DanceTalk ® 4/21/08

Happy Passover!

Happy birthday wishes to Ron Rochester, Irene Santini, Gene Rombola, Leroy Rathcamp, Giorgio Moroder, Carolyn Grimaldi, John Crescione, Carmen Wright, Jean DelPrado and Teddy Dormoi.

Thirteen years ago, we lost one of the most respected and talented dancers of the century, Ginger Rogers passed away on April 25, 1995

We wish Alex Jack a speedy recovery. He is recuperating from surgery after a mild heart attack. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Our condolences go out to Lois Shiloh on the passing of her father. He was 91 years old. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Madonna sets a new record w/ her 37th top 10 song, “4 Minutes” The new tune features songwriter/producer Justin Timberlake.

At this years IHSC, world dance champion Lisa Nunziella, will be teaching her salsa moves at this years competition. A member of the prestigious Life Time Achievement division on the Hustle Hall Of Fame, Lisa has release an entire DVD series, Dance With Lisa.

Funky Fridays returns this Friday night to Soho Dance Studio’s hosted by Lori Barzvi with resident DJ Bobby Morales. Special dance performances and hustle dancing all night long. See all the details below.

May 20th is the release date for “Crayons” the new album from song writer and legend Donna Summer. There will be a launch party in NYC on June 3rd

Its a double shot night at Michael’s Cafe this Tuesday in Bensalem Pa. DJ Mark plays back to back hits from the best dance artists from the 70’s to contemporary artists. No cover, free parking from 8PM to 12:30AM.

Swing Dance America takes over Wisconsin this coming weekend. Good luck to all the swing and Hustle competitors. See below for more details. http://swingdanceamerica.com/

July 18th, Mamma Mia comes to the silver screen. The musical, features the songs of ABBA. The motion picture stars Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan…

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by The Hustle Lounge and the Great American Jack & Jill O’Rama. Read all about it below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

DJ Directory 2008 (part 1 of 3)

Here is the newest, comprehensive listing of the finest disc jockeys, specializing in dance music, all over the USA. Many of these pros are on the air and/or take part at the national dance events. Thank you to all these professionals for the energy they put into their work and the enjoyment they bring us. This is a three part list. Please retain for your records when you need a top notch DJ in the future.

The directory is brought to you by The Hustle Lounge and DanceTalk®.

Randy Atlas
A Sound Trek
Miami Florida
Swing, Hustle and Salsa and Latin Music
305-756-5037
ratlas@ix.netcom.com

Mike Brooks
Phila and Atlantic City
70 & 80’s disco ,dance & funk plus motown & new hot jams
mbrooks1037@hotmail.com
website Mike brooks.net
609-408-3264 cell

BILLY CARROLL
NYC
HOUSE Music
DJBILLYCARROLL@AOL.COM
website WWW.BILLYCARROLL.COM
212 741 5159

Noel Colon - DJ Noel C
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Disco, Salsa, West Coast Swing, R&B, Dance, HIP HOP & Freestyle.
Dyingtobedancing@aol.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southfloridahustleclub/
(954) 868-7505

Jenny Costa
City Long Island, NY
Dance Music, WKTU Mixologist
E mail - djjenny@optonline.net
website http://www.ktu.com/pages/jennycosta.html

Louis Del Prete
Long Island, NY
Ballroom, Latin, Hustle, WCS
516-819-9016
louisdelprete@yahoo.com

Bob Frione
South Windsor, CT.
Dance Music - Emphasis on Disco,W.C. Swing & Latin
bobfrione@yahoo.com
cell 203-605-4601

Bobby Gerard
South Florida
Classic Dance
Djbobgerard1327@aol.com
954-255-8149

Michael Gormley
Philadelphia, PA
Dance, oldies to current - mobile & club work
mgorms@verizon.net
215-742-1383

Christopher Hemmer - MrDancePro
West Palm Beach/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Swing, Hustle, Latin, Ballroom, etc.
Chris@MrDancePro.com
website www.MrDancePro.com
(561) 876-1099

Rene Hewitt
Jersey City
DJ/Producer, House and Classics
djrene@optonline.net
www.renehewitt.com
www.iMusicUnderground.com
201-714-4852

Jack & Jill O’Rama

The Great American Jack & Jill O’Rama is back. If you like to dance this is the place for you. We are talking, an all intensive weekend of Swing dancing from June 12th to the 15th, at the Hyatt Regency in Orange County, California. The tradition lives on as Swing dancers from all over the country attend the exciting workshops, Jack & Jill contests and dance, dance, dance non stop. The music will inspire you under the careful hands of David Koppelman, Mike Pyle and Jack Smith. The weekend will be buzzing with free workshops featuring some of the top Swing dancer teachers from all over the USA. You’ll be taking classes with Phil Adams, Skippy Blair, Kelly Casanova, Arjay Centeno, Luis Crespo, Gary Jobst, Deanna Mollmann, Ben Morris, Eric Myers, Lisa Narita, Mary Ann Nunez, Martin Parker, Melina Ramirez, Melissa Rutz, Manny Viarrial and Sonny Watson. The entire weekend takes place at the beautiful Hyatt Regency. With very reasonable rates of only $99 per night. Plan now as you can book your room at: (714) 750 - 1234. Registration is only $ 115 per person if received by May 29th and $135 at the door. ALL JUNIORS ARE HALF PRICE. World renown Swing master, Skippy Blair will be holding a five day mini - intensive from June 12th to the 16th.
All the principles of swing will be covered including better connections with your partner and the music. If your looking to lift your dancing a few notches don’t miss this opportunity. You can call Skippy at (562) 869-8949 To take part in this years Great American Jack & Jill O’Rama be sure to register now. All contestants must sign up one hour before the contests. This years judges are: Phil Adams, Louise Bretz, Jack Carey, Kelly Casanova, Jackie Ford, Ton Hyatt, Gary Jobst, Ben Morris, Bram Morris, Martin Parker, Melina Ramirez, Bess Rodriquez, Carlito Rofoli, Jim & Cathy Tigges, Manny Viarrial and Sonny Watson. For more details visit the website at www.centralcoastswingdance.com

Letters to the Editor

(our goal is to post readers letters twice a month, unfortunately due to space limitations we cannot publish them all)

Ronnie,
How are you, I hope you and your family had a great Easter…I really enjoyed the write up you did on Jacqueline Cruz. I remember her from the mid 80’s, she was a doll…David has some strong points in his letter to the editor section. I feel we will be the last generation dancing the hustle unless something changes quickly.
Thanks again Ron,
Lorraine

I agree with David Flynn. The best hustle songs from 76′ -80′ were fast and the music inspired us to dance. Today, the music is bland and it is all about the dance. I am usually bored @ N.Y.style hustle dances and find myself sitting and waiting for a classic song. I have been to dances now where they will take a classic song and slow it down so much that it is hardly recognizable. These songs are pristine and do not require any adjustments. One of these dances I asked the D.J. why the songs were so slow? He told me the teacher did not want any songs over 115 B.P.M. I have been told that the reason is they want to appeal to a younger crowd. That may be true for some but I have many good dance partners much younger than I that love the classic music.I think the solution is a combination of both styles. Don’t let the music die ! Sorry, but David hit a nerve. Bob

Hi Ron,
I think what David Flynn has to say about the younger generation not being interested in our slower version of the Hustle has definite merit to it. Unfortunately, our crowd, that is now in their 50’s for the most part, as opposed to being in their 20’s, 30 years ago, cannot maintain dancing as speeds that we did back then. I, personally, would rather dance slower than not at all. When I’m 90, my plan is to do the beautiful slow ballroom dances like the Waltz or Foxtrot. “Dancers don’t stop dancing when they grow old; Dancers grow old when they stop dancing.”
Robin

I loveeeeeee to dance esp. disco dance - one way to keep women going to the dances is to have partners for them to dance with - I see that men have a greater selection of women to dance with than the reverse. Also people in the disco field seem to partner up and just stick with the women they know. I along with several of my friends are terrific dancers - I for one m told I’m a good dancer by many people. I do salsa and soul line and jitterbug and cha cha - and hustle - Im a passionate dancer, it’s hard for me to go somewhere and not dance when I hear the music. It seems that when my friends and I go out, …we don’t dance. Most of the guys dance with women they know are good dancers or they see all the time - which is only normal. They don’t give others a chance. As a woman, I dance with everyone even men who don’t have a good beat - just to be fair. In the salsa world, every one dances with everyone - good dancers dance with not so good dancers, young with old etc - so everyone gets a chance to dance…..I don’t know how to fix the problem - I do soul line dancing and what they call the bop and when I go to events - they have guys who r there strictly to dance with females (like on a cruise ship) - generally there are always more women then men.
Hope this helps Ron
terri

Hi Ron, this is for your readers please post,
Your editorial was very interesting. I like to attend as many dance championships as I can but for me, I have to fly since I live in Detroit. I’m one of the guys that has to cut back. It hurts me to think about not attending but like many of the dancers here we are at a cross roads and many of the plants are closing or laying off. I know it can’t last forever but maybe somebody can bring a disco event to Michigan.
Tim Kane

Hi Ron,

I’d like to respond to your editorial ‘Dancing vs the Economy. Although most dance venues have kept their prices the same for some time, and we appreciate that, some have not and attendance has declined. I’m reluctantly bringing this to such a large forum but I have heard complaints for years now and I have also limited my visits to certain dance studio for the reasons outlined in this writing…. Pricing for socials is high, the music has not changed in years and the attendance of advanced dancers has declined dramatically., The songs are old, tired and few classics that are worth hearing repeatedly are played. Again, I apologize for bringing it to this forum but I know that many people have brought this to studio’s attention in the past and yet things remain the same. If prices were a little lower, or coupons given out when you attend a previous social would be appreciated by the repeat customers and attendance would start to increase. There are a good deal of places to dance that are free. They may not be the optimal ballroom experience but they are starting to attract a larger dance crowd and since we all know each other, it’s easy to dance and just work around the non-dancers on the floor. I only ask that this suggestion be taken into account for ALL dance venues in an effort to make them profitable and more prosperous for us all.
Thank you,
LJ

I’m glad to see some discussion opening about how we do Hustle. I think Hustle has a very big tent with room for every style and speed of the dance. It’s not a particular speed of music alone that will kill Hustle but it is politics and stubborn infighting that will surely finish it off….Folks, *everyone* is right on this topic. Hustle works the way *you* like it. If you’re having fun, you’re doing it right. If you submit yourself to a competion, you are agreeing to be judged by the judges, and you know who they are ahead of time. Sure, everyone has their favorite way of doing Hustle, but have you ever stopped to consider just how amazingly versatile our favorite dance is? Almost no other dance (except WCS) can work with so many styles and tempos of music. You can Hustle to at least all of these and and at most of the speed ranges that you find in these genre from 95-140 BPM…If you think about the total audience for these styles of music, there is an *enormous* target market for Hustle. People will like the dance because they will like doing it to “their” music. And it’s not just the music. You can compete or you can dance socially…
Instead of arguing about what way of doing Hustle is “correct” or “best”, let’s have a win:win:win for all of us and do what we can to include everything because Hustle can do it all. Let’s be willing to let everyone have something here. Event organizers, arrange for your DJs to play a wide variety of music and publish a list of the kinds they will provide. You may boost your attendance. Have your social sets broken into 15 minute segments of a certain type of music. Studio people, try out different kinds of music with your clients. Teachers, ask your students what they like and teach them with it. All of us, let’s organize outings to clubs and show off the best club dance there is! I have been working on doing this in Chicago and will probably be able to do it early this summer.
“Illinois” Paul Jones

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…

April 21, 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.

April 21, Mon - NY - “Take Three” at the Sapphire Lounge, 249 Eldridge Street, NYC with DJ’s Mickey Dulanto, Al Rivera and Bobby Morales. Join us for a night of Deep soulful grooves and Classics at one of NYC’s premiere House music lounges. Dance from 10pm - 4am. FREE ADMISSION ALL NIGHT!!

April 22, Tues - Pa - Double shot (two back to back songs) from classic & contemporary artists at Michael’s Café. DONNA SUMMER, THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS, CERRONE, CANDI STATON and many many more!! Music starts at 8PM with DJ Mark. 3640 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 215-633-7171

April 22, Tues - NY - HOT LATIN, WCS & HUSTLE TUESDAYS at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant/Lounge, Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7:30 to 11:30 PM, $13 includes Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, salsa Lesson by Kelly Ficarra, prizes & dancing to a Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

April 22, Tues - NY - IBBG, “The Original Tuesday Night Hustle Party”, celebrating Ozzie, Christie and IBBG’s host, Doreen’s Birthday. Lina and DJ Chris will be bringing cakes. Rosetta & Robert will be performing their routine in preparation for the competition in Miami. Spacious Dance Floor, DJ Chris playing the best of old & new Hustle with a dash of Latin & WCS hosted by Doreen. 50/50 Raffle & door prizes. 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City, Exit M3W off Meadowbrook 9 PM. Only $8

Apr 23, Wed - NJ - Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, Rt. 130, Pennsauken, 6:30-7:30 - learn the language of WCS. The Sixes & The Eights! Week 4 of 6. 7:45-8:45 - Must know your 6 & 8 count basics. Ongoing classes. WESTIE WEDNESDAY Dance!!! 8:45-11:30 - $5. Social Dance with DJ Rob and the Del Val crew. Mostly WCS. Free parking. (FREE to those taking the Basic class at 6:30)

April 23, 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. 4/23: “Retro T-shirt Night”: Wear a t-shirt from a hustle event & get $2 off tonites admission,

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/

April 24, Thurs - NY - LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, MIRELLE’S,170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 7:30PM to 11:30PM, Performances by ALFRED PENA & TANYA OLINICK & ROBERT LAWRENCE & ROSETTA VARUOLA. Hot Buffet, 45 Min. SALSA Lesson starting at 7:30w/Louis. Admission $14, call Louis (516) 819 - 9016. THIS EVENT RUNS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

April 25, Fri - NY - Soho Dance Studio presents Funky Friday hosted by Lori Barzvi for a night of hustle. 10PM till…. Hustle & more… Enjoy a night of hustle with resident DJ Bobby Morales and special dance performances by the students of Soho in preparation for Miami’s IHSC. Only $10. Soho 598 Broadway, 6th Floor, NYC, 10012 212 - 226 - 6767 www.sohodancestudio.com

April 25, Fri - FL - Swing Dance Fri’d Blindy that’s what happens when you mix Lindy with hot Blues on a Friday night. Dance Lindy Hop, Blues with Cindy. Dance Lesson at 8:00 to 9:00 PM. Dance includes a mix of Swing, Blues, Hustle, Ballroom & Latin Music at 9:00 to late night. $10 , lesson included. SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Hwy, Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, 954-254-3221 or 561-495-7571

April 25, Fri - NY - Zachary’s Dance Contest, back by popular demand, a monthly dance contest (for amateurs) returns to Long Island, every month. East Meadow Shopping Plaza in East Meadow, 516-794-9770

April 25, Fri - Pa - Swing Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, Beg. Jitterbug Lesson at 8 pm, New Moves at 8:45 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight - Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Shag, Charleston, and more. DJ Alex. $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

April 26, Sat – NJ – Do the Hustle with Johnny V 9 pm - 1am – Come Do the Hustle - Great music, great company on a great floor. $12 or $10 with pass or print out - Starlight Dance Center 7 High Street, Nutley, NJ 07110
973-235-9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com

April 26, Sat - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, 11729 ***Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 8:00PM to 12:00AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, Fruit & Veg.Platter! 40 Min Dance Lesson at 8:00w/Louis. State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle,Cash Bar Available, Adm. $14, call Louis for info (516) 819 - 9016

April 26, Sat - NJ - Ballroom-Latin Dance Social with a 2 hour County Two Step and West Coast Swing workshop. Workshop from 5 to 7, Social from 7:30 to 11:30 $15 for workshop & social, $10 for workshop or social. IM Gallery, 235 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, N.J. 08904. http://hpds.webhop.org/events.htm; email: hpds@optonline.net or call 732-819-4858

April 26, Sat -Pa - Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, Beg. Salsa lesson at 7:30 pm & Int. Salsa lesson at 8:15 pm with Diane Weinberg, dance 9 pm - midnight with DJs Carol & Gene Wise, $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

April 28, Mon - NY - “Slap and Tickle” at the Sin Sin Leopard Lounge, 85 Second Avenue, NYC with DJ’s Mickey Dulanto, Bobby Morales and Billy Bump. Join us for a night of Deep soulful grooves and Classics at one of NYC’s premiere House music lounges. Dance from 10pm - 4am. FREE ADMISSION ALL NIGHT!!

April 29, Tues - NY - HOT LATIN, WCS & HUSTLE TUESDAYS at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant/Lounge, Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7:30 to 11:30 PM, $13 includes Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, salsa Lesson by Kelly Ficarra, prizes & dancing to a Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

Apr 30, Wed - NJ - Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, Rt. 130, Pennsauken, 6:30-7:30 - learn the language of WCS. The Sixes & The Eights! Week 4 of 6. 7:45-8:45 - Must know your 6 & 8 count basics. Ongoing classes. WESTIE WEDNESDAY Dance!!! 8:45-11:30 - $5. Social Dance with DJ Rob and the Del Val crew. Mostly WCS. Free parking. (FREE to those taking the Basic class at 6:30)

International Hustle Salsa Championships May 1 - 4, Miami, Florida Hosted by Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow
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/

May 3, Sat - NY - Ultimate Dance Zone, presented by Mark Jamesa & Karen Lupo. 8:30pm -12:30 am at the Wantagh Jewish Center, great dance floor and show.
for more info @ http://www.mjames.org/zone.html

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! http://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

May 17, Sat - NY - Disco Classic Dance Benefit, 6th Annual Ed Ryan Memorial Award at the City Nightclub in the Radisson Hotlel, One Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle. Live performance by First Choice (Doctor Love) With DJ’s Johnny Rocks and Bobby Morales, $40 donation P/P, 8:30PM, call 914-725-0011, email fevermusic@aol.com visit www.feverrecords.com

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. DJs Nelson “Paradise” Roman and Franklin Ayala, Jose Solano, Bobbi Petri, Doug Hagwood, Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse, 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

Great American Jack & Jill O’rama June 12 - 15th Santa Maria, CA
Hyatt Regency Orange County, Jack & Jill contests, 5 day Skippy Blair mini intensive, workshops and tons of open dancing. Workshops featuring: Phil Adams, Skippy Blair, Kelly Casanova, Arjay Centeno, Luis Crespo, Gary Jobst, Deanna Mollmann, Ben Morris, Eric Myers, Lisa Narita, Mary Ann Nunez, Martin Parker, Melina Ramirez, Melissa Ramirez, Melissa Rutz, Manny Viarrial, Sonny Watson. Music by David Koppelman, Mike Pyle, Jack Smith. Costs: $115 per person received by May 29, $135 at the door. Hyatt Regency only $99. room rate call (714) 750-1234 for more details visit www.centralcoastswingdance.com or e mail ccsd@thegrid.net

Disco America July 4-6, 2008 Crown Plaza Valley Forge
260- Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, PA Hosted by Donna J. Boyle & Joyce Szili. This is the 10th Anniversary of DiscoAmerica: Dance Workshops, Social Dancing, after Dinner Show, Exhibitions & Championships, contact Donna J. Boyle - Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, or 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 This is a Hustle weekend with more social dance time then any other event. Featuring Jack & jill competitions and more. More details coming soon. (516) 728 - 6101 Loribrizzi@aol.com www.nyhustlecongress.com

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

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®