Happy birthday wishes to Mimi Doi, Yana Brin, Lisa Ciao, Bernadette Rodriguez, Shakira, Nelson “Paradise” Roman, Bernard Martinez, Jack Pulma, Barbara Tibaldi, Bob Scott, Stacey Tove, Juan Borona, Michael Agin, Ron Jimenez, Yvette Berges, Seena Osno, Susan Maletta, Tania Bass, Bobby Caudill , Matt Webb, Av Shiloh and PJ Shiloh.
This week marks the anniversary of the passing of one of the all time great dancers. He shined on stage and on the big screen. Gene Kelly was a mega talent. He passed away on February 2nd, 1996
On March 22nd, “Dancing With The Stars” kicks off the premier of the new season. New stars and teachers take the floor. Co-host Samantha Harris will not be returning this year.
Visit the Hustle Hall Of Fame for new nominees, pictures and videos of some of the best hustle dancers of all time. Click on www.hustlehalloffame.com
The AANCE has announced the 2009 national tour champions. Congratulation to:
Novice Strictly Swing champions – J. Erik Thompson & Amanda Thompson
Novice Jack & Jill champions – Stephanie Risser & Venece Harbuck
Intermediate Jack & Jill Champions – Taylor Harrell & David Simpson
Intermediate Strictly Swing Champions – Sandra Lopez & David Simpson
Last years surprising disappearance of Mia Michael’s from the hit show “So You think You Can Dance” coincidentally saw Adam Shankman promoted to permanent third judge on the show. The good news is that Mia, an extraordinary choreographer, has signed to return for the new spring season on the show.
The night sizzles at Michael’s Cafe, the best in Hustle, Swing and Latin dancing. DJ Mark spins till 12:45AM. Free hustle dance lesson at 8:30PM with guest teacher Joey C. No cover charge and free parking. Located on Street Road in Bensalem, Pa. Next week the guest teacher is Donna “Discoamerica” Boyle.
Dance show producer Marty Angelo continues to make a difference. The creator of the first TV show featuring the hustle, Disco Step by Step, Marty was recently interviewed about his best selling book.
Part 1 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1_A6oS_hfg&feature=related
Part 2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziaBrg5muL0&feature=related
For the month of February, Diane K Nardone’s DKN Dance weekly Wednesday lessons & social take place at a new Location (for February) . The address is Hawthorne engine Co1 hall 616 Lafayette Ave in Hawthorne, NJ. (across from TD Bank). Parking and entrance in read of Firehouse. (it is only 1 ½ miles away from the K of C). Contact Diane for more information 201 666-6224 201 566-2222
This weeks edition of DanceTalk is sponsored by the IHSC taking place April 29th to May 2nd. See all the details below. www.hustleandsalsa.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
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International Hustle & Salsa Competition & Festival
Everyone is going, how about you. It’s time to register and plan your vacation for the annual International Hustle & Salsa Competition & Festival. The 11th Annual IHSC returns to the beach, on April 29th to May 2nd. There is nothing better then Miami. World dance champions Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow host this extravaganza. You can expect dancing till dawn, top level competitions, a Broadway caliber dinner show and the best pool parties and dancing under the sun. Voted the best Male dancer of 2009, Billy is a legend in the hustle world. From his early days leading the Disco Dance Dimensions on national TV to his current role as the president of the International Hustle Dance Association. He has been a major force in the dance community. Along with Katie they have been traveling the world performing and spreading their love for dance. Now they are focused on Miami and bringing dancers from all across the globe to the IHSC.
Join them for the Most Unique and Exciting Social Dance Event in the World. Experience Hustle, Salsa and West Coast Swing from the top names in the world in a unique beach side location. Pack you bathing suit and summer clothing because Miami is sizzling. Then get ready to dance.
Dancers can choose to follow just one track at the event — Hustle, Salsa or West Coast Swing, or they can choose to experience a little or a lot of any of the other styles. In addition to its fabulous master workshops, the incomparable IHSC offers three dedicated ballrooms on Friday and Saturday nights. Attendees can move from Hustle to Salsa to West Coast Swing as easily as the mood captures them.
The poolside dance parties are legendary, offering social dancers the opportunity to interact, learn and share ideas and experiences with other dancers from across the globe. The IHSC is an event that truly offers something for everyone. Anyone from the casual social dancer to the most avid competitor will come away with a memorable moment from this amazing weekend. With Social Dancing, Workshops, Competitions, Vendors galore and Incredible Performances from Internationally Renowned Performers and Champions from the Worlds of Hustle, Salsa, West Coast Swing and Ballroom – the IHSC is a non-stop social dance EXPERIENCE that keeps everyone talking for months after its conclusion.
The fabulously located Deauville Beach Resort is now
Accepting reservations.
Reduced Rate from 2009. IHSC rate of $119 + Tax per night.
Call 305-865-8511 directly and ask for the IHSC rate.
Just a few of our confirmed dance stars include: Hustle Stars: Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow, Kelvin Roche and Loriann Greenhouse West Coast Swing Stars: Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollman, Robert Cordoba and Deborah Szekely Salsa Stars: Tito Ortos and Tamara Livolsi, Yamulee and many, many more…..
Check the Website for More Details on Who’s Coming, What’s Happening and More….
www.hustleandsalsa.com
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IHDA Presidential Candidate
(DanceTalk has agreed to publish any candidates platform that is running for the position of President of the IHDA. This is an open invitation)
Daniel McGee’s Platform:
I, Daniel McGee, would like to announce my candidacy for the position of IHDA president for the term of April 2010-April 2012.
Below, I hereby submit my presidential platform, in which contains the following:
Professional Biography
Current IHDA Acts of Service and Contributions
Accomplishments of IHDA
Goals as President of IHDA
Once you have read the information presented, I ask that you will give me the opportunity to serve this community as president of IHDA. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
PRESIDENTIAL PLATFORM
1, Professional Biography: (as taken from the Top Hat Dance Studio website)
Daniel is founder and co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studio with locations in Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA. Since its grand opening in 1995, the strength of Top Hat Dance Studio has been attributed to his abilities, both as a dancer and an instructor. For over 15 years, Daniel has continued to teach, perform and compete in the Ballroom, Latin, and Hustle dance forms. He is currently one of the top ranked hustle competitors in the country and undefeated in the Pro/Am Theatre Arts Hustle division. Daniel is currently on the board of the International Hustle Dance Association. With a score of “Highly Commended,” Daniel received his Associate certification in International Standard by the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) in 2007. With as score of “Honors”, Daniel received his ISTD Licentiate Theatre Arts certification in 2008. With a score of “High Honors” Daniel received his Bronze Associate certification in Hustle from IHDA/DVIDA in 2009. Daniel is also a member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA.)
Choreographic credits include: International Hustle and Salsa Competition 2006; Stephanie Sands presents…2000, 2001 and 2002; Hempfield High School Dance Theatre Program 2001, 2002 & 2008; “La Boutique Fantasque” at the Fulton Opera House; “Oklahoma”, “The King and I”,” Fiddler on the Roof”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Annie” and “Hello Dolly!” at Garden Spot High School; excerpts of Top Hat Dance Studio’s “Spirit of Dance” 2003, 2004, and 2005; “Evita” and “Gypsy” at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center; excerpts of “Voices of Christmas” at Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA.
Credentials:
Associate International Standard (ISTD)
Licentiate Theatre Arts (ISTD)
Associate Hustle (IHDA/DVIDA)
Professional Awards:
2009
1st Place- Open Cabaret with Ginny Carey (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
1st Place- Bookends Hustle with Jameson Kilburn (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
1st Place- Open Showcase with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
3rd Place- Strictly Hustle with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
4th Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
2nd Place- World Professional Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Miami Dance Magic)
1st Place- Professional Jack and Jill with Erica Smith (Miami Dance Magic)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Grand Pacific Dance Championships)
2008
3rd Place- Open Showcase with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
3rd Place- Invitational Hustle Jack and Jill with Joy Ro (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
4th Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
3rd Place- World Professional Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
3rd Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Disco America)
2nd Place- Professional Dance Off with Ginny Carey (Disco America)
3rd Place- Showtime Dance Off with Ginny Carey (Miami Dance Magic)
1st Place- Championship Hustle with Ginny Carey (Miami Dance Magic)
Top Teacher (Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships)
2007
5th Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
1st Place- Professional Jack and Jill with Stracy Diaz (Puerto Rico Hustle and Salsa Festival)
2006
1st Place- Open Hustle with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Disco America)
5th Place- Professional Invitational Jack and Jill with Elizabeth Darchi (Disco America)
Associations:
ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance)
NDCA (National Dance Council of America)
IHDA (International Hustle Dance Association)
2 . Current IHDA Acts of Service and Contributions
I have served on the board of IHDA as treasurer since 2004. My responsibilities in this position have included: general accounting, monthly reports, tax filing, accounts receivable and accounts payable to name a few. I have also been directly involved with the implementation of the IHDA Meet and Greets, assisting with the writing of the IHDA competition guidelines, contributor to the IHDA bronze syllabus and author of the IHDA board roles and responsibilities published on the IHDA website.
3. Accomplishments of IHDA
Before we can look to the future, we must first take a look at the accomplishments of IHDA over the past two years. Since its inception, IHDA has continuously endeavored to address the needs of the hustle community as a whole, with the past two years being no exception. There are currently ten IHDA sanctioned dance events. The IHDA board has expanded to ten members with representation across the country. IHDA membership has grown to include members from Canada, England, Russia, France, Italy, Japan and India. Lastly, 2008 and 2009 were busy years for IHDA as we saw the implementation of the IHDA competition guidelines as well as the IHDA bronze syllabus. These implementations have resulted in a number of IHDA certified instructors.
4. Future of IHDA
It is with great pride and excitement that I describe in detail my plans for IHDA over the next two years. As you read forward, my goals are divided into five distinct groups. These five groups clearly lay out the plans for all aspects of IHDA and the hustle community. The five groups include: 1.) The social dancer, 2.) The competitive dancer, 3.) IHDA International, 4.) Board, committees and regional reps, 5.) IHDA general company goals.
The Social Dancer
Our commitment to grow and strengthen the community begins with education. It is through this commitment that I plan to develop the IHDA Community Outreach Program. Through this program, IHDA will send qualified and certified professionals to various communities throughout the country. At the expense of IHDA, workshops will be coordinated with local professionals and regional reps to aid in the growth and development of the dance communities. IHDA will make it possible for the local professionals to host workshops in their community.
In addition to the afore mentioned program, IHDA also plans to expand its reach to communities not yet aware of this wonderful dance we call hustle. The future longevity of hustle lies in our ability to reach out to new dancers. IHDA plans to develop communities in cities such as: Dallas, Sacramento, St. Louis, Denver, Raleigh and Detroit to name a few.
Lastly, in consort with these new programs, I propose to have an IHDA national dance night. With the help and cooperation of the regional reps, I would like to develop a program by which an IHDA sponsored dance party is happening on the same night in communities throughout the country. An IHDA national dance night will happen on pre-determined dates throughout the year. These dates will be made available on the IHDA website and in the IHDA monthly newsletter.
The Competitive Dancer
IHDA will continue the work it has done to structure the competitive arena. As mentioned above, 2009 saw the implementation of the pro-am guidelines. The implementation of these guidelines was well received by competitors. At last, dancers feel confident in the division in which they are dancing. As president, I plan to continue developing the competitive process.
Forthcoming plans include:
-Adding Level 6 (open division) to the pro-am division.
-Implementation of the pro-am guidelines to amateur just dance divisions.
-Implementation of age specific divisions.
These levels and divisions have been the single most requested item by IHDA members. Over the next two years, IHDA will work in tandem with IHDA event directors to develop a system that most successfully guides dancers on a path to accomplish their competitive goals. This process will be developed carefully and with much consideration. The accurate development of a complete, graduated system will ensure a fulfilling competitive atmosphere for all dancers.
The continued certification of IHDA instructors will begin to produce IHDA certified adjudicators. IHDA plans to create a standardized judging system to be upheld at all IHDA sanctioned events. The systemization of an accurate adjudicating process is crucial to the assuredness of all dancers. All judges sitting behind the clipboard at an IHDA event will adhere to the same guidelines and judging criteria.
The final plan for the competitive dancers is for IHDA to work closely with DJ’s hired for competitive sessions. We will work together to develop suggested musical styles and tempi for competitive heats.
IHDA International
As the first initial in IHDA states, the first word of our organization is, “International.” As listed in the “accomplishments of IHDA” section, we now have members from all over the world. Two of our strongest international contingencies are in Italy and Canada. We will soon see the creation of IHDA International. IHDA International will be an affiliate organization that will work hand in hand with IHDA America. IHDA International will be governed in the same manner as its US counterpart. IHDA International will have a president and a board, again in the same manner as IHDA America. The International president will have a seat on the US Board and vice-versa.
Finally, in the coming years, we will see two additional items on the international front. Number one, we are working on the inception of the first International sanctioned hustle event. Number two, we plan to have the IHDA manuals and DVD’s translated into necessary languages to accommodate our growing world community.
Board, Committees and Regional Reps
One of the first priorities of the new term is the creation of the IHDA Professional Consultant Department (IHDA-PCD). From the beginning of IHDA to the present, the board has worked diligently on all tasks affiliated with managing a successful organization. The continued growth of the company has led to the necessary creation of the PCD. This department will include but will not be limited to the following positions: Accounting, Legal and Information Technology.
The most significant changes in the IHDA board will be the creation of two new positions; IHDA International President and Adjudication Chairperson. The purposes of these two positions are presented in the goals mentioned above. Other changes include the streamlining of current board positions to be more task focused.
The next item in this category has to do with the regional reps. The regional reps are a very important part of the organization. The regional reps are the voice of the local communities. Many of the goals presented in this platform are the result of countless conversations with the regional reps as they communicated the needs of their communities. In the coming year, we plan to restructure the regional areas of the community. Our membership has grown since the creation of IHDA and we now need to include delegates for the expanded areas.
The regional rep restructuring will in turn lead to the creation of a new committee position. This position will be the Regional Rep Director. This person will be the voice to the board of the collective representation.
General Company Goals
This last section of my platform is likely to be the most influential. The four previous sections deal with specific pockets of our membership. The proposals in this section will effect and benefit all members: social dancers, competitors, professionals, board members, etc.
My first priority for the organization proper is the constructing of a more attractive, modern, user friendly, inviting website. The current website was useful in the early stages of our development. However, it is now time for a new look with enhanced functionality.
Our next item will be the reinstitution of IHDA membership cards. All members, no matter their level of involvement, will be a card carrying member of IHDA. This card will be useful at dance events, dance parties and workshops.
IHDA education is also a large plan for the next two years. Within the next two years, we will see the completion of the IHDA silver and gold syllabi. In addition, there will be companion DVD’s created for all levels. To aid all members in the acquisition of knowledge complied in the syllabi; we have plans to create an annual IHDA Congress. The IHDA Congress will be an event filled with informative workshops on reading the manual, understanding the material, instructor training and certification, performance expectations and judging criteria. The IHDA Congress will be beneficial for competitors and social dancers alike. Everyone will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and abilities of the dance through the IHDA Congress.
Growth and progress are an exciting aspect of any organization. With that said, it is imperative for IHDA to enhance communication with its members. This coming year, we will see the publication of a semi-annual news.
