DanceTalk ® 3/24/2008

Happy Birthday wishes to Mike Reher, Deano “Dino” Georgio & Kathy Freed.

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Gladys Torres. I had the distinct honor of partnering with Gladys in the World Hustle Dance Championships dinner show, just a few years ago. Gladys had been diagnosed already but she smiled and danced like the true superstar that she is. Her long courageous battle with cancer has come to an end. She was loved by all.

Dance pro Ken Roesel reports that well over a 1,000 West Coast, Lindy/East Coast, Hustle, Shag and Hand Dancers came together to dance, play and honor at the “Memorial Dance and Celebration of Craig Hutchinson’s Life as a Dancer”

Don’t miss the Hustle Night & Student Showcase at Soho Dance Studio on March 28th for a night of hustle. Performances in Salsa, Cha Cha, Hustle & more, including NY’s finest, DJ Bobby Morales. See all the details below. www.sohodancestudio.com

Actress Marlee Matlin who is deaf did an amazing job on her first week on Dancing With The Stars. Since she cannot hear the music her pro partner Fabian Sanchez, pulses the beat thru his hands so she can keep time to the music.

Jump into spring, get the feeling on Mar 29th at Springtime in Havana Party hosted by Lori Brizzi, her 7 year Anniversary Party with DJ Nelson ‘Paradise’ Roman and Franklin Ayala, see all the details below.

Bob Fosse’s “Dancin’” returns to Broadway May 5, 2009, at Studio 54. The all-dance show will be directed by Graciela Daniele. Ann Reinking, who was in the original production of “Dancin’,” and Nicole Fosse, his daughter, will serve as creative consultants. “Dancin”‘ opened on Broadway in 1978 and ran for four years.

The new March Dance CD is out and available from DJ Fancy. It includes 17 hot New songs from Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, Alisha Keys, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige & more, for the complete list and to order, write to sparda3636@yahoo.com

What, you didn’t get this weeks edition of DanceTalk? Traveling, at work, on the go, visit The Hustle Lounge for all the up to date issues of Dance Talk!

Check out some great photos from MadJam 2008, courtesy of Scott Michielli, here.

The winners at last weeks Vai Dance Contest:

Jack & Jill Hustle
1st Place - Sammy Shecter & Brian Toder
2nd Place - Pat Stewart & Linda Rothrock

Just Hustle
1st Place - Sammy Shecter & Ricky Villa
2nd Place - Pat Stewart & Anita Giacone

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by the International Hustle Salsa Championships, coming to Miami May 1 - 4th, read all about it below and here www.hustleandsalsa.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

International Hustle Salsa Championships

There is no better place to dance then in Miami. The International Hustle Salsa Championships return May 1 to the 4th. You’ll be beach side, dancing and enjoying all the pleasures of Florida as the IHSC celebrates its 9th anniversary. Your hosts Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow will have you dancing and jubilant all weekend long. Their event has a long history of selling out…fast. And if you think last years event was hot, wait until you hear all the new special features. Dancing by the pool from noon till 4PM daily, to the sounds of DJ’s Henry Knowles & Noel Colon. The competitions include Professional, Amateur and Pro-Am division in hustle, Salsa, Theatre arts, triple threat (hustle, Salsa, swing) and now an expanded Starlight Rhythms Competition all day Thursday, with performances by international Latin champions Eugene Katsevman & Maria Manusova. Don’t miss the salsa Bootcamp with the one and only Edie the Salsa Freak. Reserve your seats for the Saturday night Dinner show featuring the Dance Dimensions 2008. There will be live music Friday as the Copa Night features salsa teams, ESPN World Salsa Championships qualifying round and dancing to Henry Knowles & Alberth Moreno. This year they have added a Saturday night Salsa Party with a live performance by New Swing Sextet. Saturday night you can Swing dance all evening in the separate Swing room. Three ballrooms in all, to social dance in. Beat the winter blues and book your room now for the spring event of the year.

Billy was one of the original pioneers of the hustle. While still a teenager, he had already formed his own dance company and traveled the world. He brought dancing into everyone’s home, weekly, performing on the hit television show, Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert. Dance junkies tuned in weekly to catch the newest hustle patterns and theatrical tricks & lifts. Today, he is still at the top of his game. Along with Katie they have won numerous competitions: IDO World Champions in both Hustle and Cabaret Exhibition, Open Cabaret Champions, US Hustle Champions and NADC Cabaret Champions. Billy & Katie have assembled the top teachers, performers and DJs for this IHDA sanctioned event. The staff includes: Derrick Allen & Donna DiSimone, Raul Ante, Ray Avery & Irena Griffin, Donna Boyle, Wendy & Wajih Dalal, Brian Gallagher, Silvana Gallagher, Keith & Celeste Gussoni, Debra Hampton, Jameson Kilburn, Danny McGee, Lisa Nunziella, Ralph Ramirez, Luis & Maryann Rosa, Kelvin Roche & Loriann Greenhouse, Joyce Szili, Maria Torres, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Kim Vanaman, Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores, Maribel Maldonado, Rene Gueits, Jose Luis Gutierrez, Henry Herrera, Angely Carucci, Tito Ortos & Tamara Carucci, Ismael Otero & Shani Talmor, Raul Santiago & Sergia Anderson, Carlos Tellez, Jhesus Aponte, Sheila de Jesus… With this much talent, rooms are going fast.
The Miami Beach Resort & Spa is located at 4833 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. Rooms are only $149 per night, while they last. Call 954-358-0168 Register now for your spring dance extravaganza. ww.hustleandsalsa.com

Spotlight - Jacqueline Cruz

She was a mere 8 years old when her father took her to compete in her first dance contest. It was held at El Tropicolo, a Latin club, in New York. After she finished dancing, the Master of Ceremonies told her father that ’she had a special something’. Jacqueline Cruz, at such a young age, didn’t really understand what he meant, but the dance world would cease the opportunity to witness a tiny rose blossom into an incredible performer. Jackie’s father was a musician & singer who would regularly take her to his performances. Growing up in a family from the entertainment field had a profound impact on her. While in elementary school, Jackie would perform in the talent shows in the’ Boogie Down Bronx’, “I continued performing in talent shows even in middle school I.S. 52,” recalls Jackie. That is where she met future partner, Hector Berrios. He was in 8th grade, one year ahead of her. ” I remember playing ‘hooky’ from school and going to hooky parties and seeing him and everyone else dance the hustle”, explains Jackie. One evening Jackie’s older brother took her to a place called “The Atmosphere”, in Hunts Point, the Bronx. This was the first time she experienced Hector performing, she was mesmerized by the show. That very same night she got a double dose when she observed the dance floor literally part, “like the sea for Moses ” and out appeared Billy Fajardo & Sandra Rivera, adorned “in white suits” doing the hustle. It was at this point Jackie was determined to master the hustle. She had a secret weapon, her older brother was the key to her hustle success. He began to teach her the fundamentals. Together, they would rehearse and gravitate to the parks where music would be playing and everyone danced. With dedicated determination, Jackie developed the confidence to dance in public. Along with her first partner, Angel, they auditioned for The Latin Symbolics. An overwhelmed Jackie was selected. Dancing was now beginning to consume her life. They would spend endless hours in the studio’s rehearsing. As her passion for dancing grew she would make it a point to study the “big dogs.” One night, on a visit to the disco ‘Latin Times’, she was watching Perico & Edie and Eddie & Lourdes when Hector approached her to dance. “He danced with me, Jackie explains, but I couldn’t keep up with him.” He later insulted Jackie to his sister. This was heart wrenching for her, but she wouldn’t let it become a set back, she had the inclination to turn it into a positive. Literally lighting a fire in her belly, Jackie was determined to excel and, hopefully, change his opinion. She continued to frequent clubs like the Latin Times and Starship, when once again she crossed paths with Hector. Her favorite song “Doctor Love” came on when Hector grabbed her for a dance. This time she was prepared and focused to keep up with his spins and fast turns. She was electric. Hector was so impressed he asked her to enter a dance contest being held at the Boys Club. His current partner, Debbie Benitez was unavailable to compete. Jackie already was aquatinted with Debbie as she was a member of her jazz team, “Sugar & Spice.” With her mothers approval to compete, they now had less than one hour for Hector to teach her a routine. ” I remember competing in the contest and being chosen as a finalist,” explains Jackie, “I didn’t expect to place but we did. We practiced some more and prepared for the finals.” On the evening of the finals, Jackie was very composed, although the place was packed with the premier dancers. One of the most popular, red hot teams was in the house, but inspite of Eddie Vega & Lourdes Jones performance, Jackie & Hector took first place. Instantaneously, people started to take notice. They became the “new” couple. Franc. “Perico” Reys, one of the more experienced dancers was a member of the prestigious dance troop, the Disco Dance Dimensions. Perico encouraged Hector to dance with Jackie. Hector & Jackie would compete in another contest where dance champion, Billy Fajardo was judging. At this contest, Eddie & Lourdes captured first place while Floyd Chishom & Nelly Cotto took second. Although Jackie & Hector came in third, Billy was very impressed and subsequently gave them their first break. One evening, when Billy & Sandra weren’t available to perform at the Concord Hotel, Perico asked Hector & Jackie to fill in and the rest became history. From that point on, they became members of the Dance Dimensions. For Jackie it was a life changing experience. The troop was highly sought after as they traveled extensively performing shows all over the world. They would entertain on The Jerry Lewis Telethon, at Carnegie Hall with Liza Minneli, Bob Hope, Grace Jones, the Village People, Sister Sledge, and with practically every popular entertainer of the day. Tours and performances would include the popular televised show, ‘Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert’. The troop was featured each week performing synchronized dance numbers and solo acts. Jackie, with her hypnotic smile became a core member of the troop. In between shows the couple would still compete and won a local dance contest which catapulted them back on television’s ” Soul Alive”. Once again, they impressed the judges and won the hearts of the audience taking first place. As graceful as an elk, her arms flashing and legs kicking with lightning speed, Jackie was simply elegant. One of her personal victories was performing at the Fania All Stars in Madison Square Garden with Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. She had never performed in the round, as people viewed them from all sides of the stage. ” When I was dancing, I will always remember looking up and seeing on a flashing screen, ‘Dance Dimensions’ , I felt like a star”, explains Jackie. “Who would ever guess that inner city kids from the boogie down Bronx would go so far,” asks Jackie. With an overwhelming sense of positivity Jackie experienced the unique opportunity to perform in the remake of the “Saturday Night Fever Tour”. Along with Lisa Nunziella and Perico , they toured all over Europe and Morocco. As the dance craze began to die down, both Jackie & Hector’s romance and dancing flickered as well. They would part ways in preparation for college. Jackie received her Bachelors in Psychology and her Masters of Science in Counseling and Development. After 9/11, she resigned and acquired a Guidance Counselor position at The High School For Contemporary Arts, located in the Bronx. Although she lives in the suburbs she has returned to the place that it all started for her. Married now, along with her daughter Grace Sophia, Jackie still senses that fire in her belly, and probably always will. “Although I have hung up my dancing shoes, I long to create the same type of program for my High school students that the movie “Mad Hot Ballroom” did with middle school students,” shares Jackie.
With her determination and love for dance, I think we will see this hustle diva continue to inspire others.

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…

Mar 24, Mon - NY - Dancesport - Legendary Hustle Mondays at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, with DJ Donnie Shields at 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.

Mar 25, 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. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle & door prizes. 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City, Exit M3W off Meadowbrook Pkwy 9 PM. Still only $7

Mar 25, Tues - Pa - Michael’s Cafe, the place to be every Tuesday night. Celebrating Mike Reher birthday. Come join the party. Hustle classics and contemporary music with DJ Mark - playing the best hustle, WCS and Latin in between. Free parking, no cover. Street Rd. Bensalem.

Mar 25 Tues - NY - HOT LATIN, WCS & HUSTLE TUESDAYS at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant & Lounge), Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale NY, 7:30 to 11:30 PM, $13 includes Delicious Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, FREE Water, RUMBA Dance Lesson by PATTI PANEBIANCO, Door Prizes & dancing to DJ Cody! Additional Info at: (631) 744-7777, Info@LIDance.org or www.LIDance.org

Mar 26, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 w. 26th st, Hosts Simone Assboeck & David Padilla for WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm til 12:45am, DJ Nelson “Paradise” $9/PP; $5 for SO Students.”2 for $15 Admission” - You & a NEW friend must show up together. www.steppingoutstudios.com

Mar 27, 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. WCS Lesson starting at 7:30w/Louis. State of the art sound system, Door Prizes, Cash Bar Available, $14, call Louis (516) 819 - 9016.

Mar 28, Fri - NY - Hustle Night & Student Showcase, Soho Dance Studio presents a night of hustle. 9PM till…. Performances at 10:30PM with the Soho Dance Stars showing off their moves with spectacular performances in Salsa, Cha Cha, hustle & more… Enjoy a night of hustle with guest DJ, New York’s favorite Bobby Morales. Only $10. Soho 598 Broadway, 6th Floor, NYC, 10012 212 - 226 - 6767 www.sohodancestudio.com

Mar 28, Fri - PA - “SALSA FRIDAYS” at La Luna Dance Studio, 4610 Bensalem Boulevard, Bensalem, 8:30pm- 2:00am, BYOB, Dinner buffet (first come, first serve), Salsa lesson with Jose Maldonado at 9pm. Dancing with DJ La Clave until 2am. $10 Members, $12 Non-Members. 215-638-0418 or www.lalunadancestudio.com

Mar 28, Fri – Pa - Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, Swing Lesson at 8 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight - Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Shag, Charleston, and more. DJ. $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

Mar 28, Fri - FL - Swing Dance Fri’d Blindy when you mix Lindy & Blues on a Friday night. Lindy Hop, Blues with Cindy. Lesson 8:00 to 9:00 PM. Swing, Blues, Ballroom, Latin Music at 9:00 to 11:00 PM. $10, lesson included. Shall We Dance, 600 South Federal Hwy, Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, 954-254-3221 or 561-495-7571

Mar 29, Sat - NY - ‘Springtime in Havana Party at the 92nd St Y. Lori Brizzi’s 7 year Anniversary Party, Please join me for this very Special Party with DJ Nelson ‘Paradise’ Roman and DJ Franklin Ayala playing Hustle, Salsa and Latin and WCoast Swing from 9pm-2am free beg hustle class from 8-9pm with Lori Brizzi Special for this evening Mojito Punch, Rice and Beans (Moro), Cuban Sandwiches plus the usual coffee, tea and dessert, wine and soda & snacks $20 Admission Special Dance Performances for more info call Lori @ 516 728-6101 or email loribrizzi@aol.com

Mar 29, Sat - NJ - March Madness “The Big Dance” Nash Dancenter
10-12 Emery Avenue Randolph, Three rooms of dancing. Hustle Lesson from 7:00 - 8:00 with Diane Nardone, Hustle with DJ Bobby Morales, WCS Lesson with Christine Clifton, California Mix with DJ Ron Refice Rumba Lesson with Brian Nash, Ballroom with DJ Brian Nash, Social from 8:00 - 12:00 Tickets $20 in advance $25 at the door Refreshments will be served..BYOB Info and tickets: BonnieRowe 973-366-7987

Mar 29, Sat - Pa - Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, Beginner lesson at 7:30 pm and Intermediate lesson at 8:15 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight with DJ, $10 - Waltz, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Rumba, American Tango, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Hustle, and more. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

Mar 29, Sat - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. ~6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY~~ W/GREAT SHOW FEATURING PLAMEN DANAILOV & RADOSTINA GEROVA~!! V.F.W. 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, *Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 8:00PM - 12:30AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, Fruit & Veg.Platter! 40 Min.Dance Lesson at 8:00w/Louis. Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle,Cash Bar Available.$15, call Louis for info (516) 819 - 9016

Mar 29, Sat - NJ - Central Jersey Dance Society Tango Lesson and Dance. Saturday, March 29 Intermediate Lesson 8pm, Instruction by Michael Nadtochi. Tango dancing, 9 pm at Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton St., Princeton. $12 for information www.centraljerseydance.org or call 609-945-1883.

Mar 30, Sun - NJ Chez Paree Reunion for friends of the Chez, Saratoga Brass rail, Studio 6 . Rendezvous Lounge and Little Johns, 6PM at Deja Vu 245 S New York Ave at the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Guest Djs, $20 PP, proceeds benefit the South Jersey Aids Alliance.

Mar 31, Mon - NY - Hustle / Latin Mix with D.J. Johnny ‘O’ a new Monday venue. from 9-12 Free Lesson from 8-9pm, $10 at Five Star Dance Studio 136-19 37 Ave (off Main St) Flushing NY,11354 (718) 961 - 1982 or Betty (646)420 8057

April 2, 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. 4/2: “Lucky Draw”: Everyone has a chance to win pers!

April 4, Fri, - PA - Ballroom Extravaganza Dance Party @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown: Ballroom & Latin Dance Party w/ DJ John & Instructor Silvana, 7:30 pm free Rumba lesson, 8:30 dance party with a hot buffet. Foxtrot, Rumba, Waltz, ECS, Tango, Cha Cha,$12.00 at the door. www.vaidance.com or call 610-789-3248 Now Vai!

Apr. 4, Fri - NY - Friday Night Fever, Spring Hustle & Salsa Event: Join your hosts Simone Assboeck & David Padilla, 9:30pm til 2am, Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St., 9th fl.; $15 All Night; $10 for Stepping Out Students; DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman spinning classic disco, salsa, swing; Special guest salsa DJ Chilly Willy…Free buffet, open bar.

April 5, Sat - NYC - Lori Brizzi’s MILLENNIUM HUSTLE at IL Campanello. $10 and you get to participate in our raffle! 1st Place - free dinner, 2nd place - free bottle of wine, 3rd free admission to next Millennium, “Request Hour” 9 -10pm. with DJ Bobby Morales - hustle, salsa, cha cha, wcs 9pm-2am. $15. Special dance performance. 136 W. 31 (6/7Ave) 516 728-6101 www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

April 5, Sat - NJ - “No Name” California Mix Dance, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. Beg Night Club 2 Step lesson with Michael Frank 7:30 pm. Open Dancing with DJ Dave Muzii 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Dance & Lesson $11 regular/$8 students www.centraljerseydance.org

April 5, Sat - NY - Saturday Swing Dance @ the Brush Barn in Smithtown. Featuring ” Lady Luck and the Suicide Kings”. Free lesson 7:30 - 8:00. Dancing 8-11:00pm. Door prizes, drinks, snacks. Call 631-476-3707 or www.SDLI.org

April 6, Sun - NY - “HUSTLE PARTY & WORKSHOPS” FEATURING ~DERRICK ALLEN ~ Located at DEER PARK, VFW, 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, NY. **Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE** (4:30pm Hustle Workshop 1, Lead & follow) (6:00pm Hustle Workshop 2, Intermediate to Advance). In Advance: 1/$20 2/$40. At Door: 1/$25 2/$50. Air Conditioned. Call Louis for more info (516) 819 - 9016.

April 6, Sun, - PA - Salsa Rendezvous Dance Party @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pk, Havertown, DJ & instructor Victor Colon: 5:00 pm free lesson in Salsa, 6:00 pm dance party with refreshements. Come dance the night away to Salsa, Bachatta, Cha Cha, and Merengue. 10.00 at the door. www.vaidance.com 610-789-3248 Now Vai!

Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships, April 11 - 13,
Philadelphia Airport Marriott Hotel, www.phillyfestival.net

April 13, Sun - NJ - Second Annual Care to Dance, Suzanne Paterson in Princeton. Dance with your favorite pros, see them dance in a fabulous show. Our reuse project is ReSouled Shoes. Come see these fabulous works of art, created by local artists. You can win gift certificates to restaurants, private dance lessons or bid on a plane ride to Nantucket for lunch or spend time with an astronaut!!!! For info go to yourresourcenj.org or Carol Feldman at 609-841-9083 cjfdanceworks@gmail.com

April 20, Sun - Pa - Dance Party at the Crown Plaza Hotel King of Prussia, 5:30PM to 10:30PM, 5:30 Hustle lesson 6pm to 1030pm Dancing Ballroom, Hustle, Latin, Swing & Oldies, DJ Donna J 215 740 3472 www.donnaboyle.com
donnaboyledisco@aol.com

Swing Dance America April 24 - April 27, Hilton - Milwaukee, City Center, 509 West Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53203 1-414-271-7250, West Coast Swing & Hustle competitions, Two Ballrooms (1 WCS; 1 Hustle) HUGE indoor water park inside the Hilton Hotel, 10 Competitive Divisions, Classic “A” and “B”, Over 20 Great Workshops, Inter-Club Competition, Dancing With The Stars Auction, All Star staff: Robert & Nicola Royston, Arjay Centeno & Melissa Rutz, Parker Dearborn & Jessica Cox, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep , Erik Novoa & Anna Brady, Jennifer Lyons, Fred & Tina Price, Slivana Gallagher, Nino DiGiulio, Kristin Geil-Ham & Monty Ham, Jimmy Mulligan, http://swingdanceamerica.com/

International Hustle Salsa Championships May 1 - 4, Miami, Florida
Hosted by Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa,
4833 COLLINS AVE, Miami Beach, FL 33140 866- 765-9090
Special IHSC 2008 Room Rates Standard Double $149 per night, Oceanview Double $179 per night, Staff: Angel Figueroa, Raul Ante, Donna Boyle, Donna DiSimone, Elizabeth Darchi, Ralph Ramirez, Danny McGee, Jamison Kilburn, Artie Phillips, Paul Pelicoro, Silvana Gallagher, Keith & Celeste Gussoni, Joyce Szili, Brian Gallagher, Loriann Greenhouse, Kelvin Roche, Derrick Allen, Lisa Nunziella, Louie & Maryann Rosa, Louie Orlando, Wendy & Wajih Dalal….. www.hustleandsalsa.com/

Swingin Into Spring May 2 - 4, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
A World Swing Dance Council Registry Event, event director Ken Mercik, Champions Workshops Series, Jack & jill Competitions, Soical Dancing all evening, Staff includes: Mario Robau Jr, Angel & Debbie Figueroa, Larry & Heidi Mongeau, Anne Fleming, Angelique Early, DJ Tommy Gee…Beverly Hills Suites Hotel, 383 South Center St. Windsor Locks, CT, 06096 860 - 623 - 4400 www.sis.djkenm.com/

The Easterns May 8 -11, 2008, Washington, DC Area
Premier Dance Event - Washington Dance Challenge, Hilton Washington Dulles - 1-800-Hiltons, Special $90 rate (mention Easterns) Featuring Hustle Pro Am and Hustle Jack and Jill’s, Early Bird Rates, Full UCWDC Country Competition, Swing Competition - Strictly & Jack & Jills, World Swing Dance Council Points Added ProAm & Amateur Ballroom ON SUNDAY DURING THE DAY! www.barrydurand.com

May 10, Sat - IL - Red Carpet Dance, Dinner, Fashion Show of the stars, Champion Showcase, recording artists, Special Guest Bob Powers, Mix & Match Pro Dance Challenge, Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake, Silvana Gallagher & Billy Marti, Marcia Barrett & Steeve Jean Louis, Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson, Ben Morris & Melina Ramirez.5PM at 10255 West Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, Illinois.Procedes go to the Rahab House, www.jozsefparragh.com/red_carpet_details

MILLENNIUM DANCE CRUISE JUNE 1- JUNE 8, 2008
1st Millennium Dance Cruise out of New York on the fabulous Norwegian Dawn, Hosted by Lori “Hustle Congress” Brizzi. The ship leaves NY on Sunday, June 1st to Bermuda and returns the following Sunday, June 8th. Staff: Billy Marti, Derrick Allen, Keith Harrison, Donna Boyle, Nelson “Paradise” Roman, Jose Solano, Bobbi Petri, Doug Hagwood, Franklin Ayala, Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse, Lisa ‘Sparkles’, Walter Perez. Contact Joan Werner at Valerie Wilson Travel, 475 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 Fax 212 779-7073 Attn: Joan Werner or email Joanw@vwti.com or phone 212 592-1208 or call Lori @ 516 728-6101 or email loribrizzi@aol.com

Disco America July 4-7, 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 Donna J. Boyle - Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, Joyce Szili - JoyceDancr@aol.com
www.discoamerica.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 and country to the Hilton East Brunswick, Three Tower Center Boulevard, 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

New York Hustle Congress August 28 - September 1, 2008
The 4th Annual hustle event in New York City. Hosted by Lori Brizzi. West Coast Swing along with Hustle dancing and competitions. More details coming soon. (516) 728 - 6101 Loribrizzi@aol.com www.nyhustlecongress.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

November 17th - 29th 2008, Mediterranean Dance Cruise,
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 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.

Ron Bess
DanceTalk®