In a message dated 8/9/2004 9:03:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
Rowenlb22 writes:

Aug 14, Sat - NY - You Should Be Dancing's Club 412,
8PM to 1AM, at NY's hottest (and coolest) new dance venue,
Hustle/Swing (CA Mix)/Funk Freestyle night (in 3 rooms), the second
Saturday of every month. The refreshments will be cold and the music
hot! The night will begin at 8PM with a Hustle lesson by Robert
Vance, followed by Bobby Morales spinning for Hustle in the huge new
room from 9PM-1AM. located at 8th Avenue & 31st Street (just south of
Penn Station/Madison Square Garden), on the 4th Floor. 212-244-0011.
http://www.nyswingdance.com/


Happy Birthday wishes to Stacy Redler and Steve Salerno.

Dance Mania is going strong. This weeks winners (week # 3) were
Sundance & Crackerjack performing a pop-n-lock routine. The contest
continues every Sunday night in Las Vegas. All forms of dance are
welcome.
For details call Julia 702-355-4663

Punk Funk artist Rick James passed away last week. He wrote and sang
many hits including "Give It To Me Baby" and "Superfreak."

With all her college degrees behind her, Zulma Rodriquez now has time
to enjoy her other passions, one being teaching ballroom and Hustle..
which she will now be doing at "You Should Be Dancing" in NY. She
will be working with Robert Vance.

Next spring, Gloria Gaynor will mark 25 years since "I Will Survive"
rocked the dance charts. To celebrate there will be a national TV
special.

We had an overwhelming response and great feedback from the
feature "DJs favorite Gems." We asked some of the best classic DJ's
to share their favorite songs, that needed to be dusted off. Many of
those songs brought back great memories for our readers. Now that
we've polled the DJs, we are asking you, to send in your favorite
song from back in the day... primarily the ones that don't get played
today. We will list your name and favorite song in an upcoming
feature in DanceTalk®. Send your choices to Rowenlb22@... by
August 25th.

I hope you enjoy part 2 of the spotlight feature on dance pioneer
Jeff Shelley. Just 3 weeks ago, Jeff was inducted into the Hall Of
Fame at the World Hustle Dance Championships. If you missed Part 1 of
this spotlight feature, check out the archives at Mark James
website, http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html

Next week, we visit some of the most popular hustle dance contests,
from back in the day, as remembered by the competitors themselves.
You don't want to miss this.

Make it a great week,
Ron Bess


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"Spotlight"
Jeff Shelley (part 2)

This modern day Fred Astair could do it all. With an extensive
background in social dancing, Jeff had wonderful footwork, could
execute difficult adagio moves (with his partner/wife Donna)
including flips and over head aerial lifts. Dancing was 24/7. Along
with his brother Jack Shelley, they partnered with choreographer
Lester Wilson to write a book. (Lester helped teach and choreograph
routines for John Travolta in the motion picture Saturday Night
Fever.) Lester was well known for his "magic footprints," the easy
way to learn to dance. The new book gave instructional insight to
the American Hustle, the Rope and other popular dances.
For the last few years the couple was non stop running the New York
Hustle dance studios, performing on TV, personal appearances and
more... but the climate was changing. Disco and the hustle seemed to
be running out of gas. "The sound, the dress were changing, it became
different, it was classy up till now," Jeff recalls, the tide was
shifting. Although dancing remained in his heart, the studio success
had plummeted by 1986. It was time for a new chapter. The hustle had
fallen out of favor. Jeff and Donna would take their dancing and
performance on the road, or should I say the high sea. Recommended
by long time friend & dance legend, Francois Szony, the Shelley's
were contracted to perform on Cruise lines. The new venture was
extremely successful. But their talents were in need elsewhere.
Recruited by, Black Pool Dance Champion, Pierre Dulaine, Jeff and
Donna were asked to join the American Ballroom Theater. The Shelley's
would replace Pierre and his partner Yvonne. From 1989 to 1994 they
became an integral part of the theater and made this their new home.
Many professionals find that there are fewer options available for
dancers as opposed to actors or recording stars but, to join the
American Ballroom theater.. surely is a dance pinnacle. When the
theater came to an end, Jeff would then roll out his own show, "Four
on the Floor." It was made up of three thirty minute shows with a
singer and non stop entertainment.
Still dedicated to dancing, Jeff teaches in Staten Island, NY at the
Fred Astaire studio. He and Donna continue to perform, judge and
teach.
From 1972 till 1986.....14 years they championed the first dance
studios dedicated to hustle dancing. They warmed our hearts and
taught us some cool moves on their weekly appearances on the ever
popular dance television show "Soapfactory."
Admired by amateurs and professional alike, Jeff delivered a
sophistication in hustle that is seldom seen. For their years of
dance and creativity, they were just honored and inducted into the
World Hustle Dance Championships Hall Of Fame.
Jeff says it best, "Hustle dancing will never die, the music is still
hot."

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Letter to the Editor

Hi Ron;
This is Karen & Raymond (Originally lived in Florida, now living in
N.J.) I would like to wish a Happy Anniversary wish to my husband of
18 years 8/2/04. After 22 years together, we still both love dancing
& still love each other. In this day & age, this is almost unheard
of.
Thanks,
Karen Velez

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to
all who came out to Club Silhouette to help celebrate my 50th
birthday along w/ a few other birthday friends; Brad Pitre, James
Heath, Cathy Huff, Denise Gussoni Schneider & Dennis Vice... To my
good friends from Houston, Raye Avery & Sandra Gonzalez, Irene
Griffin & Frank Scheidell, and Mac McNary & Joy Silva, thank you for
coming down to be a part of my birthday celebration…gosh, what great
friends…Thanks HOUSTON...We Love You guys...We had a good group to
help me bring in the next 50 years and to listen to the sounds of The
Peggy Polk Band…great job...Peggy, I want to especially thank you for
the live performance ...so that Celeste & I could perform for our
families...After Celeste & I danced I decided to invite to the dance
floor my mother so that I could introduce her to my friends and to
thank her for a great 50 years...Although she is capable of walking,
she recently had surgery so I had my big brother & friend, Charlie
wheel her to the center of the dance floor...I thanked her for being
a part of my life and for all that she does to help me in my business
& in our daily lives... Except for the fact that my son, Nicholas was
not there (he had to work Saturday and Sunday, and he lives in
Memphis Tennessee), and my Dad & younger brother, David Gussoni, who
are in Heaven and were watching over us that night, this celebration
with all my family & friends was the best gift I could have ever
asked for......THANKS TO ALL OF YOU....
I want to thank all of my friends who helped make this a success...
Elaine Champagne, Debbie Arthur, Henry & Sandy de los Reyes, Shelly &
Judy Goutierrez, Paul, Sally & Valerie Davis,Catrinel Stanciu.
Mike 'The Door Man & Bouncer' Ott, & Wanda Howe... . Thanks for the
special drinks at the end of the night from Jim, Shawn Moody and
Kristen Jeans...Although I felt it the next morning or should I say,
the next afternoon, I just didn't want the Club to close, I didn't
want the night to end ...Thank God I only turn 50 once...lol...Kathy
& Lex Lambert for getting the word out on the website...Ron Bess for
spreading the word around the Hustle World in his weekly Hustle News
Letter...Oh, and how can I forget, Mr. Tony 'Taken Care Of Business
While You're Gone' Belala..
All in all, I can say that if I live another 50 years, which I
seriously doubt, I could not ever have a better night of celebrating
with my family & closest friends…Even with the ones who could not be
there I know you were there in heart....THANK YOU...
To Celeste, My Love, Thank You, Baby Girl, You Are The Best...I Love
You...
Wait, yours is yet to come....9 months til' your Big One....
Keith Gussoni

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Auditions, Competitions, Socials, Concerts & More.....

Aug 14, Sat - NY - You Should Be Dancing's Club 412,
8PM to 1AM, at NY's hottest (and coolest) new dance venue,
Hustle/Swing (CA Mix)/Funk Freestyle night (in 3 rooms), the second
Saturday of every month. The refreshments will be cold and the music
hot! The night will begin at 8PM with a Hustle lesson by Robert
Vance, followed by Bobby Morales spinning for Hustle in the huge new
room from 9PM-1AM. located at 8th Avenue & 31st Street (just south of
Penn Station/Madison Square Garden), on the 4th Floor. 212-244-0011.
http://www.nyswingdance.com/

Aug 14, Sat - Pa - Swing Dancing, Philadelphia Swing Dance Society's
only dance for the month of August at Widener Hall in beautiful
Chestnut Hill. The hall has a smooth, springy wooden floor to dance
on, its own large and private parking lot, and more! Music will be
provided by local swing DJ Marty Albion (remember - the DJ from the
Five Spot). The evening starts with beginner/review lessons ()
starting at 7:00 p.m. (included with admission), followed by dancing
from 8:30 or so until midnight! Admission is $10 -- or $7 if you
bring a current student i.d. or (for non-students) if you bring a
treat to share. Or YOU CAN GET IN FREE if you volunteer to help
(call Marty or Meriam at (215) 321-5040

Aug 15, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle, with new spring hours from 8-
12PM. Music mixed by veteran DJ Johnny '"O." Classic club music,
large spacious dance floor and a friendly atmosphere. It's twice as
nice every other Sunday night.
Starlight Dance Center, 7 High Street Nutley 973-235-9835
www.starlightdanceusa.com

Aug 15, Sun - NY- City Cafe, Rhythm Force Bobby 'O' & Keith Harrison,
present their Sunday night party with DJ Johnny V. Special
performance by Miquel Marrero and Stacy Redler. Two dance floors and
a private dance floor downstairs Proper attire please $5- Before
8pmw/invite $6- After 8PM w/invite or printout $7-Without invite
987 Stewart Avenue Garden City NY 11530 (516) 222-1421
http://www.ctycafe.biz-----off/

Aug 20, Fri - NY - Platinum Hustle & WCSwing Party at Empire Dance
with Hosts Laura Cozik and Erik Novoa. Free Intermediate HUSTLE
lesson @ 8PM. DJ Erik Novoa will be spinning the best of Classic &
Contemporary WCS & Hustle. Empire Dance, 127 West 25th Street,
between 6th & 7th Avenues. 212-645-2441. $12
http://www.swingshoes.net/

Aug 21, Sat - NJ - Benefit Dance for the Wheelchair dancers. A great
fund raiser for a great cause. All the proceeds go to assist dancers
for lessons and special wheelchairs. At the Spinning W ranch in
Medford , 7:30 PM, great dance floor and sound system with DJ Kenny
Arditi. Tickets can be purchased from Sandi Fortuna at Universal
Dance center, Joe Murphy at Haddonfield Dance or from Wendy
Lippincott (write her at spinningw@...) tickets can be purchased
at Michael's Cafe on Tuesday nights. Raffle tickets are only $10
each. When you purchase 3 or more you get a free ticket to the dance.
You could win a weeks stay in Hilton Head...valued at over $1000.00.
For more details write to spinningw@...

Aug 21, Sat - NY - Summer Hustle, West Coast Swing, & Salsa Party.
Two rooms--one for Hustle & West Coast Swing with DJ Erik Novoa and
one for Salsa. Doors open at 8:00 PM for beginner lesson. Dancing
9:00 PM to 1:00 am. Complimentary snacks. Hosted by Lisa Daniels.
Admission: $10. Location: Sandra Cameron Dance Center, 199 Lafayette
St., 2nd floor, btwn. Broome & Spring. For more info. call 212-431-
1825.

Aug 22, Sun - Pa - "THE IN CROWD" DANCE PARTY At Beat Street,
hosted by Donna Boyle, Hustle, Latin, Swing, Music, Dance Lesson at
7PM, Party at 7:30PM $10 located at 4401 Cresson St (Manayunk Train
Station) Manayunk, 215- 508- 3000 www.discoamerica.com
Donnaboyledisco@...

Aug 23, Mon - NJ - Battista Dance Studio, Presents their hustle dance
social the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 9 - 11:30 PM, Great
music and a large dance floor. The crowd keeps getting bigger and
bigger. Come on out and Hustle, Latin and WCS, The Battista Dance
Studio

Aug 27, Fri - NJ-Friday Night Dance Fever at the Atrium with Brian
Gallagher." The dance community deserves a great atmosphere." Lots of
hustle with a variety of other popular dance music provided by DJ
Kenny Arditi. A $10.00 donation includes complimentary
Beginner/fundamental HUSTLE lesson with Brian 8-9 PM, open dancing
from 9:00PM-1:00AM. Some fun treats & soda available. 4721 N.
Crescent Blvd., Pennsauken.

Aug 28, Sat - NJ - Got Swing? Special Saturday dance as we welcome
Hazel Mede and Tybaldt Ulrich, 2 of the nicest dancers anywhere, from
NYC for their first visit to the Del Val area at The Atrium Dance
Studio, for 2 workshops and a dance! 7:00-7:50 PM Hot Hustle; 8:00-
8:50 PM Cool WCS 9:00-12:30 Just Dance! $10 per person per workshop
or $25 for both workshops & dance. Dance only is $10. Demos and more!
Hazel & Tybaldt will be available Sat & Sun for private lessons in
either Hustle or WCS Contact Rob & Sheila to schedule at 856-858-6753
or email bpurkey@...

Aug 28, Sat - NJ - Rhythm In Shoes, with Phil LaMothe, lesson 8:00pm
to 9:00pm -California mix from 9:00PM to 12:00pm *** -
refreshments will be served. Admission is $5 for current private and
full group students, $8 for non students.
708A Main Street Boonton, NJ 07005, 973-335-9920
www.rhythminshoes.com

Sept 2, Thurs - NY - a Dance Upon A Time presented by Bobbi Petri, NY
HOT MIX DANCE PARTY , every Thursday 9:00 PM Grand Opening Sept. 2nd
Free admission that evening. Dancers of all ALL levels are welcome,
Hustle Salsa & WCS, HUGE DANCE FLOOR, Separate areas for swing
dancing during the Hustle segments, and an area exclusively for
experienced/advanced dancers who wish to perform "tricks" and "lifts"
(within reason). Our trained staff will be more than willing to help
newcomers & beginners feel comfortable on the dance floor. Come have
fun in a dancer-friendly environment. Charisma Ballroom located in
Queens at 71-46 Main Street, Kew Gardens Hills. For details 917 566-
3445 dhdanceteacher@...

Sept 5, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle, with new spring hours from 8-
12PM. Music mixed by veteran DJ Johnny '"O." Classic club music,
large spacious dance floor and a friendly atmosphere. It's twice as
nice every other Sunday night.
Starlight Dance Center, 7 High Street Nutley 973-235-9835
www.starlightdanceusa.com

Sept 10 - 12, NY - Stardust Weekend, the ultimate in dance
entertainment,
at the newly refurbished Nevele resort in Ellenville, NY. The hottest
bands, Finest DJ's, great instructors and non stop action. Over 60
dance workshops, 7 all you can eat meals, four dance bands, 4 DJs,
top night club entertainment and so much more.
The staff includes Donna DeSimone, Nick Lecakes, Teddy Kern, Joel &
Pam Greenspan, Roberto Pagan, Stephanie Falciano, Lori Ann
Greenhouse, Erik Novoa & Laura Cozik, Joey Lulenski, Solomon
Singer........For more details write stardust@... or (800)
537-2797 http://www.stardustdance.com

Sept 11, Sat - PA, TOP HAT DANCE STUDIO presents
"The Spirit of Dance," 2nd annual dinner theatre production at
Cannstatter's VOlkfest Verein in Philadelphia. Choreographed by Arte
Phillips & the staff of Top Hat.
Sit-down dinner, a full scale dinner show, with dance party
immediately after. The evening begins at 5:30pm, with dinner starting
promptly at 6:00PM. The show starts at 8:00PM. Tickets (dinner, show
and party) $45.00 for adults & $20.00 for children 12 & under. Show
only tickets are $20.00 for adults & $10.00 for children 12 & under.
(215) 676-3100 or (717) 353-6653. email us at
info@...

Sept 17, Fri - NY - Platinum Hustle & WCSwing Party at Empire Dance
with Hosts Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik. Free Intermediate WCS lesson
@ 8PM. DJ Erik Novoa will be spinning the best of Classic &
Contemporary WCS & Hustle. Empire Dance, 127 West 25th Street,
between 6th & 7th Avenues. 212-645-2441. $12
http://www.swingshoes.net/


Sept 18, Sat - NJ - Universal Dance Sport Party, hosted by Donna
Boyle. 7:45PM Dance lesson, 8:30PM party to hustle, latin and WCS.
Great dance floor in a friendly atomsophere. For more detials write
Donnaboyledisco@...
Located at Collingswood

Sept 19, Sun - NJ - 100% Pure Hustle, with new spring hours from 8-
12PM. Music mixed by veteran DJ Johnny '"O." Classic club music,
large spacious dance floor and a friendly atmosphere. It's twice as
nice every other Sunday night.
Starlight Dance Center, 7 High Street Nutley 973-235-9835
www.starlightdanceusa.com

Sept 26, Sun - Pa - "THE IN CROWD" DANCE PARTY At Beat Street
hosted by Donna Boyle, Hustle, Latin, Swing, Music, Dance Lesson at
7pm, Party at 730pm $10 located at 4401 Cresson St (Manayunk Train
Station) Manayunk, 215- 508- 3000 www.discoamerica.com or
donnaboyledisco@...

Sept 29, HUSTLE plus DANCE EXCURSION 2004
An extended weekend of dancing, workshops and other fun adventures in
NY. WED. 9:30PM till very late SATURDAY NIGHT, Oct. 2nd. With
flexible registration, you may do a few days or Enjoy it ALL! Early
Bird Registration Deadline: August 18th. Currently there are just 3
guaranteed Front Mezzanine Lion King Tickets available for the next
three individuals who register. This year's dance menu includes:
Hustle plus WCS and Latin with: Arte Phillips, David Sarul, Donna
Boyle, Kimberly Vanaman, Laura Cozik and Erik Novoa, Lori Brizzi,
Steve Neeren, and Maria Torres! FOR MORE INFORMATION: (617) 965 -
4054 OR Email to: jskg-vanaman@...

October 28 - November 1, 2004 Halloween in Harrisburg
The Pennsylvania Country Dance Classic and SwingZing The Pennsylvania
Swing and Hustle Championships,
Radisson Penn Harris Hotel US Route 15 at Erford Road 17011
717-763-7117 to make a hotel reservation 717-763-4416 to ask
questions 717-731-0500 to receive a mailed brochure 717-731-6060
facsimile
www.cwdancing.com/harrisburg/

Jan 21 - 23, 2005 - Dance America Seattle is offering $15,000 in
cash awards for Salsa, Hustle, WC Swing and Showcase competitions.
Also $2,000 in cash awards are reserved for a newly added Salsa Team
competition.
Featuring over 40 hours of workshops with nationally recognized
professionals,
Professional Competitions, Pro-Am and Amateur competitions, Novice
and Advance Jack n' Jills (For all levels), Salsa Team competitions ,
2 Dance floors, 3 nights of fun dancing and events.
www.danceamericaseattle.com

Jan 27 - 31, 2005 - Hustle Dance Cruise 2005, 6th Annual Hustle Event
& Vacation-at-Sea, sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Key West to
Cozumel, Mexico & back over Superbowl Weekend... On Royal Caribbean's
5-Star "Enchantment of the Seas," rates start at $400. per person
(plus tax) to RESERVE call 954-431-7771. "Hustle Into Paradise" with
pool and beach parties, workshops & lots of social dancing. Questions
call Drew Axelrod at 754- 246-2874 or visit www.hustlecruise.com

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The following sites post "DanceTalk" weekly. Please pass the

word. These are excellent sites for dance information.


http://www.dkndance.com


http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html


http://www.giantgene.com

http://www.soul-patrol.com

http://dmoz.org/Arts/Performing_Arts/Dance/Disco

http://www.mjames.org

http://www.nyswingdance.com

http://www.hustleandsalsa.com

http://www.DJJOHNNYV.COM

http://www.Discoamerica.com

http://www.danceamericaseattle.com

http://communities.msn.com/TheDanceDesigner

http://www.HustleCruise.com

http://www.movingtomusic.com.

http://www.mrcdance.com

http://www.stardustdance.com


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Ron Bess
DanceTalk®