Dance Talk ® 8/11/08

Happy Birthday wishes to Billy K, Diane Breccia, Stacy Redler, Hilary Chasin, Susan Cohen, Jami Josephson, Steve Salerno, Rick Weinstein, Karen Hill, Derrick Allen, Teri Santeramo, George Maderski, Mike Angeletta and Chris Bates.

Music legend and actor Isaac Hayes passed away this weekend. A Grammy and Oscar winner he gave us “SHAFT” and the classic song “Pursuit of the Pimpmobile”. Isaac would have turned 66 years old next week.

Patrick Wayne Swayze turns 55 this week. The star from Dirty Dancing fought back for “Baby” and now he’s in the real life battle with pancreatic cancer.

Coming December 13, 2008, the return of the “God Father of Disco”, Vincent Montana, Jr. and The Philly Sound Orchestra, Live in Concert, featuring the Sigma Sound Girls and Denise Montana. More details coming next week.

This Thursday is the premier of the newest dance event, Grand Pacific Dance Championships, Aug. 14 - 18th at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, Calif. Hosted by Billy Fajardo, Raul Ante, Debra Hampton. http://grandpacificdance.com/

Philadelphia magazine voted the Bucks County Dance Center, located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania as the winner of the “Best of Bucks” dance studio.

Dance At the Ranch, don’t miss this special dance party in Medford New Jersey, hosted by Wendy Lippincott. Aug 16th, Saturday evening for Hustle, WCS, Latin & Salsa, 7:30PM to 1:30AM. See more details below.

Get ready for the Grand Opening of Hustle/Salsa Wednesdays at Dance Manhattan, in NYC with David Padilla. The party kicks off on August 27th, with DJ Chilly Willy from 9:30PM to 12:30AM. 39 West 19th st. 5th floor, NYC, see more details below.

Dancing With The Stars returns Monday Sept 22nd. Early rumors have suggested that Florence Henderson, Toni Braxton, Kim Kardashin, Lance Bass and Dan Marino are competitors in this seasons broadcast.

Get ready Floridians, Carl Charles is rolling out a weekly social. Starting August 18th, Monday nights, at the Sport Complex in Deerfield Beach. See details below.

Wanted, Male Ballroom Dance Instructor for “May I Have This Dance”, in Chicago. Handle teaching groups, privates in silver & gold level in American Style Smooth. Send dance resume, non-dance resume, interest level, recent headshot, picture in a dance hold, or dance video. Fax 773-777-6263, Mail 5246 N Elston Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago IL 60630 or e mail info@mayihavethisdance.com

This years New York Hustle Congress will have a different look & feel. Lori Brizzi has a bigger space at the NY Hilton. More room for dancing in a magnificent atmosphere, over Labor Day weekend. For details visit www.nyhustlecongress.com

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing City Chicago and the Hudson Swing Affair. See all the details below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Hudson Swing Affair
Labor Day weekend marks the start of a new event. Mix the best of Swing, with glamour & style, a dash of the New York Flair and you have the Hudson Swing Affair. This is a new venture with a new approach to the Swing weekends. It all takes place August 29th to Sept 1st (Labor Day weekend) at the beautiful Jersey City Hyatt. Dance professional John Festa invites you to experience a swing event like no other. Get ready to 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. HSA is competition free, yes, no contests just social dancing. 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 and the 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: Robert Royston, 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.

Dance Trivia
*Bob Power & Julia Gorchakova are 12 time undefeated Professional United States Rhythm Champions and world Mambo Champions. They have won more US titles then any other couple in the history of American Ballroom dancing.

*Do you remember the popular Televisions show, “Midnight Special”, it was hosted by the late, Lou Rawls (Your Never Find Another Love) and co host Candi Staton (Young Hearts Run Free).

*Mary Murphy will appear in the upcoming thriller “Killer Movie,” starring Kaley Cuoco and J.C. Chasez. The long list of stars she has coached includes Julia Roberts, Mary Steenburgen, Donnie Wahlberg and Dennis Quaid.

*Dance star Hector Berrios continues to wow them, he is the pitching coach for The Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets minor league team).

*Singer Cheryl Lynn struck gold with her classic song “Got To Be Real”, her vocals were incredible. She was discovered on the old “Gong Show ” back in 1977

*Pierre Dulaine was called a “Dancer and Teacher extrordianire” by the New York Times and (with Yvonne) he received the Astaire Award for “Best Dancing on Broadway” in Grand Hotel.

*The late, great, Eddie Vega (along with Laudes Jones) won the 1982 season Grand Championships on the popular TV show, Dance Fever. Five years later he won the season Grand Championships on Star Search (along with Lisa Nunziella).

*The World Invitational Exhibition Championship title was won by an amazing team from Virginia in 1990. David and Sharon Savoy would return, fourteen years later, in 2004, to win this prestigious title for a second time.

Swing City Chicago
It’s not to early to fall into Swing City Chicago. Its only ten weeks away so plan to join the Halloween Fest that will be taking place. The Westin Lombard Hotel is home of Swing City Chicago, from October 31 - November 2nd, 2008. This is the perfect spot for Halloween weekend. The event hosts numerous competitions including: Jack & Jill, Strictly Swing plus a pro-show/Exhibition, Friday night Pizza Party and Saturday, late night buffet and a very cool DJ Challenge. Swing City Chicago has an incredible staff featuring the best talent in Swing. There is also an Amateur Novice Championship event and the special “All Star Hour” where you can dance with a star - in the name of charity (all proceeds go to the Autism Society of Illinois). So You Think You Can Dance With the All Stars. Here is your chance. For $10 you get 10 minutes to dance, take a mini lesson talk shop etc…Many pro are donating their time. Come join John Lindo, Jason Miklic, Maren Oslac, Christopher Hussey, Katrina Branson, Nino DiGuillio, Sheli Schroeder, Brian Faust, Jill Popick, Douglas Rousar, Carlos Garcia, Will Carlton, Melanie Wong - Jennings, Beverly Solazzo, Angie Cameron, Erica Berg, Jason Barnes, Bill Cameron, Mario Robau Jr, Fred & Tina Price. The music will be off the charts with some of the finest DJs on the planet, April Prince, Matt Cotherman, Capri Robles, Beth Bellamy and Fred Price. Swing City Chicago is ACNE qualifier, National Fast Dance and World Swing Council Member. For an incredible weekend of dancing, join the Halloween party of the season. For more details and registration information visit: www.Swingcitychicago.com

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…
Aug 11, 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.

Aug 12, Tues - NY - IBBG (DJ’s International Buffet). Celebrating Susan Cohen & Teri Santeramo’s Birthdays. Robin will be bringing carrot cake. There will be a 50/50 Raffle, door prizes. “The Original Tuesday Night Hustle Party”. DJ Chris playing the best of old & new Hustle with a dash of Latin & WCS hosted by Doreen IBBG1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City Exit M3W off Meadowbrook Pkwy 9 PM. Admission $8

Aug 12, 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, CHA CHA 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

Aug 13, Wed - Pa - Michael’s Cafe, Steve Salerno will be celebrating his birthday. Come out and join the fun. 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

Aug 13, Wed - NY - “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St.: Join your hostess 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 “Munchie Night”: Snacks Galore!!!

Grand Pacific Dance Championships, AUG 14-18, 2008 San Jose California. A new dance event hosted by Billy Fajardo, Raul Ante and Debra Hampton. The Doubletree Hotel San Jose, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, Rooms will be available at the rate of $105.00 per night. Reservations will be accepted starting this May 18th. phone 408-453-4000, fax 408-437-2898 toll free 1-800-222-TREE www.doubletreesanjose.com http://grandpacificdance.com/

Aug 14, 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!

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 15, Fri - NJ, Roberto’s Dance Studio BIG Bash at the Knights of Columbus, 39 Washington Street, Lodi. Hustle/Salsa Workshop from 8-9 p.m. Party from 9 to 12 p.m. $15 for lesson & Party. Dance, showcases & win door prizes. Great music. Light refreshments will be served, cash bar & large ballroom. E-mail us at robertohustle@yahoo.com or call us at 201.288.1422. BIG Bashes 3rd Friday.

Aug 15, Fri - FL - Swing Dance A Little Lindy Plus! Dance Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, and Blues with Cindy. Dance Lesson at 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

Aug 16, Sat - NJ Dance At The Ranch, A great mix of Hustle, WCS, Latin & 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 and 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 a night for Hustle & WC Swing w/a splash of Country 2-Step, Salsa, Cha Cha and more. The most contemporary mix w/ a classic twist. Don’t miss out on this one! 7:30 Free Lesson w/Silvana & an 8:30 Dance Party. Refreshments are included. $12.00 at the door.

Aug 16, Sat - NJ New Year’s in August at 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 Rms for dancing. DJ NELSON ‘Paradise’ ROMAN-Hustle, DJ FRANKLIN AYALA-Latin, DJ MARK-Ballroom (Tango,Swing) $15 incl.s 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 Starlight Ballroom 9pm-1am, Early Bird Special $8 before 10 PM, Giveaways: party passes, CDs, dance classes & much more 11 PM-New music set w/ DJ Johnny “O” Location 7 High Street, Nutley NJ 07110 973.235.9835 only 10 min.s from Lincoln Tunnel

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 8:00 w/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 17, Sun CT Sunday Dance Party 6-11pm @ Johnny Ray’s Restaurant 1015 Bridgeport Ave. Milford, great dance music w/ DJ Bob Frione. For more directions visit www.johnnyraysrestaurant.com
for more info Bob Frione (203) 605-4601.

Aug 18, Mon FL Carl Charles presents Dancesport Mondays featuring 2 beginners NY Style Hustle Classes & a huge dance social. Lessons begin at 7 & 8pm for levels I & II. $12 for one & $15 for the entire evening. Social begins at 9pm-$12. Cash bar during classes & all night. Live DJ mostly Hustle music by Carl Charles. Visit www.carlcharlesdance.com for details including directions.

Aug 19, Tues NY Hot Latin, WCS & Hustle Tuesdays at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant Lounge, Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7to 11 pm, $14 includes Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, SALSA Lesson by ABIGAIL DAVILA , door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, Latin, WCS & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

Aug 21, Thurs NY Latin, Hustle, WCS at Mirelle’s, 4 year anniversary, 2 great shows - Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow & Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse, 170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, Presented by Louis Del Prete, 7:30pm to 12:30pm (Extra Hour) 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 $15, call Louis (516) 819-9016. Don’t miss it.

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) Nino 718-926-3704
21 w/ID to Drink alcohol. http://www.NiteMix.ws/SalsaBoatride

Aug 27, Wed NY Dance Manhattan, grand opening hosted by David Padilla, this & every Wednesday to follow. Hustle & Salsa from 9:30pm to 12:30am, w/ DJ Chilly Willy, 39 West 19th Street, 5th floor, bet 5 & 6 avenue, cover is $10, refreshments served.

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 August 29 - Sept 1, 2008 Hyatt Regency, Jersey City on the Hudson, presented by John Festa. WCS Social Dance Event w/instructors Robert Royston, Ramiro Gonzalez, John Lindo, Mary Ann Nunez, Sylvia Sykes, Charlie Womble & Jackie McGee. www.HudsonSwingAffair.com or call 212 779-2700

Aug 30, Sat NY Ballroom, Latin, Hustle, WCS at Suburban Temple, 2900 Jerusalem Ave Wantagh, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 8:30PM to 12:30AM, Coffee, Tea, Cake, & Bagels! 30 Min. Dance, Lesson starting 8:30pm. Great Show!! State of the art sound system, AC, Door Prizes, Admission $15, call Louis at (516) 819 - 9016

Swing Niagara Dance Championships Sept 12-14, Adam’s Mark Hotel, 120 Church St. Buffalo, NY 14202 (800)444-2326 Special rate: $110 p/nite, 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 & 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 Westin Lombard Hotel in Chicago. The perfect spot for a Halloween weekend. Jack & Jill, Strictly Swing & DJ Challenge, plus a pro-show/Exhibition, Friday night Pizza Party & 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 & registration information visit: www.Swingcitychicago.com

Mediterranean Dance Cruise, Nov.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 about $2200 for 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 Ft. 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

Goldcoast Dance Cruise Feb 1-7 2009 Goldcoast Ballroom hosts a 6 night exotic Western Caribbean fantasy, dancing under spotlights, sunlight, moonlight & the stars. Sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. The Independence has an arena with a 3,000 sq.ft dance floor. Fares start at $687 p/p plus taxes & this includes hallmark dance classes, dance socials, entertainment. Last 3 cruises sold out early, please call (754) 246-2874 or visit: www.GoldcoastDanceCruise.com.

Hustle & Salsa Dance Cruise February 23-28, 2009 10th annual cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, This cruise will include over 20 hours of dance workshops by world class instructors, 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 at 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. 15th. www.HustleCruise.com