Dance Talk ® 6/23/08

Happy birthday wishes to Jaime Serna, Spinning Cindy, Caesar Rivera, Angela McCabe, Lynette Allen, Lori Brizzi, Frank Badolato, BU, Lacey Schwimmer, Franklin Ayala and Evelyn “Champagne” King.

The dance world has lost an icon. A personal favorite of mine, the glamorous and gifted Cyd Charisse. She was called “beautiful Dynamite” by Fred Astaire, whom she danced with in a number of motion pictures. She also appeared with Gene Kelly in the landmark film, “Singing In The Rain.” Growing up, most adolescents clinged to Wonder Women, I adored Cyd. I am fortune to have an original poster from the film “Bandwagon,” with Astaire holding her in that famous split. It’s magnificent. MGM films insured her legs for 5 million dollars. She was simply a gorgeous performer.

DJ Nick Siani has informed us the sad news that Manny Santana collapsed while dancing at Club Santos. Later that evening when being transported to the hospital by EMS, Manny passed away. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Simplicity, its a Stardust Weekend. June 27- 29th at Hudson Valley Resort & Spa Kerhonkson, NY. All inclusive weekend of fun & dancing. Its not to late to join the party. www.stardustdance.com/

Our dear friend Mary Keegan and her family have received sad news. Her sister, Nancy is undergoing chemotherapy for Acute Leukemia. Please keep the Keegan family in your thoughts and prayers.

DanceTalk® celebrates eight years of bringing you the weekly dance news. Thank you to our dedicated readers. Check below for a peek back at some early features.

Congratulations to dance pro Lisa “Sparkles” Paternoster. Her boyfriend, Dario Cortes asked for her hand in marriage while they were on vacation. We wish them both only the best.

For the entire family, the High School Musical “Get in the Picture,” auditions reality show, starts July 20th on ABC 8PM EST, hosted by Nick Lachey.

Only 10 rooms left at the inaugural Miami Dance Magic taking place July 17 - 20, at the Miami Hyatt Regency. Don’t miss the WCS, Hustle and Salsa party. For info Debra Lynn (954) 270-0232, www.CoastalDanceConnection.com

DJ Fancy picks the new release by NeYo - Closer as his top song of the week. Next week, his complete list of hot songs for the fancy summer. Stay tuned.

The 8th Annual World Hustle Dance Championships starts July 24th. There is still some space left in the program for your well wishes. For more information or to get your message in the program, contact Carole at a2zsec@rcn.com

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Dancing at the Crossroads, the hot new dance socials. See all the details below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Dancing at the Crossroads
Dancing is on a rocket ship. Virtually every television network has released a dance show, contest, reality competition to ride this successful galactic flight. With dancing reaching new levels in popularity, why not create a dance venue for folks in the Mahwah, New Jersey area. A think tank of some of the top professionals shared their ideas to help make this happen. The results are, Dancing at the Cross Roads at the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel, for a monthly dance event. What makes this special is each month the dance venue will change. One month it will be geared for Hustle, one month West Coast Swing, one Month Latin one month ballroom etc… The goals of the event are to provide a new and exciting dance venue for dancers and provide an opportunity for new dancers to get their feet wet by getting a lesson in the featured dance style of the month. The teachers are the best from an excellent pool of instructors. The Sheraton Mahwah Ballroom is a great facility to make this happen. It will feature two dance floors, great music and top teachers. There is plenty of parking and, for those who want to stay overnight, there is a special room rate at the hotel. The Sheraton Mahwah is close to NYC, Rockland, Westchester, Orange counties and of course Northern, NJ. Located in Mahwah at the intersection of New York State Thruway and Interstate 297 and Route 17 North it is easy to get to.
The initial event kicks off on Friday night July 11. The doors open at 7:30 PM. there will be open dancing from 9 PM - Midnight. Your general admission includes a Hustle lesson from 8 – 9 PM with Diane “The Queen Bee” Nardone. Music by DJ’s Johnny “O” & Tom R. There will be exhibitions from 9:15 – 9:30. Don’t miss this special night. Crossroad Hotel Grand Ballroom, 1 International Blvd, Rt. 17 North, Mahwah. There will be a cash Bar & light refreshments. For advanced ticket sales, $20.00, call 201 684 6792, at door $22.00. For special overnight room rate ask when you call for tickets. Directions go to www.sheraton.com/mahwah questions you can Email William.Adamo@ihrco.com or catchthelight@hotmail.com Tell you friends to meet you at the Crossroads.

Look Who’s Turning 8
The DanceTalk® newsletter is celebrating it’s eighth year of publication. Here is a short look back at a couple of our early features. Many thanks you to all the sponsors, promoters, club owners, dance pros, DJs, artists and my family for eight years of your unwavering support…and to my tireless staff, Stacy and Chris and naturally to you, our devoted readers.
Enjoy,
Ron

Dance Trivia
The term Discotheque was coined in Paris. It was a play on the word Bibliotheque (Library). This was because the disco was a library of records instead of live bands. Chubby Checkers (the original Twister), wrote a song called the Discotheque and was known to use the expression first in the USA. (this was back in the early 70’s). The dance sound during the late 70’s was influenced by punk and new wave. But in 1979, Donna Summer had five songs hit the top ten and were all recognized on Billboards 1979 Top 40. Bad Girls, Hot Stuff, No more tears (with Barbara Streisand), Dim all the Lights and Heaven Knows (with Brooklyn Dreams). Madonna holds the record for the most Dance Club play singles. To date she has had 22 # 1 singles on Billboard Magazine “Dance Club Play.”

The 2002 Winners Readers Choice Awards
Favorite DJ - Mr. Bobby Morales
Favorite Female Dancer - Debbie Ferro
Favorite Male Dancer - Donnie Shields
Favorite Dance Couple - Brian & Silvana Gallagher
Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Robert Royston & Laureen Baldovi
Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone
Favorite Male Instructor - Arte Phillips

“Time Capsule”
Feathers Dance Contest
Back in the day, the most exciting dance contests were held at some of the best discotheques in the country. Prizes could range from cold cash to exotic trips or even shiny new automobiles. The night clubs that sponsored the contests typically would run preliminaries then bring the weekly winners back for the semi and/or final competition. The clubs would be packed. A contest was such a great draw and the atmosphere was just right: The sound systems, lighting and special effects would create the ultimate setting. These contests, in most cases, were open to anyone and pretty much had an anything goes policy. One memorable contest took place in the summer of 1981, at the beautiful Feathers Disco in Long Island, NY. Each week the best couple qualified to return for the finals. These were some of the best couples in the country. The Silver Screen never witnessed the high energy provided by these teams. Their electrifying performances would still stand the test of time:

• Roma Moon and Joseph Harris danced to Salsoul’s “It’s good for the Soul”
• Lucas Jamie and Kathy Young chose the classic “Shine on Silver Moon”.
• Ricky Quintana and Lee Rafrano danced to Melba Moores “Pick Me Up I’ll Dance”
• *Derrick Allen and Lilia Parra performed to Meco’s “Star Wars”.
• George Velazquez shocked the crowd dancing to “Savage Lover” in caveman attire
• Billy Fajardo and Sandra Rivera selected the theme from “Star Wars”
• Ralph Rameriz and Maria Gomez chose “Latin Odyssey” by Voyage
• Miquel Marrero and Annette performed to “In the Socket”
• Billy Assmus and Annabelle danced to “Fame”.

And first place went to Eddie Vega and Laudes Jones as they performed effortlessly to “Ten Percent” by Double Exposure. The applause was deafening.

“One Hit Wonders”
Billboard Magazine tracks those artists that have had one song place on the top POP 40 list but were unable to do it again. This is not to suggest that they aren’t still writing music but only that they have failed to strike gold twice. I have listed those musicians that are the one hit wonders in the Dance Music category during the 80’s.

• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Hooked on Classics - 1982
• SOS Band - Take Your Time - 1980
• Lipps Inc. - Funky Town - 1980
• Taco - Puttin on The Ritz - 1983
• Shannon - Let the Music Play - 1984
• Limahl - Never Ending Story - 1985

Spotlight
“Cerrone”
I sat intensely, strategically positioned, in front of the family TV, watching the weekly Saturday morning dance show, “Dick Clarks American Bandstand.” The year was 1977. The studio audience on the Bandstand set went into a frenzy. It wasn’t a Hitchcock flick but a new superstar from France, making his US debut. At first I didn’t understand it. It was reminiscent of the fab four that descended here in the sixties. This new artist had a different sound and style. This was Cerrone. ” The trick’ to the fresh new sound was my reputation as a drummer: A kick drum, high in the mix, was to serve in his entire career and to this date,” states Jean Marc Cerrone. Cerrone was not anticipating such a reaction from the American public when “Love in C Minor” hit the East coast in a monumental fashion…

The Top Songs
So your getting ready for that big dance contest. You know, the one where the DJ selects the song - HMMMMMMM, whether its a Jack & Jill contest, getting down at the club or just shaking your groove thang, … you never know what tune the DJ may play? DanceTalk® polled some of the most knowledgeable and influential DJs on the Planet, to get their selection for best hustle songs. Here are the experts top picks.
Thanks to all the DJs for their input. Here are their selections

• Romeo & Juliet by Love & Kisses - (DJ Lenny B.G.)
• Love Is The Message by MFSB - (DJ Rene Hewitt)
• All I Do by Stevie Wonder - (DJ Donnie Shields)
• Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet by Gonzalez - (DJ JohnnyRocks)
• Circles - (DJ Kenny Arditi)
• Close to Perfection by Miquel Brown - (DJ Johnny “O” )
• Love is the Ultimate (Medley) by Ultimate - ( DJ Radar )
• Jingo by Candido - ( DJ Mark Routzahn )
• Date with the Rain by Eddie Kendricks - ( DJ Stan )
• Love In C Minor by Cerrone - (DJ Jerry Lane )
• Native New Yorker by Odyssey - ( DJ Jimmy Yu )
• Runaway by Salsoul Orchestra - ( DJ Joey Tess )
• Too Hot for Love by THP Orchestra - ( DJ Mike Gormley )
• You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine by Lou Rawls - ( DJ Dave Muzii)
• Save The Last Dance by Free expression - ( DJ Johnny V )
• Peanut Vendor by Ritchie Family - ( DJ Frank Pellicci )
• Aint Nothin Gonna Keep Me From Lovin You by Teri Desario - ( DJ Frankie Z )
• Love is the Message by MFSB - (DJ Bobby Morales )
• Ten Percent by Double Exposure - ( DJ Marty Angelo )
• Love Unlimited Theme by Love Unlimited Orchestra - ( DJ Roscoe Alverez )
• Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel by Tavares - ( DJ Nino Torre )
• Was That All There Was by Jean Carn - ( DJ Bobby Gerard )
• The Hustle by Van McCoy - ( DJ Giant Gene )
• “Dancin” by the Crown Heights Affair - ( DJ Steve Tursio)
• More, More, More by Andrea True Connection - ( DJ Cesar Ricuarte )
• Midnight Love Affair by Carol Douglas - ( DJ Mike Brooks )

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…
June 23, 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.

Jun 24, Tues - NY - IBBG , Celebrating Millie and Bu’s Birthday. Robin will be bringing the cake. “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 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 25, 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.

June 25, Wed - Pa - Michael’s Cafe for the best dance night of the week. DJ Mark spins the best in hustle, swing and Latin in between. Great dancers, friendly atmosphere. No cover, free parking. Dance 8:30P-12:30A, where Philly, NJ, NY goes to dance. Street Road in Bensalem, near Casino/Race track.

June 26, 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. WEST COAST SWING 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. EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

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 more 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) 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 27, Fri - FL - Swing Dance A Little Lindy Plus! Dance Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, & Blues w/Cindy. Dance Lesson at 8:00 to 9:00p. Social Dance from 9:00 to 11:00p. $10 , lesson included. SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Hwy, Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, 954-254-3221 or 561-495-7571

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 28, Sat - NJ - Highland Park Ballroom- Latin Dance Social with 2 hour latin workhop taugh 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 w/ Nelson “Paradise” Roman 9 pm-1am - Come Do the Hustle Great music, great company on a great floor. $12 or $10 w/ pass or print out Starlight Dance Center 7 High Street, Nutley, NJ 07110 973-235-9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com

June 28, Sat - PA Ballroom Dance at Swingkat, Ballroom on High; 2nd flr, 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 29, Sun-NY CANCELLED Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle party at TAJ LOUNGE, see July 12th below.

Disco America July 4-6, 2008 Crown Plaza Valley Forge 260- Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, PA Hosted by Donna 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, Bobby Morales, Ron Bess, Elizabeth Darchi, Joe Kerner, Louis Orlando, Arte Phillips, Angela McCabe, Roberto Pagan, LoriAnne Greenhouse, Jameson Kilburn, Billy Marti, DJ Mark, Danny McGee, Kelvin Roche, Hazel & Tybaldt Ulrich. contact Donna J. Boyle - Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, Joyce Szili - JoyceDancr@aol.com www.discoamerica.com/

July 6, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny O, New Summer Hours! 9 pm - 1 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 973-235-9835 www.starlightdanceusa.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 w/ fabulous high-energy entertainment by top dancers, Swing, Hustle, Country Couples & Line Dance social dancing bigapplecountrydance.com 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 pm, open dancing from 9 PM - Midnight admission includes Hustle lesson from 8 – 9 pm with Diane “Queen Bee” Nardone. Music by DJ’s Johnny O & Tom R, Exhibition from 9:15 – 9:30, Cash Bar & light refreshments. Advance tix $20.00 (201) 684 6792, at door $22.00. Speical overnight room rate ask when you call for tickets. 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.

July 12, Sat - NYC - Lori Brizzi’s Millennium Hustle’s “SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL”. 3 DJ’s, 3 Rooms for dancing. DJ JOHNNY O-Hustle, DJ JEFF-Latin, DJ NOAH-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 loribrizzi@aol.com

Miami Dance Magic July 17 - 20, Miami Hyatt Regency Hosted by Debbie Lynn, first annual event. WC Swing, Hustle & Salsa. Triple Threat competition, Showtime Contest, WCS & Hustle Strictly, Pro/Am and Jack & Jill’s. Skippy Blair Summer Intensive. Workshops and continual social dancing. 2 ballrooms. Debra Lynn (954) 270 - 0232 MiamiDanceMagic@aol.com www.CoastalDanceConnection.com

July 19, Sat - Pa - California Mix @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, It’s the night for Hustle & WC Swing w/ a splash of Country 2-Step, Salsa, Cha Cha, and more. The most contemporary mix with a classic twist. Don’t miss out on this one! 7:30 Free Lesson w/Silvana Gallagher and an 8:30 Dance Party. Refreshments are included. $12.00 at the door.

July 19, 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 or loribrizzi@aol.com

July 20, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle with Johnny O, New Summer Hours! 9 pm - 1 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

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 & country to the Hilton East Brunswick, 3 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!

July 26, Sat - PA - Salsa Rendezvous @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown,PA. Salsa Caliente w/ Merengue, Bachatta, and Cha Cha mix in for an all out dance party. 7:30 free Salsa lesson w/Victor Colon and an 8:30 Dance Party. Refreshments are included. $12.00 at the door. Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, coupons and more. Subscription has it’s privileges.

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 and Sheila Rob: 609-519-0793 or 856-858-6753 Sheila: bpurkey@yahoo.com Rob: djrob01@comcast.net

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 San Jose, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, Rooms available at rate of $105.00 p/night. Reservations accepted May 18th. ph (408) 453-4000, fx (408)437-2898 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 the incomparable Trampps performing live, DJ Jenny Costa, 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. WCSwing Social Dance Event w/instructors Ramiro Gonzalez, John Lindo, Mary Ann Nunez, Sylvia Sykes, Charlie Womble & Jackie McGee. www.HudsonSwingAffair.com or212 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 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 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