Dance Talk ® 6/30/08

Happy July 4th, look for me at Discoamerica 2008

Happy Birthday wishes to Tina Labriola, Joe Reggi, Lisa “Sparkles” Paternoster, Linda Jack, Susan Hiser, Tina Price, David Padilla, Tiffany Brown and Lisa Nunziella.

Three composers, song writers and gifted artists all passed in the same week. Jacques Morali the brains behind the Ritchie family and the Village People in 1991. Bebu Silvetti an Argentine pianist that had hits with Spring Rain in 2003. Van McCoy passed away in 1979 just as his star was rising. He had a major hit with the disco anthem “The Hustle.”

Our condolences to dance friend Dougy Hilago. His mother passed away last week. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Friday, July 18th, Mama Mia opens national wide in theaters. The Broadway musical featuring the music of Abba hits the big screen.

High Five to Donna Boyle and Discoamerica as they were featured on Fox televisions “Good Day” show promoting this weekends event. Along with her performing the hustle were, Joanne Piazza and Ron Bess take a look here.

Fancy Summer, DJ Fancy’s hot CD, with brand new remixes and dance songs. 15 of the best including, NeYo, Danity Kane, Pussycat Dolls, Girlicious, Natasha Bedingfield , Donna Summer, Kylie Minogue… Only $15, write to sparda3636@yahoo.com to order.

The dance world celebrates, Tango Week, from July 14th to the 20th

Independence Dance, July 5th Saturday with Mike Rodriguez Dance Show, from 8:30pm - 12:30am a the Wantagh Jewish Center www.UltimateDanceZone.com

The hotels are selling out for Miami Dance Magic, if you cannot get a room, check w/ the Inter Continental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza 305-577-1000 or 888 444-0401 mention Miami Dance Magic for the lowest rate.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Discoamerica Dance Championships, July 4 - 6th, www.discoamerica.com

Make it a great week,
Ron

Discoamerica - (only 3 days away)

Ten years ago, a ground breaking event took place in the Philadelphia area. The Discoamerica Dance Championships held its very first dance weekend in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 1998. It was a fusion of dance competitions, social dancing, workshops, a Saturday night dinner show and a social gathering like no other.

Organizer, Donna Boyle brings her original concept back to the very same place it all started, on July 4th to the 6th at the Crown Plaza Hotel. There will be fireworks, inside, all weekend long, as dancers move to the classic sounds of the 70’s and 80’s as the finest DJs play those forgotten songs. It is the longest running disco event of its kind.

As the disco era cooled off in the 90’s, Philadelphia had a major dance void that Donna was anxious to fill. A former “Dance Fever” champion, Donna decided to develop a dance event to celebrate the hustle that she is so passionate about. She integrated a reunion of dancers from the disco era along with the new generation of avid dancers. Combining Latin dancing and West Coast Swing, Donna introduced an electrifying weekend where hustlemaniacs from all over the country came to dance the entire weekend.

In celebration of 10 years, Donna has joined up with dance champion Joyce Szili, also a “Dance Fever” alumnus. Joyce hails from Washington, DC and has created a huge dance following over the last 30 years. Together, the two ladies of dance have taken the best of the past 10 years of Discoamerica’s annual events to create an incredible anniversary explosion. Discoamerica has been held in Atlantic City, Center City Philadelphia and Cherry Hill New Jersey but has returned to its birth place, King of Prussia, Pa.

It has always been Disco Donna’s goal to help keep the hustle alive by attracting new dancers while keeping the old school gang actively involved. Her weekend includes dance workshops for all levels, for beginners to the seasoned professionals, taught by the biggest names in the Hustlesphere. There is something for everyone including vendors that specialize in all your dance needs, shoes, clothing, jewelry and more.

Whether your an accomplished dancer or looking to just take a flash back to the disco era, come meet us at Discoamerica 2008, where the mirror ball spins all weekend long. Located at The Crown Plaza Valley Forge, 260-Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, PA. For more details visit www.discoamerica.com or e mail Donna at Donnaboyledisco@aol.com, or Joyce JoyceDancr@aol.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)

I totally agree (letter from Harris Sulken) every time I see a disco routine on SYTYCD, I cringe we all know that Doriana Sanchez is inexperienced choreographer, as far as disco is concerned, being in the movie Dirty Dancing is not what makes a choreographer, her steps abruptly stop and start there is no flow, and she has even tried to take some moves from Maria Torres when she did the hustle routine last season. Maria Torres routine had flow and was smooth, and the judges loved it, disco by Dorianna just plain stinks.
Thanks Tina

Dearest Ron,
I was shocked to read in your newsletter the passing of Cyd Charisse. I am so upset with the media. They are more worried about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Since I am considerably older I can tell you growing up watching her in the movies she was every thing you said. She seemed to not get as much attention as Ginger Rodgers. It could be that Ginger and Fred looked like a real couple with their fair skin complexion and blonde hair but Cyd could out dance them all.
Sincerely,
Clair Evans

Hey Ron I see how you limit the number of letters you post each week. Can I recommend that you don’t put any more of David Flynn’s garbage. You seem to give him a bit more space then others???? He has been bantering the same … for years…dancers don’t take him serious or give a damn. How come we never see his new modern day hustle done anywhere then in his mind? I believe he is entitled to his say and opinion but he also has a bad habit of beating down on everyone else at the same time. David give it a rest. Ron I hope you have the gonads to list this letter.
Jonathan “a dedicated NY-er” Lombardo

I feel that some of your readers are mixing up Disco and hustle. they are attacking the choreographer on the show So You Think …when she is doing a great job. Disco represents a time period which includes line dancing, bumping, white suits and not limited to the hustle. To be honest, I don’t think Maria Toress did a good job last year. All she did was gave the dancers one of her old routines from the 80s. It was old and worn….the music was bland. Watch some of the sharp choreographers on the show…they use colorful new songs with exciting elements, tricks, flips, …it is a new look, especial for Alex Desilva. Alex is creative. The show needs an innovative, hustle choreographer that will give hustle a new edgy look with a new look.
Jim McGraph

Legends of Dance
Imperial Society Of Teachers Legends Of Dance Award - TV/Movies, theater, ballroom
2006 Pierre Dulaine
2001 Frank Regan
1999 Linda Dean
1998 June Allyson
1997 Larry Silvers
1996 Pierre Allaine & Mirelle Veilleux
1994 Gene Nelson
1993 Francois Szony
1992 Cyd Charisse
1991 Marge Champion

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…
June 30, Mon - NY - Dancesport - Legendary Hustle Mondays at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, with DJ Nelson “paradise” Roman, 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.

July 1, Tue – FL – Hustle/Salsa Party every Tuesday with DJ Noel C at the Palladium Night Club in Margate, Florida. Dance from 9PM to 1AM to some of the best Hustle, Free Style, Club Classics and Salsa music. The Palladium 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

July 1, Tue - 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, Lisa Paternoster will be out celebrating her birthday. Hosted by Doreen. 50/50 Raffle & door prizes. 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City, Exit M3W off Meadowbrook 9 PM. Only $8

July 2, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your hosts Simone Assboeck & David Padilla for a WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm til 12:45am, DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman spinning the best in hustle & latin $9/PP; $5 for SO Students - Tonight’s Special is “Lucky Draw” Everyone has a chance to win perks!

July 2, Wed - Pa - Michael’s Cafe, celebrating Susan Hiser’s birthday. Come out for the party, cake and dancing to DJ Mark. The best in hustle, swing and Latin in between. The best night out in the tri state area. No cover, free parking. Located on Street Road in Bensalem, near the Casino/Race Track.

July 3, 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 Show, Hot Buffet, 45 Min. WCS Dance Lesson at 7:30w/Louis. Lisa “Sparkles” Paternoster will be celebrating her birthday, Air Conditioned, Cash Bar, Admission $14, call Louis (516) 819 - 9016. THIS EVENT RUNS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

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

July 5, Sat - NY - Ultimate Dance Zone hosted by Mark James and Karen Lupo, special Independence show featuring Mike Rodriguez Dancers - 8:30pm - 12:30AM, at the Wantagh Jewish Center - New Much Larger Floor - Only $14 www.UltimateDanceZone.com - 516-835-9996

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 w/ pass or print out -Starlight Dance Center 7 High Street, Nutley, NJ 973-235-9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com

July 6, Sun - NJ - Liberty Weekend, Host by Marc Liebeskind, California - Latin Mix Dance Social with Beg – Adv. Beg. WCS Workshop with Brian Thompson, Workshop 4:30 to 6:00, Social 6:00 to 9:00, $15 for workshop & social/ $10 for students. $10 for Workshop or Social separately, IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Pk, http://hpds.webhop.org/events, 201-320-9176, hpds@optonline.net

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 w/ 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 11, Fri - NJ - Dancing at the Crossroads, Dancing at the Sheraton Mahwah Crossroad Hotel Grand Ballroom, 1 International Blvd, Rt. 17 N, Mahwah. Doors open 7:30 pm, open dancing from 9p-Midnight admission includes Hustle lesson from 8-9 PM w/Diane “Queen Bee” Nardone. Music by DJ’s Johnny O & Tom R, Exhibition from 9:15 – 9:30, Cash Bar & light refreshments. Adv. tickets $20.00 call 201 684 6792, at the door $22.00. Special 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 11, Fri - Pa - Ballroom Extravaganza Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, www.vaidance.com The best of Ballroom and Latin music from contemporary to classic; Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Waltz, Samba, Tango, EC Swing, and more. 7:30 PM begins the free Lesson w/ Silvana and an 8:30 Dance Party. Refreshments are included. $12.00 at the door.

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 www.loribrizzi.com or loribrizzi@aol.com

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

July 18, Fri - NJ - World Hustle Dance Championships Pre-Party, 8:00 to 9:00 Hustle Lesson with Diane K Nardone, 9:00 to 1:00 Social Mixer. (Hustle Swing Salsa Country Ballroom) with DJ Dave Muzii, Cash Bar, New Admission: Only $15.00 Jack n Jill Dance Competitions, Raffles, Coffee N lite refreshments, for info Diane at 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net or visit www.dkndance.com

July 18, Fri - NJ - Central Jersey Dance Society presents a Jersey Jumpers Swing Dance 5th Anniversary Celebration at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton. Beg. ECS lesson w/ Mike Davis 7:30 PM. Swing dancing 8:30p– 11:30p. No partner needed. $11 or $8 students with ID. www.centraljerseydance.org 609-945-1883 or swing@jerseyjumpers.org.

July 18, Fri - NJ Salsa/Hustle night, 9PM - 1AM, hosted by Eduardo Costa w/CostasMusicEntertainment with the Atomic Salsa band. Hustle music by DJ MC @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 157 East Westfield Ave in Roselle Park, Info call Eduardo (908) 416-6184. Free admission before 9PM or w/ dinner $10 after 9PM.

July 19, Sat -PA California Mix @ Vai Dance Studio 801 W Chester Pike, Havertown, www.vaidance.com 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 NIGH T SPECIAL”. 3 DJ’s, 3 rms 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

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 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 the entire event! Visit www.hustledanceworld.com for regular updates and to register on-line!

July 26, Sat - Pa - NO Salsa Rendezvous , on Summer Break, Returns Sept 6th, @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, www.vaidance.com Salsa Caliente w/ Merengue, Bachata, 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.

July 26, Sat - NJ - Highland Park, Hosted by Marc Liebeskind, Ballroom-Latin Dance Social with International Rumba Workshop with Brian Thompson, Workshop 5:00 to 7:10, Social 7:30 to 11:30 , $15 for Workshop and Social - $12 students, $10 for Workshop or Social separately., IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ. http://hpds.webhop.org/events, 201-320-9176, hpds@optonline.net

Aug 8, 9 & 10 Mario “Swing Daddy” visits the Del Val area! Rob & Sheila Dance bring Mario in for work shops & Got Swing? More info 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 now. ph:408-453-4000, fax 408-437-2898 toll free 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. This is a Hustle weekend w/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, 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. WCS 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 Niagara Dance Championships September 12 - 14, Adam’s Mark Hotel, 120 Church St., Buffalo, NY 14202 (800) 444-2326 Special rate: $110 p/night, Confirmed Staff: Mario Robau Jr, Angel & Debbie Figueroa, Mary Ann Nunez, Parker Dearborn & Jessica Cox, Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake, Arjay Centeno & Melissa Rutz, Bill Cameron, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Fred & Tina Price, Larry & Heidi Mongeau, Marc Levetin & Stephanie Brown, Lindsay Edgerton, Julie Epplett, Mike & Inge Evans, Antoinette Giancursio, Alysia Bonvino, Barb & Joe Tomasulo, www.swingniagara.com

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