Dance Talk ® 10/20/08

Go Phillies

Happy birthday wishes to John Fandokokis, Andre Phelps, Tim Kovalick, Donna Roesel, Mambo Joe, Mark Routzahn and Paul Pellicoro.

This past week Levi Stubbs the lead baritone vocalist of the legendary singing group the Four Tops passed away. With so many hits including, “Baby I Need Your Loving”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”, “It’s the Same Old Song”, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”, “Standing in the Shadows of Love”, “Bernadette”. Stubbs comes from a singing family. His cousin is soul singer Jackie Wilson, his deceased brother, Joe, was a member of both The Contours and The Originals (Down To Love Town). He will be sadly missed.

Hustle & West Coast Swing will debut on Dancing With The Stars tonight. Paul Pellicoro (DanceSport NYC) the King of dance, gives Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani a hand with the hustle. Make sure to vote for them in support of the hustle.

English professor Dr. Peter Lovatt writes that his studies on men attracting women were impacted on how well a man dances. The better he moves the higher is rating. They suggest for men to “channel Travolta”. It really works.

It will be the 7th anniversary for Mad Jam, taking place March 5-8th, 2009 at 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/

Brian Fortuna & Kristina Rihanoff along w/ Matt Cutler & Karen Hardy, Ian Waite and some of the pros dance a beautiful rumba on “Strictly Come Dance” see here.

Great photos from Kathy Austin’s birthday dance at Michael’s Cafe in Bensalem, Pa, courtesy of Scott Michielli, here.

Medical research says the hit song, “Stayin’ Alive” might be more true to its name than the Bee Gees ever could have guessed. At 103 beats per minute, the disco song has almost the perfect rhythm to help jump-start a stopped heart. Read the full story here.

This is the 7th year of the DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards. Please see the official ballot below. Take a few moments to vote and pass this on to your fellow dancers as well.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Westie Weekend featuring the incomparable Jason Colacino. See more details below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Westie Weekend
Its time for Westie Weekend w/ special guest instructor Jason Colacino. Come join Rob and Sheila’s on November 14 & 15 for an incredible wekeend of dancing. Jason Colacino is something to watch. Whether he is teaching, competing or just social dancing he is quite extraordinare. A staff member at many of the Swing dance events (Mad Jam, WHDC…), Jason has been invited to Japan to teach as well. His unique style combines his jazz and ballet training implemented into his Swing. Jason will mesmerize you with his skills. His style is soooooo cool, making him technically one of the most exciting dancers anywhere…and boy can he spin, one leg pirouettes and all. He has partnered with some of the most talented ladies in WCS including Katie Boyle & Mary Ann Nunez. He is a former three time world Cabaret champion , US Open Swing Champion as well as holding many other titles. Jason, being multi-talented, has performed on stage and in many shows including, “Swing”, “Evita” and “A Broadway Tribute”. He also appeared last year in the Disney Motion picture, “Enchanted”. Come spend a little time & get to know him, work with him and watch him dance at our the Westie Weekend Nov 14 & 15. Here is the complete schedule:
FRIDAY - Nov 14 - at The Atrium, Rt. 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110
8:00-9:00 Workshop #1 Whatever Jason wants to teach…he knows what to do!
9:00-1:00 Got Swing?/Hustle Mix WCS dance ….demo ??
WCS workshop only with Jason = $20; WCS workshop and dance - $27; Hustle Lesson w/Brian G and dance - $12; Dance only $12
SATURDAY Nov 15 at Haddonfield School of Dance, 413 Crystal Lake Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
2:00-2:50 Workshop #2 Balancing Your Spin finding your center for a beautiful centered turn and spin
3:00-3:50 Workshop #3 So You Think You Know Leverage & Compression – learn why Jason is one of the BEST at this swing delight
4:00-4:50 Workshop#4 Speed, Power & Control change up your timing and learn to use your body for some zippy moves like the PROS do
5:00-6:30 NEW!! Practice time for those taking workshops! DJ Rob will play some cool music for you to put what you’ve learned on the floor! Workshops $20 EACH ala carte. First preference will be given for those purchasing the weekend package up to Nov 12. Saturday workshops only will be limited to first 20 leaders and 20 followers. Weekend Special $75 includes all 4 workshops, Got Swing?/Hustle Mix dance & Saturday practice time. You can pay via Pay Pal at www.robandsheiladance.com add $2 for Pay Pal. Or send check for $75 made payable to Sheila Purkey at 902 Mansion Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108. Please specify which role you will be learning: leader or follower. PRIVATE LESSONS: Available in Collingswood, NJ on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at $90. Contact Sheila at bpurkey@yahoo.com or call 609-519-0078.

2008 Readers Choice Awards
It’s election time again, where our readers have the opportunity to recognize the best of the best and the unsung heroes. Please take the time to vote for your favorite dancers, instructors and DJs, that have given so much of themselves to the dance scene. Our awards let you acknowledge your peers dance skills, talent and hard work…that should not go by unnoticed. Everyone is eligible to vote, just once. *Please note, Derrick Allen and Eddie Vega have each won the “All Time Best Dancer”. Please select someone else in this category. Ballots must be received by November 14th. Please copy and paste the ballot below and send to Rowenlb22@aol.com

2008 DanceTalk® Readers Choice Awards Ballot
*** Favorite DJ -
*** Favorite Female Dancer -
*** Favorite Male Dancer -
*** Favorite Dance Couple -
*** Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) -
*** Favorite Female Instructor -
*** Favorite Male Instructor -
*** Most Improved Dancer -
*** Favorite All Time Dancer -
*** Person of the Year -

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,
L.A. California was great! Going to see “Dancing With The Stars” “LIVE” was amazing to watch!! It was a great experience to be there & especially to meet alot of the celebrities like, Brook Burke, Susan Lucci, Toni Braxton, Warren Sapp, Cloris Leachman just to name a few…The crew that puts the whole production together was tremendous & very well done! I want to Thanks Karina Smirnoff for inviting me there & spending time with all the pros & celebrities!! It was truly amazing & I hope to attend again in the near future! Pictures of the show will be posted on my wesite site in about a week at www.louisdelprete.com
Thanks again,
Louis Del Prete

Greetings Ron,
I enjoyed your story on the future of dancing & hustle. I wanted to mention that I was a product of the 1980’s and hustle dancing in the Wayne area of New Jersey, not far from NYC. We always had school canteens, dances and other places to go to dance. There was a skating rink that held dances and some of the adult night clubs also had teen dances, without alcohol. I have a son & a daughter (14 and 17 years old). There is nothing for them to do on weekends with dancing in mind. It is sad, I think they are missing out. I appreciate all that you do,
Sincerely,
Regina Casillas

Hi Ron,
I was just reading Dance Talk & the letters to the editor. I got a laugh out of the guy who wrote about Plato’s Retreat & the dancers on Sat. nights. That was us… me & Danny Llaurado, Ricky Quintana & Lee Rofrano, Eddie Espinosa & Gina Figueroa, & Deano Georgio & Jean Camilletti. Your newsletter always brings back great memories. By the way, we danced with our clothing on. LOL
Carol

Hey Ron,
Big fan of your newsletter as is everyone here in Utica. I do have to make some comments about your write up last week on the hustle. I agree with you for the most part that it was big business that drove disco. I was attending Community college not far from Syracuse, NY when Disco took off in the clubs. What I saw happen here was the discotheques had different things going on each night of the week. It brought dancers back night after night for fashion shows, live performances, exhibitions, pizza nights, new record releases and give aways etc… Each night was a little different & made you want to go back. There were some clubs we would go to 5 nights a week. In fact we did a lot of club hopping going to 2 or 3 clubs on some nights. It seemed like when the music and dancing died out, up here most the places converted to sports bars and put in huge TVs and billiard tables. The few clubs that remained still have a dance night but that was it, one dance night a week. The clubs don’t have the loyalty of dancers they once had and not sure if they will ever again. That’s my take,
Wes Lawson

For those of you that know me know that I have navigated through the most challenging 18 months in my lifetime. I attribute my deliverance in part to my Honey, my genetic family, my dance family. In my 6th year as a dance “rookie”, I’m still not a huge fan of being the center of attention. But what the heck, foolish apprehension aside, I went for it and finally experienced the legendary Michael’s Café birthday dance. To the Leaders, DJ Mark, Jennifer and my fellow dancers and friends, many, many thanks for the support; well wishes; cards, gifts and dances. And last, but never least, to my favorite partner on and off the dance floor, a heartfelt thanks to Wingo.
Kathy Austin

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More
Oct 20, Mon-NY Dancesport - Open for Columbus Day with llegendary 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 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 21, 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 22, Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, w/ 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-12:45am, DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman spinning the best in 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 special admission price.

Oct 22, Wed-Pa Michael’s Cafe, we will be celebrating DJ Mark’s birthday (he really hates this so be sure to join us), & Andre Phelps birthday. Come out for the fun. The hot spot for hustle, Swing and Latin in between. 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. Next week we celebrate the birthday of Brian “the King” Gallagher. See you then.

Oct 22, Wed-NJ DKN Dance, w/ 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 23, Thur Pa Salsa Social at Ballroom on High hosted by Star Seguinot. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month, 310 High St. Pottstown. Party 8pm with beg. salsa lesson & open dancing till 11. $10 includes lesson. $5 for students w/valid ID. Next event, Nov 13th, Nov 20th, Call Star for details at 215-920-4511. www.swingkat.com

Oct 23, Thurs-NY LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at MIRELLE’S! 170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 7:30-11:30PM, 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 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 25, Sat-NY Riveras Cafe 26 Great Neck road, Great Neck, L.I. Hustle & Salsa w/ Legendary NYC DJ Bobby Morales!! 9:30 - 2AM. 1/2 off admission special ONLY $5!! Located in Great Neck shopping center. Plenty of free parking. Dinner til 10pm, tapas available til 1am. For more info or reservations call (516) 466-6380 or visit them at riverasfusion.com

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.

Oct 29, Wed-NY “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St. Join your hostess Simone Assboeck for a WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm-12:45am, DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman spinning the best in hustle & latin $9/PP $5 for SO Students Tonight’s Special is ‘Pre-Halloween Party’: Wear your favorite costume and get $2 off tonite’s admission.

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-NJ Halloween Boo Bash the Spinning W Ranch Costume dance party 8:00 till ? Calif mix Please bring a dish or bottle of wine. E-mail Wendy Lipincott w/your food choice. The party is free Please RSVP(609)953-3793 spinningw@aol.com Spinning W Ranch 266 Hartford Rd. Medford, N.J. 08055

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 1, Sat-PA Vai Dance Studio Salsa Rendezvous Dance Party The best of Salsa, Cha Cha, Bachata & Merengue 7:30pm Bachata & Merengue Lesson w/Victor Colon. 8:30pm Dance Party w/refreshments included $12.00 at door 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 www.vaidance.com.

Nov 1, Sat Halloween Mash with beg. Bachata Lesson by Winsor Li 8pm, Open dancing 8:30-midnight w/ DJ Kenny Arditi-Swing, Hustle, Latin, Waltz, Night Club 2 Step. No Name Dance-Suzanne Patterson Center Monument Drive, Princeton, No partner needed $12tix www.centraljerseydance.org, or call 609-945-1883.

Nov 1, 2008, Sat-NJ Ballroom Latin Dance Social, w/2 Hour NC2S workshop taught by Brian Thompson $12 for Workshop $10 Social, $15 for both. Students $10 for Workshop, $8 for Social $12 for both. For info http://hpds.webhop.org, hpds@optonline.net, 201-320-9176, Location 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904

Nov. 1st, Sat-NY Riveras Cafe 26 Great Neck road, Great Neck, L.I. Hustle & Salsa with Legendary NYC DJ Bobby Morales!! 9:30-2AM. FREE ADMISSION ALL NIGHT!!! Located in Great Neck shopping center. Plenty of free parking. Dinner til 10pm, tapas available til 1am. Foe more info or reservations call (516) 466-6380 or visit them at riverasfusion.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 and Exhibitions $108.00p/night (800) 237-8947 http://www.tampabayclassic.com/

Westie Weekend November 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 more details coming.

Nov. 15, Sat-VA The HARVEST LATIN BALL at The Columbian Center 2324 Pump Road Richmond, Va. 23233. Presented by Nino Torre & NiteMix Productions. Latin Dinner 7:00pm dancing @ 8:30pm til 12Midnight. $30.00 per/person $55.00 per/couple (Non refundable after 11/01/08) Includes Dinner, Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks & Entertainment. Onsite Babysitting available: must give notice in advance. Reservations required:No later than Nov. 1, 2008 Music by DJ’s Nino Torre & Tony Tan with live Salsa By Richmond’s “Son Quatro” Band. Call Nino for tix, reservations at (718) 926-3704 www.NiteMix.ws

Nov 15, Sat-PA Vai Dance Studio Anniversary Dinner Showcase & Dance Party. Music selection will be open to all dance styles & requests. Ballroom, Latin, Hustle, WC Swing, Country 2-Step 6pm Dinner Buffet opens 8pm Dance Party & Showcase $25.00 adv. tix $30.00 at door. For tix 610.789.3248.
801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 www.vaidance.com.

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.

Nov 22, Sat-NJ Ballroom Latin Dance Social, w/2 Hour NC2S workshop taught by Brian Thompson $12 for Workshop $10 Social, $15 for both. Students $10 for Workshop, $8 for Social $12 for both. For info http://hpds.webhop.org, hpds@optonline.net, 201-320-9176, Location 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904

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/

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