This past weekend, Danny Llaurado passed away. He inspired so many dancers. He was a wonderful human being. For more insight on his dance career, please read his biography below.

This Tuesday, come out to Michael' s Cafe in Bensalem, Pa. to celebrate Ron Morrison's birthday.

Coming soon to DanceTalk, a complete listing of all the musicals now appearing on Broadway in the Big Apple.

Witness the birth of the region's newest, most exciting Swing & Hustle event! Mad Jam, this coming weekend. Hope to see you in Baltimore. Details below.

The media is watching the Hustle world. New Jersey Monthly Magazine is covering the Hustle era and is doing a feature article, including, how the dance has evolved.

The ever popular American Idol television show will feature music from the Disco Era this week. The contestants music selection will be chosen from this important time period.

Vince Montana Jr. is returning from Miami. He was attending the Winter Music Conferences. We will announce the winners of the song contest next week.

The Motion Picture "Chicago" cleaned up with academy awards.
What a great boost for musicals.

Every Friday, starting April 4th, Starlight Dance Center will be hosting a West Coast Swing night!! Only $12pp Featuring WCS, Hustle & Salsa for your dancing pleasure. WCS lessons available at the studio. For more details,
www.Starlightdanceuse.com or call us at: 973-235-9835

God Bless our Troops, make it a great week.
Ron

Happy St. Patty's Day

Happy Birthday to Lauren Nicole Bess, she turns 7 years old this week. She will be performing at the Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships the weekend of April 11-13 2003.

Happy birthday wishes to Silvana Gallagher and Ron Morrison.

Come out to Michael's Cafe on Tuesday the 18th to celebrate Scott Michielli's birthday.

Tuesday nights will be the "New Generation" Hustle night at the Potomac Swing Dance Club in Vienna, VA (Formerly the Taproom.)
FREE LESSONS DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH
to sample the learning and development power of the "New Generation Hustle Count" and the "Danceflow " dance development technique.
($5.00 dance charge applies for those wanting to stay for dance)
7:00PM Dance of the month SALSA Beg/Int (Free w/ class purchase) 7:30pm - 810pm Beginner/Novice Hustle 820 - 9pm Intermediate/Adv. Hustle Instruction with Ken Roesel 9PM- 1130pm Dancing DJed Hustle Mix ( Lots of Hustle - w/some Salsa and W/C) $10 - 1lesson and Dance FREE LESSON DURING MARCH
$12- 2lessons and Dance FREE LESSON DURING MARCH
$7 Dance Only DanceBuddies@Starpower.net or phone (703) 282 4187
Web Site http://www.DanceBuddies.com

GRAND OPENING OF SONYA'S DANCE STUDIO - LA LUNA
4610 Bensalem Blvd., Bensalem, PA on Sat, May 3rd, 2003 $5 advanced ticket purchase only, buy your ticket from Sonya, cash only $10 at the door if any tickets are left, don't wait!! For info call 215 327 3249 or email at sonya@wildonsalsa.com

If you missed the theatrical release of "Empire," good news, it is available on DVD. Written and directed by Franc. "Perico" Reyes, a hustle dance pioneer. Empire is a very stirring drama that takes you from the back streets to the high times of society with many twists in between. The movie is well portrayed but, is not for the thin skinned viewer.

In the making: A new motion picture called "Shall We Dance" staring Jennifer Lopez as a dance instructor with Richard Gere playing the role of her student!
This Thursday evening at 10PM the original "Shall We Dance" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on TCM, the Turner Classic Movie channel.

Star Search is doing limited auditions for the Young Dancer division (ages 8 to 20) they are accepting applications by mail.
Applicants must complete the online PERFORMER APPLICATION at www.CBS.com along with a CD of the music, a video tape of your performance, photos (headshots). Send application materials to the following address:
STAR SEARCH
P.O. BOX 290
LOS ANGELES, CA 90078

Coming soon, a listing of current instructional video's for all levels of hustle dancing. Stay tuned.

Make it a great week.
Ron

DanceTalk 3-11-03

The Long Island Dance Connection welcomes you to Club 56 in Long Island. Every Wednesday is Hustle & Swing with "HOT Salsa & Latin Tuesdays" The Long Island Dance Connection has a web site www.lidance.org

On March 13th at 9:15 PM, Shana Vitoff from the Society Hill Dance Academy will be hosting a Mlonga at her studio. Academy award winning actor, Robert Duvall, will be attending with his girlfriend and the costar of his new movie "Assassination Tango." There will be no cover, just some great tango dancers. Hope to see you there. 401 South 2nd street in Philadelphia. www.societyhilldance.com

Congratulations to Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann (from Orange County Calif.). They performed a wonderful WCS, with a contemporary twist on "Star Search," winning the Young Dancer (ages 8 to 20 years old) preliminary round. They now advance to the Semifinals this Friday, March 14 at 8PM ET/PT on "Star Search" www.cbs.com/star

This week I have listed the first three finalists in our Vince Montana Jr. favorite song contest. I will post the other three finalists next week. Thanks to all those that sent in their letters - sharing their musical/dance memories with us. The winning letters will be chosen in two weeks.

"Third Annual Relaxation 7 Day Fun Cruise," coordinated by Gladys Torres:
Date: November 30-December 7.
Leaving from Galveston, Texas.
Category M: $505.55 per person (that's it.. that's the whole price)
Contact Gladys Torres, Cell: 713-875-6991 or email: GTorresRC@aol.com

MNN (Manhattan Neighborhood Network), cable channel 67, is going to feature a LIVE broadcast show on West Coast Swing.
This will happen on Thursday, March 20, in NYC. They would like at least 50 dancers to participate. For more information, check out this thread from Westiemonkey.com


Make it a great week,
Ron

Vince Montana Jr. Favorite song contest.
Here are three of the top six letters that we have selected to celebrate Vince Montana Jr.'s birthday.

*
"Salsoul 3001" is my favorite song. Back in 1976 - 1977 I was in college and Fridays and some Saturday nights I worked as a Bartender at a Disco in the Bronx called the Act III. All the bartenders loved Salsoul 3001 and when the DJ played the song all the bartenders would pick up their metal mixing glasses and a spoon or drumstick and play the percussion along with the song. The crowd loved it and the patron would cheer for the bartenders to play anytime they heard the first couple of beats of the song. I will never forget the fun we had playing and dancing to that song.
Ron Rochester


*
Ron,
Probably his best "Artistic" work would be "Magic Bird of Fire" based on the Firebird Suite" by Igor Stravinsky.
While it was a great dance floor diddy, and the production quality was most astounding on the larger sound systems, as in The Second Story, Studio 54, et al,. Only those with an appreciation of the "talent" that Mr. Montana possesses, to adapt a Classical piece, with full orchestra, into a dance piece, without sacrificing the original composers foundation and vision. Mr. Montana may be one of the most underrated producer/arrangers of the recording industry, and how blessed we are that he’s a “Home Boy”.
This piece may have been overlooked by many, but the DJ's, those who I had constant contact with, were the people who had the greatest appreciation of this astounding recording.
It's also should be noted that the original score was used in the Disney classic, Fantasia. This film was also the product of another Philadelphia based act......Leopold Stokowski & The Philadelphia Orchestra, 1940 orchestral scoring.
How many people actually realize the importance of this City in the World of Music.
Best Regards,
Michael Gormley

*
I suppose I don't have a good chance of winning since I did not truly become a Salsoul fan until a few years ago, but I'm still inspired to write about my favorite
song. I have heard different versions, including "Love is the message", but (correct me if I am wrong) I believe the original title of my favorite song is - "Ooh I
love it (Love Break)". I was first made aware of the Salsoul Orchestra about
5 years ago when I started dancing hustle and hanging around the hustle scene. As we know, all Salsoul music is wonderful to hustle to. But I was already
exposed to many of their songs, including "Ooh I love it (Love Break)" in the 80's when I first started listening and dancing to club music.
As a dancer, (and I'm sure many dancers will agree) "Ooh I love it (Love Break)" is the best dance song out there for many reasons.
First and foremost, it is the only song that I NEVER get tired of no matter how much I listen to it. That's a powerful song. Because believe me, I have listened to
it a lot! So one day about 6 months ago, I gave hought to what it was about this song that made it so special.
The best thing about "Love Break" is the variety of
sounds and the way it was so creatively put together. There are so many different instruments and sounds and varieties of tones, and the way it flows from one
sound to another, then harmoniously mixes a few sounds together, then adds men chanting, and women singing (sexily, of course) just a couple of words. The
people, of course, are just additional "instruments", for as we know, this song is completely about THE MUSIC.
I am also a latin dancer, therefore more used to listening and responding to the different sounds and instruments of a song. This inspires us to move in different ways. We often think of latin music as having a certain "feel" and "flavor". "Love Break" gives the listener such a variety of flavors, and every time I listen to it, I can get something different. That must be the reason I never got tired of it.
This song is really a blend of "flavors" -from African, to Latin, to sensual, to jazzy, to funky, to ballet, to hip hop, to smooth.......(indeed, I have heard this song on many different stations) Therefore, "Love Break" is a great inspiration for many dances, but especially the hustle. What makes hustle so special is exactly that- the blend of all different dances. I hope this blend of flavors we can feel from "Love Break" inspires all dancers as much as it inspires me.
Carolyn Grimaldi
(can I have the autographed CD, please?)

VH1 lists the top dance video's

VH1 has identified their viewers choice, top five dancer(s).

1) Michael Jackson
2) Madonna
3) Janet Jackson
4) N'Sync
5) Paula Abdul

And here are what the experts chose for the top five dance videos of all time.

1) Livin La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
2) Beat It - Michael Jackson
3) The Twist - Chubby Checkers
4) Vogue - Madonna
5) Believe - Cher

DanceTalk 3-4-03

Disco Bells are in order for two happy couples that recently became engaged.
Steve Salerno & Denise Sanchez and
Ron Troy and Carol "CK" Kalish
Congratulations

Happy birthday wishes to Randy Atlas and Billy Fajardo.

"Hustle Into Paradise" HUSTLE DANCE CRUISE 2004, announces
February 13-16, 2004 for the next Hustle Cruise. Valentine's Day to President's Day, aboard the Royal Caribbean's "Majesty of the Seas"
sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Paradise Island and to Royal Caribbean's Private Isle, "Coco Cay." Cabin prices start at $325 plus tax. Call Rita Anderson at 800-503-9600 for reservations.

I hope you enjoy this issues third installment of "Dance Fever," a look back at the syndicated TV show. Scroll down.

The Big Apple Dance Festival takes place in just ten days. March 14, 15, and 16th at The Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ. This event continues to grow and attract more dancers from all over the country. There will be plenty of social dancing each night in Country, Swing, & Hustle with three Ballrooms going at once! There are over 50 hours of Workshops from beginner to advanced in all dances. Plus you don't want to miss the exciting Professional Dinner Show Extravaganza!
Competitions will take place in Country, Swing, and Hustle - in all levels and Divisions. Check out The Big Apple Dance Festival Web Page for more Information at: The Big Apple Country Dance Festival

Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann will perform a West Coast Swing live on
"Star Search" this Wednesday, March 5th, 8PM on CBS-TV, Don't miss it! Then go to www.cbs.com/star and vote!

For those that like to express their passion for dance thru art work, check out www.dancingart.com or call 800-716-0080. They sell original art, posters, bronze
statues and more.

"Hooked On Hustle" returns with another dance event in May. All the details will be listed next week in DanceTalk.

Every Thursday in March and April its the Colorado Cafe,
large Wooden dance floor/large parking lot approx. 7:30 Hustle Lesson with Diane K Nardone followed by Mixer Dance with DJ Dave Muzii, admission Only$7
for more info Call Diane 201 666 6224 or visit www.dkndance.com

Arlene Dahl, has helped initiate the East version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A committee nominated the 100 greatest performers. Possible this fall, ten former legends of theater, music, film, dance and TV will have stars installed on Broadway.

Next week I will list the finalists in the Vince Montana Jr. / Salsoul Orchestra Contest.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Dance Fever - Part 3 (A look back at the nationally syndicated TV show)

As the "reality show" popularity grows, many of the originals series from the 80's are getting a face lift. Star Search has made a strong come back, enjoying high ratings.
ABC Family (American Broadcasting Company), has announced that they too will relaunch their popular dance show, Dance Fever. The original Merv Griffin show ran from 1979 to 1987. During the course of those nine seasons, 234 episodes were produced. Virtually every popular star of the day made an appearance on the show. Dance Fever was seen in 125 markets. This high energy dance show ranked as the #1 original syndicated weekly half-hour show in every key category.
After seven years, Denny Terio, the original host, said good-bye. A former judge on the show and good looking actor, Adrian Zmed took center stage. He would serve as the host for the next three seasons. With a strong list of credits to his name, Adrian was a good fit for the show. He received positive feedback on his adaptation in the movie sequel, "Grease 2." Playing the lead role initiated by John Travolta from the original Grease movie.
Could he maintain the role developed by Denny?
Things were changing. As Denny exited so did long time side kicks Diane Day and Janet Jones (now married to Wayne Gretzsky). They were members of the supporting dance team "Motion." Motion went thru a metamorphosis during the course of the series run utilizing eight different dance members in all. Their weekly dance routines with Denny became a fan favorite.
The show initially featured "disco" dancing and catered to hustle, free style and theatrical dance couples. But it became apparent that the original formula ran its course. The casting department quickly changed gears attempting to keep viewership while appealing to a larger audience. The hustle couples were put on the back shelf for clogging, ballroom, swing, Latin, jazz and other forms of dance. The magic seemed to run out.
Dancing in general was losing its luster and experiencing a slow down in interest. Dance studios were also falling on difficult times as during the mid 80's.
At its pinnacle, the Dance Fever show had 13.7 million viewers per show. This was incredibly 64% more then those that watched the popular late night show, Johnny Carson!
Ratings for the Dance Fever show were diminishing, ultimately, the plug was pulled.
The kiss of death planted its self on most of the dance shows of that time.
With the rebirth of Dance Fever this summer, the intentions are to expand the former weekly half hour show to a full hour. Look for a new spin on this popular dance show.

Hott New Music

These songs are getting more air play and the highest ratings from the dance clubs request lines.

Janeiro - Solid Sessions
The Way - Devine Inspiration
Just for Tonight - Seiko
Music and Wine - Blue Six
The Boys of Summer - DJ Sammy
I Should Know - Dirty Vegas
Anyway - Amber
All the Man I need - Gloria Gaynor
Love will set you free - Starchaser
When the Money Is Gone - Cher
I'll Drive All Night - Celion Dion
Anything Is Possible - Zoe girl
All around the World - Cooler kids
No One Is Gonna Change You - Reina

DanceTalk 2-25-03

Happy Birthday wishes to Beryl Zarlie, Bernadette Curie, Riff W. and Tony Thompson.
Come out to Michael's Cafe, in Bensalem Pa, this Tuesday evening to celebrate.

Disco America takes place June 13, 14, 15 at the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. For more details scroll down.

Wonderful tribute to the Bee Gees and the late Maurice Gibb by the Grammy's. N'sync did a medley of their songs (acapella) and the brothers were recognized with a legends award. They received a thunderous standing ovation.

Dirty Vegas won top honors with a Grammy, best dance song of the year, for Days Gone By

Congratulations to Annette Fillipini on her engagement over Valentine's Day weekend on the Hustle cruise. We wish her and Michael only the best.

Gregory Harrison's niece will be appearing on Star Search, Wed. Feb 26, 2003
Ashley Brown, a name you will remember once you hear her voice, was chosen out of the thousands of tryouts to perform. Only 13 years of age she is already a veteran of Stage / Theater / Movies / Television.
Please watch and cast your vote for the best performer.

Ray Leight was invited to perform at the World 10 Dance Championships, last weekend in Vancouver. He danced with former US Professional Rhythm Champion, Diane Gingerich. We hear they were a big hit with an audience of several thousand spectators.

The all female Cabaret Performance team is looking for more women. They are gearing up for a new competitive routine that we will be used at NADC and GNDC. Practice is every Tuesday in New York City from 7-9PM. Each member contributes toward practice space, their costumes, competition fees and event travel.
Though we are a competitive team, we also have performances lined up at other venues for those members who are available.
If you are interested, or know of someone who would be.....please contact Maggie Moon at MaggieMoon@Alumni.LS.Berkeley.Edu

Maria Torres is making her directorial debut in "Latin Heat," a
stage show that takes the audience into the next wave of Latino
& Afro-Caribbean music & dance. It opens Feb. 18th & runs
through March 2nd. For more info & tix, call Smartix @
212-206-1515 or visit the web @ www.smarttix.com

DANCE PRODUCTION & MUSIC VIDEO
Choreographer Jordana Toback, (of Fischerspooner & former Mark Morris Dancer) is casting for a paid spring dance production and music video. Seeking fierce dancers with strong technique and musicality, great physique, freestyle and ethnic a plus. For appointment, call Peter Occolowitz of Millenial Arts at (212) 757-2007.

Happy Birthday to the "God Father Of Disco," the incomparable Vince Montana Jr.
Do you remember your favorite Vince Montana / Salsoul Orchestra song?
In honor of Vince's birthday, I invite our readers to write in your favorite song and explain why.
****The winners will receive autographed copies of one of his CDs.****
Send your entries to Rowenlb22@aol.com


Make it a great week,
Ron

Hustle into Paradise
"Review"

It couldn't have been orchestrated any better - while the East coast was hammered by one of the worst winter storms we were sailing in 85 degree weather dancing, swimming and having a memorable time.
Leave it to the Brooklyn and Long Island gang to make this event extra fun. I'm not sure if its something in their water or too much sugar in their diet but these dancers have an energy level second to none. It was non stop entertainment.
Cocktail parties were held on board in the "Diamonds Are Forever" Disco while DJ masters Nino Torre and Donnie Shields kept the pulsating beat going.
All the ladies received red roses at the Valentines Dinner with your choice of Lobster tails, Prime Rib or both or two or three entries....The food was first class and endless. The ship "Fascination" was booked solid with 2,600 guests. It reminded me of a combination of a plush resort casino with a touch of the Caribbean mixed with the night life of Las Vegas, all in one.
The evenings "Hollywood" style shows included the Imagination Dancers. These Broadway themed performances featured song and dance reviews from various shows backed by a live big band. This was followed by a late night X rated comedian.
We were treated to a talent show where musicians, singers and Luis Rosa and Mary Poma showcased their hustle routine. It rocked the Palace theater.
Afternoon dance workshops were conducted by Diane Nardone, Lori Brizzi and Georgie Azpura with Zulma.
By the pool, near the three story slide we sun bathed and listened to live Calypso bands while Congo lines, limbo and dancing took place. We visited Nassau in the Bahamas where some guests went on excursions, visiting the Atlantis Hotel/Casino, shopping in boutiques, hair beaded or staying on board utilizing the casino, health club, arcade.... Late night dancing took place under the stars as we danced on the wooden upper deck to the music of DJ Bobby Gerard (resident music master from the Palladium in Florida). On other evenings, there was late night dancing in the "Puttin' On the Ritz" Night Club where the Jack & Jill Dance Contest was held.
There were two rounds of open Jack and Jill contests. The winners circle included - Carl Charles, Jenn Nitka, Bobby O, Raluca Georgiana, Keith Harrison, Kim Pauline, Luis Rosa, Colette Antonelli, Pat Kozel, Allan Denola. Rosemary Petrizzi, Nicole Ora, Debbie Levy, Maura Carles, Jeffery Gessner, Kim Marie, Jeff Snow, Ivan Nunez, David Flynn.
Well, come Monday, right when you think the party is over? A large number of the Easterners were unable to fly home due to the storm.
This began the post cruise parties. Tuesday night the Paladium was hott. Classic dance music at the hands of Bobby Gerard. Georgie and Zulma gave us an impromptu dance routine which received a big response.
Special thanks to Drew Axelrod for making the first Hustle cruise a fun time for all.

Release

If you are a Disc Jockey or know a seasoned DJ with a keen knowledge of Disco/Club Classics, please pass the info that we are starting to register DJ's for our upcoming DJ Classics competition. Hosts: Nino Torre of The Midnight Music Co. and George Azpuru are presently Club Shopping for our 2003 Club Classics DJ Competition. Plans are in progress to start on Wednesdays in mid to late April. Currently we are negotiating with the people at Discotheque on W.19th St. in NYC, but may consider another similar venue.
Interested DJ's should prepare a 45 - 60 min. CD or Tape for submission and send to;
The Midnight Music Co.
1950 West 4th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11223
All DJ's in the preliminaries and Finalists will be judged and scored by a panel of professionals in the Music and Nightclub industry (producers, remixers, agents, club mgrs/owners, etc).
We welcome any music, beveridge, spirits or Night Club related sponsors interested in advertising and supporting this event which 2002's competition spanned 5 weeks of preliminaries and then the finals. 2003 Club Classics DJ Competition.
For more info and details, E-mail: Nightmix@earthlink.net Tel. 718-376-6483

DanceTalk 2-21-03

I hope everyone is making the best out of this winter wonderland. I apologize for the delay sending this weeks edition but we were unable to return from Miami.
Congratulations to Drew Axelrod and his staff for an amazing Dance cruise at sea.
Next week, an in-depth review of the Hustle Into Paradise cruise.

Happy birthday wishes to Kathleen Harbison, Drew Axelrod and David Seneca.
Belated birthday wishes to Zulma.

Happy Birthday to the "God Father Of Disco," the incomparable Vince Montana Jr.
Do you remember your favorite Vince Montana / Salsoul Orchestra song?
In honor of Vince's birthday, I invite our readers to write in your favorite song and explain why.
****The winners will receive autographed copies of one of his CDs.****
Send your entries to Rowenlb22@aol.com

Deano Georgio & Lisa Nunziella present "Liftwork Made Simple." This is the first in a series of videos to be released. This edition is an advanced acrobatic adagio video which includes five advanced lifts. The tape includes: Roll up around the neck, overhead press, layout press, split in the air and the double overhead flip.
To order visit www.DancewithLisa.com

Thanks to Erik Novoa for providing photos (viewing and purchase) from the first Pacific Hustle & Salsa Dance Classic held in San Francisco, CA. You'll find photos of the Pro/Am Hustle Classic, Amateur Just Hustle, the Open Hustle Jack & Jill, and the Saturday Night Show. Click below.
http://www.swingshoes.fotki.com/dance/events/

Swing DJ Jules Klapper, scheduled to spin at the New York Swing Dance Society, is in the hospital undergoing bypass surgery. He had a sudden heart attack and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY
Jules is a leading supporter of Swing Dancing in New York and recognized as one of the best Lindy DJs. We wish him a speedy recovery.

The motion picture Chicago leads the pack with 13 Oscar nominations this year. This recognition should gain momentum and give the dance/musicals industry the boost it's needed to make it to the silver screen.

Make it a great week,
Ron

Highlights from the PHSDC

The First "Pacific Hustle Salsa Dance Classic" went off without a hitch. Congratulations to all the winners.
Here are some of the highlights from the San Francisco Event.

Pro/Am Hustle Novice - Male
1ST-Jameson Kilburn & Donna Boyle
2ND-Benny Garza & Elizabeth Ante
3RD-Ingvar Ljungquist & Eric Novoa

Pro/Am Salsa Int - Female
1ST-Gladys Torres & Stephen Ward
2ND-Julie Dixon & Steven Adcock

Pro/Am Hustle Nov - Female
1ST-Lenore Moesr & Daniel McGee
2ND-Sandy Sierra & Bobby Concepcion
3RD-Margaret Choy & Stephen Ward

Pro/Am Hustle Int - Male
1ST-James Phelps & Joy Ro
2ND-Jim White & Melanie Dawson
3RD-Jim Dellisanti & Melanie Dawson

Pro/Am Hustle Int - Female
1ST-Patricia McConnell & Daniel McGee
2ND-Punkin Habet & Silvanna Gallagher
3RD-Nancy Morris & Stephen Ward

Pro / Am Hustle Adv - Female
1ST-Gladys Torres & Stephen Ward
2ND-Angela McCabe & Silvanna Gallagher
3RD-Mimi Doi & Silvanna Gallagher

Jack & Jill Open Salsa
1ST-Albert Chung & Cheryl Rabbins
2ND-James King & Gladys Torres
3RD-Nelson Enriquez & Alison Abbott
4TH-Felino Padilla & Sandra Sierra
5TH-Del Millers & Sheryl Almo

Amateur Jack & Jill Hustle
1ST-Achuith Bhandarkar & Nancy Morris
2ND-Jesse Casteneda & Gladys Torres
3RD-Dmitry Lapidus & Angela McCabe
4TH-Wingo Hom & Punkin Habet
5TH-Gary Ulaner & Mimi Doi

Amateur Just Dance Hustle
1ST-Gary Ulaner & Michelle Kusanovich
2ND-Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
3RD-Jesse Casteneda & Marilyn Bardai
4TH-Jameson Kilburn & Lenore Moeser
5TH-David Raines & Nancy Tuzzolino

Amateur Classic Hustle
1st-Gary Ulaner & Michelle Kusanovich
2nd-Raye Avery & Irena Griffin

Pro Classic Hustle
1ST-Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik
2ND-Daniel McGee & Donna Boyle
3RD-Robin Towers & Julia St Marie

Christopher M. Nardone

He was a beautiful little boy who would have turned 19 years old this month.
Christopher M. Nardone, was born February 9th 1984, in Brooklyn, NY.
Unable to express himself like other boys, he was born physically challenged.
He didn't play tag, stick ball or go on school trips, but he did understand the love his mother had for life and the world of dance. Diane reflects on her loving son as "the best experience of my life and the worst, when he passed away - God took him home on April 27, 1997."
Diane's mission was to hold an event that made people feel special, equal,
bringing back unity by joining everyone together from all states and countries, letting people know that no matter - "we are all the same".
The World Hustle Dance Championship was created in his honor. An award is presented each year (in Christopher's name) in the spirit of giving.
Diane says it best - "please remember your loved ones and especially those
still with us, no matter who they are, we should all be family, a dance
family."

DanceTalk 2-11-03

Happy Valentine's Day to you and that special person(s) in your life.

We are off to Miami for the World Disco Cruise, look for a complete review in next weeks edition of DanceTalk.

Happy birthday wishes to Yvette Rivera, Bob Scott and Arte Phillips.
Belated birthday wishes to Nelson "Paradise" Roman and Bernard Martinez.
Franco Zarlie will be celebrating his birthday at Michael's Cafe on Tuesday evening. Dig your car out of the snow and join the dance party in Bensalem, Penna.

What a special day it was, two years ago, for the fund raiser & dance held for Virginia DiMaio. Let's remember this wonderful event, "Ginger's Wish," that brought the dance community together to support our dear friend.

DJ Rene Hewitt would like to thank all the dancers that attended the auditions last week for the taping of the new television show "HouseandClassicsTV.com" that will be broadcast on Public Access in New York. Finalists and back up couples will be selected from the audition. Dancers will best remembered Rene as he mastered the DJ booth at the famous Inferno discotheque in NY. He was responsible for keeping the 1,500 dancers moving on the dance floor. Air dates will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

Champions Dance Studio is now holding Sunday afternoon hustle dance socials. Every Sunday, from 4:00PM to 9:00PM, this is a great time and location to practice. The studio has a large dance floor and admission is only $6.00. Located at 300 West 42rd street (off of 8th Ave), 3rd floor in New York City.

Congratulations to Tony Pace on the success of his first "Ultimate Dance
Night Out" held at the Continental Ballrooms last week in the great state of Texas.
There was a fantastic turnout with over 150 dancers from all parts of the city who enjoyed the great music of Larry Sepulvado and Ray Coker. This truly was an event for everyone!

Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, radio station 95.7 FM, The Mix, is catering to dancers and the music that helped shape the last three decades. This is clearly the best dance radio station on the dial.

Make it a great week,
Ron

"Spot Light"
Giant Gene Arnold

He danced on the original, " American Bandstand Show," hosted by the ageless Dick Clark, in his home town, Philadelphia. Virtually born with a microphone in his hands, Giant Gene Arnold started singing and doing rock n' roll shows in the early 60's. As a young performer he would grow to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
"I was always a radio listener, and understood the 'timing' of many of the great personalities on the air," reflects Giant Gene. With aspirations to sing and record, he was on his way. Dick Clark, gave Gene his stage name, Rick Roman. He cut a record, "Me Please Me," and his goal was to join the same label as Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
His new found success took him in a new direction, spinning dance music (later known as disco) before it had its name.
Gene felt the "disco" era began about the same time he called his DJ company "Gene Arnold's Discoscene." RJ, Ron Joseph, (his radio partner at WIFI FM) ran a discotheque very early in the 70's, where they played on the campus of University of Pennsylvania. "With over 3,000 dancers a night on the floor, (that was half a block long), I played everything dance like 'Never Can say Goodbye" by Gloria Gaynor. We did a live radio show on Friday nights, and it was called "The Best Disco In Town."
As a teenager of the 70's, I personally loved "Gene Arnold's American Scene" which was heard nightly across America on syndicated radio stations under the CBS banner. His signature style led him to even bigger and exciting opportunities.
Gene, and his talented wife of 40 years, Terry, have completed hundreds of radio, TV commercials, voice-overs as well as lending his voice as the emcee for many major concerts. Here are just some of the high lights from Genes career over the last four decades:
* Working closely with Michael (Dance Your Body Down) Jackson during the Victory Tour - helping to sneak him into Hospitals to meet the pediatric doctors and nurses....
* Bringing Jimi Hendrix to Philly and being on-stage next to those Marshall amps during the entire sound check..(yes, I can still hear, thankfully)...,
* Working with Rick James to get clothes even FUNKIER to build his image… * Introducing the Doors when they told me they were ready to go on and feeding me to the wolves for twenty minutes, because they weren't ready…
* Emceeing the Jerry Lewis and Variety Club telethons …
* Developing the in-store disco network for Merry Go Round stores..
* Being honored to be in the Disco DJ Hall Of Fame and part of the Music Experience Museum in Seattle…
* Creating the idea of riding an elephant into a Cottman transmission center and saying "no matter what you drive…we can fix it" ...
* Moving the "Sounds Of Philly" radio show (now on the Internet) to radio stations worldwide on a one hour a week "special" basis.

Recently honored by Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and appointed "Official Ambassador of Musical Happiness," Gene has worked very closely with teenagers for years. He holds the "Sunshine Foundation" close to his heart.
His son, Jody, encouraged him to get back into broadcasting: making people happy. Jody wrote the original "History Of Disco," and produced most of the "Gene Arnold Superstar Concert" syndicated shows, while he was still in high school.
Here are some of Giant Gene's favorite songs:
Sun After The Rain, Venus, Love Is A Many Splendor Thing, Instant Replay,
Magic Bird Of Fire, Celebration, To Be Real, Never Can Say Goodbye, Suzie Q, Take-Five.
Gene keeps good company and has maintained long time relationship with Vince Montana Jr., Billy Paul, DJ RJ (Ron Joseph) and Mary Wilson from the Supremes.
Still creating and ready to roll out his newest project, Gene is credited with bringing some of the greatest dance music to the air waves.

As a long time listener and fan, I was asked, " Ron, how did he get the name Giant Gene? Is he really that tall?"
I believe the "giant" is based not so much on his physical stature, but on the size of his heart: For being the caring human being he is.
We look forward to his autobiography, which he is now penning, entitled,
"The Sounds Heard Round The World."
Check out his website, "Giant Gene Presents The Sounds Of Philly" at
www.giantgene.com

Radio Like It WAS When You Loved It!

DanceTalk 2-4-03

Good luck to all those dancers attending this weekends first annual Pacific Hustle/Salsa Dance Classic in California.

Happy birthday to the dancing twins, Ave and John Shiloh. Belated birthday wishes to Wingo Hom.

As previously reported, Dance Fever, is coming back. The ABC Family network has made an officially announcement. See the press release below.

Giant Gene has just released, The History of Disco Part 3. Please click below to hear the music and interviews. Gene was instrumental in playing early disco on his live radio broadcasts. Check out this insightful chapter, available for your hearing pleasure.
http://www.soul-patrol.net/disco3.ram

Latin super star Ricky Martin has finished up two new albums, one in Spanish the other in English. Look for a premier followed by a concert tour this fall.

Saturday Night Fever comes to Philadelphia's Dancesport Championships April 11-13, the weekend of Ballroom competitions will feature a Disco Fever theme. See details below. www.phillyfestival.com

A recent study suggests that staying physically active may reduce the number of colds you get. The study participants, who were most active, had 25 percent fewer colds than those who were least active. Get out there and dance.

Make it a great week.
Ron

Retro

Twenty-five years ago, some of the most exciting music was hitting the clubs and air waves. Many of these songs have become dance classics.
The year was 1978. In Miami Florida, these were the top dance records reported by Billboard Magazine.
These should bring back fond memories, are any familiar?

1) From East to West - Voyage
2) Romeo & Juliet - Alec R. Costandinos
3) Come into my heart - USA European connection
4) Macho Man - Village People
5) Play with me - Sandy Mercer
6) Galaxy - War
7) I can't stand the rain - Eruption
8) I love NY - Metropolis
9) Gimme some Lovin' - Kongas
10) Chattanooga Choo choo - Tuxedo junction
11) Music Harmony& Rhythm - Brooklyn Dreams
12) The Path - Ralph MacDonald
13) Supernature - Cerrone
14) Dance With me - Peter Brown
15) Risky Changes - Bionic Boogie

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) -- ABC Family has caught "Dance Fever."

The Disney-owned cable network is reviving the 1980s dance competition series, which could hit the air as early as June.

The show will feature a nationwide search for contestants in various popular dance forms, such as hip-hop and salsa. Episode length is being expanded from the original half-hour to an hour in order to incorporate new features, such as profiles of the contestants.

ABC Family has ordered 13 episodes. A host and celeb judges are to be determined, along with other format details. The show likely will culminate in a championship to be staged in Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

" 'Dance Fever' is definitely a marquee name," said Linda Mancuso, ABC Family's head of programming, "and dancing seems to be one of the genres that hasn't been exploited in the way that maybe singing has been with 'American Idol' and acting will be with some other series coming out."

The original series, which Merv Griffin created and spun off his long-running "The Merv Griffin Show," aired in syndication from 1978-87. It featured a catchy theme song, a lighted floor and lots of disco dancing.

"There are now so many dances, so it will be an even broader show," said Griffin, who's on board as a producer. "We have a lot to draw on -- not that we'll be getting into the minuet."

Griffin, who also created "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," will produce with reality veteran Bruce Nash, who already produces "My Life Is a Sitcom" for ABC Family.

"It's just going to be a huge, splashy competition featuring phenomenal dancing," Nash said. "It will be very sexy and highly entertaining and include the personal stories which will make you root for them to win or lose."
http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/28/television.dance.reut/

DanceTalk 1-28-03

Happy birthday to Mimi Doi and Yana Brin. Come out to Michael's Cafe, in Bensalem Pa., this Tuesday to celebrate with a birthday dance.

Grammy nominated, Vince Montana Jr. has informed me that he was invited to the Winter Music Conference being held in Miami next month.
Look for a reunion of his orchestra with guest performers later this year. Are you ready for a 36 piece symphony orchestra? Vince is putting it all together again. He conducts the influence of the Salsoul, M. F. S. B. with the Philly Sound Orchestra.
What songs would you like to hear? Please write me, Rowenlb22@aol.com, with your favorite Salsoul songs so we can share it with Vince.

Starting Feb. 3rd, every Monday, Diane Nardone will host a social with DJ Dave Muzii at the 3 Saints Cultural Center in Garfield NJ (454 Outwater Lane)
This is a large facility with a beautiful wooden floor. Beginner hustle lesson at 7:30, interm hustle at 8:30 both with Diane. Social dance from 9:30 - 11:30PM
Go to www.dkndance.com for more info.

I hope you enjoy my review on the new video "Lifts and Tricks" released by Luis Rosa & Mary Poma. Scroll down to read about this exciting dance tape.

If your a die hard disco fanatic, check out this story,
http://vd.us.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2003301160601
This radio DJ was suspended because he played four Bee Gees songs, back to back, to honor the loss of Maurice Gibb!
On a side note, Barry and Robin Gibb will continue to perform but will no longer use the Bee Gees name.

Make it a great week.
Ron

Review
"Lifts and Tricks"

A wonderful comprehensive video on over head lifts and tricks is now available.

Luis Rosa is just so good, he makes it look to easy. The video is very entertaining and enriching with information. Luis and partners, Mary Poma and Carolyn Grimaldi, don't hold back. I was expecting to see a simple, introductory video?
Boy was I surprised. They cover it all - this is the "real deal" - not a build up to sell you a vegamatic or condo in the Catskills. Some of the most exciting moves are demonstrated, broken down and explained. The tape is fluid and moves quickly covering 10, different, advanced moves. Luis discusses proper positioning, posture and leverage.
The video is shot utilizing slow motion effects, during the execution portion of the demonstration. This assists in disclosing the connections and proper technique.
In addition to explaining each move, it is then demonstrated in the studio. But, to add a more vivid view and dimension, through the magic of editing, the video takes you to a competition showing Luis and his partners performing/competing utilizing these moves before an audience. The video is shot with quality optics and holds your attention from start to finish.
The beginner dancer will have questions, I.E., hand positions, balance, etc., which due to time limitations is not completely covered. Clearly, the ability to grasp these moves does take upper body strength, flexibility and dance coordination for both the male and female. This video demonstrates some of the hidden secrets not readily visible to the naked eye.
Luis is a world Hustle & Salsa Champion. He has been partnering with Mary Poma for the last 18 months. With over twenty years dance experience, they have quickly gained recognition all over the USA not only as competitors but for their teaching skills as well. Luis and Mary have also established their own dance team in New York, "The Latin Dance Connection."
In addition, Luis was a feature dancer in the theatrical movie release "Center Stage."
Not to be out done, Mary can be seen in the motion pictures "Summer Of Sam" and "Diega"
Most of the maneuvers they teach are adaptable to various styles of dance for competitions and/or exhibitions.
If you've always wanted to know how to do the "snake," "death sweep," flips and more, this video is a must have. To order call 347- 683-3724 or e mail latindanceconnection@yahoo.com, You will not be disappointed.

The Top Dance Songs Of 2002

Here are the top dance songs compiled by Ed Rothschild, AKA DJ Wild Worm. The list ranks the top 100 for the year. (I have only listed the top 20.)
Some of these songs have not made it to your FM dial. Dance music has taken a back seat to the rap generation. Hopefully, 2003 will give Dance music the recognition it rightfully deserves.

1) Can't get you out of my head - Kylie Minogue
2) Heaven - DJ Sammy
3) Something - Lasgo
4) Rapture - Lio
5) Days Gone By - Dirty Vegas
6) Its Love (Trippin) - Andrea Brown
7) Wish I didn't Miss you - Angie Stone
8) Gotta Get Through this - Daniel Bedingfield
9) No More Drama - Mary J. Blige
10) One day in Your Life - Anastasia
11) Hot In Here - Nelly
12) Get The Party Started - Pink
13) The Sound Of Goodbye - Perpetual Dreamer
14) Addicted to Bass - Puretone
15) I Don't Want You - Wild Life
16) Safe From Harm - Narcotic
17) Die Another Day - Madonna
18) I Never Knew - Gloria Gaynor
19) Without Me - Eminem
20) Love's Gonna Save The Day - Georgie Porgie

DanceTalk 1-21-03

Happy Birthday wishes to Debbie Tuttle.

Congratulations go out to the Russomanno family on the birth of their baby daughter Joele. Everyone is doing fine.

Disco America is rounding out all the details for this years 5th annual event to be held in Philadelphia. Look for a new agenda and hott competitions to be listed in the near future.

Selling a ballgown, offering a dance job, got some videos to sell, offering a dance franchise? Let Dance-Ads advertise it! Please visit www.dance-ads.com .

Stardust Dance Productions hosts 4 ballroom dance weekends annually,
March, June, Sept. & Nov. with over 800 dancers from across the US, Canada in attendance. Over 60 dance workshops, amateur contests, professional dance entertainment per evening, specialty vendors, dance hosts for the single ladies plus round the clock dancing on 4 separate hardwood dance floors dedicated to Ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango and Hustle/Swing with non-stop music by 2 top Latin bands, 1 Big Band, an Argentine Tango trio and 4 DJ's. Rates from $230 pp/do include 2 nights accommodation, 7 meals, 2 cocktail parties, information contact Stardust at (800) 537-2797, www.stardustdance.com.


The Ethel Merman Disco Album. You may have it stashed away on vinyl, if not, here is your chance to own the late great Ethel Merman on CD, belting out disco versions of her signature songs. "There's No Business Like Show Business," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," and a bonus track "They Say It's Wonderful"! FYNSWORTH ALLEY will release the notorious cult classic on CD. The disc, presently available through their website, fynsworthalley.com, will be available in stores January 28.
Release party on Jan. 23rd at Spa (see details below).

Congratulations to Shana with regards to the opening of her new dance studio, Society Hill Dance Academy, located at 401 South 2nd street in Phila. She holds a dance social every Thursday night from 9:15 to..with no cover and BYOB. They play everything from ballroom, Latin and hustle too. Come check out this beautiful new studio. Visit the web site for more details.
www.societyhilldance.com

Did you see the Disco Ball last week? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Write me at Rowenlb22@aol.com

Make it a great week.
Ron

Time Capsule

This club opened back in 1983. One of the hottest discotheques in the region.
On any given Saturday evening, the line would go around the building. With a plush, upscale decor, the dance floor was sunken and provided great viewing area.
Zachary's, in
East Meadow, NY, was the place to be. One of the longest running clubs anywhere.
It's been said, the average club has a life span of less then five years! Well, this obvious broke that business mold. Over the years, Zachary's developed a wonderful reputation and stood out for it's annual "open dance contest." Couples were permitted to showcase any form of dance including lifts and tricks. Some of the greatest dancers put their skills to the test:
Roberto & LoriAnn Pagan, Donna Disommone, Bobby O, Maria Torres, Kenny Gonzales, Nelly Cotta, Diane Nardone, Brian Gallagher, Silvana Gallagher, Lori Brizzi, Jose Solano, Eddie Vega, George Valasquez, Dee Quinoness, Victor Kanesky, Sonj & Stephanie Falicano, Fernando Sales & Toni, Mark James,
Ricky Quintana, Vincent Antonelli, DonaMarie Portelli , Lucas Jaime ,...
.
Each year, the contest would run for 10 weeks and concluded with two weeks of semi - finals. The weekly winning couple would receive $200.00 and passage to the semi finals.
In 1990, two experienced dancers formed a new partnership and won their preliminary round, advancing to the semi - finals. Donna Disommone and Vincent Antonelli went on to be the grand prize winners beating all their competitors including Eddy Vega & Maria Torres.
The following year a record would be set. This gentlemen competed from 1991 till 1994 and walked away undefeated. He became a four time undefeated champion. With such a record, the club eventually asked him to kindly stop competing.
Mark James, obviously was unstoppable. In 1991 and 1992 with Giny Rae (ex-wife) he won the $1000.00 first place. Then in both 1993 and 1994, Mark resurfaced with a new partner and incredible routines. Together with DonaMarie Portelli he captured the first place prize of $1,500.00, two years in a row. So successful, Mark was asked to judge future contests, and put his dance skills to rest (while at Zachary's).
In 1995, DonaMarie Portelli returned with her new partner to capture first place.
Along with Vincent Antonelli, (not new to winning at Zachary's) DonaMarie now became a three time winner, with three consecutive wins.
And what turned out to be the last year (1996), for this annual event, first place honors went to the exciting couple, Brian and Silvana Gallagher.
Like all great things, the "Disco" image got revamped. This pool of talented dancers diminished and contests no longer drew the record crowds. This year will mark the 20 year anniversary for Zachary's. Still a popular dance spot on Long Island, but, the contests are no more.

"Editorial"
The Dance Community

It's just different.
Unlike being a member of a club or a sports fan, being affiliated with the dance community takes on a different flavor. You don't need a membership pass or have to pay dues.
In most cases, your accepted any where in the country, where they're dancing your style.
If you move to a new home or are on vacation, you have instant friends.
It's a relationship unlike any other activity. We do it with a partner. Not a teammate.
It includes tons of non verbal communication.
Smiles help.

Yes, our dance community is unique. Presto, via a dance you develop a relationship.
Such an extrordianire group, where friends attend common events, socials, vacations etc..
We should be thankful to the dance leaders that have persevered to put together such great dance competitions and socials. Their thoughtful acts have done more then just provide us with a place to dance, it has helped develop a community unto itself. A family, so to speak.

DanceTalk 1-14-03

Go Eagles Go

Happy birthday to Ralph Ferro.

Congratulations to Norma Rivera, she was just crowned (in Las Vegas, Nevada) the new MRS. AMERICA'S 2003 touch of class. She received $50,000 in cash and prizes. She has been the recipient of a number of titles over the last couple of years. Norma resides in NY and has been competing and performing with Bobby O for the last few years.

Kat Clark, once again, has been assigned to a new post as the US troops have been deployed to Iraq. His job is to set up and organize task forces that will protect the US, here while the war is being fought over there. You can write to him at the address below. Let him know how proud we are of him.
kat76tak@aol.com

Not just a great singer/muscian , Maurice Gibb was a brother, father who gave us some of the greatest ballads and dance songs of all time. He will be missed. For more information.
Click here: Yahoo! News - Bee Gees Singer Maurice Gibb Dies at 53

Regis Philbin has announced his plans to re-launch "Dance Fever." Stay tuned.

The "Village People" performed at the Beverly Hills Hotel for more then 300 guests attending a New Year's Eve party to celebrate Ozzy & Sharon Osborne renewing their wedding vows.

The pictures from the Bill Cameron's New Years Extravaganza are now online.
Visit www.swingshoes.net or www.public.fotki.com/swingshoes/dance/events/
Thanks, to Erik Novoa, for making these available for viewing and/or purchase.

The Long awaited "Disco Ball" will air on television this Thursday, see details below.

The Johnnie and Bonnie Dance, in Rockaway, NJ, has a new look for 2003.
John Lindo will exclusively run this social which has been renamed "Rockaway Dance." Bonnie has scheduled her own events. See all the details below. We wish them both only the best.

Make it a great week,
Ron

"The Disco Ball "

Dust off the platform shoes, send the leisure suit to the cleaners and get
ready to get down and funky, because ABC is throwing an all-star party
celebrating that phenomenon called disco on Thursday, January 16th 8:00 EST.
This once-in-a-lifetime musical event was taped at the Shrine Auditorium in
Los Angeles. The venerable venue was transformed into Club Shrine, the hottest nightspot in the country, featuring a disco built on platforms over one-third of the auditorium's downstairs seats. And since The Disco Ball is NOT an awards show,
the musical performances absolutely NEVER STOP.
Legendary performers of the disco era, as well as some of today's biggest
stars, will jump onto multiple stages and perform the classics that defined
the disco era, including:
* Whoopi Goldberg & Martha Wash (from "Two Tons of Fun" and "the weather Girls") — "It's Raining Men"
* Gloria Gaynor — "I Will Survive"
* Usher - "Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
* The Village People — "Macho Man" & "YMCA"
* Mya — "Turn the Beat Around"
* KC & The Sunshine Band — "Shake Your Booty" & "Get Down Tonight"
* Thelma Houston — "Don't Leave Me This Way"
* Irene Cara — "Flashdance… What a Feeling"
* Chic — "Le Freak"
* Aaron Carter — "I Just Want to Be Your Everything"
* Taylor Dayne — "I Love the Night Life"
* Roselyn Sanchez — "Hot Stuff"
* The Spinners — "Working My Way Back To You, Babe"
* The Trammps featuring Earl Young — "Disco Inferno"
* Nicki French — "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
* Natural — featuring a "Saturday Night Fever" musical tribute — "Stayin'
Alive," "How Deep is Your Love" & "You Should Be Dancing" — Wilmer
Valderrama ("That '70s Show") makes a special dance appearance
* The Pointer Sisters — "Jump" & "I'm So Excited"
* Cheryl Lynn — "Got To Be Real"
Adding spice to this already tangy event is a special disco fashion show,
featuring some of the most outrageous models ever seen as they strut down
the catwalk to the tune of "Dancing Queen."
In addition, celebrities will be boogying to the beat during the
celebration and introduce the performers, including Paula Abdul (American
Idol), Brooke Burke (E!'s Rank), Cedric the Entertainer, Whoopi Goldberg,
Ali Landry, George Lopez (George Lopez), Sara Rue (Less Than Perfect), Ryan
Seacrest (American Idol), Wilmer Valderrama (That '70s Show) and
writer/actor Bruce Vilanch.
Ticket receipts benefited AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the nation's
largest service organizations, providing direct services to more than
10,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in L.A. County.
http://abc.abcnews.go.com/specials/discoball.html

Hott New club Dance Music
Kick it up, here are the hottest new dance tunes in the clubs.
Open up your mind - Eyes Cream (Hot sound reminiscent of Groove Jet)
Murder on the dancefloor - Sophie Baxton (Fun British disco, 128BPM)
Show Me - Suzanne Palmer - ( 140 BPM)
Ordinary World - Aurora (remake of the Duran Duran song)
All The Man I Need - Gloria Gaynor (the hit, great for hustle, 128BPM)

These songs are worth checking out.
Breathe by Telepopmusik
Sweeter Love by Blue Six
Wake Up With You by Julia Fordham
I Can Complete You - by Luke Slater (Giorgio Moroder ish)
Surrender - Laura Pausini
Jus One Kiss - Basement Jaxx (128 BPM)
Summerfire - B-U
Gotta be forever - Gloria Gaynor
Anyway - Amber
No one is going to change you - Renna

Letter to the editor

Dear Ron,

I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank the many event organizers and dance vendors who have generously contributed dance contest prizes for our
upcoming Hustle Jack & Jill Championships in February on the hustle cruise.
Cooperation has come from the country, salsa, disco, swing, ballroom, tango,
Lindy hop, and hustle dance communities nationwide:
Anthony Lee (Big Apple Country Festival), Dave Moldover (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam), Craig Hutchinson (Virginia State Open), Ron Bess / Donna Boyle (11th Annual Holiday Spectacular), Issac Altman (World Salsa Championships), Diane K. Nardone (World Hustle Dance Championships), Lydia Henson (U.S. Tango Fantasy), Shannon Johnson (Hooked on Hustle), Grant Austin (Orange Blossom), Donna Boyle (Disco America Dance Championships), Bob Budzynski, (Mid-USA Jack 'n Jill Championships), Nino Torre (The Donkey Show - NYC), Paulette Brockington (Motor City Dance Jam). Also music, lessons, and videos: private lessons with Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik, mixed hustle CDs from Donnie Shields, autographed collector 12" vinyl and CDs from Vincent Montana, Jr. producer of Salsoul Orchestra and the Philly Sound, two event videos from
World Disco Cruise, salsa CDs from Nino Torre, dance mix compilations from Beach Bag Music, and two $100-off coupons from Carnival Cruise Lines for the 2004 Hustle Dance Cruise. These prizes will certainly be well received by our dancers. Thank you
for your support, Drew Axelrod.

DanceTalk 1-8-2003

Wishing you the best in 2003

Happy birthday wishes to Madeline Ossias and Fran Richman

"DanceTalk" is now available at Diane Nardone's Website, www.dkndance.com
Please check it out for all of her updates, socials and details on the World Hustle Dance championships this July.

Dancing in the Discos during the 70' & 80's was magical. The music was so rich and exciting. I hope you enjoy this months Spot Light on Cherrill Rae. She was half of the creative force behind the wonderful music of the "Raes"

Last Sunday, December 28, Brian and Stephanie Fortuna became the North American Latin Dance Champions. Congratulations to the Fortuna family.

Congratulations to Shari Kahn, she became engaged on New years.
We wish her and Steve only the best.

"East meets West" at the Jersey Shore (Jackson, NJ) has suspended their weekly dances.

If your new to DanceTalk, please take a moment to read all the listings below.
Every week there are new additions, so don't miss a step as you scroll down. As a dance community, if we don't support, spread the word and attend these great dance events - some may go away!
The teachers and organizers work very hard to provide you with great dance venues.
Make it a point to show your mutual appreciation and your love for dancing.

Make it a great New Year,
Ron

Spot Light
"Cherrill Rae"

For some of us, dancing is like taking a daily vitamin - it's part of your routine.
The Disco phenomenon was a combination of dance and music. A symbiotic relationship - both components were vital for success. In the late 70's and 80's one of the driving forces for the dance sound were the "Raes." Originally from Ontario, Cherrill and her husband burst onto the scene and had us dancing up a storm. Together, Cherrill and Robbie, had their own variety television show in Canada.
"The Raes Variety Hour" had celebrity guests including the wild Grace Jones and rocker Pat Benetar. The show would open with the Raes singing but focused on the dancers and how they interpreted the music. "We loved to watch the dancers, the dancing was wonderful" remembers Cherrill. When they released their single "A little Lovin," the radio station programers wouldn't play it (in Canada). Frustrated it was shipped to the USA where it hit the top ten on WKTU FM. In a quandary, the Raes chose to not renew their television contract permitting them to tour and promote their music.
As a child, Cherrill loved to sing. She admired Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and the Motown sound. It was now her time, to take the act on the road to promote the release of their new music. They traveled and performed with ABBA, Peaches & Herb, Chic, The Village People, and the Police, (featuring Sting). They sang on all the top television shows: Merv Griffin, Dance Fever, Soap Factory, The Tonight show, The Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack, Soul Train, Dick Clarks American Bandstand, Mike Douglas.
The hits kept coming, "A Little Lovin" was followed up by (I Only Wanna) "Get Up and Dance" then "Don't Turn Around" and "Two Hearts."
"My goal was not to be a big star, but to get as much out of my singing as possible" explains Cherrill. "Connecting with the music, the audience and the band - this is what I was born to do."

As the disco era cooled off, so did the Raes relationship. But to complicate matters, Cherrill lost her magnificent voice. She took time off, but the situation was worse then she imagined. She had a cyst on her vocal cord. With surgery and a positive attitude she was able to rebound.

As a long time fan of Cher, Cherrill found her inspiring. "She always gives 100%." Cherrill hopes to reap the same success that Cher has achieved with her come back albums. "Look At Me Now" is the title of her new CD. Recorded at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios, the album includes a remake of "I'll be Around." Now sung as an upbeat dance version (I'll be around originally was recorded by The Spinners) with legendary artist Major Harris, it gives this former classic a new life. The entire CD has the Philly sound. It combines ballads, dance tracks, some funk and a HOTT Latin single "Guitar man" which has a Santana feel. The new CD was produced by Butch Ingram and includes vocals by all the Ingram brothers.
Now residing in Florida, Cherrill Rae is planing a return to Philadelphia's Sigma Sound to remix dance tracks for "No Matter" and possibly "A little Lovin."

Cherrill's music made the dance floor irresistible.
She still has that magic.

Competition Highlights

Bill Cameron's New Years Dance Extravaganza

*Intermediate West Coast Swing Jack & Jill *
Eric Cudmore & Yuna Davtyan
Michael Smith & Laura Cozik
Rotchild Ma Gloire & Maryellen Muchowski
Rob Current & Deb Martinez
Tom Dennesen & Missy Ralston

*Advanced Hustle Jack & Jill *
Wingo Hom & Jennifer Lyons
David Raines & Angela McCabe
Steven Borth & Nancy Tuzzolino

*Just Dance Hustle *
Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
Tybaldt Ulrich & Hazel Mede
Bill Kontogianis & Nancy Tuzzolino
David Raines & Valerie Hunt

*Champions Just Dance West Coast Swing *
Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann
Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekely
Robert Royston & Nicola Royston
Ken Roesel & Jennifer Lyons
Erik Novoa & Ligaya Fish
David Graybill & Tami Harris
John Festa & Hazel Mede

*Intermediate/Advanced Hustle Pro/Am *
Gold - Silvana Gallagher & Angela McCabe
Gold - Brian Gallagher & Mimi Doi
Silver - Ken Roesel & Paige Danby

TO RON

SOME DANCE LINKS

MARK JAMES' DANCE SPORT SITE

SPIRTUALITY & GROWTH

MARK'S CORNER with Links

Webmaster & Sponsored by Mark James

TO MARK