The new film, “Musical Chairs” is a unique blend of dance, drama and romance of two New Yorkers, Armando Ortiz from the Bronx and Mia Franklin from the Upper East Side, who come together through their love of ballroom dancing featuring both disabled and able-bodied performers in its rousing dance scenes. The film stars newcomers Leah Pipes and E.J. Bonilla pair as unlikely lovers in contemporary New York who must face a number of challenges, both separately and together, before finding one another–and themselves.  Also starring Tony-winner Priscilla Lopez, Jaime Tirelli, Laverne Cox, Morgan Spector, Auti Angel, Jerome Preston Bates, Nelson R. Landrieu, and Angelic Zambrana, Musical Chairs was produced by Janet Carrus and Joey Dedio. Musical Chairs is about Armando (Bonilla) a Bronx-bred Latino who aspires to be a dancer but whose only way in is as a handyman at a Manhattan dance studio, and Mia (Pipes), an Upper East Side princess who is the studio’s star performer. Top dancer, Mia gets in a tragic accident leaving her wheelchair-bound, her love interest introduces her to wheelchair ballroom dance and helps Mia rediscover her passion for dance, and for life. Though worlds apart, their shared passion for dance promises to bring them together until a tragic accident changes Mia’s life forever, and she finds herself wheelchair-bound at a rehab facility, with her dreams of a dance career shattered. Fortunately, Armando has enough dreams for both of them and, when he hears about a wheelchair ballroom dance competition that will soon be held in NY, he sees a way to return something to Mia that she thinks is lost forever.  At first she is reluctant–wheelchair dancing, though highly popular overseas, is something she never even knew existed. But, with the help of several other residents at the rehab center, Armando organizes an intense training program that will bring them all center stage and in the spotlight. Musical Chairs, the latest film by renowned director Susan Seidelman screened at The International Film Festival of Manhattan. Producer Janet Carrus, long active in charities benefiting the disabled, and herself an ardent ballroom dance enthusiast, who first had the idea of building a film around the phenomenon of wheelchair ballroom dancing, an activity long popular in Europe and Asia, but which is only now developing a wider following in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.musicalchairsthefilm.com/

Hula enthusiasts from around the world are invited to celebrate the art of hula in its native surroundings at the 6th Annual International Waikiki Hula Conference, May 17 to 19, 2013 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Open to dancers of all experience levels with an interest in hula, the conference will bring together hundreds of hula lovers for a weekend filled with hula, chant, history, crafts and more. The conference workshops, mele (songs) and hula will pay tribute to and celebrate the Merrie Monarch Festival’s 50th anniversary. The festival honors the legacy of King David Kalākaua, which perpetuates traditions, native language and the arts. The workshop mele and hula will be taught by award-winning kumu hula (hula teachers), some of whom have also competed on the famed Merrie Monarch stage. “The International Waikiki Hula Conference brings together members of the worldwide hula community with some of the industry’s most renowned Hawaiian cultural practitioners to perpetuate the authentic art of hula,” said Marnie Weeks, International Waikiki Hula Conference producer. “We hope that visitors and locals alike will join us in extending the celebratory spirit of the 50th Merrie Monarch Festival for this special weekend of appreciation and respect for hula.” With over 80 Merrie Monarch-themed workshops at this International Waikiki Hula Conference, attendees will have the opportunity to learn hula with special significance to kuma hula. Attendees also will learn about Hilo, Merrie Monarch’s hometown, and its special places through songs such as “Hilo Hula,” written in the 1940s by Joseph Nohea Kalima and taught by his granddaughter, kumu Iwalani Kalima. In addition to learning mele and hula, participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars covering related aspects of hula, such as making an authentic ti leaf Hilo-style neck lei or an ipu heke (double gourd drum) with one of Hawaii’s master implement crafters. The International Waikiki Hula Conference offers individuals the rare opportunity to come to Hawaii to learn, share and experience hula in the land of its birth, with a variety of respected hula masters. Visit www.waikikihulaconference.com.

January 2013 — Musical strains from the Paul Errico Orchestra will fill the air of the Pierre Grand Ballroom and guests will fill the dance floor at “No Feet Left Behind,” Dancing Classrooms’ benefit dinner dance, on Wednesday, February 13.  The black-tie gala is Dancing Classrooms’ major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will play an important role in helping the organization carry out its mission: To build social awareness, confidence and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance. Continue reading →

Swing Into Winter – In recognition of Valentine’s Day, Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band Headline the Edison Ballroom Swing into Winter on Friday, February 15, 2013. The Edison Ballroom will host big band leader, Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band.  Having traveled the world performing with icons like Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Tony Bennett, Joe’s brilliant big band sound is considered among the best ever.  He has performed for such dignitaries as Hilary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, and Barbara Walters.  For more than 10 years, Joe and his orchestra performed regularly at The Rainbow Room, Tavern on the Green, and Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, but this date represents his 3rd anniversary of his performing at the Edison Ballroom.  Joe’s New York Big Band is composed of a 16- piece orchestra as well as accompanying vocalists.  Also featured at this event will be the romantic Latin sounds of Direct Latin Influence, also known as DLI. For more information, please contact info@edisonballroom.com. Continue reading →

The Ballet Physique, Colorado’s first independent barre fitness studio, is home to a transformational exercise method that fuses elements of strength training, cardio, Pilates and classical dance. Dance is a great way to inspire confidence in women, as well as a fun and healthy way to stay fit throughout one’s life.  With the new barre workout series, The Ballet Physique DVD Collection, both experienced and aspiring dancers can now join in on the popular new dance workout trend of barre fitness without leaving home. The Ballet Physique DVD Collection is suitable for every fitness level and includes two distinct routines. These full-body workouts are designed to melt fat, blast calories, flatten abs, and sculpt muscles. The two routines featured in the series are now available to view as a video online including Signature Sculpt and Amped Up. Kristen Zurek, founder of The Ballet Physique, certified fitness instructor and former professional dancer, is the lead instructor in Signature Sculpt, a dynamic 60-minute workout with light weights, intense yet non-impact exercise sequences, and ballet-inspired techniques. Amped Up is a 45-minute express class that focuses on building strength and boosting the metabolism through the use of heavier weights and fast-paced exercises, a perfect workout to maximize calorie burn in a time crunch. Kristin Skordahl, a certified personal trainer and the assistant director of training at The Ballet Physique Fitness Studio, is the lead instructor in Amped Up. The Collection is available nationwide for purchase through Amazon.com. For more information, visit www.theballetphysique.com.

This New Years Eve, the Edison Ballroom will once again host legendary big band leader, Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band. Having traveled the world performing with icons like Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Tony Bennett, Joe’s brilliant big band sound is considered among the best ever. He has performed for such dignitaries as Hilary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, and Barbara Walters. For the past 15 years, Joe and his orchestra have performed regularly at The Rainbow Room, Tavern on the Green, Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, and most recently, right here at the Edison Ballroom. Joe’s New York Big Band is composed of a 16- piece orchestra as well as accompanying vocalists. Also featured at this event will be the romantic Latin sounds of Direct Latin Influence, also known as DLI. Visit http://edisonballroom.com/new-years-eve-parties-nyc/. Continue reading →

If you like a glamorous Rainbow Room-type supper club evening, with ballroom dancing and a romantic Valentine’s Day vibe, the Joe Battaglia and The New York Big Band event at The Edison Ballroom delivers. The evening includes an all-night-long open bar, 4-course dinner and 4 hours of dancing to the live music of Joe Battaglia’s Big Band sound (with Direct Latin Influence, also known as DLI, playing during their breaks). Continue reading →

The evening was Nice ‘n Easy and that was the song that was playing as we were seated at our table onboard the Hornblower Infinity, ready for our dinner cruise in the New York harbor.

“Is that Frank Sinatra?” I asked John sitting across from me. He was ready to dine, drink and dance. “No, it’s Michael Bublé,” he said. Continue reading →

Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band Headline the Edison Ballroom Swing into Autumn on Friday, September 28th, 2012. The Edison Ballroom will once again host legendary big band leader, Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band.  Having traveled the world performing with icons like Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Tony Bennett, Joe’s brilliant big band sound is considered among the best ever.  He has performed for such dignitaries as Hilary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, and Barbara Walters.  For more than 10 years, Joe and his orchestra performed regularly at The Rainbow Room, Tavern on the Green, and Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, but this date represents his 3rd anniversary of his performing at the Edison Ballroom.  Joe’s New York Big Band is composed of a 16- piece orchestra as well as accompanying vocalists.  Also featured at this event will be the romantic Latin sounds of Direct Latin Influence, also known as DLI. Continue reading →

When dancers check in at The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa in Berkeley, CA , the passion of tango and salsa will capture their heart and move their feet. On the last Sunday of each month, through November 18, 2012, dancers of all levels can shimmy the night away for only $20 per person with live music and instruction from industry professionals with over 20 years of experience. “Tango/Salsa Sundays are a great opportunity for dancers of all levels to have some fun, while enjoying the beautiful venue The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa offers,” said Bruce Carlton, general manager of The Claremont. Stella Ling and Ashvin will lead Tango Sundays, while Salsa Sundays will be taught by Yismari Ramos Tellez and Erick Barberia.  Each instructor brings their distinctive styles and knowledge to the dance floor delivering exciting Tango + Salsa classes each month. Tango Sundays will take place on the last Sunday of August and October, while Salsa Sundays will occur in September and November. All dance series will begin with a complimentary class from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and end at 12 midnight.  Classes are fun and open to all levels, giving dancers the opportunity to learn proper walks and foot placements in a relaxed and highly constructive atmosphere. A series finale October Dance Weekend will take place between Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 and Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 and dancers can choose to participate in as many activities as they like. The festivities will begin with a welcome reception followed by an Argentine Tango “Milonga” or Tango dance party, on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012. On Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to take all-day dance classes and the night will conclude with Meritage’s Argentine Winemaker and a second Milonga. Sunday will include all-day dance instruction and an Argentine Spa Treatment option, followed by a “Light Flights & Bites” celebration and a final Milonga. For more information and to register, visit www.claremont-hotel.tix.com.