Dance Talk ® 7/28/08

Happy birthday wishes to Paul Kaczkin, Al Bey, Rob Finocchio, Jim Bronke, Tybaldt Ulrich, Barbara Rosinski, Laura Eber, Barry Slovinsky, Mia, Jessica Nicolette and Nicky Andriole.

7 year old Cailie Rivera competed in the National Dance Showcase Finals in Atlantic City. Her group danced to Michael Jackson’s “Stop the love” and won Platinum honors, top line jazz dance in petit line/production category an electrifying energy award. Congrats to “Brandy’s Dance Unique”. Cailie is the daughter of dance pioneer Luis Rivera one of the members of the Disco Dance Dimensions.

Congratulations to Wendy Lippincott on the birth of her granddaughter, Kiera Viviano, 7lb.13oz. Mom, baby and grandmom are doing very well.

Congratulations to Mark James & Karen Lupo as they celebrate their 7th Anniversary Dance on August 2nd at the Wantagh Jewish Center in Long Island, NY, www.UltimateDanceZone.com - 516-835-9996 more details below.

Here are photos from Danielle Odhner’s birthday celebration from Michael’s Cafe, courtesy of Scott Michielli, what a great night it was.

This coming weekend is Swing Fling 2008. Its not to late to attend. See all the details below. http://barrydurand.com/swingfling/

The finals for Zachary’s monthly amateur dance contest is being held on Aug 1, Fri night. The couples competing are: Robert Lawrence & Rosette Varoula, Keith Harrison & Lena and Ozzi and Chris

Special thanks to all those who came out to celebrate my surprise birthday. Wow, what a wonderful evening it was. Your friendship is beyond words. I couldn’t ask for a better time. I truly believe that these are the best days of our lives…thank you for being part of mine. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Here are some photos taken by Scott Michielli, enjoy…go here.

The World Hustle Dance Championships is now in the history books. 37 states plus England were represented. Below are just some of the highlights. A big High Five to Diane Nardone and the entire staff for making the 2008 event an overwhelming success.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing Fling and the Hudson Swing Affair. See more details below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Hudson Swing Affair
A new event with a new flair, It’s the Hudson Swing Affair. Get ready for a weekend affair, taking place August 29th to Sept 1st (Labor Day) at the beautiful Jersey City Hyatt. John Festa invites you to a swing event like no other. You’ll be dazzled at this one-of-a-kind event. With years of experience competing, performing and DJing, John has arranged an event with many new twists. Leave your stress at home and plan to attend an exciting weekend at a scenic hotel where the focus is on fun. On Saturday evening your attend the Black & White Ball which will host a very special, glamorous show. This party will be like no other. A classy evening with the stunning Swing Affair Revue — a variety show with showgirls, comedian John Morgan & world-renowned burlesque dancer Jo Weldon, founder of the New York School of Burlesque. Ms. Weldon will be performing a classic strip tease. (Please see disclaimer) On Saturday Afternoon there is a Penthouse BBQ. This is a soulful BBQ in the penthouse ballroom at this stunning hotel. Your be overlooking Manhattan and the New York harbor while dancing to the swinging soul of DJ Peter Strom. What a Labor day it will be. The BBQ, along with all other parties and lessons, are included in your event ticket. In addition there will be a show, free workshops - from top WCS teachers; all included with your event ticket purchase. Also available are two Broadway show outings (Wicked and Gypsy) for an additional charge. The teaching staff includes: John Lindo, Blake Hobby, Sharlot Bott, Ramiro Gonzalez, Charlie Womble & Jackie McGee, Mary Ann Nunez, Sylvia Sykes, DJs: Victor Loveira, Peter Strom, Tom Hamrick, Greg Parmerton. The discounted Room Rate has been Extended till August 4th. The gorgeous Hyatt on the Hudson is not the least expensive of all hotels on the circuit — but surely is the most beautiful. The group rate of $175 has been extended until August 4th. Book your room! (The group rate is for double occupancy). www.HudsonSwingAffair.com.

Swing Fling 2008
One of the longest running dance competitions/conventions takes place this coming weekend. It’s Swing Fling 17. Get ready as this popular event returns to the Washington, DC area July 31 - Aug. 3. Event Director, Barry Durand, has an incredible weekend of non stop dancing planned, including West Coast Swing, Lindy, Shag, Hustle, Salsa and Hand Dancing. Conveniently located at the Hilton Washington Dulles hotel, with the low $90 special room rate. The event includes over $12,000 in prizes, Jack & Jill competitions, 4 dance floors, party by the pool, over 40 workshops, cabaret & team divisions, showcase divisions A & B, Classic Division A & B, separate rooms for WCS, Hustle & Lindy and non stop fun. For an exciting weekend of dancing you don’t want to miss Swing Fling. In addition to 4 rooms for dancing there is the uniquely, popular Lobby Dance Floor, where folks social dance & practice till the wee hours. The DC area has so much to offer. Take time to dance, then visit all the rich historical sites. There isn’t a better time of year or place to take it all in. Plan to stay for a full week. Barry has assembled some of the finest teachers and competitors in the country. This years invited staff includes: Robert & Nicola Royston, Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekely, Mary Ann Nunez, Jason Barnes & Erica Berg, Michael Kielbasa & Jennifer Deluca, Sam & Lisa West, Terry Roseboro & Kara Pryzbyla, Bill & Brenda Barber, Robin Smith, Dave & Zoe, Roberto Pagan, Shari Huggett, Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown,Markus Smith & Deonna Ball, Debbie Ramsey Boz, Frank G. & Tara Stotz, Steve Neeren, Tony Nguyen & Shawn Martin, Ken Roesel, Debbie Lynn, Brad Bradford, Christopher Joe & Lisa Schaupp, Keith & Celeste Gussoni, Brian Gallagher, Joyce Szili, Billy Marti, George Garcia, Gary & Sue Caley, Jane Ford & Charlie Wyler, Tom Koerner & Debra Sternberg, Michael Johnson & Poppy Friske, Barry Durand, Victor Loveira, Wildman Louie, Hilton Washington. For complete schedule & updates visit http://barrydurand.com/swingfling/ Swing Fling is a NASDE Sanctioned event and a member of the World Swing Dance Council.

WHDC - highlights
The 8th anniversary of the World Hustle Dance Championships was a dance explosion. The energy ran high all weekend long. Many new stars rose & awards were presented. Diane Nardone and her talented staff packaged an incredible weekend, showcasing all styles of dance. Donna (Discoamerica) Boyle was the 2008 recipient of the Hall Of Fame award. Lori (NY Hustle Congress) was presented the 2008 Christopher M. Nardone award for her generosity and her spirit in dance. George Garcia was awarded the “Top Teacher”. The dinner show featured hip hop dancers, Mark James & Karen Lupo, Sophy Kdep & Jason Miklic, Roberto Pagan & Rosa Peredes, Ron & Lauren Bess, Robert & Nicola Royston, David Paris & Zoe Klien and special performances by American Dance Wheels. A 50/50 raffle was held to benefit those dancers restricted to wheel chairs. The winner of the raffle was Dean Marshall who donated his winnings back to the American Dance Wheels organization. In all, $1890 was collected, HOWEVER, Diane Nardone matched the amount giving a grand total of $3780 to this great organization. It truly was a great weekend of giving. Many dance superstars and DJs were on hand during the weekend including: Brian Gallagher, Donna DeSimone, Chris Bates, Kim Vanaman, Mark James, Karen Lupo, Silvana Gallagher, Bobby Gerard, Debbie Ferro, DJ Mark, Susan Fritz, Drew Axelrod, Robin Amante, Lawrence Rush, Arte Phillips, Tiffany Brown, Steve Salerno, Susan Marolda, Louie Orlando, Carolyn Grimaldi, Johnny O, Caren Casper, Jamie Serna, Connie Macdougal, Dave Muzzi, Evie Hoover, Andre Phelps, Fred & Tina Price, John Lindo, Mariann Gonzales, Jerry Hobbs, Dara Patrusky, Rob Finocchio, Laura Cozik, Angela Cameron, Anthony Lee, Ray Leight, Derrick Allen, Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich, Leo Madden Jr, Trisha Caballero, Phil Lamothe, Joann Piazza, John Merisier, Jerise Massone, David Flynn, Michael Frank, Domingo, Billy Marti, Gary Ulaner, John Festa, Annette Alicanti, Wingo Hom, Carol Feldman…Thank you to the helpful staff & to all those dancers that came out to support this great weekend. Here are some of the results. For all the results visit www.hustledanceworld.com

New this year: Team Match Challenge
1) The Phantastic Philadelphia Pretzels - captained by Silvana Gallagher
2) Long Island Dance Force - captained by Derrick Allen & Donna DeSimone
3) New Jersey Grasshoppers - captained by Roberto Pagan

Pro-Am Hustle Newcomer new comer leader
1) Cathy Ricci & Diane Nardone
2) Bryan Toder & Dara Patrusky
3) John Durkin & Diane Nardone

Pro - Am Hustle Newcomer Female
1) Katherine Welch & Donna DeSimone
2) Annette Cioffi-Parker & John Lindo
3) Sarah Lane & George Garcia

Pro - Am Hustle Nov Male
1) Mike Reher & Silvana Gallagher
2) John Santiago & Diane Nardone
3) Howard Sklarek & Donna DeSimone

Pro - Am Hustle Nov Female
1) Kate Halka & David Flynn
2) Sara Jones & Brian Gallagher
3) Karen Cessna & Fred Price

Pro - Am Hustle Int Male
1) Joseph Badgeley & Donna DeSimone
2) David Czifra & Tina Price
3) Frank Parades & Rosa Parades

Pro - Am Hustle Int Female
1) Elizabeth Gutzwiler & Fred Price
2) Carmen Sanchez & Roberto Pagan
3) Roscel Garcia & George Garcia

Pro - Am Hustle Adv. Male
1) Michael Leyden & Silvana Gallagher
2) Steve Salerno & Diane Nardone
3) Jack Ciecka & Silvana Gallagher

Pro - Am Hustle Adv. Female
1) Anat Shamash & Billy Marti
2) Mihoko Ninomiya & Billy Marti
3) Danielle Odhner & Brian Gallagher

Pro Just Swing
1) John Lindo & Hazel Ulrich

Pro Just Hustle
1) Roberto Pagan & Rosa Peredes
2) Billy Marti & Tina Price
3) Wingo Hom & Angela Cameron

Pro Jack & Jill Hustle
1) Derrick Allen & Susan Kay Fritz
2) Chris Bates & Silvana Gallagher
3) Gary Ulaner & Silvana Gallagher

World Open
1) Tybaldt & Hazel Ulrich
2) Roberto Pagan & Rosa Peredes
3) Robert Lawrence & Rosetta Varoula
4) Catherine & Richard Rankel

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

Hi Ron,
I am very pleased to announce our Grand Opening Party for the new Rhythm in Shoes dance studio space on Saturday, September 13th from 8:00p until 12:00p. Please help us celebrate our new space with it’s tall brick walls and cathedral ceilings, suspended lighting, Second floor balcony, kitchen and large maple dance floor. We will be offering a buffet of appetizers - desserts and beverages, door prizes, great music and of course dancing with your friends. The cost for the evening will be $10 per person and the attire for the evening will be dressy. I hope you can join us.
Phil LaMothe
Rhythm in Shoes 708A - 712A Main St. Boonton N.J. 07005 (973) 335-9920

Dear Phyllis in O-town…
You sound like you feel like you’ve been ripped off, and if you feel that way, then you probably have been. Your gut reaction is never wrong. For me, as a competing pro, an on-staff teacher at a Manhattan studio, & someone with an already relatively high level of dance knowledge, & 11 years of dancing and 8-9 years of competitive skating, etc, etc… in the past year, I have spent anywhere from $120 per 45 minutes of coaching to $70 per hour on coaching and teacher training, myself. You could argue that you don’t need to spend that much since you aren’t a pro (I’m assuming). My take on that is this. There are many hidden costs associated with providing dance education, like maintaining the space, the front desk staff, marketing, taxes, air conditioning, not to mention the teacher’s own dance training. What I would say is expect to spend anywhere from $60-100/hour, but choose someone whom you feel gives you your money’s worth and if they don’t, don’t go back and don’t make any apologies. I know of many very high-level teachers that are either charging as much or less as some pros who impart very little if any knowledge. I, personally, shop around for coaching and you should do the same. If I walk off of a lesson and don’t feel like “Wow, that was totally worth the money!” I don’t go back. Ask yourself if you would put up with a cleaning woman or a plumber being squarely focused on your wallet and acting like their services are an incidental by-product, and then not going all the way in their job? A good teacher will figure out what to say and how to be in order to get the best out of you, no matter what level you as the student are at. Another thing to consider is that your time is even more valuable than your money. Once it’s spent, you can never get it back. If you had 24 hours to live, would you spend even a minute allowing someone jerk you around with the “eyedropper method” on a dance lesson?
-Susan Fritz, NY-

Hi Ron,

Here is a suggestion for Phyllis in O-town:
Many studios ‘overcharge’ in my opinion as well. You need to try new studios and new teachers and see what fits for you. It’s not easy to start with a new instructor but sometimes it’s the best thing for you. You may find one that understands how you think and is more tuned to explain things to you in the manner in which makes more sense to you. Some may like to goof off and not teach you anything in order to drag out the lesson and make you spend more money. Unfortunately, it happens all too often, especially from the type of dance studio you mentioned. The price of $100 per lesson is too much. You should pay no more then $85 tops. You can also negotiate if you buy a group of lessons with an instructor. Just ask them. It may be a little out of your way to try new places, but you may find it worth it in the long run.
Good luck!!
Lisa

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…

July 28, 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.

Jul 29, 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

July 29, 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 ABIGAIL DAVILA , door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, Latin, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

July 30, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your host Simone Assboeck 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.

July 30, Wed - Pa - Michael’s Cafe, The hot spot every Wednesday night for the best in Hustle, Swing and Latin in Between. DJ Mark plays classic and hot new club music from 8:30PM till 12:30AM, Never a cover charge and free parking. Come join the fun. Street Road in Bensalem

Swing Fling July 31 - Aug. 3, Hilton Washington Dulles, DC Area. 17th Annual Swing and Hustle event, NASDE Competition, WSDC Jack & Jill Competition, Over $12,000 in Prizes, 4 Large Dance Floors, Famous “Lobby” Dance Floor, Over 40 dance workshops, WCS, Hustle, Lindy, Hand Dance, Plenty of Open dancing because of various floors, Top Teachers & Judges in the world $90 special room rate, Swing & Hustle Pro Am competition, 1-800 -Hiltons, Ask for the $90 Swing Fling rate Event Director: Barry Durand visit http://barrydurand.com/swingfling/

July 31, 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. SALSA 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!

Aug 1, Fri - PA Dance Party w/ Donna Boyle, Holiday Inn, 432 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington, Complimentary appetizers & drink specials 6:30 pm , Music starts at 8:00 p; $10 Dance Lesson at 8:15 pm DJ DONNA BOYLE playing your dance favorites, Dress Code: DressyBusiness Casual Fashionable! More info at www.donnaboyle.com/

Aug 1, Fri - PA Ballroom Extravaganza @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA, 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.

Aug 1, 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 9P or w/ dinner. $10 after 9P.

Aug 2, Sat - NY - 7th Year Anniversary Dance at the Ultimate Dance Zone hosted by Mark James and Karen Lupo, 8:30 - 12:30, Show -Special Performances - 8:30pm - 12:30AM - Wantagh Jewish Center - New Much Larger Floor - www.UltimateDanceZone.com - 516-835-9996 - $14

Aug 2, sat - NJ - No Name California Mix Dance, Country Two Step basics lesson by Carol Feldman at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, lesson at 7:30 p.m. Open dancing WCS, ECS, Ballroom, Latin, Night Club Two Step, Hustle and more featuring Genesis 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. $12. www.centraljerseydance.org. noname@centraljerseydance.org or 609-945-1883.

Aug 2, Sat - NYC - Lori Brizzi’s MILLENNIUM HUSTLE at IL Campanello is temporarily canceled until they obtain their cabaret license. Please stay tune for this popular party’s new location until then. For updates, please email loribrizzi@aol.com or call 516 728-6101

Aug 8-10 Mario “Swing Daddy” Robau visits the Del Val area! Rob & Sheila bring Mario Robau for workshops + Got Swing? Register now, don’t be left out. Save the DATE!! Rob: 609-519-0793 or 856-858-6753 Sheila:bpurkey@yahoo.com Rob:djrob01@comcast.net www.robandsheiladance.com

Aug 8, Fri - PA - Ballroom Extravaganza @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA, www.vaidance.com. The best of Ballroom & 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 & an 8:30 Dance Party. Refreshments included. $12.00 at door.

Aug 8, Fri - 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, $13, call Louis for info (516) 819 - 9016

Aug 8, 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-Eduardo (908) 416-6184. Free admission before 9PM or with dinner. $10 after 9PM.

Aug 9, 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 PETER-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

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 for $105.00 per night. Reservations accepted Now! ph 408-453-4000, fax 408-437-2898 toll free 1-800-222-TREE www.doubletreesanjose.com http://grandpacificdance.com/

Aug 15, Fri - NJ - Jersey Jumpers Swing Dance, Unitarian Universalist, Cong, of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, Beg. Lindy Hop lesson with Donna Reinhart 7:30PM ; Inter. Lindy Hop lesson at 8PM. Open dancing to swing & lindy music by dj’s Brandon & Glen 8:30-11:30 p.m. $12 , $8 student with ID. www.centraljerseydance.org jerseyjumpers@centraljerseydance.org 609-945-1883.

Aug 16, Sat - NJ - Dance At The Ranch, A great mix of Hustle, West Coast Swing, Latin and Salsa, 7:30p.m. to 1:30 a.m, Spinning W Ranch (Wendy Lippincott) N.J. Food as well as wine and mixers will be available. R.S.V.P.’s, directions: spinningw@aol.com $15.00 donation 266 Hartford Rd. Medford,

Aug 16, Sat - PA California Mix @ Vai Dance Studio, 801 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA, 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 and an 8:30 Dance Party. Refreshments included. $12.00 at the door.

Aug 16, Sat - NJ New Year’s in August at the Nash Dancenter, 8:00-9:00Pm lesson, Dancing 9:00-1:00AM, Ballroom/Latin Mix & Lesson w/ Brian Nash, California Mix & WCS Lesson w/ John Festa, Hustle Lesson w/ Arte Phillips, Hustle Mix by Bobby Morales, dancing in all rooms! Tickets: $20 in advance/$30 event day 10-12 Emery Ave.Randolph, 973-328-7979 www.nashdancenter.com

Aug 16, 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

Aug 17, Sun NJ 100 % HUSTLE w/ DJ Johnny O at The Starlight Ballroom 9 PM-1 am, Early Bird Special $8 before 10pm Giveaways: party passes, CDs, dance classes & much more! 11 PM New music set by D.J. Johnny “O”

Aug 17, 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

Aug 23, Sat - VA - The All White Moonlight Salsa Boat Ride. Nino Torre & NiteMix Prod. presents 2nd annual floating Salsa party, The EAGLE of the James River. 3101 Wharf Street By Main St. Landing, 9:00pm to Midnight with two levels for dancing & socializing, Advance ticket’s $35 pp until Aug 2nd, $40 after. (free Hot Buffet & free After Party in downtown Shockoe Bottom) Call: Nino 718-926-3704
21 with ID to Drink alcohol. www.NiteMix.ws/SalsaBoatride

New York Hustle Congress Aug. 28-Sept 1, 2008 The 4th Annual hustle event in New York City. Hosted by Lori Brizzi. 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 & 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. WCSSocial Dance Event w/ instructors Ramiro Gonzalez, John Lindo, Mary Ann Nunez, Sylvia Sykes, Charlie Womble & Jackie McGee. www.HudsonSwingAffair.com or 212 779-2700

Swing Niagara Dance Championships Sept. 12-14, Adam’s Mark Hotel, 120 Church St., Buffalo, NY 14202 (800) 444-2326 Special rate: $110 per 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 & 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 &stops in Volos, Greece – Dikili, Istanbul, & Kusadasi Turkey, Port Said & Alexandria Egypt-Valetta in Malta-Messina Naples; 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/

February 23 - 28, 2009 - Royal Caribbean’s Navigator Cruise 10th annual Hustle & Salsa Dance. This cruise will include: over 20 hours of dance workshops, 25 hours of social dancing, jack n jill dance contests. The ship has a fabulous discotheque & a 3000 sq. ft. dance floor in the main arena. Fares start only $590 per person, for an inside cabin:Category N plus taxes, port charges & fuel supplement. Call Caren Casper at 754-246-2874 to make your reservation and receive a discount of $50 off for booking by Sept. 15, 2008. For details go to our website at: www.HustleCruise.com.