2007 Invited:
Instructors, Judges, DJs & MC

Workshops taught by the best in the nation. Invited Professional Staff & DJS included.

Ron Bess (MC), Ron resides in Southern New Jersey and has been dancing in the Hustle scene for over 29 years. He has performed on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dance Fever" and has won over 100 dance contests throughout the United States. Ron has been the Master of Ceremonies at many Hustle conventions and events including Discoamerica, World Hustle Dance Championships, Mad Jam, World Disco Classic, Hustle USA.....Currently he promotes/organizes dance socials, coaches dance couples and is the editor of the on line weekly dance newsletter "DanceTalk®." Recipient of the 2002 Christopher M. Nardone Award, he has been performing hustle / theatrical routines with his nine year old daughter Lauren for six years. Ron has also promoted and CO-produced events including The PBS televised "Get Down Tonight - The Disco Explosion," The Holiday Spectacular, The NY Disco Exhibit and is a member of the voting committee for the Disco Music Awards held each year in NY. Visit his dance newsletter at: http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html

Lori Brizzi, started teaching when she became "hooked" on the hustle and social dancing. She then branched off to all different styles of partner dance. She has won numerous dance championships in international Latin, Theater Arts, Cabaret, and is a 2 time winner of the Zachary's Dance Contest, Sabado Gigante and the Daily News Mambo Contest. She was a featured performer of such prestigious dance companies as "American Ballroom Theater" and "Swing Dance America". She has been the floor show many NYC night clubs, has made numerous TV and movie appearances, and has taught and performed all over the world: in Germany, for Club Med and for Norwegian, Carnival and Holland America Cruise Lines.

A renewed love of Hustle has inspired her to start her once a month NYC dance party "Millennium Hustle" featuring Hustle, Salsa, and West Coast Swing. Because of it's popularity, it has blossomed into NY City's Premier Hustle Party at different locations every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of the month and just celebrated it's 4 year anniversary this May.

Lori is the event director of NYC's only major hustle event "The New York Hustle Congress" which runs simultaneously with David Melendez's
" New York Salsa Congress". This will be their second year together at the NY Hilton on Labor Day weekend. Also, Lori is very happy to announce that she will be teaching and performing at the return of the hustle night at Lincoln Center's annual outdoor concert and dancing series "Midsummer Night Swing" Wed night, July 12th with DJ Nelson "Paradise" Roman. check out www.loribrizzi.com and www.nyhustlecongress.com for more info

Barbara Capaldi (bio to come)

Nellie Cotto, Her contributions to the Hustle dance are endless. This awesome, fearless dancer has had numerous partners: Floyd Chishom, Eddie Vega, Kenny Gonzales, Arte Phillips. Regardless of which partner she danced with, she was always magnificent. Nellie has won numerous competitions and now performs. She has traveled all over the globe. Nellie is most remembered for dancing on the Merv Griffth Show with Floyd Chishom that first gave her dancing career a boost.

Elizabeth Darchi, NY, Elizabeth has been dancing for many years with an extensive repertoire in Ballet, Jazz, and Ballroom. Hustle is her main love which has drawn her back into the world of dance after a long break. Throughout that time period she has competed as a Theater Arts and Classic Amateur at many Hustle competitions till 1995, always placing as top three. Once Pro she has remained in the top 3 status at Hustle USA, IHSC and Disco America. She has taught ballroom and hustle for the Battista Dance Studio, Stepping Out Dance Studio, Sandra Cameron's Studio and Authur Murrays. Her unique style has also been recognized in front of the camera by both the film and television industries, such as Buscando Estrella (Star Search), Carlitos Way, Channel 5 GoodDay NY and has performed as a backup dancer with Carol Douglas ("Midnight Love Affair") at Lincoln Center. She was assistant instructor for the stage production of "Saturday Night Fever" in the National Theater, Santo Domingo . Her approach to teaching is fun and informative and she emphasizes a strong and solid foundation in hustle technique to expand this dance beyond the conventions of "Hustle" as we know it today. She has judged and taught workshops for Julliard School of Dance, Hustle USA, Lincoln Center Swing Fest, Disco America, IHSC, Summer Hummer, New Years Extravaganza, Swing Fling to name a few. The Hip-Hop, Rumba, Cha-Cha style in Hustle has been the hallmark of her career.

Stracy Diaz, her forte is the New York technique of Mambo/Salsa and the Latin Hustle. She has an extensive professional career as an instructor / performer / choreographer and as a principle dancer with the Descarga Latina Dance Company. Earning an impressive resume in Film/TV and stage, Stracy has had the pleasure of working with many of the best in the history of Latino performers such as: the late Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Rueben Blades, Mark Anthony, John Leguizamo, Lauren Velez and Sonia Braga. She became New York's first Puerto Rican stuntwoman in the early 90s and has most recently worked in several featured films and television shows, including Kate and Leopold, Marcy X, Empire, Stuart Little II and Third Watch. She also headlined in two of New York's off-Broadway musical hits, "Latin Madness" and "Quien Mato a Hector Lavoe." Stracy's greatest passion is sharing her love and knowledge for music, dance, fitness and fun.

Brian Gallagher, PA, Brian Gallagher, the nation's long time hustle champion, is based in Philadephia, Pa, where he helps to promote and teach Hustle dancers and competitors. Brian has an ability to break down dance patterns to help you understand the four major components for a comfortable lead and follow: movement, framework, footwork, and timing. It doesn't matter whether you are a beginner learning your basics or the advanced dancer learning travel, shaping, and/or syncopations.

Having been trained in Ballroom and Latin prior to coming into Hustle, Brian incorporates a variety of dynamics: travelling, shaping, syncopated rhythms, creative combinations, and let's not forget - speed. Brian is well known for travelling moves, creativity, and burning up the floor at a 130 bpms without hesitation. Being a part of one of the most celebrated Hustle teams of the decade..." Brian Gallagher is our current "2004 US Professional Theater Arts Hustle Champions" and our undefeated "Professional Just Hustle Champion". He has won every major Hustle competition over the last decade. Brian offers workshops, privates, as well as videos to help your Hustle progress.

Silvana Gallagher, is known as one of the top professional Hustle and Theater Arts dancers in the United States. Having a successful 10 year career with her partner, Brian Gallagher, Silvana is now working towards becoming one of the countries top Dance Instructors in her field of Hustle. Her mission is to inspire, create, and achieve artistic dancing. Silvana's dance career began in 1988. She started with a local Ballet and Jazz dance company, in Doylestown, PA. Though Ballet and Jazz were her start, partner dancing was her true passion. Three years later she moved on and into the city of Philadelphia for formal Ballroom and Latin training. She has not stopped since. In 1992, shortly after starting her training in Ballroom and Latin, Silvana was introduced to Hustle and Brian Gallagher and together they trained and pursued a competitive career in Hustle and Theater Arts. Though Hustle became her competitive dance, Silvana never stopped training as a dancer. She continued and still continues her coaching in Hustle, Jazz, Ballroom, Latin and has added dances to her repertoire since, such as West Coast Swing and Salsa. Silvana is based in Philadelphia. She primarily teaches out of two locations: DanceSport 101 in West Philadelphia, PA and La Luna Dance Studio in Bensalem, PA. She also travels nationally coaching, judging, performing and competing. So look for her in a city near you.

Jose Gonzalez, A versatile dancer who has performed on all the casino stages of Atlantic City, NJ. One of the original, nationally- ranked hustle dancers, he continues to choreograph, perform, and teach all types of dance. Some notable disco accomplishments include the ’78 Merv Griffin THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY Special, The PLAYBOY Dance Finals at Great Gorge, DANCE FEVER, and THE HARVEST MOON BALL. An alumni of the dance groups “Waves” and the “Evening Magazine Dancers” of Philadelphia, he has worked professionally with Dean Martin, Rita Moreno, Debbie Reynolds, Rip Taylor, Merv Griffin, Jerry Van Dyke, Phyllis Diller, and many more celebrities during his years on the casino circuit. Currently he is creator/manager of JStarCompany, an internet talent agency and produces special events for casinos and private affairs. His recent accomplishments have been performing in Fercos’ "Untamed Illusions" at the Tropicana Casino and as the biker of the VILLAGE PEOPLE in “Legends In Concert.”

Kenny Gonzales, NY, has been dancing on a professional level since 1978. During this time he has appeared in several music videos and has been featured on numerous television and screen appearances including "Sabado Gigante" and "Eastside Story". He & his partners (Lourdes Jones, Nellie Cotto, and Maria Torres) have won many pretigious theatrical dance and exhibition accolades. His most recent victories include--The American Swing Dance Championship (New York) and The World Dance Festival (Basil, Switzerland). Kenny has performed throughout Europe, Isreal, Haiti, South America and the United States. He is currently a principal dancer working with the latin superstar Iris Chacon and the Eddie Torres Dance Company. Kenny is teaching and coaching in New York..

Keith Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle, Trained in Jazz, Ballet, Adagio, Ballroom, Swing and Hustle, Keith Gussoni, a native New Orleanian, has been dancing for over 25 years. He has trained with some of the most elite of instructors and coaches in the country. After a long absence from the dance world to raise his son, Keith a/k/a HustleNewOrleans, resurged in 1998 to the Hustle and Swing circuit. Dancing in the amateur divisions of, Keith and previous partners, Kathy Centenio and Joy Kohlmaier, have won numerous titles in the division of Classic, Theater Arts, Cabaret, Just Hustle and Jack 'n Jills at the following events: Hustle USA, International Hustle & Salsa Competition, Disco America, World Hustle Dance Championship, Texas Classic, Swing Fling, Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships, Paul Pellicoro's DanceSport and New Orleans Dance Mardi Gras. Since turning Pro in July 2002, Keith, with his top Pro Am partner, Celeste Pfefferle, has been competing and has won 1st Place titles at the International Hustle & Salsa Competition, Disco America, New Orleans Dance Mardi Gras and World Hustle Dance Championship. Keith was awarded the Top Male Instructor Award at the 2003 World Hustle Dance Championship in New Jersey for his achievements with his male and female students along with being invited on staff for the 2004 World Hustle Dance Championship, 2004 International Hustle; Salsa Competition in Miami, as well as other major national events. As an instructor, Keith believes it's all about giving to the students. They are, indeed, the key to our success.

Mark James (bio to come)

Joseph Kerner comes to us from Top Hat Dance Studio in Philadelphia. A dance performer, competitor and instructor for over 10 years – Joe has studied a variety of dance styles since 1989, including a mixture of street, social and ballroom dances along with ballet, jazz and modern. He is a 3-time International Hustle & Salsa Dance Champion, 2-time Disco America Champion, and Hustle USA Champion. Under the direction of choreographer Arte Phillips, Joe was the dance captain of Philadelphia’s celebrated dance troupes “Philly Dance Connection” in 2003 and “The Hustlefactor” in 2004 and 2005. Look for Joe in the Disco America dinner show as he celebrates his 7th year as a cast member and performer. When not performing, Joe teaches his unique blend of Hustle w/funk, along with Latin and ballroom dance at Top Hat’s Northeast Philly studio and competitions across the country..

Karen Lupa (bio to come)

Billy Marti (bio to come)

Bobby Morales (Dj) NYC. Bobby’s deejaying and dancing resume spans over 30 years. Born and raised in New York City, he has had Hustle in his blood since his introduction to the music and the dance in 1974. Recognized as one of Hustle’s premiere music men, he has shared his mixing talents with tens of thousands of dancers since Hustle’s resurgence in the early 90’s Known also for his Hustle dancing, he has always stayed connected with his crowd by deejaying from a dancer’s viewpoint.

He has been a headline DJ at numerous major Hustle events including Hustle USA, I.H.S.C., World Hustle Dance Championship, Pacific Hustle and Salsa Dance Classic, The New York Hustle Congress and of course, Donna Boyle’s Disco America since its inaugural year in 1999. He was also headline DJ at Lincoln Center’s annual Hustle gala for 11 years, and prior to 9/11, the Glitter Dance party at the W.T.C., playing alongside many of the 70’S wonderful artists from Hustle’s heyday. He was the original DJ for 2 of NYC’s longest running Hustle parties, the Wednesday dance party at Stepping Out Dance studio and Lori Brizzi’s Millenium Hustle party. He recently launched the Funky Friday’s party at Soho Dance Studio and rejoined the Millenium Hustle DJ roster, playing the first Saturday of every month at Il Campanello. You can purchase CD’s of Bobby’s in-demand classic and contemporary Hustle mixes at his booth or online at DJBobbymo@aol.com.

Bobby was also a member of the Latin Symbolics, one of New York’s original performing Hustle dance teams. Though he rarely competed, he has long been acknowledged for his unique social dancing skills. Called a NY Street or Club style of Hustle, he combines the best of old and new school steps and turns. After numerous requests, he finally put many of his signature moves on an instructional video. With the help of Jami Josephson, Cool Moves Revealed - Volume 1 was born. The response and reviews have been terrific. You can purchase the video at his booth or online at Jami’s website, Learn2Salsa.com. Be on the lookout for Volume 2 in the future.

Dave Muzi (DJ)

Steve Neeren, (DJ) is a 3 time NASDE award recipient and was named the "Most Improved Male Swing Dancer" at the 1997 U.S. Open Swing Dance championships. He's been competing, judging, teaching and Dj'ing on the West Coast Swing circuit for the past 12 years. Some of his competition titles include 1st Place Classic Division (Boogie By The Bay) & (New Year's Dance Extravaganza); 1st Place Invitiational Jack & Jill (Jack & Jill O'Rama);1st Place Professional Strictly Swing (Michigan Classic Dance Championships) Also, the past couple of years saw him teaching West Coast Swing in England. For the past year he's been teaching West Coast Swing and Hustle at Dancesport in New York City.

Louis Orlando, NJ, Louis has been dancing hustle for over 20 years. His expert lead and rythym (with a Hip-Hop, Rumba, Cha-Cha style in Hustle) has gained him great exposure. He has judged for Hustle USA, Disco America, IHSC, Summer Hummer, New Years Extravaganza, plus more. Louis has danced for the film and television industries, such as Carlitos Way, Channel 5 GoodDay NY, and backup dancer with Carol Douglas ("Midnight Love Affair") at Lincoln Center'. He teaches privates in New York/New Jersey and throughout all dance events.

Roberto Pagan, owns, direct, and produces an entertainment company called New York Express which was established over 20 years ago. For the past 10 years, he has owned Roberto’s Dance Studio.

I have earned over 200 professional titles during the past 10 years in styles including American Rhythm, Hustle, Mambo, Salsa, Theatre Arts and Show Dance. I have also achieved the World Hustle Champion title in Ballroom. I have been a trainer at Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire dance studios, which are the largest Ballroom studios in the world. I trained with top coaches in the Ballroom circuit, gaining extensive experience in American Rhythm and Smooth. I have International training in Latin and Standard, and special skills in drops, lifts and tricks. With my knowledge and experience, I judge and teach workshops at large competitions worldwide.

I also directed and choreographed professional performances held in Atlantic City, on Broadway, at the Catskills, and in Las Vegas. I have toured across the United States, Asia and Europe, and have also performed on major cruise ships such as the Sea Borne and at large corporate events for companies including American Express, Clairol and IBM.

During my career, I have performed opening acts for Joy Behar, Perry Como, Howie Mandell, Liza Minnelli, The Village People, Walt Disney and many more. Most recently I danced in the movie called El Cantante starring Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.

I provide high quality service, skill, and expertise to my clients and students. Many of my students have gone on to excel on Broadway, become professional cheerleaders, and win roles as lead dancers throughout the world. My true passion is what I do everyday - - dance and entertain people. Through my hard work and experience, I have built a solid reputation, one which has helped me earn the loyalty and respect of my peers.

Paul Pellicoro owns and operates DanceSport International Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio in New York City. Since 1985, Paul has contributed enormously to the tremendous resurgence of partner dancing in Manhattan and across the nation. In 1995, he co-founded the Partner Dance Educational Fund, a not-for-profit organization with a stated mission to bring partner dancing to a wider public. Currently, the Fund sponsors free dance workshops in New York City public schools and private spaces.

Arte Phillips, NY, Arte is an international dance performer, choreographer and teacher. His choreographic and performing work spans music videos, top recording stars, theatre productions and musicals. Arte was The United States Ballroom Champion, 5 time Star Search Finalist and winner of the "Gypsy of the Year" (Best of Broadway). He has danced on numerous award shows as well as the Miss America Pagent and Broadway Bares. Arte performed in several Broadway shows such as: Tommy Tune's "Grand Hotel", "Victor Victoria" with Julie Andrews, "Once Upon a Mattress" with Sarah Jessica Parker, the original workshop of "Fosse" and danced in the Broadway production of "Swing".

As a choreographer Arte has presented his work extensively throughout the Metropolitan area. For example: "Victor Victoria" at the Papermill Playhouse, "Big Rosemary" at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center, "Harmony" at the La Jolla Playhouse, and a production of "Saturday Night Fever" at the National Theater in Santo Domingo, He was the Associate Choreographer for the Broadway production "Swing".
Arte's start in his career as a dancer and performer is Hustle. He has judged and taught at numerous hustle events and choreographed shows for: International Hustle and Salsa Competition, Hustle USA, Disco America, Summer Hummer, World Disco Classic, the list goes on. He is the most sought out choreographer for Hustle dance teams. Traveling extensively throughout the United States he can be found coaching, conducting workshops and choreographing. Arte's website is: www.artephillipsdance.com

Fred & Tina Price from Cleveland Ohio and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary September 2005. They have been dancing the Hustle since 1980. They're best known for the “graceful way” they dance their Hustle.

Introduced to the West Coast Swing in 1996 they quickly fell head over heels with the dance. They love that they can combine their favorite past-times -DANCING – TRAVELING and MAKING NEW FRIENDS. Both Fred & Tina teach dance part time and would love to make it a full time career.

They both have played a very important part in their hometown dance club-The Cleveland Akron Swing & Hustle Club. Fred has held such positions as President, Vice President, Music Coordinator and club DJ and Tina has been the club’s Treasurer, Workshop Coordinator and CASH BASH Co-Event Coordinator.

They are invited to teach workshops to judge dance competitions at Swing& Hustle dance events across the country. They also compete and have numerous titles and trophies to show for their accomplishments. Fred also DJ’s occasionally at some of these events. They have a passion for dancing and hope to share some of that passion with you. They are so excited to be able to share their dance experience with you and they are looking forward to seeing you in their workshops and on the dance floor.

Nelson "Paradise" Roman (DJ)

Luis & MaryAnn Rosa, World Hustle & Salsa Champion performed & taught with World Hustle Champion, Mary Ann in 1998. Then in 2000, they partnered together. Luis started hustle dancing in the streets of the Bronx, and Mary Ann in the streets of Brooklyn. Luis was a feature dancer in the film, Center Stage, and has been awarded a lifetime achievement award by the LA Salsa Congress for his contribution to Latin Music & Dance. Mary Ann started out in gymnastics and was captain of her high school team by senior year. Mary Ann was a feature dancer in the feature film, Summer of Sam, and Diega. Together, they started the explosive professional team of the, Latin Dance Connection.

Together, they hold titles in International Hustle and Salsa Competition, Theater Arts Division, and World Hustle Championships, World Open Hustle Division, & Professional Hustle Division. They are the World Hustle Dance Champions for 2004, and they were voted favorite dance couple in Ron Bess's Dance Talk Newsletter for 2003. Luis & Mary Ann can be seen on the televised event of the Disco Explosion filmed in Asbury Park, and they were on the CBS Sunday Morning News on March 6, 2005. They can also be seen in the Asbury Newspaper in August 2005, and the New York Sun on February 1, 2005. They were also on the Christina show, televised on May 15, 2006.

Raul Santiago (NY), pick any spot on a globe and there's a good chance Raul has danced, performed or competed there. Think of a style of dance and the chances are even better he's taught it. As Soho Dance Studio's Founder, Raul brings a lifetime of passion and experience to the staff and studio. From competing in and winning dance competitions in 15 different countries to his credits teaching hundreds of students and entertaining thousands as a performer, across the globe.

Raul's performance credits include program appearances on Telemundo and Univision, Public Broadcasting, Congreso Bacardi de la Salsa in San Juan, Puerto Rico, SBS National Television in Seoul, South Korea, Fox Films Digital Camera Video and screen credits including a feature performance in the 2003 hit movie, "Along Came Polly" with Jennifer Anniston and Ben Stiller. On the competition front, Raul's performed in professional competitions throughout the country and around the world dancing everything from Salsa to Ballroom to Swing and beyond. He's even created an instructional DVD for his students while teaching in Los Angeles.

Raul remains one of the most accomplished and sought after choreographers/instructors in New York City. Blending his cutting edge and meticulous teaching techniques with his Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage, Raul has spent his professional career performing and passing the beauty and power of dance along to his students.

As one of the founders of the studio we're excited to have Raul's fire and passion at Soho Dance and we know our emerging dancers will be excited too by his infectious love of dance and his wonderfully smooth teaching style and wealth of knowledge.

Joyce Szili has been Hustle dancing and competing for over 20 years. In 1994 she chose to dedicate herself full time to raising the awareness of Hustle as an art form in the dance communities of the Washington/Baltimore areas. For the past five years she has instructed, judged and DJ'd Hustle at many national and regional dance events including, the Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships, the Washington Dance Challenge "Easterns", Swing Fling, the International Hustle & Salsa Competition, the Chesapeake Jubilee and the Disco America Dance Championships. Joyce has appeared twice on Washington's Fox 5 Morning News teaching and promoting the Hustle. She has successfully competed nationally with professional and amateur partners and has received Top Female Hustle Teacher Awards at the Hustle USA Dance Championships in New York, the International Hustle and Salsa Competition in Miami, Florida and the Disco America Hustle Dance Championships in Philadelphia. Presently she is coaching a local Hustle Dance Team preparing them for competitions and exhibitions.

Hazel and Tybaldt Ulrich (NJ/NY), Hazel and Tybaldt teach and compete on the West Coast Swing and Hustle circuits and have a combined teaching experience of over 20 years. With an emphasis on partnering essentials, they bring joy and confidence to your dancing, whether through patterns basic or advanced, complex or elegant, with groove and flow throughout. Together they will help you understand the fundamentals and add a creative edge to your Swing and Hustle dancing. Most recently Hazel and Tybaldt have placed 1st in the Professional Strictly Hustle at the 2007 MADJam, where Hazel placed 2nd in the Invitational WCS Jack and Jill, 2nd in the Triple Threat (WCS, Hustle, Salsa) at the 2006 Big Easy Classic, 1st in the Invitational Jack and Jill at the 2006 NY Hustle Congress, 1st in the 2005 World Hustle Championships. They also tour the country, performing and teaching in small towns and major cities.