DanceTalk ® 5/26/08

Happy birthday wishes to Steve Tusio, Magique, Raluca Georgio, Jenae’ Rubin and Jennifer Gessner.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Gary Drayer. He passed away suddenly this past week. He was and fellow dancer from the Peppermint dance group. Please keep them in your prayers.

Congratulations to dance champion Erik Nova & Anna Brady on their wedding engagement. Erik & Anna are also competitive partners and took 2nd place in the Cabaret Division at Mad Jam. They will be hosting the West Coast Swing & Hustle Dance Event @ Salsa Fest 08 this coming weekend. See the details below.

Tuesday night, May 27th, The World Salsa Dance Competitions, shown on ESPN 2, at 9PM EST.

Take a look back to 1976, Donna Summer had a major hit with the song (written by Barry Manilow), “Could It Be Magic.” Original footage was shot from 2001 Odyssey in Brooklyn New York as the backdrop (the club used in Saturday Night Fever) as dance Champions Floyd Chisholm & Nelly Cotto dance. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu6NS2Sk-MU&feature=related

“Let’s Dance” presented by “Summer on The Hudson” June 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th from 6:30 - 9:00PM. SoHo Dance providing free salsa lessons & social dancing by the water with resident DJ Bobby Morales! Riverside Park South/70th St. Plaza & The Hudson River, (enter the park @ 68th St. or 72nd St.) Orientation Class will be held on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 @ 8:30 PM $20 for the 1 hr. Orientation class + 1/2 private lesson to schedule @ your convenience! www.sohodancestudio.com

Hot dance pick of the week, “No Air,” remix by Jordan Sparks & Chris Brown. This & other new hits are available on the May Mix by DJ Fancy, only $15 for details send an email to sparda3636@yahoo.com

David Padilla has arranged a bus trip from 26th street in NYC to Discoamerica July 5th, there are only 54 Seats, Reserve your ticket now at the discount rate Contact David at 917 558-7660

WANTED: Dancers, to perform on dance cruises. Professionally trained dancers are needed to entertain on first class cruise lines. Visit http://www.mjames.org/applican_auditio.pdf

Michael’s Cafe continues to host the Tuesday night hustle party but now has added resident DJ Michael Gormley to the Sunday night dance party. Every Sunday night. No cover & free parking on Street Road in Bensalem Pennsylvania.

The World Hustle Dance Championships has extended the deadline for the first discounted rate (4-day Explosion & Gold package) for all letters postmarked by May 29th. For details visit www.hustledanceworld.com

The Moshulu in Philly, will host Sunday night Salsa parties, 8PM lesson with Barbara Capaldi, no more “Rock Lobster”, $15 cover, every Sunday till Labor day

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by West Coast Swing & Hustle event @ Salsa Fest 08 and Louis Del Prete’s Dancing With The Stars. Read all about these exciting events below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Up Close - Dancing with The Stars
If you can’t get enough of Dancing With The Stars, now that the season has ended, its not to late to see two of the hottest dancers on the planet. Dancing with the Stars invades New York, as two of the most electrifying dancers come to perform. The gorgeous Karina Smirnoff and talented Louie Van Amstel. Karina is a five time Latin Ballroom champion and top competitor on Dancing with the stars almost grabbing the Mirror Ball trophy with former partner Mario. Known for her quickness and styling her beautiful dancing is second to known. Louie is a three time Latin American World Champion and is well know through out the industry for his creative choreography. You can experience them both, up close at this special event hosted by Louis Del Prete on Saturday night, May 31 at the Surburban Temple, 2900 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh, Long Island. There will be ballroom, Latin, Hustle and WCS dancing from 8:30PM to 12:30AM. Complimentary coffee, tea, cake and bagels. A free 30 Min. salsa Lesson will take place at 8:30pm. Door Prizes, $40pp. Due to limited space, reservations only. Please call now to reserve your seat. Contact Louis at (516) 819 - 9016 or e mail: louisdelprete@yahoo.com for more details visit: http://www.mjames.org/may31_surburban.html

West Coast Swing & Hustle Event @ Salsa Fest 08

Looking for 100 smiles a gallon, head to the West Coast Swing & Hustle event at Salsa Fest 08. It all takes place May 30 & 31st. Its only a drive away in beautiful Stamford, Connecticut - this coming weekend for a new type of dance weekend. Dance Champion Erik Novoa brings together the best of West Coast Swing and Hustle…under one roof. There are no competitions. Thats right…only workshops and social dancing all weekend long. Two separate rooms for your west coast swing dancing and the other for hustle maniacs. With a DJ staff second to none your dance non stop. But don’t delay, book your room now. Go to http://www.swingshoes.net/WCS-Hustle-Salsa-Fest08.html. Your dance staff includes: West Coast Swing Pros, Bill Cameron, Jennifer Lyons, Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich, Ligaya Wakefield, Jim Guglielmo, Nora Venne and for Hustle…get ready for Arte Phillips, Silvana Gallagher, Lori Brizzi, Lisa Paternoster and Hazel & Tybaldt. To keep the music fresh and hot the turntables will be spinning with Steve Neeren, Ken Merck, Bobby Morales and John Festa. Friday is all about introducing new beginners to the wonderful world of dance. We’ll have 2 hour beginner cycles simultaneously occurring for both WCS and Hustle. Friday also provides an opportunity for more skilled dancers to work on their basics. This will be followed by a Professional/Instructor Demonstration - to show you what these amazing instructors can do if we just let them play. Then, the night is yours with the two of the best DJs of their fields: John Festa (WCS Room) and Bobby Morales (Hustle Room). Both DJs are legends. Saturday is when the beginners & intermediates improve their game with morning & afternoon workshops. We even have ballroom workshops to keep things friendly with our “brother/sister” communities. Then we have the Private Lesson Jack & Jill where at least 30 randomly-selected people will have a chance to have a 15 minute FREE private lesson with our Professional Staff (this is part of the workshop package). The night will begin with a professional show with companies from NYC and CT and will climax with a WCS & Hustle Party in one room. The workshops are geared for all levels. Don’t be left out. The Hilton Stamford Hotel is located at First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902 For your discounted room rate use the Promo Code: CT Salsa Fest. The room rate is only $105 per night. You can book on line or call 203-967-2222 The price is only $120 for the WCS/Hustle (workshops included) package if purchased online, and $140 at the door. Day passes (with and without workshops) start at $30 and are also available on the website. www.swingshoes.net/WCS-Hustle-Salsa-Fest08.html

DJs Picks
The perfect song can inspire great accomplishments. Amazing dance routines are crowned when the choreography mirrors the vision with the driving music. Could you imagine the haunting film “Jaws” without the John Williams soundtrack. We asked some of our favorite DJs to share with us their favorite song(s) that: Influenced their career, created an eye opening experience, became their signature song or, that one tune, that brings back a special time that is captured forever in that song?
Enjoy,
Bobby Gerald

It was simple, The Love of the music. Being a frustrated musician, I needed an outlet second to playing an instrument, circa 1973 took me to the mecca (discos in NY & Queens), The originality of the top DJ’s mixing and remix a simple 3 minute tune into an edited and expanded hi-hats abound awesome floor packer it..was all I needed to hear. Something like “My Sweet Summer Suite”..Yea, thats the ticket.

DJ Frank Pellici
“I Don’t Want To Change You” by The Crown Heights Affair

DJ Linda
Through each era from the 1940’s until today there are dozens of favorites that hit my heart. However, my client is the one who decides what my favorite is that night. It is their party and I play what their guests what to hear not what I like. However, I get into the event and do love the music that I play. Loving the music is only a small part of being a good DJ. Just like any entertainer the guest have to love it and it needs to be for them. That is what sets me apart from the rest.
The song I play most of the time and almost at every show??? Guess.

Johnny “O”
The song that did it for me was a great melodic song that is seldom played.
“Once more with feeling” by the Whispers.

Louis Del Prete
One of my favorite songs is Begin the Beguine by (Johnny Mathis)
Listening to the lyrics & orchestration, I think It was a well produced song back in the 70’s & everytime I play it, it brings many people to the dance floor!

Jenny Costa
One of the songs that influenced me in a big way and one that I played all the time back in the day was “La Vie En Rose” by Grace Jones. I used to play it all the time, usually when I opened and closed the night. It’s a song with so much passion and beautiful lyrics. It was one of the first songs I danced to with my husband Vincent. The song always brings me such great memories.

Bobby Morales
My 2 songs are It’s Just Begun by The Jimmy Castor Bunch and Give It Up And Turn It Loose (Sex Machine) by James Brown, in that order. Before Hustle was invented, break dancing, also known as up-rocking and burning, ruled NYC. From the first time I heard 2 records mixed together in 1973, every local dance, DJ in the park or school yard, break contest or club, in every neighborhood in every borough, played Just Begun and Sex Machine back to back. It was always the highlight of every gig. The energy of the one on one battles between some of the baddest dancers ever was amazing. Even more incredible was watching sometimes 40 rockers facing 40 rockers, in many cases total strangers, doing the same squat-up move to the downbeat, looking almost choreographed!! It truly was a sight that’s still gives me chills when I describe it. My one regret is that camcorders weren’t around at the time so I could share these amazing memories. Watching the DJ’s create this guaranteed energy with these 2 songs was enough proof for me that spinning was something I NEED to do!! 35 years later, the love, respect and appreciation I have for deejaying is as strong as ever, and these two all-time classics still bring down the house!!

Philip C. Spinka
I started DJing in 1987 because I was obsessed with collecting and listening to music. I did not dance back then, but I did sing and act. I started a DJ business to do weddings and dances. I loved Jazz, Club, Rock, and Pop music. Then I discovered real club music and DJ remixes. My two favorite songs were: “This Jam Is Cold” by CVello and “No Deeper Meaning” by Culture Beat. Looking back, I do not like them as much now, but their driving beat seemed exhilarating at the time. In 2002, I rediscovered DJing and I focused on music for dancers. A DJ who trains as a dancer actually knows what is good for dancers. Now, my favorite music is Blues, Contemporary West Coast, Club Remixes, and Classic Disco. And a beautiful Waltz is hard to beat! An old Disco song with an orchestra is the best. I like Vince Montana, Jr. Some of my Favorite songs are: “Devil’s Gun” by CJ and Company, “Summertime” by MFSB, “Vertigo/Relight My Fire” by Dan Hartman, “Shine On SIlver Moon” by Billy Davis Jr and Marilyn McCoo, and “Not Gonna Change by Swing Out Sister”.

Mike Brooks
I was very shy DJing brought my confidence and brought me out of my shell but back then my favs were “I’ll be holding on” by Al Downing also” Funky President” & “MY Thang” both by James Brown moving on to the disco years all time favs “Risky Changes”–Bionic Boogie, “Show Me What You’re made of” –The Johnny King Band, ” Where do we go from here”, “Love Epidemic” & “Hold back the night” all by the Trammps. Ron, some times I can’t remember what I ate the day before but why do I remember this!!!! Well I loved this business more than life I lived, breathed, ate DJing and in the beginning It wasn’t for the money

Ken Mercik
With me … it’s not the song … it’s the type of music. There is no “One Song” I play all the time. Quite honestly, I get bore with most songs pretty quickly … especially that “Thunk-A-Thunk” kind of contemporary music an element of the West Coast Swing World likes to dance too. With me, it’s Blues & Soul. I’m always looking for something new (Or Old … but unplayed). I have played an instrument since I was 10 years old Starting with trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, … Alto Tenor and Baritone Sax, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Flute, Fiddle and eventually steel guitar. I was a competitor in the UCWDC (United Country & Western Dance Council) in the late 80’s and thru the mid 90’s … during the time that West Coast Swing was becoming popular, and the Country Events were adding “Swing Rooms”. With my collection of music and experience both as a competitive dancer, and musician, I naturally fell into the roll of “DJ”. At the peak of my involvement in the dance community, I was the DJ at anywhere from 28-36 events per year … combined UCWDC and US Swing Assoc events.

DJ Dominick
At 17 Years old, I was at Feather’s on a slow Sunday Afternoon (Beach Party Day) & I was at the bar drinking & listening to DJ Scat. I went up to the DJ booth & asked him how to do what he was doing & after a brief explanation & showing me what knobs do what, he asked me if I wanted to give it a try….I did & I liked it. The next day I went out to “Crazy Eddie’s” & bought 2 Technics 1200 turntables, Voice Of The Theater Speakers, NuMark Mixer & a Sony Amplifier….Then Went to “Jimmy’s Music World” & bought $500 worth of music, mostly 12″ 45’s. Started playing at home and went back to Feathers the following Sunday & again, Scat asked me if I wanted to do some mixes, I did & mixed a few songs. Scat asked me if I wanted to “spin there on Sunday, Monday & Tuesday nights, which I did & eventually, when Scat moved his talent to the Las Vegas night scene, I became the main DJ at Feathers, along with Tony Lovetro…. When I was in the business, there were so many songs that made a lasting impression on me. It was the “Saturday Night fever” days & soon after that was the “Thank God It’s Friday” era. I have a lot of GREAT memories from my DJ’ing days, many just watching the hustle dancers “OWN” the dance floor. Mike Angelleti, Craig Ye, James “Mr. Smooth” Stanford and a host of others. But, my fondest memories as a DJ had to be playing “Magic Bird Of Fire” by The Salsoul Orchestra being mesmerized by watching George & Debbie’s routine. I wish we could bring those times back….At least for 1 night….Do I Hear “REUNION”

DJ Mark
I was a nightclub/wedding/party DJ before I became a night club DJ, playing music for the hustle world. My favorites include, Salsoul Orchestra Classics- “Oooh I Like It”, Cerrone Classics, ” I Feel Love” - Donna Summer, ” Jingo” - Candido, “You Know How To Love Me” - Phyllis Hyman and “Forbidden Love” - Madleen Kane

Noel Colon
The classics were the songs that originally inspired me. “Swearin’ to God” - Frankie Valli, “Saturday Night” - Thelma Houston and “Was that all it was” - Jean Carn

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…
May 26, Mon - NY - Dancesport - Legendary Hustle Mondays at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, with DJ Donnie Sheilds, 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.

May 27, Tues - Pa - Michael’s Cafe, this and every Tuesday night for the best in hustle, Swing and Latin in between. DJ Mark plays the grooves from 8:30 to 12:30 No cover and free parking. Join us for the best dance night of the week. Located on Street Road, Bensalem near the Casino/Race track.

May 27, 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 Kelly Ficarra, prizes & dancing to a Latin, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

May 27, 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. 50/50 Raffle & door prizes. 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City, Exit M3W off Meadowbrook 9 PM. Only $8

May 28, 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 - Tonight’s Special is “2 for $15″ Admission: You & a New Friend MUST show up together to get this special admission price.

May 29, Thur - NJ - Manasquan Women’s Center, with Diane K. Nardone, every other Thursday night thru the summer. 62 Main Street Manasquan, May 29th, June 12th , June 26th, July 10, July 17, July 31, Aug 14, Aug, 28. Beginner Group 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Intermediate Group 8:00 to 9:00 pm , One Class $15 Both Classes $25. For Information Contact Pati Scales 732-223-1718

May 29, Thurs - NY - LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at MIRELLE’S,!! 170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 7:30PM-11:30PM, Great Hot Buffet, 45 Min. CHA CHA Dance Lesson starting at 7:30 w/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!

WCSwing / Hustle / Salsa Fest 2008 - May 30 - 31 - Stamford, CT, Host Erik Novoa, 3 Dances, 2 Day Dance Event, No Competitions. Workshops and Social dancing only. All star dance staff - WCS and Hustle. Hilton Stamford Hotel. http://www.swingshoes.net/WCS-Hustle-Salsa-Fest08.html

May 30, Fri - NJ - DKN Dance Monthly Social, 8:00 to 9:00 Salsa Lesson with Diane K Nardone, 9:00 to 1:00 Social Mixer. (Hustle Swing Salsa Country Ballroom) with DJ Dave Muzii , Cash Bar (Beer Wine Mixed Drinks and water will also be sold) Only $15.00 Coffee N lite refreshments will be served Contact Diane for more info 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net or visit our website www.dkndance.com

May 30, Fri - PA Sex and The City Premiere Party, Senora Boutique 4410 Main St. Phila. Sale for our Sex & the City participants. Fab clothing & accessories! 6:30 PM call Dara 610-955-4610 $15 p/person if RSVP, $20.00 at door. RSVP to DJLINDA@aol.com. Toast friendships, Sip cosmos, Chinese light bites, music & SATC trivia. 10 PM movie-Clearview Bala Theater, 157 Bala Ave. Bala Cynwyd

May 31, Sat - NY - SPECIAL EVENT DIRECT FROM DANCING WITH THE STARS. KARINA SMIRNOFF & LOUIE VAN AMSTEL at SURBURBAN TEMPLE, 2900 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, 8:30PM to 12:30AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, Bagels! 30 Min. SALSA Lesson at 8:30pm. Door Prizes, $40pp, Reservations required -payment in advance. Call Louis (516) 819 - 9016 or louisdelprete@yahoo.com

MAY 31, Sat - NY - Lori Brizzi’s 7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF MILLENNIUM HUSTLE at the 92nd St Y, 1395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St. Special Dance Performances. Champagne punch, wine & cheese, soda, snacks, coffee and cake & beginner hustle dance lesson taught by Lori from 8-9pm. Dance to DJ NELSON “PARADISE” ROMAN from 9pm-2am hustle, salsa, WCS. Admission $20. Info: loribrizzi@aol.com or call 516 728-6101. Last party of the year at the 92nd Street Y until NY’s eve!

MILLENNIUM DANCE CRUISE JUNE 1- JUNE 8, 2008. NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN! GENTLEMEN…WE NEED YOU! 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 Lori @ 516 728-6101 or email loribrizzi@aol.com for lowest available prices and if you need a roommate

June 1, Sun - PA - “Salsa Rendezvous” @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown: w/ Host, Instructor, & DJ Victor Colon. The best mix Salsa, Cha Cha, Bachatta, Merengue, & more Salsa: starting with a 5:00 PM Free Salsa Lesson , 6:00 PM Dance Party w/refreshments. $10.00 at the door. Newsletter subscribers look in the newsletter for a $2.00 discount coupon for any one of our dance parties. Every first Sunday of the month.

June 1, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny O 8 pm - 12 am 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

June 6th, Fri (Every 1st Fri) - PA - “Ballroom Extravaganza” @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown: w/ Host & Instructor Silvana Gallagher! The best mix of ballroom favorites; DJ JR mixes Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Bolero, EC Swing/Jive, Quick Step: 7:30 PM Free Samba Lesson - 8:30 PM dance party w/ refreshments. $12.00 at the door.

June 7, Sat - NJ - Central Jersey Dance Society presents “No Name” Hustle workshop with Brian Gallagher & California mix social dance. Int. Hustle workshop 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM, $12. Beg.hustle lesson 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Open dancing 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM.Workshop. Cost $12. Dance $12, $8 per student with ID. Workshop/dance combo $22. www.centraljerseydance.org or call 609-945-1883

JUNE 7, Sat - NYC - Lori Brizzi’s MILLENNIUM HUSTLE at IL Campanello. Those having dinner pay only $10 Admission and can participate in the “Request Hour” 9:30 -10:30pm. with DJ Bobby Morales playing hustle, salsa, cha cha, wcs 9:30pm-2am. Regular Admission $15. 136 W. 31 (6/7Ave) 516 728-6101 www.loribrizzi.com or 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 & tons of open dancing. Music by David Koppelman, Mike Pyle, Jack Smith. Costs: $115 p/p by May 29, $135 at door. Hyatt Regency $99. room rate call (714) 750-1234 visit www.centralcoastswingdance.com ccsd@thegrid.net

JUNE 14, Sat - NYC Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle’s “SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL” & AFTER PARTY for DANCE PARADE ‘08 3 DJ’s 3 Rooms of dancing DJ JOHNNY O-Hustle, DJ JEFF-Latin, DJ Ashley - Ballroom (Tango,Swing) $15 includes free class either hustle, latin or ballroom 8-9pm & Dancing 9pm-1am. Cash Bar. CLUB 412, 412 8th Ave bet. W30/31,4th Fl. 516 728-6101 www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

June 15, Sun - NJ 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny O 8 pm - 12 am, or whenever Johnny stops spinning 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

Stardust Dance Weekend June 27- 29th Upstate New York
at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa Kerhonkson, New York, Vegas caliber shows and food. Rates starting $285 Includes dance workshops for all levels! (plus tax and gratuities) www.stardustdance.com

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, Donna J. Boyle - Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, Joyce Szili - JoyceDancr@aol.com www.discoamerica.com

Big Apple Country Dance Festival July 10 - 13, Renaissance Newark, NJ Airport Hotel, Hosted by Anthony Lee, On line Registration. Country, Swing, Hustle, Jack & Jill and Ballroom competitions, 50 different classes taught by the very best instructors, Dinner Show extravaganza packed with fabulous high-energy entertainment by top dancers, Swing, Hustle, Country Couples and Line Dance social dancing Hotel reservations at 908-436-4600, http://bigapplecountrydance.com/

July 12, Sat - NJ - American DanceWheels Performance, Ocean County Library welcomes you to a free performance,demonstration and discussion of wheelchair ballroom dancing with a mini-lesson at 3:00 pm at Toms River South High School. Presented by the first & current United States Wheelchair Dancesport competition champions Melinda Kremer & Ray Leight. Free and open to the public. 55 Hyers Street in Toms River, NJ 08753, www.americandancewheels.org.

Miami Dance Magic July 17 - 20, Miami Hyatt Regency
Hosted by Debbie Lynn, first annual event. West Coast Swing, Hustle and Salsa. Triple- Threat competition, Showtime Contest, WCS & Hustle Strictly, Pro/Am and Jack & Jill’s. Skippy Blair Summer Intensive. Workshops and continual social dancing. Two ballrooms. Debra Lynn (954) 270 - 0232
e mail - MiamiDanceMagic@aol.com www.CoastalDanceConnection.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, Ballroom and country to the Hilton East Brunswick, Three Tower Center Boulevard, East Brunswick. Lots of great workshops, competitions, a FABULOUS dinner/show & much more! Vendors will be available throughout entire event! Visit www.hustledanceworld.com for regular updates and to register on-line!

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 at the Hilton. 1800Hilton, mention SAL before rooms sell out. (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

International Dance Cruise - Oct 10 - 16th, 2008 on the Queen Mary 2, Six day cruise, enjoy a complete dance program for ballroom enthusiasts. The largest grand ballroom at sea, Live Big band and DJ, 3 cocktail parties, 3 formal balls, dance workshops with championship instructors and demonstrations. Rates start at $1,499pp for details call 754-246-2874 www.BallroomCruise.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

Mediterranean Dance Cruise, November 17th - 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 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.

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