Dance Talk ® 9/22/08

Happy birthday wishes to Renee Dorsa, Harvey Maroney, Sunny Leigh, Natalie Patrusia, Susan Kay Fritz, Susan Edelstein, Chris Harding, Dominick Lauriano and Joy Glass.

“Dancing With the Stars” kicks off the new season tonight. There are 13 new stars including 2 gold Olympians and a 82 year old singer. Swing Pro Lacey Schwimmer joins the staff. She shined on SYTYCD. She will partner with Lance Bass. Tune in to ABC television, 8PM EST, it’s Live.

Check out this incredible video of dance diva, Lisa Nunziella, featuring a montage of some of her films, videos, Vegas shows, stills and performances with various dancers including Eddie Vega and Dino Georgio. A true show stopper. http://www.dancewithlisa.com/History.html

November 14 & 15, is Westie Weekend featuring the versatile Jason Colacino. A weekend of Got Swing?, workshops, social, private lessons & more with this seasoned West Coast Swing veteran. Hold the dates, more details coming soon.

Looking for a dance partner? Do you want to compete? How about for social dancing? Check out this new website, for hustle dance partners. Go to www.hustledancepartners.com

Riveras Cafe, the new home for Hustle & Salsa in the Great Neck, L.I. shopping center, near Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx & LI. Free parking or the LIRR station is steps away. Great music & amazing food, dancing every Friday & Saturday. This Saturday, Sept. 27 dance from 9:30p-3am to the music of DJ Bobby Morales. Admission is 1/2 price that night, ONLY $5. Added bonus, the first 50 paid entrants receive a free BM mixed CD & entry into a raffle (basket of cheer). More info contact Riveras (516) 466-6380 or riverasfusion.com

Save the date, October 9, for the new salsa social hosted by Star Seguinot, at “Ballroom on High” in Pottstown, Pa. Don’t miss the premier, see details below.

Check out the photos from Donna’s birthday and the youngest new dancer at the Palladium, here.

The Stars Ball 2008, hosted by nonprofit organization Little Smiles, allows children suffering from illness to be the stars November 8th, at the Independence Visitor’s Center. The ceremony, black tie optional, models itself after the Oscars, but the award recipients are local children – kids of all ages who are battling cancer & other diseases. From 7pm to midnight, a full blown gala, awards ceremony, silent auction, food, music, open bar, dancing, and much more. Tickets are $100. Call Beth Grandizio at (267) 235-6486.

Next week, DanceTalk does an up close, “spotlight” feature on an incredible dancer that won dance championships in four different styles of dance. Stay tuned.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by Swing City Chicago, taking place Halloween weekend, visit www.Swingcitychicago.com Read all about it below.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Swing City Chicago
Considered one of the friendliest events bar none, Swing City Chicago returns for a frightful weekend from October 31st to November 2nd at the Westin Lombard hotel, in Chicago. There’s no better place in the fall then the windy city. There are hours of general dancing, workshops for all skill levels – for beginners to the experienced dancer, an All Star Hour for charity, the DJ Challenge, competitions, costume contest for Halloween plus lots more. This is the perfect spot for the Halloween weekend, Join the talented staff of teachers, judges and DJs. Including: Mario Robau, Jr, John Lindo, Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson, Jason Barnes & Erica Berg, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Nino DiGuillio, Jill Popovich, Douglas Rousar, Beverly Solazzo, Bill Cameron, Jennifer Jeffries, Mike Topel, Cher Peadon, Dawn Bagley, Richard Cooper, Yvonne Antonacci and DeeJays: Fred Price, April Prince, Matt Cotherman, Carpio Robles, Beth Bellamy. In addition, there will be a professional show/exhibition, a Friday night pizza party and Saturday evening, the late night buffet. Last year the Halloween party brought out the strangest (and the kindest) of characters. The overall winner was Ken Paton, who dressed as a homeless man for the Halloween party. Swing City Chicago along with the attendees raised over $1200 for the Autism Society of Illinois last fall. This year there will be lots of competitions going on. Swing City Chicago is a member of the World Swing Dance council and points will be given. In the Jack and Jill divisions there will be comps for novice, intermediate, advanced, All Stars and masters. There are also competitions in Strictly Swing and Pro/Ams Strictly Swing. Come and join a great event with the superstars of Swing in Chicago. For more information and registration visit the website: www.Swingcitychicago.com

The Discotheque – dis-k – tek
The name comes from the French, referring to a library for music, but in the USA it took on a new meaning. The early days of “disco,” started in the mid 1960’s, years before the “Saturday Night Fever” explosion. Mirror balls, strobe lights and hustle dancing would follow years later. Dance clubs began to pop up in major cities across the states. Many entrepreneurs replicated the format successfully developed in France. “La Discothèque”, in Paris opened in 1941. The Copacabana opened in 1940, in NYC, spear heading the venue for bands, singers, comedians and dancing. The new “discotheque” was different from the traditional American night club, instead of being entertained by live music, you were the star. Some of the early night clubs initially had bands but converted to disc jockeys spinning vinyl records. One of the first discotheques to open in the mid 1960’s was “Le Jardin”, located in the Diplomat Hotel, in Manhattan. At the time it was the premier club creating the blue print for future clubs like “Studio 54?. The design and format at “Le Jardin”, became a viable business model that future discotheques would imitate. Another early discotheque to open was “Arthur Disco” which appeared in May of 1965 in NYC. That same year, in Chicago the “Whiskey a Go Go” promoted their club as a ‘discotheque spa’. The following year, in New York the ever popular “Electric Circus” discotheque opened on St. Mark’s Place. Many hotels and fine restaurants retro – fitted discotheques right into their existing establishments. In the late 60’s, on 62nd street in NYC, the “Hippopotomus” opened. It lasted for years surviving the ups and downs of the dance era. On the West coast, in 1973, “Pips” in Los Angeles, California debuted to a trendy audience. It was an elegant disco where you had to be hand selected by a scrutinizing door man to gain entrance. In Washington, DC, “Tramps” was the oldest and most successful disco to appear. With time, this successful concept became part of a franchise. “Studio One” featured a dance floor the size of a football field. This unique club, located in Los Angeles, opened in 1974. In New Orleans, a very popular disco opened in the early 70’s – “The Civic Theater Disco”. In Bay Ridge Brooklyn, a famous spot caught everyone’s eye, “Odyssey 2001?. It became the setting for the motion picture “Saturday Night Fever”. With the success of SNF and the popularity of the music and dancing, clubs started popping up everywhere. “Zorine’s” in Chicago, Illinois, a French up scale disco that welcomed in celebrities. “Penrods” in Atlanta, Georgia, “Dillons” in Los Angeles with four floors of dancing, ” ‘Elan” in Houston, Texas which was exclusively for members only, “Fran O’Brien’s and “The Library”, in Philadelphia, located in the center of the ultra chic media district. Singer/actor Paul Anka opened his lavish 3 million dollar “Jubilation” disco in Las Vegas, equipped with medal detectors as patrons entered. The urban clubs created a fascination and curiosity hook at their popular discotheques. Some catered to the rich and famous, inviting popular stars and athletes to attend, creating a buzz among club goers. Many discos developed strict policies which were limited to members only. Before you knew it, long lines began to form as the demand to get into these popular dance clubs grew. Some membership fees could range from $100 dollars to thousands and some instituted age requirements…in select cases, a minimum age of 25 to enter. Back in NYC, “Infinity” the first neon disco, opened at 633 Broadway, which cashed in on the popularity of other glitzy clubs. Without question, the most infamous club was born in April of 1977, right in the heart of the city. Partners Steve Rubell and Ian Schraeger launched “Studio 54? on West 54 street, a former CBS broadcasting studio. The paparazzi covered the club non stop as celebrities, sports figures and politicians frequented on a regular basis. If you were lucky enough to get in, you could experience the 5,400 sq. ft size dance floor. It was a different show every night at “Studio 54? making use of an automated fog machine, perfume machine, red smoke rising from the dance floor, fake snowfall and an enormous half moon that lowered from the ceiling. Its notoriety spread internationally. T shirts, records and jeans carrying the “Studio 54? logo were sold to meet the popularity of this tourist attraction. It became the template for more clubs to come. In Miami, Florida, “Scaramouche” opened in the Omni Hotel using all the newest achievements in neon tubes. High up on the 13th floor of the New Orleans Hilton, the “Rainforest” disco premiered. Club owners were aware of the short shelf life that a disco could meet if you didn’t retain your customers loyalty. The goal was to over deliver and make you feel like a star. As the number of clubs multiplied, you had disco designers and sound specialists creating the newest technology for these million dollar fun palaces. Sound control devices, computerized turn tables, expensive mixers and huge speakers everywhere. “Her Place” became the dancers choice in Cherry Hill, New Jersey along with “Disco World” and “Valentino’s”. In 1976 everyone that loved to dance the night away had to go to the gorgeous “Limelight” in Miami, Florida. If you lived in Jacksonville, Florida, the hot spot was “Zachary’s”. The best hustle dancers all frequented “Ipanema’s” in NYC. “Faces” discotheque was the hot joint on Rush Street in Chicago. Wayne Geftman opened the “Second Story” in Philadelphia for the music lovers, providing….you had a membership. For the night owl, the “Chez Paree” located right off the boardwalk in Atlantic City stayed open till 6am. An old Boeing 747 airplane became the home for a disco in Buffalo, NY where Marty Angelo hosted his television show – “Disco Step By Step”. In northern New Jersey a former soap manufacturing plant was converted into a discotheque which hosted the top disco bands and a weekly television show. “The Soap Factory” had bubbles floating down and the craziest dressed dancers anywhere. In 1978, ” New York New York” opened on 33 west 52nd street in NYC. It had neon, fog and the glitz for the fashionable crowd. In Los Angelos the “El Privado” was the celebrity disco but, for members only. “Regines”, in New York, brought the successfully tested “formal dance club” concept from France to 502 Park Avenue, in the big apple. “Regines” would also support the avid dancer by hosting many of the biggest dance contests in Manhattan. By 1978, it was estimated that there were over 2000 discos in the USA with some 300 located in New York alone. The Gay clubs became the place to be for the best in underground dance music. The “Cartwheel” and “Baron” in New Hope, Pa, the “Ice Palace”, “Paradise Garage” and the “Loft” in NYC, “Widows Watch” in Trenton, NJ, “Catacombs” in Philadelphia, all had the best in new dance music. As the popularity of disco and dancing grew, so did the size of the clubs. The popular “Latin Casino” dinner theater was converted into a huge dance club that attracted dancers from all over the tri state area. Under the banner, “Emerald City”, it brought the defunct dinner theater back to life for dancing in southern New Jersey. In Manhattan, near Times Square, “Xenon” was established. Previously the Henry Miller Theater, located on west 43rd street, “Xenon” was enormous and had mirror balls everywhere. It hosted 2,500 guests on opening night. In the early 80’s other memorable clubs would rise, “Uncle Sams”, “Feathers” and “Penrods” all in Long Island. “Bonds” and “The Red Parrot” in Manhattan. “Numbers” in Virginia and “Galaxy” in Chicago, which boasted a huge pattern-changing lit dance floor.
By the mid 80’s the discotheque concept peaked and wore out its welcome, as cigar bars, punk music, sports bars bit into the business. The popular disco beat was served a pink slip. In many major cities new ordinances would shutter clubs based on the concern and threat of drug and health issues that circulated. As many investors saw the over saturation of clubs with diminishing demand, the huge, classic design of discotheques slowly slipped by the way side. Club formats have down sized and evolved based on the music and the clientele’s demands, but the discotheque will always exist.
The term “disco” became a sign of the past and carried some negative connotations. The new era of clubs tend to reject the “disco” name but the fundamental formula and concept has stayed the same.
Contributors-Jack Villari, Kitty Hanson.

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…
Sept 23, Tues-NY IBBG (DJ’s International Buffet). 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 1100 Stewart Ave. Garden City Exit M3W off Meadowbrook Pkwy 9 PM. Admission $8

Sept 23, Tues-NY Jose’s One Year Anniversary at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant/Lounge, Rt. 110 Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7-11pm $14 ($10 for Jose’s students) includes Hot & Cold Buffet Dinner, free water, SALSA Lesson by Jose Bolivar, Performances, door prizes & dancing to a Salsa, Latin, WC Swing & Hustle Dance Mix by DJ Cody. (631) 744-7777 www.LIDance.org

Sept 23, Tues-FL Hustle-Latin Mix w/ DJ. Noel ‘C’ Every Tuesday from 9-1 Hustle Lesson 8-9pm w/Billy & Katie, at The Paladium Night Club located on the Southeast corner of Sample Rd and 441 in the Pepper tree Plaza in Margate For more information call (954) 868-7505

Sept 24, Wed-PAMichael’s Cafe, the hot spot for hustle, Swing and Latin in between, every Wednesday night with DJ Mark. Celebrating Audrey Rigsbee’s birthday. Come out for the cake and birthday dance. No cover and plenty of free parking. Street Road in Bensalem near the Philadelphia Casino / race track.

Sept 24, Wed-NY HUSTLEJAM @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St Join your hostess Simone Assboeck for a WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm-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.

Sept 24, Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, w/ Rob & Sheila, Rt 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110. 6:30 Fundamental WCS; 7:45 Intermediate WCS, 8:45-11:30 Westie Wednesday DANCE!! Mix and mingle as DJ Rob plays some of the hottest music on the planet. Requests taken. $5 includes chips/cookies. Free parking.

Sept 24, Wed-NJ Knights of Columbus w/ Diane K. Nardone, weekly social/lesson, 16-16 N Maple Ave, Fairlawn, 2 great Hustle lessons & social dancing, 7:30-8:30pm Beg Hustle, 8:30-9:15PM 1st half of practice social, 9:15-10:15PM Inter-Adv. Hustle, 10:15-11:00PM 2nd half of practice social, NEW! Admission pricing starting this Wednesday Price: 1 Class $15, 1 Class + Social $18, 2 Classes + Social $25, Social only $8. info 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net or www.dkndance.com

Sept 24, Wed-NY Universal hustle & Salsa night at Dance Manhattan, special birthday bash for DJ Chilly Willy & Sandy. Your host David Padilla, every Wednesday night 9:30-12:30AM w/ DJ Chilly Willy, $10 & $5 for Dance Manhattan students, 39 west 19th St. 5th floor in NYC, 212 807 0802 www.dancemanhattan.com

Sept 25, Thurs-NY LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS at MIRELLE’S,!! 170 Post Ave, Westbury, Long Island, Presented by LOUIS DEL PRETE, 7:30-11:30PM, Great Hot Buffet, 45 Min. BOLERO Dance Lesson 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!

Sept 26, Fri-NJ DKN Dance Monthly Social Diane K. Nardone at Knights of Columbus, 16-16 N Maple Ave, Fairlawn, NEW, 8:30-9:00PM Hustle Lesson, 9:00PM-12:30AM Hustle/WCS/Salsa/Country/Ballroom & More. Class & Social $15 Social Only $15 Dance to DJ Dave Muzii. No CASH bar, Coffee, Tea, & cake will be served. UPCOMING DATES Oct 24th WCS Lesson & Halloween Party, Phone: 201 666 6224 dkndance@verizon.net www.dkndance.com

Sept 26, Fri-NY Zachary’s with a special celebration birthday party for Charlie Paci, it’s the big 50. 10:30PM, 1916 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow.

Sept 26, Fri FL Swing Dance A Little Lindy Plus! Dance Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, and Blues with Cindy. Dance Lesson at 9-10PM. Social Dance from 10-11:30 PM. $10 , lesson included. SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Hwy, Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, 954-254-3221 or 561-495-7571

Sept 26 & 27, NJ Weekend of Shag & Swing Friday Swing City Mix! at The Atrium, Rt. 130, Pennsauken, 8-8:30- Beginner WCS w/Rob and Sheila 8-8:30 Beginner Lindy w/Sascha, 8:30-9pm Intermediate WCS w/Rob and Sheila – Shag footwork for your WCS, 8:30-9pm Intermediate Lindy with Sascha – Shag footwork for your Lindy, 9-1:00 California Mix w/DJ Rob in the big room; Lindy Mix w/Sascha in the small room $12 per person-$2 discount for this dance for all Del Val Shag & Swing

Sept 27, Sat-NJ STRICTLY SALSA Cultural Explosion & STARLIGHT, Salsa lesson 8-9pm (2 levels) with Juan Calderon & Christina, 9pm-2am Dancing-2 Ballrooms, Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue, Bachata, Performance by Juan Caldreon & Christina-midnight, No Jeans No Sneakers, Tix $ 15 in advance $ 20 at Door STARLIGHT dance center 7 High Street Nutley NJ 07110 973.235.9835 www.starlightdanceusa.com

Sept 27, 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, Admission $14, call Louis for info (516) 819 – 9016

Sept 27, Sat-NJ The Watermelon Dance with PRO Shaggers Craig & Heather Jennings at Haddonfield School of Dance. Workshops and more. Learn Shag, WCS and more here. Package: $30 club members; $45 non members includes all 3 workshops and the Watermelon Dance. Package available on line via Pay Pal. You can also pay a la carte at the door. $12 per workshop non members or $10 per workshop club members. Dance only $12 non members; $10 members includes Smorgasboard Snack Table & beverages. BYOB. Plenty of FREE parking. Everyone welcome!

Sept 27, Sat-NJ Ballroom-Latin Dance Social Hosted by Marc Liebeskind American Tango Workshops w/ Emily Tang, Beg Workshop 5-6 pm, Adv/Beg/Inter 6:10-7:10 pm, Dancing 7:30-11:30pm, Workshop or Social $12, Students $8. $15 for both, $10 for students. http://hpds.webhop.org, hpds@optonline.net, 201-320-9176 location, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904

Sept 27, Sat-NY Riveras Cafe 26 Great Neck road, Great Neck, L.I. Hustle & Salsa w/ Legendary DJ Bobby Morales 9.30-3AM. 1/2 off admission special ONLY $5!! Free mixed cd + raffle to first 50 paid entrants. Located in Great Neck shopping center. Plenty of free parking. Dinner till 10pm, tapas available till 1am. Fore more info or reservations call (516) 466-6380 or visit them at riverasfusion.com

Sept 30, Tues NY HOT LATIN, WCS & HUSTLE TUESDAYS at CLUB 56 (56th Fighter Group Restaurant/Lounge, Rt. 110 at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, 7-11 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

Sept 30, Tue-FL Hustle-Latin Mix w/ DJ. Noel ‘C’ Every Tuesday 9p-1a Hustle Lesson 8-9pm w/ Billy & Katie, The Paladium Night Club located on the SE corner of Sample Rd and 441 in the Pepper tree Plaza in Margate For more information call (954) 868-7505

Oct 1, Wed NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, with Rob & Sheila, Rt 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110. 6:30 Fundamental WCS; 7:45 Intermediate WCS, 8:45-11:30 Westie Wednesday DANCE!! DJ Rob plays some of the hottest music on the planet. Requests taken. $5 includes chips/cookies. Free parking.

Oct 1, Wed-NY HUSTLEJAM @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St. Join your hostess Simone Assboeck for a WEEKLY Hustle & Latin party, 9:30pm-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 perx!

Oct 2, Thur-NJ California Mix in Highland Park, 8-11:30 pm, WCS, ECS, Hustle, ChaCha, Rumba, Salsa & more $10 IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904 http://hpds.webhop.org, hpds@optonline.net, 201-320-9176c

Oct 4, Sat-NJ No Name California Mix Dance at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. Int WCS workshop at 7PM w/Donna Roesel & beg. NC2S at 7:40PM w/Donna. Dancing 8:30-11:30PM w/ Funkologist, swing, hustle, Latin, ballroom…The entire evening for $12. No partner needed. www.centraljerseydance.org. noname@centraljerseydance.org or 609-945-1883.

Oct 8, Wed-NJ Westie Wednesday at The Atrium, w/Rob & Sheila, Rt 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110. 6:30 – Fundamental WCS; 7:45 – Intermediate WCS, 8:45-11:30 Westie Wednesday DANCE!! DJ Rob plays some of the hottest music on the planet. Requests taken. $5 includes chips/cookies. Free parking.

Oct. 9, Thur-PA Salsa Social at Ballroom on High, Hosted by Star Seguinot. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday, 310 High St. Pottstown. Party at 8 PM with beg. salsa lesson & open dancing till 11. $10 includes lesson. $5 for students with valid ID. Also, 7 p.m, for an extra $5 take an advanced beg/int. salsa lesson or a bachata/merengue lesson!. Star was a featured dancer at Cuba Libre and instructor at Brasil’s. Call Star for details at 215-920-4511.

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 with championship instructors and demonstrations. Rates start at $1,499pp for details call 754-246-2874 www.BallroomCruise.com

Oct 11, Sat-NJ Ballroom Blitz Dance, 7-11:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton. Beg. Swing lesson in 6 count & 8 count 7:30-8:30 p.m. w/ Mike Davis. Open dancing to the best mix of Swing, Hustle, Latin, Ballroom & more. Admission $12, students w/ID $8. www.centraljerseydance.org. noname@centraljerseydance.org or 609-945-1883.

Oct 19, Sun-PA6th Annual Dance Party Benefit Music for everyone, Jitterbug, Line dancing, Disco Hustle,Donation $ 15 BYOB, 6-10 Barren Hill Fire Hse 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill ,Pa 19444. given by Brenda & Tom Petaccio contact mommiepet@comcast.net get tickets early supporting breast cancer.

Oct 26, Sun-NY Memory Walk 2008, Chris Bates lost his mom not too long ago from Alzheimer’s. Let’s all walk in honor and in memory of Geneva Jeffries. 9am-1pm at Riverside Park. You can donate in Geneva’s name. Click on “Find A Walker” and put in Susan Lazar. Then you can donate and/or sign up to walk by emailing Susan at susan_lazar@eisai.com. Eisai will match our donations.

Oct 26, Sun-NY 9/11 Dance Benefit, In Honor of Alex Jack, a fellow dancer (brother of JoJo) Hosted by Teri & Paul & the L.I. Dance Community, M.C. Charlie Paci, 4pm-9pm at Knights of Columbus, 400 S Broadway, Lindenhurst, $25.00 PP ($30 at the Door) special Performances, Great Raffles, Hot buffet, and DJ Nelson ‘Paradise’ Roman. Tickets available at IBBG, Mirelle’s, Stepping Out Studio’s, Danceport, 412 & Hustle Congress See: JoJo, Annette, Marianne, Marta, Lina, Teri & Paul and Robin for tickets and further info

Oct 26, Sun-NJ Kick Up Your Heels for Care Country Western Dance Fundraiser at HIllbilly Hall. in Hopewell. The event will benefit Your ReSource…Please come out, join us. Tix only 25 in advance (includes hor d’ouerves and desserts ) $35 at the door Cash bar, For more infor contact Carol 609-841-9083 or cjfdanceworks@gmail.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

Nov 1, Sat-NJ Halloween Boo Bash at the Spinning W Ranch. Costume dance party 8:00 till ? Music Calif mix. Please bring a dish/bottle of wine, E-mail Wendy w/ your food choice. The party is free. Pls RSVP (609)953-3793 spinningw@aol.com Spinning W Ranch 266 Hartford Rd. Medford, N.J. 08055

Nov 1, Sat-NY Sat Nov 1 Ultimate Dance Zone w/ Mark James & Karen Lupo, 8:30pm -12:30AM, Jack & Jill Amateur Hustle Dance Contest + Prizes. At the beautiful Wantagh Jewish Center. More info @ http://www.mjames.org/zone.html

Westie Weekend Nov.14 & 15, 2008 Swing superstar Jason Colacino comes to Got Swing for a Westie Weekend! Workshops, Dances, Private lesons Philly?NJ get ready for Jason Save the date.

Mediterranean Dance Cruise, Nov.17-29th 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.

Dec 6, Sat-NJ The 16th annual Holiday Spectacular, hosted by Donna Boyle & Ron Bess at the wonderful Stardust Ballroom in Belmawr. The Holiday dance event of the season. Please plan to join us. Dance Contest, give aways, food and more, kids are welcome, more details coming soon.

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, http://www.stardustdancecruises.com/

Goldcoast Dance Cruise February 1-7, 2009 Goldcoast Ballroom hosts a 6 night exotic Western Caribbean fantasy, dancing under spotlights, sunlight, moonlight and 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 and a 3.000 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