Wow! January has flown by and as we step into February we are so happy that our new home is really starting to feel…well…like home! There is a lot of exciting things coming to the dance floors of Top Hat and this newsletter is one of the best ways for you to stay up-to-date with all of this month’s happenings. From an in depth recap of our Grand Opening Party, to all of the exciting information about the upcoming events for Top Hat you will definitely want to sit back and enjoy this edition of our monthly newsletter. 
There was a general sense of amazement throughout the studio for those who lasted until the end of this momentous occasion. The party went to 4:00am and approximately 300-325 people made it onto the dance floor Saturday, January 27, 2007. All-in-all the evening was a huge success and in many ways it was because of all of you who brought your love and energy to the party.
Highlights from the opening would have to include: the amazing food that was provided by Carol Lewandowski’s Catering, great music mixed by Philly’s own DJ Mark, the recognition of the 45 volunteers who helped throughout the construction process to make the new Top Hat a reality, and most amazingly the literally hundreds of people who came together to celebrate the new and improved Top Hat Dance Studio!
There was one oversight that evening we would like to take a moment to mend. During the celebration of our Philadelphia location we recognized our incredible staff that make Top Hat what it is, however, we inadvertently failed to mention a person who has been a tremendous friend and staff member from our Top Hat Dance Studio of Lancaster location. Sally Meints has not only been the most gracious of hosts in providing Top Hat with an incredible studio space to teach from, but she has also become an invaluable part of the program itself. Thank You Sally!
In a word, this party was amazing with people from New York, New Jersey, D.C., and so many other places coming to see the new space. We hope that you had as much fun as we did and we can’t thank you enough for being part of such an incredible experience. We can’t wait to do it again……
If you took picture at the grand opening, we would love to see them! Please send an email to info@tophatdancestudio.com and we'll post them to our web site!
Starting the first week of March we are very fortunate to welcome to the floor four incredible new faces to the staff of Top Hat Dance Studio. Sandy Erickson, Ryan Stauffer, Rob Baen, & Sheila Purkey are bringing their love and talent to the class calendar in March and we can hardly wait! Please help us welcome these tremendous teachers to Top Hat and make sure you sign up for their new classes. They are simply too good to miss!
New Yoga Class with Sandy Erickson 
Sandy offers a very supportive and encouraging approach to her teaching style. Her classes create an atmosphere where students are challenged to explore themselves and their goals. Sandy has a strong background in yoga, having been certified by Erich Schiffmann in 1987. Since 1993 she has been teaching pilates, mat and equipment classes, in both private and group settings; where she has had a unique way of combining the benefits of both disciplines in her classes. She continues to explore ways to integrate the benefits of strength training with flexibility. Sandy adapts her classes to embrace students with little or no experience. Her instructional teaching style is designed to encourage her students to experience not only the physical alignment desired, but also to utilize the incredible benefits of proper breath work. Students experience transformation through increased strength, flexibility, stress release, self acceptance and confidence. Group classes are designed to be supportive and enjoyable where students learn to be mindful through breath work, by allowing the breath to sculpt the poses. Meditation techniques are introduced, building on the fundamental principles of yoga. Students soon discover that yoga is much more than just an exercise program they attend once or twice a week, and instead becomes an active part of daily life.
| Class | Day | Time |
| Open Yoga | Mondays | 7:30 PM |
Ryan began training by taking classical ballet at his mother’s studio. He continued his education at the University of the Arts as a ballet major. He has appeared in a variety of regional stage productions. In 2006, Ryan was offered his first professional national tour as a dancer for Raven Symone. He now calls Philly his home and the stage, his life. In his teaching, Ryan strives to create a diverse Hip Hop environment. He achieves this by breaking molds and bridging gaps between dance techniques and styles. His classes will challenge students to use their bodies and minds in creative ways. Ryan’s aim is to inspire his students to become well rounded dancers.
| Class | Days | Time |
| Adult Hip Hop | Mondays | 6:30 PM |
| Hip Hop I (ages 11-13) | Saturdays | 10:00 AM |
| Hip Hop II (ages 14-17) | Saturdays | 11:00 AM |
Though this section of our Newsletter is focused on new teachers at Top Hat, we wanted to also mention a new Hip-Hop program by long-time instructor , Ginny Carey. Ginny will teach an ‘Intro to Hip Hop’ class for ages 8-10. The class will begin to explore the fundamentals of Hip Hop while incorporating Jazz and Theater Dancing, preparing the students to continue forward into other Hip Hop classes.
| Class | Days | Time |
| Intro to Hip Hop (ages 8-10) | Thursday | 5:30 PM |
Rob and Sheila have been dancing together for over 17 years. They have danced, taught and dj-ed at venues from Boston to Myrtle Beach. They teach West Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, Country 2 Step and Night Club 2 Step. Rob and Sheila are proud members of the World Swing Dance Council and the Competitive Shaggers Association. They are the founders of the Delaware Valley Shag & Swing Club (DVSC) serving the South Jersey, PA and Delaware areas. Rob is also a member of the Association of Beach and Shag Club DJ-s. They were the choreographers and coaches for the first WCS team in the Phila area - The Atrium Swing Team and are currently coaching and choreographing their new Carolina Shag/WCS team. For more info on Rob and Sheila’s calendar and events see www.robandsheiladance.com.
Rob and Sheila swing into Top Hat Dance Studio on March 8th bringing their smooth, playful West Coast Swing to share with you! This dance is so cool...it’s HOT! They’ll be offering 2 weekly classes on Thursdays followed by a half hour practice time:
| Class | Description | Day | Time |
| Level II | Movin’ on up! Add some razzle dazzle to your dancing! Picking up where the level I class left off, this class is great for increasing your knowledge of WCS. (You must know your 6 and 8 count basics for this six week series.) | Mondays | 7:30-8:30 PM |
| Level I | This is how it works! Good basics make good dancers. This class is perfect for those just getting started or wanting to brush up on their basics. In this six week series you’ll learn just what it is that makes this dance so much fun. | Saturdays | 8:30-9:30 PM |
| Practice time | Rob & Sheila will be available for questions. Come on out and get to know them and learn the dance that everyone’s talking about! | Saturdays | 9:30-10:00PM |
|
|
Philadelphia : Lancaster : |
Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam:
March 02 – 04, 2007 MAD Jam is a West Coast Swing & Hustle event hosted by Dave Moldover in Tyson's Corner, Va. just outside of the Washington D.C. area. Top Hat has always had a lot of fun at this event and we're looking forward to another great year with Mad Jam 2007. Complete with packed late-night parties, a long list of incredible workshops, and an amazing environment with some of the nation’s best dancers and teachers, you definitely don’t want to miss this weekend of dancing. If you would like to attend Mad Jam with Top Hat please be sure to get your registration forms into the studio by February 16th. Forms are available at the studio.
Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships:
April 12 – 15, 2007 Ballroom & Latin Dancing at its BEST! This is Philadelphia ’s hometown dance competition and hosts Sandy & Andy Fortuna have always provided one of the best weekends of dance in the area. There are competitions throughout the weekend and a top notch Saturday Night Banquet and Show. We are currently taking Ticket orders at the studio and already have 76 people signed up for Saturday night’s session. If you would like to join us please contact the studio.
May 03 – 06, 2007 IHSC is being held this year on Miami’s beautiful South Beach in the Miami Spa & Resort. Hosted by Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow, this event is not only one of the greatest Hustle & Salsa events there is, it also offers a great escape to one of Florida’s best vacation destinations. The weekend is complete with parties, competitions, workshops, and a wonderful beach and poolside dancing atmosphere. This year IHSC has added Latin & Rhythm competitions to its schedule so there are more opportunities for you to be the star! If you are interested in joining Top Hat Dance Studio as we head to Miami grab a registration form at the studio. Forms sent in through the studio are due by March 10th.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information on anything, please feel free to contact the studio, and as always… Keep Dancing!!
Top Hat Dance Studio
Philadelphia, PA 19116
(215) 676-3100
Directions
Email: info@tophatdancestudio.com
Website: http://www.tophatdancestudio.com
