salsa socials every 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month, except holidays, Huge hardwood floor! 8pm Beg Salsa w/ Star Seguinot included w/ $10 admission (Full time students w/ ID $5); for extra $5 come at 7pm for Adv. Beg/Int Salsa lesson with Star or beg. Bachata/ Merengue lesson with Remi Social dancing 9-11pm. Star 215-920-4511 www.swingkat.com.

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

Dec 12-Fri-NJ Got Swing?+Hustle Mix=Double Shot Friday! Amateur WCS Jack & Jill! No entry fee for dance contest-great prizes!! 8-9pm WCS with Rob & Sheila; Hustle Brian G; 9pm-1am WCS dance in one room w/ DJ Rob; Hustle Mix in other DJ Brian G. 2 lessons, 2 DJs, 2 dance rooms you get 2 choose all night long! $12 incl.s snacks & beverages. BYOB! Park FREE! Great floor, great music, fun dancing all night long! www.robandsheiladance.com

Dec 13, Sat-NJ Central Jersey Dance Society presents Ballroom Blitz social & dance w/ Samba lesson 7:30-8:30pm by Robert Sweeney Dance to DJ Marc Liebeskind mix of Latin, Ballroom, Hustle, ECS, WCS and more 8:30-11:30p Suzanne Patterson Center, Monument Drive, off Route 206, Princeton, NJ. Everyone welcome No partner needed. $12, $8 students w/id www.centraljerseydance.org.

Dec 13, Sat-FL CHRIS & VIC’S 2nd SATURDAY DANCE PARTY, MIX (swing, hustle, latin, etc.) Int. 7:30- 8:30pm w/ MrDancePro-CHRISTOPHER HEMMER; PARTY MIX w/ DJ VICKI KAY-8:30 pm, SHALL WE DANCE BALLROOM, 600 S Federal Hwy, 2nd Floor Ballroom, Deerfield Beach, FREE Decadent Cake, Water, Soft Drinks, Non-Smoking Ultra Cool Atmosphere Info (561) 876-1099 Chris@MrDancePro.com or DJVic@MrDancePro.com or www.MrDancePro.com.

DEC 13, Sat-NY Millennium Hustle presented by Lori Brizzi Club 412 for ‘The Saturday Night Special’. 3 different rooms DJ Johnny O in Hustle Room, DJ Jeff Stennett in the Salsa Room, DJ Peter Ballroom, Swing, Tango Room. Choice of free class 8-9. Dancing 9:30-1:30am 412 8th Ave bet 30/31 Str, 4th fl Admission-$15. Advance tix available for New Year’s Eve party at 92nd St Y loribrizzi@aol.com

Dec 14, Sun-NJ ROBERTO’S DANCE STUDIO HOLIDAY BIG BASH 4-8 PM Ticket: $45 p/p in advanced, & $55 at door. Includes a delectable dinner, Free class, professional showcases by Roberto Pagan & Rosa GuiLiana, Michael Pagan & Jineane Nicole, Hazel & Tybaldt, Student showcases: Roberto, Peter, Tybaldt, Rosa, Franky, & Joanie, a large dance floor, cash bar & door prizes. 499 Marlboro Road, Woodridge, NJ 07075 201.288.1422

Dec 14, Sun-NJ Holiday Argentine Tango “Milonga 27″ Hosted by Tracy Jordan & Marc Liebeskind, 5-8 pm. $10, $8 students, light refreshments. IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park , N.J. 08904. Site hpds@optonline.net or 201-320-9176

Dec 17, Wed NJ Westie Wednesday’s 5th ANNUAL Holiday Cookie Party 2 WCS lessons followed by a fun dance. 6:30-7:30 Fundamentals; 7:45-8:45 Int/Adv lessons $10 each. 8:45-11:30 Social Dance. This week we have our annual Holiday Cookie Bake Off. Bring your favorite cookies to share, includes snacks Admission this week is FREE www.robandsheiladance.com

Dec 18, Thur Pa Starry Ferrari Salsa Social BALLROOM ON HIGH, 310 E. High St. Pottstown, Salsa socials every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month, except holidays, Huge hardwood floor! 8pm Beg Salsa with Star Seguinot included with $10 admission (Full time students with ID $5); extra $5 come at 7pm an Adv. Beg/Int Salsa lesson w/ Star or beg. Bachata/ Merengue lesson with Remi Social dancing 9-11pm. Star 215-920-4511 www.swingkat.com.

Dec 19, Fri-NJ Christmas Party Grab Bag up to $15 1 for ladies 1 for gents DKN Dance Monthly Friday Social Diane K. Nardone Knights of Columbus, 16-16 N Maple Ave, Fairlawn, dress up a bit for the holidays8:30-9 pm Waltz Lesson, 9-12:30 am Hustle/WCS/Salsa/Country/Ballroom & More Class & Social $15 Social Only $15 Dance to the sounds of DJ Dave Muzii Coffee, Tea, & cake will be served Everyone Welcome (201) 666 6224 Email:dkndance@verizon.net www.dkndance.com

Dec 20, Sat PA Vai Dance Studio Holiday Spirits California Mix Dance Party [festive holiday dress requested] The best of Hustle & West Coast Swing w/ a splash of Country 2-Step, Cha Cha, Waltz, & more. 7:30pm Hustle Lesson w/Silvana Gallagher 8:30pm Dance Party w/Special Holiday treats included $12.00 at the door 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, 19083 www.vaidance.com.

Dec. 20, Sat-NJ Gala Holiday dinner dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, Monument Drive, off Route 206, Princeton, Semi-formal attire International buffet 7:30-8:30pm w/desserts served Dance to DJ MB 7-Midnight mix of Latin, Ballroom, Hustle, ECS, WCS and more. Everyone welcome No partner needed $12 admision, $8 students w/ ID www.centraljerseydance.org, 609-945-1883.

Dec 20, Sat-NJ Del Val Shag & Swing Club’s Annual Holiday Party FREE for members $11 for non. Lots of delicious food to share 8:00-8:30 Int. WCS lesson w/ Michael Sulik 8-8:30 Intro to Carolina Shag w/Sheila 8:30-midnight social dancing. DJ Rob & Mistah Charlie will keep our feet moving all night with some of the best music on the planet! Come celebrate the holidays! www.delvalshag.org

DEC 20, Sat-NY Millennium Hustle presented by Lori Brizzi at Club 412 for ‘The Saturday Night Special’. 3 different rooms w/ 3 different DJs. DJ Nelson “Paradise’ Roman-Hustle Room, DJ Franklin Ayala-Salsa Room, DJ Mark-Ballroom, Swing, Tango Room, Choice of free class from 8-9. Dancing 9pm-1:30am 412 8th Ave bet 30/31 Str, 4th fl Admission $15. Adv. tix available for this year’s New Year’s Eve party at the 92nd St Y. More info posted below or loribrizzi@aol.com

Dec 21, Sun-FL “United Hustle Dance Party”, presented by Carl Charles 5-6PM NY style hustle lesson for all Levels. 6-7PM Beginners class American Tango. 7pm dance social, 3 dj’s-all forms of dance music on two floors. Professional Cash Bar Opens at 5pm-2:00Am, Admission $30 all 3 events (lessons and dance social) $25 one lesson and dance social $20 for just social For more details on the United Hustle Dance Party and Carls Monday night socials & lessons, visit www.CarlCharlesDance.com www.SalsaHustleSummit.com

Dec 21, Sun-NJ 100% Pure Hustle w Johnny “O” $8 before 10pm/$10 after. GIVEAWAYS! Party passes, CDS, dance classes, more. New Music Hour Johnny O 11pm Dont miss out! starlightdanceusa.com 973-235-9835

Dec 21, Sun-NJ Ballroom-Latin Dance Social, 2 Hustle Workshops w/ Hazel & Tybalt. Hosted by Marc Liebeskind, Beg-Adv Beginner Workshop 3-4pm Int. workshop 4-5pm Dancing 5:30-9pm. Refreshments served. 1 workshop $12; both workshops or 1 workshop & social: $20; workshops & social $25, Social only: $10, Students $8. Pre-registration discount. $20 for both workshops / social if you pre-register by Dec 19 IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Ave. Highland Park, http://hpds.webhop.org/events.htm

Dec 21, Sun-NY BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 6-10PM, (WINTER HOURS) Coffee, Tea, Cake, Fruit & Veg.Platter! 40 Min. Dance Lesson at 6:00w/Louis. $13, call Louis for info (516) 819-9016.

Dec 27, Sat-NY END OF YEAR BASH PARTY W/GREAT SHOW, BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W.588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE,GREAT SHOW FEATURING PARADIZO DANCE!!! 8-12AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, Fruit & Veg.Platter! 40 Min. Lesson 8 w/Louis Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle, Cash Bar, $15, call Louis for info (516) 819-9016.

Dec 27, Sat-NY Holiday party w/Donna DeSimone - DancXchange. 2 DJ’s - 2 Dance Rooms DJ Johnny O mixing hustle, Latin & Swing; DJ Michelle Friedman playing Ballroom.  Lesson w/Donna WCS Level I 7:30 - 8:15, Derrick Allen Teaching Inter/Adv Hustle 8:30-9:15. Also a special performance by Donna DeSimone & James Hamm to celebrate the holiday season.  Dancesport 22 West 34th St, 4th flr, bet 5th/6th. www.dancesport.com

Dec 27, Sat-NY Dance Studio 101, a birthday bash for Sharisse w/ DJ Nelson Paradise Roman and performances by Zulma & Robert Vance & Griselle Ponce & Jersey’s Finest. 101 Lafeyette Street, one block from Canal street.

Country Dance World Championships Dec 29-Jan 4, 2009 Corondado Springs Resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida, Country, Swing, Line Dance, Couples, Pro-Am, Teams, http://www.ucwdcworlds.com/

Dec 31, Wed-NJ New Years Eve in Highland Park, 8-midnight, & a little later $15 Refreshments served. IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park NJ 08904 Site hpds@optonline.net or 201-320-9176

Dec 31, Wed NJ New Year’s Eve Gala at Nash Dancenter, 10-12 Emery Ave.Randolph, 973-328-7979 Website Dinner, Show & Dancing 8pm-2am $95p/p Reservations req. by 11/30/08, ($110 per person after 11/30/08) Social Dance:10:30pm-2am $35 p/p ($45 at the door) Ballroom/Latin Mix by Brian Nash WCS /California Mix by John Lindo Hustle Mix by Dennis Matera A champagne toast at midnight!

Dec 31, Wed-NJ New Deal New Year’s Eve Party w/ Rob & Sheila Haddonfield School of Dance Michael Sulik teaches Int. WCS lesson 8-8:45 Swing Mix 8:45 til ?? $15 Del Val Shag & Swing Club members; $20 non members if preregistered by Dec 24. $25 at door Includes homemade open pasta buffet w/ pasta, meatballs, salad, desserts, beverages. www.robandsheiladance.com

DEC 31, Wed Lori Brizzi’s NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY @ 92nd Street Y 1395 Lexington Ave @ 92nd St. $35 in advance, $50 at door music by Nelson ‘Paradise’ Roman 9-2am, champagne punch, soda, wine, coffee, tea, cake. Advance tix sales at all Millennium Hustle parties in Dec, IL Campanello & CLUB 412 on Dec 13 & 20 or online at this link loribrizzi@aol.com

Rockin’ The Boat Cruise January 18-24, 2009, The Cruise Connection invites you to journey on the “Independence Of The Seas” with dancing & more. Five days, to Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Rates start as low as $659 P/P. Join Disco Queen Donna Boyle and Miss Vicki on the Royal Caribbean.
www.cruiseconnection.org

Stardust Dance Cruise III January 25-February 1, 2009 7 nights on Costa Cruise Line’s 5-Star Costa Fortuna, now accepting reservations, Departing 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, http://www.stardustdancecruises.com/

Shall We Dance Cruise Feb. 1-7, 2009 Goldcoast Ballroom hosts a 6 night exotic Western Caribbean fantasy, dancing under spotlights, sunlight, moonlight and stars. Sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. The Independence has an arena w/ 3,000 sq.ft. dance floor. Fares start at $687 p/p plus taxes & this includes hallmark dance classes, dance socials, entertainment. Last 3 cruises sold out early, please call: 754-246-2874 or visit: www.GoldcoastDanceCruise.com.

Hustle & Salsa Dance Cruise February 23-28, 2009 10th annual cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, This cruise will include over 20 hours of dance workshops by world class instructors, 25 hours of social dancing, & jack n jill dance contests. The ship has a fabulous discotheque & 3000 sq. ft. dance floor in main arena. Fares start at only $590 per person, for an inside cabin: Category N plus taxes, port charges & fuel supplement. Call Caren Casper at 754-246-2874 to make your reservation and receive a discount of $50 off for booking by Sept. 15th www.HustleCruise.com

Mad Jam, March 5 - 8, 2009 7th anniversary, Sheraton Premiere Hotel, Tyson’s Corner, VA. One of the most exciting events, anywhere. With over 50 dance experts on staff it’s the largest swing/hustle event in the mid atlantic. http://www.atlanticdancejam.com/

Discoamerica June 26 - 28, 2009 11th annual Dance Championships, King Of Prussia Pa. Donna Boyle and Joyce Szilli invite you to join them at the Crown Plaza, Hustle, Swing, workshops, social dancing, competitions all weekend long. Www.discoamerica.com