Dance Talk ® 9/29/08

Happy Rosh Hashanah. In observance of the Jewish holiday we are sending DanceTalk out early. Next week we’ll resume to our regular time slot. La Shana Tovah.

Happy birthday wishes to Kathi O’Neill, Charlie Paci, Wendy Bess, Barb Maroney, Jerise Massone, Susan Babon, Barbara Almo, Chris Donfrio and Karol Holmes.

We wish Fran Rich man a fast recovery. We look forward to seeing her back out on the dance floor soon.

Check out the newest website for hustle dance pioneer David Padilla’s. For photos and his dance schedule, visit www.uhustlesalsa.com

10th Anniversary San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest, November 21-23, at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, Two Entirely Different Performance Programs
22 Companies From Around The Globe www.cityboxoffice.com

Interested in joining a hustle team? Just Hustle DC Dance Team, are forming. New teams in two locations, Maryland (Rendezvous in Rockville on Sundays) & Virginia. In Maryland on Sundays with place & time TBA. If you are interested please email Joyce Szilli ASAP at Joycedancr@aol.com You must be an Intermediate dancer to join.

You’ve seen him on Dancing With The Stars now Brian Fortuna appears on the United Kingdon’s version, “Strictly Come Dancing”. Here is a clip from the practice sessions.
http://www.theblueroom.me.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22375

High Five to Margie Gillis she won the $50,000 Walter Carsen Prize for excellence in the performing Arts. Born in Montreal this dancer/choreographer is best known for her solo work, but has achieved great reviews for her choreography.

Oct 9th, Thursday evening is the Grand Opening of a new weekly classic dance party at Cafe Remy (formerly “T.J. Bentley’s), in Brooklyn NY. DJ Johnny V will be spinning hustle, salsa, cha cha, WCS. Don’t miss this special inaugural party. See more details below.

Top Dance picks from DJ Fancy are Disturbia by Rhianna, Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson,
American Boy by Estelle, Single by New Kids, Green Light by John Legend and Faded by Cascada.

This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Swing Classic visit the website at, www.tampabayclassic.com

Make it a great week,
http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html
Ron

“Spotlight”
Tony Marolda

They say, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Well, that’s exactly what this young man set out to achieve. When just 16 years old, while living at boarding school, Tony Marolda accompanied his brother to some ballroom competitions. Growing up in Queens, New York, Tony’s brother was actively competing in the junior division when Tony got the desire to compete and “go for his own trophies.” His cousin Ginny was a dance instructor at the George Connelly Dance studio. The owner of the studio approached Tony to partner w/an advanced student for an upcoming competition. Although Tony was a novice, he was always up for a challenge. “I learned six routines and off we went to Connecticut,” explains Tony. “There were 24 couples and we came in 4th”. His drive and confidence would be seen through out all of his ventures in the field of dance. In addition to ballroom, Tony began to study jazz. He had the inclination to ask a fellow student to practice with him. The new partnership, with Donna, clicked. At the end of that year, they competed and won the Junior National Ballroom Championships. With quick success, Tony continued to dance with Donna for the next couple of years until her admission to nursing school eclipsed dancing. As a competitor Tony befriended dancers from other studios including the highly regarded, Joe Mehegan Dance Center. “There was a girl dancing there in the Novice Pro/Am competition named Susan”, recalls Tony, “you could see that she was a natural talent”. He began dancing w/ Susan & the chemistry was electric. They had similar dance goals in addition to visually complimenting one another on the dance floor. Tony, with his machismo and powerful interpretation complimenting Susan, with her contagious smile, not to mention she was strikingly beautiful. Tony had already conquered the hustle under the accomplished eyes of Ralph Lew. With a background in music, (he had won a scholarship), Tony was able to synergize the music with his dancing. Applying a hard work ethic towards his dancing he went from ordinary to extraordinary. Tony & Susan were now ready to take on the world. All along, Tony’s brother was actively competing, along with his “wife to be”, and won the 1977 Harvest Moon Ball in New York City. As amateurs Tony & Susan would compete and capture the most prestigious crowns including the USBC National Amateur Ballroom Championships & the US National Hustle Championships. Then in 1978 they would follow in his brothers dance steps and win The All Around title at the famous Harvest Moon Ball. This was a special achievement as they became the first dance team in the rich 50 year history of the Harvest Moon Ball to win 5 Preliminaries-Four Ballroom dances and the Hustle Competition. In 1979 they were invited to return to the Harvest Moon Ball for a special competition, “The Battle of The Champions,” competing against many of the previous winners. Tony and Susan once again prevailed. Understanding the value of constantly learning and improving, Tony & Susan knew it would be advantageous to explore training from Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau in theatre Arts. Pierre also took the young couple to train under John Roudis, “between the two of them we learned so much that we won The Blackpool Exhibition Division in 1980,” shares Tony. With these championship titles under their belts the door started knocking and the phone wouldn’t stop ringing. “We received invitations for the next few years to do shows throughout Europe: Germany, Holland, Belgium and England,” recalls Tony. As the disco fever heated up so did Tony & Susan. Their popularity and success led them to dance on National French TV after winning a Hustle contest at Regine’s in NYC. Another huge win was the national televised “Phil Gary’s Disco contest.” By this time, Tony & Susan Maroolda had mastered the choreography of their incredible hustle/theater arts routine. This flawless number was created by Tony and featured their signature moves. Susan had a “Vegas – style” fire red sequin body suit that blazed, setting a new fashion trend in dance. Viewers were spell bound by this complete package – they had the look. Tony’s ingenuity and powerful expression set them apart from other couples. After winning the hearts of television producers and audiences at home, Tony & Susan were invited to Brazil to dance on National Brazilian TV and to judge the Brazilian Disco Championships. “That was a real blast, shares Tony, “…the contestants would stop our car in the streets and make us dance right there”. The opportunities didn’t stop coming. While in Blackpool, England, the couple was approached by a cute little woman that had observed them perform and invited them to do a show in Indonesia. Sure enough, one month later they received a call that airline tickets were in the mail. They did a week of shows in Indonesia and judged the Indonesia Disco Championships. The opportunities kept coming including performances on popular TV shows like “Soul Alive” and the “Soap Factory”. They then won a special competition at Regine’s Discotheque, in NYC, to appear on the initial taping of the new Merv Griffin production, a show nobody quite heard of yet called “Dance Fever”. Staying in the spotlight kept them busy doing shows all over the country. Then it was time to move on as these world champions would retire their partnership after a final performance at the UCBC’s. Along the way they had stacked up many home runs. Together, Tony & Susan operated their own dance studio for 10 years-called TJ’s Dance Center. In 1980 Tony produced his own Dance Competition called “The American Star Ball”. A restless Tony was still anxious to keep dancing. While coaching in Nashville at David Elkin’s studio. Tony was out for a drink at a Country Dance Club when he was amazed to see so many young people waiting to get in to dance the Two-step. Once back home, he took a Two-step lesson with his friend Sharon. They were encourage to compete and do Division 4 at a country dance weekend in the Catskills. They had to do 5 dances – Polka, Cha-cha, Waltz, Two-step and Swing. “We watched what they were doing on the floor on Friday night and went in the back and put 4 quick routines together,” recalls Tony. Neither one of them had ever competed in Polka or 2 Step before. After dancing each dance multiple times, Tony & Sharon Leigh took 2nd place out of a competitive field of 20 couples. “A girl from a Ballroom Studio heard this and came running up to the stage and said,’Tony is that you, I never thought I would see you in a Cowboy Hat and Boots”, explains Tony. ” I turned to Sharon and said, That’s it, I’m changing my name”. At the next event, they signed up as Anthony Lee & Sharon Leigh. It was a cute play on words which seemed innocent since they hadn’t planned on doing much more together. Little did they anticipate that the following year they would win The Country World Grand Championships and ultimately go on to the Master Division winning several Master Competitions including the Worlds Master Waltz competition. For the past 15 years Tony has been producing The Big Apple Dance Festival which takes place each year in mid July. He has also been directing The Country World Championships for the last 6 years and the World Swing Invitational Championship. He has been the recipient of three Hall of Fame awards: World Hustle Hall of Fame, World Country Hall of Fame and the Hustle Hall Of Fame – Life Time Division . “It takes Two to Two-step and I owe these accomplishments to my partners as well”, a humble Tony shares. ” I have been able to win World and National Titles in four different genre’s of dance: Ballroom, Hustle, Theatre Arts and Country. I have been very lucky and fortunate to have talented, wonderful and great dance partners in my life. Besides Donna, Susan and Sharon I have also performed routines with Debbie Monk, Resa Henderson, Sarah Fenn Tye, Diane Nardone and Lynn Heyden.” Tony has always had a deep rooted connection with dance. He has taught, performed, competed, coached, choreographed and continues to produce his own events. With a great sense of humor and the ability to create on the fly, he has been an instrumental leader at many of the events. “Dancing has been a great joy and sense of accomplishment in my life, but for all of it nothing compares to one day with best two people in my life, my son Anthony and my daughter Nicole. I could not be more proud of them and it is they who make my life worthwhile. Thanks guys”. The curiosity factor and the challenge is what drew Tony into the world of dance. He didn’t realize at the time that he would spend the majority of his life involved in this visual art. He has inspired and touched many people throughout the various fields of dance. He continues to push the envelope and we anticipate more great things to come. Tony says it best.”… I am grateful for all the friends I have made throughout the World and hopefully somewhere along the way some hearts were touched … because people will sooner or later forget who won or lost but they will always remember who made them feel something. To this end… I dedicate all of this to my greatest fan … my Mother Rose.”

Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Cruises & More…http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html

Sept 29 , Mon-FL South Florida’s DanceSport Mondays hosted by The Sports Complex & Carl Charles, featuring 2 beginners NY Style (3 Count) Hustle Classes & a huge dance social. Lessons at 7 & 8 PM for levels (I & II). $12 for one & $15 for the entire evening. Social begins at 9:00 pm – $12. Cash bar during classes & all night. Live DJ mostly Hustle music by Carl. Visit www.carlcharlesdance.com for all details including driving directions.

Sept 30, 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 30, 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

Sept 30, Tue-FL Hustle Latin Mix w/ DJ. Noel ‘C’ Every Tuesday. from 9-1 Hustle Lesson from 8-9pm with 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

Oct 1, Wed-NY David Padilla’s Universal Hustle & Salsa Party, @ Dance Manhattan 39 w. 19th St 5th Floor, 9:30 PM Till 12:30 AM DJ Chilly Willy Spinning The Best In Hustle & Salsa Classics, $5 Students $10 Guests This Wednesday Free Raffle Drawing With Paid Admission 2 Prizes: 1 Womens Perfume & 1 Mens Cologne www.uhustlesalsa.com

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, 9:30p-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 1, 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, 10:15-11.15 2nd half of practice social, NEW! Admission pricing starting 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

Oct 1, Wed-PA Michael’s Cafe, the hot spot for hustle, Swing and Latin in between, come join us as we celebrate Susan Edelstein’s birthday. Dance to the tunes of DJ Mark. No cover and plenty of free parking. Street Road in Bensalem near the Philadelphia Casino / race track.

Oct 2, 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 Cond, Door Prizes, Cash Bar Available, Admission $14 Louis (516) 819 – 9016. THIS EVENT RUNS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

Oct 2, Thur-NJ California Mix in Highland Park 8-11:30pm, 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 3, Fri-NY 1st Anniversary of HustleJam’s Friday Night Fever Extravaganza w/ Open Bar, Free Buffet + Performances. Dancing from 9:30pm-2am. DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman in Hustle Ballroom & SEPARATE Salsa Room. Admission Current SO Students $10 General Public $15 Location Stepping Out Studios, 37 West 26 St (9th floor) NY NY 10010

Oct 3, Fri – FL – Swing Dance A Little Lindy Plus! Dance Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, and Blues with Cindy. Dance Lesson at 9:00 to 10:00 PM. Social Dance from 10:00 to 11:30 PM. $10 , lesson included. SHALL WE DANCE, 600 South Federal Hwy, Suite 219, Deerfield Beach, 954-254-3221 or 561-495-7571

Oct 4, Sat-FL Deerfield Beach, Salsa & Hustle Summit Presented by Jon Melendez & Carl Charles, A One day of workshops, seminars, Jack-n-Jill comps. Invited instructors are Ballroom National Champion Denise Lazo, Mark Smith & Sheri, Sayra Vazquez, Samanthia, Michele DeRosa & Jerry Siebe, John & Mary Jane, Billy Marti (NY). Visit www.SalsaHustleSummit.com

Oct 4, Sat-NJ No Name California Mix Dance at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton Inter WCS workshop at 7pm w/ Donna Roesel & beg NC2S 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 5, Sun-NJ 100% Pure Hustle w/Johnny “O” $8 before 10pm/$10 after First Sunday is Ice Cream Sunday! GIVEAWAYS Party passes, CDS, dance classes & more. 9p-1am New Music Hour by Johnny O at 11pm Dont miss out! www.starlightdanceusa.com 973-235-9835

Oct 6 Mon-FL The Sports Complex & Carl Charles presents So. Florida’s DanceSport Mondays feat. 2 beginners NY Style (3 Count) Hustle Classes & a huge dance social. Lessons at 7 & 8 PM 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. Please visit www.carlcharlesdance.com

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 8, Wed-NY “HUSTLEJAM” @ Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th S Join 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!!!

Oct. 9, Thur-PA Salsa Social at Ballroom on High, Hosted by Star Seguinot. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month thereafter, 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.

Oct 9, Thur-NY Classic Dance Party, Grand Opening Cafe Remy (formerly “T.J. Bentley’s), 7110 3RD Ave (between 71/72 St) Bay Ridge, Brooklyn 718-745-0748 8:00 PM, $10 cover, includes free drink, Ladies free from 7-8PM, DJ JOHNNY V spinning your favs, hustle, salsa, cha cha, WCS…Please no sneakers/T shirts A percentage of proceeds go to Anthony of Padua Gifts for Children non-profit organization serving under privileged kids. Francesca 646-554-7902, Jeannine 917-626-8531

International Dance Cruise Oct 10-16th, 2008 on 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 10, 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

Oct 11, Sat-NJ Ballroom Blitz Dance 7-11:30 p.m. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton. Beg. Swing lesson in 6 count & 8 count 7:30-8:30pm 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 11, Sat-NY BALLROOM, LATIN, HUSTLE, WCS-SURBURBAN 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

Oct 15, 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. We’ll be having a Jack and Jill contest.

Oct 17, Fri-NJ Jersey Jumpers Swing Dance w/ live band Beg ECS lesson w/ Mike Davis 7:30pm Inter. ECS-8 p.m. Dancing to live band, Slicked Up 9’s, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd. $16 cost. $13 student with ID. For info www.centraljerseydance.org or jerseyjumpers@centraljerseydance.org or call 609-945-1883.

Oct 19, Sun-PA 6th Annual Dance Party Benefit Music for everyone, Jitterbug, Line dancing, Disco Hustle, & todays Donation $ 15.00 BYOB, 6-10pm 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 19, Sun-NJ 100% Pure Hustle w/ Johnny “O” $8 before 10pm/$10 after GIVEAWAYS! Party passes, CDS, dance classes & more New Music Hour by DJ Johnny O 11pm Dont miss out! 9-1am, www.starlightdanceusa.com 973-235-9835

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, $25.00pp ($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 and join us. Tickets 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 will be Calif. mix format. Please bring a dish or bottle of wine. E-mail Wendy with your food choice. The party is free. Please R.S.V.P. (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

Tampa Bay Classic Swing Dance Championships, Nov 13-16, 2008 Biltmore Hotel & Resort 4 days of dancing over 35 hours of social dancing, competitions in Jack & Jill, Pro/Ams, Classic divisions, Rising Star, Pro Strictly Swing Invitational Jack & Jill Tournament and Exhibitions. $108.00 per night 1-800-237-8947 http://www.tampabayclassic.com/

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 – more details coming.

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 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