Dance Talk ® 10/15/08

Happy Columbus Day.

Wishing a happy birthday to Gloria Gerhardi and Jim McGraph.

A British Broadcasting interview with Brian Fortuna and his celebrity dance partner Heather Small, about dancing salsa and rehearsal on “Strictly Come Dancing” in England, can be seen here.

We wish dance champion, Joe Kernan a speedy recovery from his leg injury. It looks like he’ll be out of action for the next 5 weeks, giving his leg the chance to recover from a soccer accident.

Come out to Michael’s Cafe as we celebrate Kathy Austin’s birthday. This Wednesday night, October 15th, its the best dance night all week. See more details below.

Get ready for the 2008 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards. (Next week the ballots come out). Since 2002 we have held this annual poll. You get to vote for your favorite teachers, DJs, competitors and dance friends that deserve recognition. Voting begins next week and goes till November 14th. Remember, your vote counts and makes a difference.

Congratulations to Carl Charles, the competitors and attendees at the first “Salsa Hustle Summit” held last weekend in Southern Florida. First place winners were: Salsa - Betty Stutz & Adam Morley, Hustle - Caren Casper & Mario Montez, WCS - Adam Morley & Susan Radcliff

Pictures from Susan Edelsteins birthday celebration at Michael’s Cafe can be viewed at the website below, courtesy of Scott Michielli. Enjoy

The hit television show “Dancing With The Stars” has 27 versions currently underway in other countries which includes Chile, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Amsterdam and Russia just to name a few. It’s one of the top 3 watched shows in the USA.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by DJ Fancy and his newest release featuring today’s hottest club and dance music. Read more below.

Make it a great week,
Ron
http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html

The Hustle Explosion-Can lightning strike twice?
Many conversations and debates question the downward trend of social dancing. Many readers have written, in search of how to rejuvenating the magic of the 70’s and 80’s. Can that level be attained again? Why is it that dancing has taken off on the tube but counter intuitively has not transcended into the clubs and ballrooms? Shouldn’t they be directly proportionate? Lets make the comparisons for ourselves, to find some answers. To move forward and create a revolution of dance you have to understand the history and what made it so successful. When Disco-mania struck it took the U.S. by storm. It was estimated at one point, that the disco audience numbered some 50 million people. Ages ranging from 13-60, (according to research of Jack Villari). Business minded folks from coast to coast scratched to get into this sector by investing in clubs, films, recording industry, books, periodicals, sound products, lighting, special effects, radio stations, roller rinks, marketing, consulting & design firms, disco record pools, disco franchises, dance schools, clothing etc…As you can see, the interest level helped drive the music and dance, to even higher levels as it was backed by investors. The disco scene became big business throughout the US and the rest of the modern world. As the popularity grew, so did job opportunities as new products were created. The growth effected other media forms and business markets. Disco and dancing were a true social phenomenon. Discotheques became the testing ground for new record releases. A 3 minute radio tune was released as an 18 minute, 12 inch vinyl, for club use first. The club was the laboratory. If dancers liked the song the DJs would continue to play those songs. It was now up to the radio stations to respond to this demand. This had a direct impact on radio programing. In so many words, DJs could proudly say, “you heard it here first.” More radio stations popped up with the disco format, playing longer songs without interruptions. As the popularity continued to mushroom, more execs jumped on board. Merv Griffin hosted disco specials including the famous TGIF promo and a special from Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Phil Donahue, The Mike Douglas Show, Dinah Shore and even ABC “60 Minutes” presented disco artists and featured dancers. As you can see, the growth of the disco era was driven by commercial marketing. Many hotel chains retro fitted their establishments with discotheques. Everyone in business wanted to cash in on this hot commodity. The Disco era was different then the previous dance crazes of the 20’s and 40’s. It was a child of our modern age. It was new and different. Dancing has always been a means for social enjoyment as well as for cultural ceremonies. The success of the disco era trumped that of the earlier dance periods based on the advancement of the media. Today with the advent of the Internet, this has lead to diminishing music sales. Downloading videos and cd’s has played a major part in today’s society. Another contributing factor, is the multiple choices that teens have with extra curricular activities. Sports have always been around but today, in addition to football, basketball, baseball and hockey, kids are involved with soccer, lacrosse, rugby, golf, tennis, volleyball etc. Girls also have more selection. Today, lacrosse, track, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, softball, all these activities factor in, limiting time for young people to develop an interest in dance. As the youth becomes more actively engaged in sports, it bites into any dance time. And for the teens and college kids that do engage in dancing it tends to favor free style, not touch dancing. Can we put a positive spin on the growth of the hustle? Can there be a resurgence? Today we have various media vehicles that didn’t exist back in the 70’s. MTV, VH 1 and the Internet - for social networking sites. Integrating instant messaging as well as sites like Facebook, MySpace and Match.com, create new ways for people to connect. Night clubs were the playground for meeting new friends and potential Love interests. The number of clubs continues to recede as more folks utilize the internet to find their mates. Times have changed. We live in a hyper competitive world. The club scene no longer has the drawing power it once commanded. It appears it will take much more then just a hit movie to initiate a dance resurgence in the clubs. Sure the ratings for the popular dance TV shows are up but the overwhelming majority of viewers at home are non dancers. Could an economic crisis have an impact? Historically, after war, recession or a depression there are positive shifts. Entertainment becomes a primary outlet. I guess we will soon find out.

New Music for Fall
It’s autumn and time to Fall into the new CD release by mixologist DJ Fancy. This brand new, hot off the press disc, captures 17 fresh songs, including special remixes, that are climbing the music charts.
DJ Fancy has that uncanny ability to pick dance songs, weeks and sometimes months in advance, before they hit gold. No need to buy 17 different CDs when Fancy packs the best new songs all on to one convenient CD. “Ron, I have had many e mails from many Dancetalk readers talking about the music and different dance styles” explains DJ Fancy. “I’m not much of a dancer but I do know how to get down. My newest CD has a mix of melodies that will appeal to everyone’s listening buds. The beats per minute will fit for fast tempo hustle dancing to slower beats for smooth hustle and swing,” shares Fancy. “Ron I am very impressed by your readers and their knowledge on music and dancing. I am very grateful for their support.” The new CD has new releases by Rhianna, Lindsay Lohan (yes the Lindsay Lohan who now has a big hit on her hands), John Legend, academy award winner Jennifer Hudson, Cascada, New Kids On the Block featuring NeYo and Estelle accompanied by Kanye West. There are also some new, lesser known artists, including, Kreesha Turner singing “Don’t Call Me Baby Anymore,” Keo Nozari with his European hit “Rewind” and a song flying to the top, “What I Want” by Fireball. “I’m glad that dancers still appreciate this style of music,” explains Fancy. “Abroad, euro disco, club, deep dance is still main stream and out sells all other forms of music sales. Thank you too all those readers that have purchased music from me in the past.” Its over an hour of brand spanking new music that is hot in the clubs and heard exclusively on satellite radio. DJ Fancy knows how to pick the hits. If you love new dance music then you have to purchase this release. It’s a great CD for listening to in the car, at home, dancing to or a great gift idea for the holidays. The cost is only $15.00 per CD which includes shipping. To place your order email DJ Fancy at sparda3636@yahoo.com
If your hungry for new music, DJ Fancy has the right recipe.

The History of the IBBG by Robin Amante

On October 7, 2008, IBBG closed its door for possibly the last time with an astounding turnout of more than 110 people, probably the best night ever. 11 ½ years ago when the Savoy closed down, I went in search of a new venue to continue our Tuesday night Hustle party. Millie told me of a new place that open called Long Shore Brewery. I quickly went down there and negotiated a deal with the owner. After one week there, I talked him into hiring DJ Ken Holleman who previously played at the Sayoy. A few weeks later Doreen joined forces and it became known as “Doreen’s Singles”. We were there for 3 years when Long Shore Brewery sold the restaurant to new owners and we had to leave. Doreen found NCI where we danced on Wednesdays for about a year. When she heard that Long Shore Brewery had reopened as The International Buffet Bar & Grill and still had the dance floor, she renegotiated with them and back we went to Tuesday nights, now known as IBBG. Soon after that, DJ Ken was replaced with DJ Chris who has been playing the best of Hustle with a dash of Latin and West Coast Swing for the last 7 years. Some of the events over the years have included benefits for two of our dearly departed friends, Leslie & Anita. Donna DeSimone’s dance troop entertained us for both benefits. Thank you Donna. IBBG premiered upcoming competitor’s routines for Hustle events to be performed around the country. There were Dance contests and Halloween parties. Diane Nardone had her World Hustle Dance Championship kick off party there in 2006 & 2007. Mary & Luis Rosa hosted Friday Night Fever for a few months while mentoring a youth Salsa group who performed for us on several occasions. We had a few guest DJs over the years, Luis Rosa, Johnny O, Johnny V, Nino Torre, Bobby Morales & Nelson Paradise Roman. All in all, it’s been a great run. I feel privileged to be a part of this dance history. We hope to keep the party going at our new location Rivera’s Café in Great Neck starting this Tuesday, October 14th. See you on the dance floor!!! Robin Amante

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…

Oct 13, Mon - NY - Dancesport - Open for Columbus Day with legendary Hustle Mondays at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, back by popular demand, DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman the entire month of October. 9:30PM -$10 admission; DS registered students free. 22 West 34th St East Entrance 4th Fl between 5th & 6th avenues. www.dancesport.com

Oct 14, Tues-NY “The Original Tuesday Night Hustle Party” continues at Rivera’s Café, 26 Great Neck Road (Great Neck Shopping Center) Great Neck, NY 11021. Ample dance floor space, elegant lounge area, full bar, light bar menu, abundant parking, great sound system. There will be a 50/50 Raffle & door prizes. DJ Chris playing the best of old & new Hustle with a dash of Latin & WCS.Hosted by Doreen Admission still only $8

Oct 14, 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, SALSA Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR, door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, Latin, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

Oct 15, Wed-PA Michael’s Cafe, the hot spot for hustle, Swing and Latin in between, come join us for Kathy Austin’s birthday party. Dance to the tunes of DJ Mark, every Wednesday for the best classics and contemporay music. No cover and plenty of free parking. Street Road in Bensalem near the Philadelphia Casino / race track.

Oct 15, Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, with Rob & Sheila, Rt 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110. 6:30 - Fundamental WCS lesson; 7:45 - Intermediate WCS lesson, 8:45-11:30 Westie Wednesday DANCE!! DJ Rob plays some of the hottest music on the planet. Requests taken. $5 includes chips/cookies. Free parking. We’ll be having a Jack and Jill contest at this one with GREAT

Oct 15, 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 “Dancers Request Hour”: 60 minutes of your requested songs.

Oct 15, Wed-NJ DKN Dance, with Diane K Nardone at Knights of Columbus 16-16 N Maple Ave, Fairlawn, 2 great Hustle lessons & social dancing, 7:30- 8:30PM Beg. Hustle, 8:30-9:15PM 1st half of practice social, 9:15-10:15PM Inter/Adv. Hustle, 10:15-11:00PM 2nd half social, 1 Class $15, 1 Class & Social $18, 2 Classes & Social $25, Social only $8. Diane 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net or visit our website www.dkndance.com

Oct 16-19, Puerto Rico Hustle & Salsa festival, 3rd Annual in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Live performances, dance competitions, workshops and more www.puertoricohustlesalsafestival.com

Oct 16, 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. SALSA 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 NIGHT!

Oct 17, Fri NJ-Jersey Jumpers Swing Dance with live band. Beg. ECS lesson w/ Mike Davis 7:30 p.m. Inter. ECS lesson 8pm Dancing to live band, Slicked Up 9’s, 8:30-11:30pm Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd. $16 cost. $13 student with ID. For information www.centraljerseydance.org or jerseyjumpers@centraljerseydance.org or call 609-945-1883.

Oct 17, Fri NJ-”HALLOWEEN BIG BASH” AT ROBERTO’S DANCE STUDIO Knights of Columbus, 39 Washington St, Lodi NJ 07644. Best Hustle & Latin Party in Jersey! Starts with free class at 8:00 pm, and party after. Great Music, Performances, Light Buffet, Large Ballroom and Cash Bar! 201.288.1422 or 201.600.3152, robertohustle@yahoo.com

Oct 17, Fri-FL Swing Dance A Little Lindy Plus! Dance Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, and Blues with Cindy. Dance Lesson at 9:00 to 10:00 PM. Social Dance from 10:00 to 11:30 PM. $10 , lesson included. SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Hwy, Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, 954-254-3221 or 561-495-7571

Oct 18, Sat NY-Millennium Hustle at Club 412 for ‘The Saturday Night Special’ 3 different rooms with 3 different DJs. DJ Nelson “Paradise’ Roman-Hustle Room DJ Jeff-Salsa Room, DJ Mark-Ballroom, Swing, Tango Room, Choice of free class 8-9 Dancing 9pm-1:30am 412 8th Ave bet 30/31 Str, 4th fl $15 www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

Oct 18, Sat FL-CHRIS & BOBBY’S 3rd Saturday Dance Party, Shall We Disco Intermediate HUSTLE Lesson 7:30-8:30, w/ MrDancePro-CHRISTOPHER HEMMER, HUSTLE PARTY w/DJ BOBBY GERARD-8:30 pm, SHALL WE DANCE BALLROOM, 600 S Federal Hwy, 2nd Fl. Ballrooms Deerfield Beach, FL

Oct 18, Sat NJ-Ballroom Latin Dance Social, 2 Hour Jive Workshop taught by Lori Ritter. Beg. Level: 5-6 pm, Intermediate: 6:10-7:10 pm, Ballroom-Latin Dancing 7:30-11:30pm. Workshop or Social $12, $15 for both. Students $10 for workshop, $8 for Social, $12 for both. For more info http://hpds.webhop.org, hpds@optonline.net, 201-320-9176 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904

Oct 18, Sat NJ-Salsa Sensation with Cha Cha lesson by Candace Woodward-Clough Saturday Oct. 18 at the Suzanne Patterson Center, Monument Dr., off Route 206, Princeton. Lesson 7:30. Dance to DJ Miguel Lebron playing Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue 8:30-11:30 p.m. Cost $12, students $8. Everyone welcome No partner needed www.centraljerseydance.org salsa@centraljerseydance.org or 609-945-1883.

Oct 18, Sat-PA Vai Dance Studio California Mix Dance Party. The best of Hustle & West Coast Swing with a splash of Country 2-Step, Cha Cha, Waltz, and more 7:30PM Country 2-Step Lesson w/Silvana Gallagher. 8:30PM Dance Party w/refreshments included $12.00 at door. 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 www.vaidance.com

Oct 19, Sun-PA 6th Annual Dance Party Benefit- Music for everyone, Jitterbug, Line dancing, Disco Hustle, & todays - Donation $ 15.00 BYOB, 6:00-10:00 Barren Hill Fire Hse 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill ,Pa 19444. given by Brenda & Tom Petaccio - contact mommiepet@comcast.net - get tickets early - supporting breast cancer.

Oct 19, Sun NJ-100% Pure Hustle w/ Johnny “O” $8 before 10pm/$10 after. GIVEAWAYS! Party passes, CDS, dance classes & more. New Music Hour by Johnny O at 11pm Dont miss out! 9-1AM, starlightdanceusa.com 973-235-9835

Oct 21, 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, SALSA Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR, door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, Latin, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

Oct 22, Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, with Rob & Sheila, Rt 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110. 6:30 Fundamental WCS; 7:45 Intermediate WCS , 8:45-11:30 Westie Wednesday DANCE!! DJ Rob plays some of the hottest music on the planet. Requests taken $5 includes chips/cookies. Free parking.

Oct 22, 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 hustle & latin $9/PP $5 for SO Students Tonight’s Special is “2 for $15″ Admission: You & a New Friend MUST show up together to get this special admission price.

Oct 24, Fri-NJ HALLOWEEN PARTY DKN Dance Monthly Friday Social w/ Diane K. Nardone. Costume Contest, Knights of Columbus, 16-16 N Maple Ave, Fairlawn, 8:30-9:00 pm Lesson, 9:00pm-12:30am Hustle/WCS/Salsa/Country/Ballroom & More Class & Social $15, Social Only $15 Dance to the sounds of DJ Dave Muzii

Oct 25, Sat-NY BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. HALLOWEEN PARTY $$$CASH PRIZES$$$ COSTUME IS OPTIONAL! 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 8:00PM-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, $14, call Louis for info (516) 819-9016.

Oct 25, Sat-PA Masquerade dance party hosted by Donna and Giavanni. An Annual Event, at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Mall Blvd, King Of Prussia. 7PM hustle lesson, 7:45 Mini Salsa lesson, dance from 8:15 til ??, $12 includes both lessons, costume contest at 10:30PM with Prizes for additional info call Donna at 215 740 3472 http://www.donnaboyledisco.com

Oct 25, Sat-MA Halloween dance, 7:30-8:30PM Special Workshop Option, 8:30PM–12:30AM dancing on 2 floors. Hustle, WCS, Salsa on 1, ballroom music mix on 2nd (8:30-9:00 free lesson w/dance) Costume contest w/ prize Special workshop: $15 Dance & free lesson $15, special workshop & dance w/free lesson:$22, refreshments & special haunting desserts www.studio665.com, KimVanamanDance@verizon.net Starting in Nov. Kim’s dances will be the 2nd weekend of each month. (617)965-4054

Oct 26, Sun-NY Memory Walk 2008, Chris Bates lost his mom not too long ago from Alzheimer’s. Let’s all walk in honor and in memory of Geneva Jeffries. 9am-1pm at Riverside Park. You can donate in Geneva’s name. Click on “Find A Walker” and put in Susan Lazar. Then you can donate and/or sign up to walk by emailing Susan at susan_lazar@eisai.com. Eisai will match our donations.

Oct 26, Sun-NY 9/11 Dance Benefit, In Honor of Alex Jack, a fellow dancer (brother of JoJo) Hosted by Teri & Paul & the L.I. Dance Community, MC Charlie Paci, 4-9pm at Knights of Columbus, 400 S. Broadway, Lindenhurst, $25.00 PP ($30 at the Door) special Performances, Great Raffles, Hot buffet, & DJ Nelson ‘Paradise’ Roman. Tix available at IBBG, Mirelle’s, Stepping Out Studio’s, Danceport, 412 & Hustle Congress See: JoJo, Annette, Marianne, Marta, Lina, Teri & Paul and Robin for tickets and further info

Oct 26, Sun - NJ - Kick Up Your Heels for Care. Country Western Dance Fundraiser at HIllbilly Hall. in Hopewell. The event will benefit Your ReSource…Please come out and join us. Tickets only 25 in advance (includes hor d’ouerves and desserts ) $35 at the door Cash bar, ! For more infor contact Carol 609-841-9083 or cjfdanceworks@gmail.com

Oct 28 Tues-NY LIDance HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant Lounge) Rt.110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7:00 to 11:00 PM, $14 includes Prizes for Best Costumes, Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, SALSA Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR, Door Prizes & dancing to a Salsa, Latin, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

Oct 29, Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, with Rob & Sheila, Rt 130, Pennsauken, 6:30- Fundamental WCS; 7:45 Inter. WCS, 8:45-11:30 DANCE. Halloween Costume Party, great prizes for most original and for BEST all around. Halloween parade yummy munchies, fun dancing! All for only - you bet - $5!! DJ Rob plays some of the hottest music on the planet. Requests taken. Free parking.

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

Oct 31, Fri-FL Hallween Party, Shall We Dance is adding a Ballroom! We are planning a Kick Off Party for Halloween Night, with DJ VICKI KAY! Discounts for Swing Dance Club Members! Stay tuned for more details as construction continues!! SHALL WE DANCE BALLROOM 600 S Federal Hwy, 2nd Fl. Ballrooms Deerfield Beach, FL

Nov 1, Sat NY-Nov 1 Ultimate Dance Zone w/ Mark James & Karen Lupo, 8:30p-12:30AM, Jack & Jill Amateur Hustle Dance Contest + Prizes. At the beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center. More info @ http://www.mjames.org/zone.html

Nov 1, Sat NJ-Halloween Extravaganza, Nash Dancenter, 10-12 Emery Ave.Randolph, 973-328-7979 Lesson 7-8pm Dancing 8-midnight, Ballroom/Latin Mix & Cha Cha Lesson w/ Brian Nash California Mix & WCS Lesson w/John Festa, Hustle Lesson w/ Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich Hustle Mix by Nelson Paradise. Dancing in all rooms, $20 in advance $30 event day (cash only) contests for best costumes. www.nashdancenter.com

Nov 7, 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, & more 7:30 PM Vienese Waltz Lesson w/Silvana Gallagher 8:30 PM Dance Party w/refreshments included. $12 at door 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. www.vaidance.com

Tampa Bay Classic Swing Dance Championships Nov 13-16, 2008 Biltmore Hotel & Resort. 4 days of dancing over 35 hours of social dancing, competitions in Jack & Jill, Pro/Ams, Classic divisions, Rising Star, Pro Strictly Swing, Invitational Jack & Jill Tournament & Exhibitions. $108.00 p/nt 800-237-8947 http://www.tampabayclassic.com/

Westie Weekend Nov. 14 & 15, 2008 Swing superstar Jason Colacino comes to Got Swing? for a Westie Weekend! Workshops, Dances, Private lesons Philly NJ get ready for Jason. Save the date.

Mediterranean Dance Cruise, Nov. 17-29th 2008, A once in a life time event, on the Queen Victoria for 12 wonderful days starting in Athens and stops in Volos, Greece Dikili, Istanbul, & Kusadasi Turkey, Port Said & Alexandria Egypt Valetta in Malta Messina Naples and ending in Rome, Italy. From about $2200 for 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.

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 & more, kids are welcome. Dance to hustle, Swing and Latin with DJ Mark.

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/

Goldcoast Dance Cruise February 1-7, 2009 Goldcoast Ballroom hosts a 6 night exotic Western Caribbean fantasy, dancing under spotlights, sunlight, moonlight and the 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 with a 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