Dance Talk ® 6/16/08

Please keep all our friends and dance buddies from Iowa and Mississippi in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the deadly floods.

Happy birthday wishes to Karen Lupo, Mark Rappa, Jimmie Billups, Billy Marti, John Festa, Carol Feldman and Louise Symington.

Twenty-one years ago, the premier dancer of the 20th century passed away. Fred Astaire did it all. Pick up one of his classic DVDs and experience him in action for yourself. A true triple threat.

Congratulations to Renne & Dominick Ali, they took the plunge. To view photos from their wedding see here.

Joey Lawrence is the host of “Masters Of Dance,” an amateur reality show putting contestants to the free style dance test, Mondays at 8PM EST on TLC.

The Philly Sound Works has just posted its new store on eBay. Lots of great products for sale: classic vinyl, CDs and auctions for rare 12″ vinyl as well. All the new products from Vince Montana Jr. (Godfather of Disco) will be featured there first. Visit http://stores.ebay.com/Philly-Sound-Works

Cashing in, another dance reality show? ABC TV launches their newest show, Dance Machine, starting June 27th, 8PM EST.

For photos from Mona Walker’s birthday party at the Palladium, in Florida, courtesy of Ed Viera, go here.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by The Big Apple, read all about this exciting event below. http://bigapplecountrydance.com/

Make it a great week,
Ron

The Big Apple
The long running event for all styles of dance returns to Newark New, Jersey. Kick your heels and grab your hat for this years Big Apple Country Dance Festival. One of the biggest shin digs of the year takes place July 10–13th at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel, at the Newark Airport. Conveniently located only minutes from Manhattan. Country, Hustle and swing dancers all meet for this fascinating weekend of dance. It wount be the same without you…so book your room now at 908-436-4600. There will be all levels of workshops and competitions with many new divisions this year. The Big Apple has something for everyone. Challenge your self to learn the fundamentals of a new dance. They are offering special deals for newcomer line dancers as well. For the competitions, there is Just dancing newcomer and the new ProAm newcomer, where you get to dance out on the floor with the 3 DANCE-A-TEERS. There will be many professionals on the floor helping to acclimate the new dancers. They will also be hosting a Weekend Warrior Dance. This is where the pros help the dancers all get together, learn a performance dance (in about 2 hours) and then go out and perform as a team on the floor. It doesn’t get anymore exciting then that. Also, new this year at the Big Apple is “Dance with a Pro.” This is a fun way to dance w/ an advanced dancer & put your new skills to the test in 2-step or West Coast Swing. You will meet your partner Friday night, get a chance to practice a bit; then out on the floor Saturday morning. The invited professional Staff includes: World renowned instructors, judges & performers: Sam Arvidson, Mona Brandt, Bob Bahrs & Paula Graves, Brian Barakauskas Jeff Bartholomew, Barry Durand, Dean & Dawn Garrish, Dave Getty, Sloan Hansen & Gretchen Lutz, Rex & Rachel Jones, Gary McIntyre & Susan Kirklin, Cody Melin, Toby & Harmony Munroe, John Knapp & Meredith Stead, Diane K. Nardone, Roberto Pagan, Debbie Paulhus, Robert & Nicola Royston, Clive Stevens, Shawn Swaithes & Donna Bonham Steinfeld, John & Dee Soares, Kathy St. Jean & Randy Deats, Albert & Antoinette Tailleur, Mike Wagner, & John Whipple. 2008 World Champions on Staff: Line Dance Male SuperStars-Brian Barakauskas, Couples Open 1 Showcase-Rex & Rachel Jones, couples Open 1 Advanced-Sloane Hansen & Gretchen Lutz, World Invitational Showcase Swing-Gary McIntyre & Susan Kirklin. These top teachers will be hosting 50 different classes & as always, the incredible Dinner Show extravaganza is packed w/ fabulous high energy entertainment by top dancers. So if you like to dance, watch, learn new steps or just be entertained this years Big Apple is for you. Hotel reservations at 908-436-4600, http://bigapplecountrydance.com/

Time Capsule
30 years ago, our country had a different landscape. The population was 80 million less then it is today. A peanut farmer by the name of Jimmy Carter was in the White house and the Dallas Cowboys won the Superbowl. Somehow, New York is always on peoples minds as the disco era was front page news. The NY Yankees would go on to win the baseball World Series and in the world series of dance, Tony and Susan Marolda would capture first place honors at the Harvest Moon Ball in the All Around and Hustle divisions. We would lose a gifted artist Norman Rockwell who looked at America and painted his expressions like no buddy else could. Tragedy struck when Pope Paul VI died, then unexpectedly the new Pope, John Paul I, would pass only 34 days in office. It was a year of ups and down. The movie box office rang big with ” The Buddy Holly Story”, “Coming Home”, ” The Deer Hunter” “Halloween”, “Heaven Can Wait” , “Midnight Express” and “National Lampoon’s Animal House”. The country had the dance fever. The top dance album sales in June of 1978 in Los Angeles and San Diego were:

1. Come Into My Heart USA-European Connection
2. Voyage - Voyage
3. Rio De Janeiro - Gary Criss
4. If My Friends Could See Me Now - Linda Clifford
5. Romeo & Juliet - Alec R Constindinos & the Symphonic Orchestra
6. Gimme Some Lovin - Kongos
7. Macho Man - Village People
8. Let’s All Chant - Michael Zaeger Band
9. West Side Story - Salsoul Orchestra
10. Sloth - Lawin Rinder & Michael Lewis
11. Dance With Me - Peter Brown
12. Play With Me - Sandy Mercer
13. Lets Get Together - Detroit Emeralds
14. Gettin the Spirit - Roberta Kelly
15. Risky Changes - Bionic Boogie

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

Hi there Ron:
I’m a fairly new reader and do enjoy your on line publication. I was wondering when does the ‘readers choice awards’ take place? How do readers vote and when?
Thank you
Karen
Response from Editor:
It is held on an annual basis each October. We include a ballot in DanceTalk for all readers to participate and vote for their favorites.

I would like to comment about this past weeks tv show so you think you can dance. I think it is a great show. I really enjoy watching it. this past week they had disco. One couple had to do a disco routine. As one of the people that has written into you has said - the disco thing is always cheesy, pretty much making fun of the dance and the era. I know that the dance is the hustle but the name disco is still added and gives the dance a bad name. As much as I love hustle, it was the worst part of the tv show on so you think you can dance.
Thanks,
Harris Sulken

Ron, I wanted to respond to Paul Jones letter about “Marketing Hustle”. To sum up, Paul makes two assertions common from the NY styled dance crowd lately: 1.) Use current music 2.) Get our dance out there where kids can see it. I respond - Using current music would change nothing, because tired, slow music of any generation will never get young people away from the faster more exciting Lindy, Salsa or the night clubs of today. West coasters use current music, but having a faster dance than hustle - have more musical choices and a larger following - but NOTHING like when hustle was done at club speeds in the late 70’s. Putting NY styled Hustle out where it can be seen has been tried folks. And when we have done it, it was fatal. Kids at the competitions see hustle and west coast together, and pick west coast every time. If you put NY styled Hustle on TV, or in the clubs, it would poison the well so kids seeing it would never give any other hustle style a chance. After you demonstrate how completely “out of touch” we really are to kids even one time - they’ll never give you another chance. Best bet - keep NY style a useful “secret”, so people doing faster hustle styles that DO have a shot with the young can be seen and actually succeed.
David Flynn

Hi Dancetalk,
I can’t believe the story on David Padillia. Just when you think you know someone, then, bang. Oh my God. I knew David had been dancing for a long time but I had no idea he was on the Dance Fever show. We watched that show religiously, every week. I gots to see that video. Great job to let everyone know about David and what he has done for the hustle dance.
Peace
Robert

Good morning Ron
Greetings from Charlotte, I enjoy your newsletter and wanted to throw out a question to your readers. I attended the Brunswick New Jersey Campus for Rutgers Univ. I graduated in 1984 and spent just about every spare minute going dancing at the clubs in Woodbridge, Brunswick, Elizabeth and Nutley, NJ. I even danced in a contest at a place called 3 Brothers and took first place. I got to know a lot of the hustle dancers back then and just every now I wonder how they are doing? So basically this is a shout out to Gail (pretty blonde) and an incredible dancer Butchie, (tall, black gentlemen). They really helped me make it thru school when I was basically home sick and blue. They were four years of the best times in my life. Should they contact you, or anyone knows their where abouts, please forward them my contact information.
Thank you so much Ron,
Mary from Charlotte

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…

June 16, 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.

June 17, Tue – FL – Hustle/Salsa Party every Tuesday with DJ Noel C at the Paladium Night Club in Margate, Florida. Dance from 9PM to 1AM to some of the best Hustle, Free Style, Club Classics and Salsa music. The Paladium is Located in the Pepper Tree Plaza on the SE corner of Sample Rd and 441. Admission is $5. for more info call: Noel (954) 868-7505

Jun 17, Tues - NY - IBBG, Celebrating Robert Lawrence’s Birthday. Lina will be bringing the cake. Also visiting are Jeannie and Barry. 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

June 17, 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, HUSTLE Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR, door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

June 18, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your hosts Simone Assboeck & David Padilla for a WEEKLY Hustle & amp; Latin party, 9:30pm til 12:45am, DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman spinning the best in hustle & latin $9/PP; $5 for SO Students - Tonight’s Special is “Dancers Request Hour”: 60 minutes of your requested songs.

June 18, Wed - NJ - Westie Wednesday! mostly WCS with a little Shag, NC2 and Country 2. JACK & JILL contest tonight! No entry fee - prizes! $5. Free parking. Snacks. Atrium, Pennsauken, NJ. www.robandsheiladance.com

June 18, Wed - NJ - DKN Dance, NJ Knights of Columbus 16-16 N Maple Ave, Fairlawn with Diane K Nardone, two great Hustle lessons & social dancing, 7:30pm to 8:30PM Beg. Hustle, 8:30PM to 9:15PM 1st half of practice social, 9:15PM to 10:15PM Inter/ Adv. Hustle, 10:15PM to 11:30PM 2nd half of social. 1 Class $10, 1 Class & Social $15, 2 Classes & Social $23, Social only $7. Contact Diane for info 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net or visit our website www.dkndance.com

June 18, Wed - Pa - Michael’s Cafe for the dance night of the week. DJ Mark spins the best in hustle, Swing & Latin in between. Party starts at 8:30PM no cover, free parking. This is where dancers from the tri state area hang out. Located on Street Road in Bensalem near the Race track/Casino.

June 19, 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. HUSTLE 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!

June 20, Fri. – Swing Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, Beginner Jitterbug Lesson at 8 p, New Moves at 8:45 p, dance 9 p-midnight Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Shag, Charleston, & more. DJ $10. More info at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 20, Fri - NJ - The Watermelon Dance! The Del Val Shag & Swing Club’s monthly dance. Rob & Sheila teach NC2 at this one. Mostly Shag and WCS but we’ll add in a little NC2 here. $8 members; $11 non members. Everyone welcome. FREE parking. www.delvalshag.org

June 20, Fri-FL - Swing Dance A Little Lindy Plus! Dance Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, & Blues w/ Cindy. Dance Lesson 8:00 to 9:00 PM. Social Dance from 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

June 21, Sat - NYC Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle’s “SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL”. 3 DJ’s, 3 Rooms for dancing. DJ NELSON ‘Paradise’ ROMAN-Hustle, DJ FRANKLIN AYALA-Latin, DJ MARK-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 21, Sat - PA - “California Mix @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown: DJ JR mixes Hustle & WCS w/ a splash of Salsa, Country 2 Step, Waltz, Night Club Two & more Hustle and WC Swing: starting with a 7:30 Free C2Step Lesson and an 8:30 PM dance party w/refreshments. Every 3rd Sat) $12.00 at the door.

June 21, Sat - Pa - Televised Live Music Event at Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, PA 19464, lesson at 8 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight with the great live music of the Slicked Up Nines, $15. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 21, Sat - Pa - Carousel Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, Lessons at 7:30 pm & 8:15 pm, dance 9 pm - midnight - Instructor & DJ Carlos Maldonado. $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 21, Sat - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at SURBURBAN TEMPLE, 2900 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 8:30PM to 12:30AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, & Bagels! 30 Min. FOXTROT Dance Lesson starting at 8:30pm. Great Show!! State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, Admission $15, call Louis at (516) 819 - 9016

June 22, Sun - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 7:00PM to 11:00PM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, Fruit & Veg.Platter! 40 Min. Dance Lesson at 7:00w/Louis. State of the art sound system, Air Conditioned, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle,Cash Bar Available, $13, call Louis for info (516) 819 - 9016

June 24, Tues - NY - LIDANCE 8th Anniversary Party at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant Lounge, Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7:00 to 11:00 PM, Only $10 includes Showcase Performance, Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, HUSTLE Lesson by JOSE BOLIVAR, door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

June 25, Wed - NJ - - Westie Wednesday! mostly WCS with a little Shag, NC2 and Country 2. $5. Free parking. Snacks. Atrium, Pennsauken, NJ. www.robandsheiladance.com

June 27, Fri - NJ - DKN Dance Monthly Social, 8:00 to 9:00 Nightclub Lesson with Diane K Nardone, 9:00 to 1:00 Social Mixer. (Hustle Swing Salsa Country Ballroom) with DJ Dave Muzii, Cash Bar , no outside drinks in the Hall, New Admission: Only $15.00 Coffee N lite refreshments will be served Contact Diane for info 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net or visit our website www.dkndance.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 at $285 Includes dance workshops for all levels! (plus tax and gratuities) http://www.stardustdance.com/

June 27, Fri - NJ - SWING CITY MIX !! Brand New, Rob, Sheila & Sascha join up for a fun night of SWING!! WCS mix room and Lindy Mix room! Free parking! Check it out! $12 pp. The Atrium Rt 130, Pennsauken, www.robandsheiladance.com

June 27, Fri – Pa - Swing Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, Beginner 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 Kat Moyer. $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 28, Sat - NJ - Highland Park Ballroom Latin Dance Social w/ 2 hour latin workhop taughy by Dany Joshua, Hosted by Marc Liebeskind, Bachata 5:00 to 6:00 pm, ChaCha 6:10 to 7:10 pm, Ballroom Latin Dance Social 7:30 to 11:30pm, $10 – Workshop or Social, $15-for both , IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Ave, Highland Park , http://hpds.webhop.org/IMGallery.htm Marc 201-320-9176, hpds@optonline.net

June 28, Sat. - NJ - Do the Hustle with Nelson “Paradise” Roman 9 pm - 1am - Come Do the Hustle - Great music, great c ompany on a great floor. $12 or $10 with pass or print out - Starlight Dance Center 7 High Street, Nutley, NJ 07110 973-235-9835 http://www.starlightdanceusa.com

June 28, Sat - Pa - Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd floor, 310 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, Argentine Tango Lessons at 7:30 pm & 8:15 pm with instructors & DJs Carol & Gene Wise, dance 9 pm - midnight, $10. More info available at 610-348-6727, www.swingkat.com

June 28, Sat - NY - BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS, at DEER PARK V.F.W. 588 Long Island Ave. Deer Park, LI, 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, $14, call Louis for info (516) 819 - 9016

June 29, Sun - NY - Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle party at the TAJ LOUNGE, 5pm-10pm. Celebrate all June birthdays including Franklin Ayala & Lori Brizzi. The club has been renovated. Performances, Hustle DJ HERB MARTIN, Salsa DJ FRANKLIN AYALA, 5 hours of Hustle & Salsa dancing. Only $10 admission. 2 for 1 drinks 5pm-6:30pm. 48 W. 21st St. bet 5th/6th Aves. www.tajlounge.com or call lori at 516 728-6101 or email loribrizzi@aol.com for more info

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, Pros: Nino Torre, Brian Gallagher, Lori Brizzi, Raye Avery, Silvana Gallagher, Wingo Hom, Stephanie Risser, Irene Griffin, Diane Nardone, Wendy & Wajih Dalal, Ron Bess, Elizabeth Darchi, Joe Kerner, Louis Orlando, Arte Phillips, Angela McCabe, Roberto Pagan, LoriAnne Greenhouse, Jameson Kilburn, Billy Marti, Danny McGee, Kelvin Roche, Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich. contact Donna Boyle-Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, Joyce Szili - JoyceDancr@aol.com http://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 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 & Line Dance social dancing Hotel reservations at 908-436-4600, http://bigapplecountrydance.com/

July 11, Fri NJ Dancing at the Crossroads, Dancing at the Sheraton Mahwah Crossroad Hotel Grand Ballroom, 1 International Blvd, Rt. 17 North, Mahwah. Doors open 7:30 p, open dancing 9 p-Midnight admission includes Hustle lesson from 8–9 pm w/ Diane “Queen Bee” Nardone. Music by DJ’s Johnny O & Tom R, Exhibition 9:15–9:30, Cash Bar & light refreshments. Adv tix $20.00 call 201 684 6792, @ door $22.00. Special overnight room rate ask when you call for tix. Directions www.sheraton.com/mahwah questions Email William.Adamo@ihrco.com or catchthelight@hotmail.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 & Salsa. Triple Threat competition, Showtime Contest, WCS & Hustle Strictly, Pro/Am & Jack + Jill’s. Skippy Blair Summer Intensive. Workshops j& continual social dancing. 2 ballrooms Debra Lynn (954) 270-0232 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 and much more! Vendors will be available throughout the entire event! Visit www.hustledanceworld.com for regular updates and to register on-line!

Aug 8, 9 & 10 Mario “Swing Daddy” visits the Del Val area! Rob & Sheila Dance bring Mario in for workshops & Got Swing? More info coming soon. Save the date! Rob & Sheila Rob: 609-519-0793 or 856-858-6753 Sheila:bpurkey@yahoo.com Rob:djrob01@comcast.net www.robandsheiladance.com

Grand Pacific Dance Championships, AUG 14-18, 2008 San Jose California. A new dance event hosted by Billy Fajardo, Raul Ante & Debra Hampton. The Doubletree Hotel San Jose, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, Rooms available at $105.00 p/night. Reservations accepted starting May 18th. ph 408-453-4000, fx 408-437-2898 or 1-800-222-TREE www.doubletreesanjose.com http://grandpacificdance.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 at the Hilton. 1800Hilton, mention SAL before rooms sell out. (516) 728 - 6101 Loribrizzi@aol.com www.nyhustlecongress.com

Hudson Swing Affair Aug 29 - Sept 1, 2008 Hyatt Regency, Jersey City on the Hudson, presented by John Festa. West Coast Swing Social Dance Event w/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 & DJ, 3 cocktail parties, 3 formal balls, workshops w/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 wee kend. 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 & stops in Volos, Greece–Dikili, Istanbul, & Kusadasi Turkey, Port Said & Alexandria Egypt-Valetta in Malta-Messina Naples and ending in Rome, Italy. From $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 Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2009 7 nights on Costa Cruise Line’s 5-Star Costa Fortuna, now accepting reservations, Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sunday: Ft Lauderdale, Mon.-Key West, Tues.-Cozumel, Mexico, Wed.-at Sea, Thurs.-Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Fri. - Grand Cayman Island, Saturday-At Sea, Sunday-back to Ft Lauderdale, http://www.stardustdancecruises.com/