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Top Hat & Tales: July 2008 Edition
Dear Top Hat,
Summer is in full swing and Top Hat is definitely sizzling with dance news this July. With competitions in the horizon, new performance teams forming, and the incomparable John Lindo joining the Tuesday night West Coast Swing Classes, Top Hat is definitely the place to be for dancing in July! Read on for more information on all of the happenings at the studio this month.
On a sadder note, the staff, students, and family of Top Hat Dance Studio would like to send our deepest most heartfelt condolences to the Meints family from Top Hat Lancaster. Tragically, they lost their son Travis a couple of weeks ago. Travis was a talented young man who was instantly liked by any and all who met him. A beautiful service and celebration of his life was held in late June. Sally and her family have been such a huge part of Top Hat Dance Studio in the past years, may the Top Hat family rally around each of them with love and support in these trying and sad times. You are loved and we truly hurt for your loss.
Disco America this past 4th of July weekend was a great success!! Donna Boyle and Joyce Szili put together a great weekend of dancing for the Philadelphia area. Congrats to Top Hat Students who danced incredibly well at this year's event. Ray Fabrizio and Michele Moyer placed 1st place in the Amateur Novice Just Hustle, Jack Cieka and his partner Danielle Odhner took 2nd place in the Amateur Advanced Just Hustle, Michele Moyer and Daniel McGee took 1st place in both the Pro/am Novice and Intermediate Ladies Just Hustle, Mary Keegan and Joe Kerner took 2nd place in the Pro/am Intermediate Ladies Just Hustle,. and Pat Stewart and Ginny Carey took 3rd place in the Pro/am Intermediate Men's Just Hustle. On the professional side of things, Joe Kerner and his partner Stephanie Risser took 2nd place and Daniel McGee and Ginny Carey took 3rd place in the Professional Just Hustle. And then Daniel and Ginny also took 2nd place in the professional open dance championships. Go Top Hat! For a complete list of the competition result visit their site at http://www.discoamerica.com/results.htm.
In this month's edition you will find information on...
1) Student of the Month Spotlight
2) New Salsa Class
3) WCS Classes with Special Guest John Lindo
4) Team Top Hat Hustle Team
5) July Studio Schedule
6) Summer Studio Pool Parties
7) Upcoming Competitions
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Student of the Month Spotlight
Meet Ray & Denise Fabrizio, July's Student of the Month Spotlight...
Come to the studio almost any day of the week and you will see Ray & Denise Fabrizio on the dance floor. Learning to dance was an item on Denise's "bucket list" so Ray set out to find a place to make that possible. Ray found Top Hat while driving to work and they took their first Group Class in November of 2004. They were hooked after that first lesson and have not left the dance floor since that night.
Ray is the Assistant Fleet Manager for the City of Philadelphia and Denise is retired from Human Resources for the Philadelphia Fire Department. Dancing has been a way to escape from their jobs and join an entire new social environment. One of their favorite aspects of Top Hat is the camaraderie with the other students. Ray & Denise have participated in several of the studio trips and rank travelling with Top Hat as their favorite way to vacation.
Denise has 3 dance styles that have become her favorites: West Coast Swing because of the creativity, Quickstep because it "makes her think" and is showy & graceful, and Rumba because of its sensuality. Ray's favorite dance is Hustle. He was drawn to Hustle because he loves the overall appearance of the dance and the way it showcases the followers. "I love to watch all the followers dance and what's better than having a front row seat?!"
Beyond all the hours Ray clocks on the dance floor, he is always ready with a ladder or hammer if something needs to be repaired around the studio. Ray & Denise have also hosted the Philadelphia Studio Pool Party for the past several summers. This event is a favorite among many students and staff members (the 2008 party is Saturday, August 2 - more info below).
The Fabrizio's commented that the incredibly warm & receptive staff and students at Top Hat make them feel like they have found an extended family. Denise said that walking into the studio is like walking into "Cheers" where "everyone knows your name".
Four years have flown by since the Fabrizio's first Basic Ballroom Group Class and we hope that 4 years is just the beginning. We are delighted to have them as pillars of the Top Hat Dance Studio family!
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New Salsa Class
Beginning in July, a new Salsa Class is being added to the already popular Philadelphia Salsa Class schedule. An Intro Salsa Class will be starting Thursday, July 10th at 7:30pm. This class is designed for people who are brand new to Salsa and will teach the basics of the dance. Come learn what makes this dance so exciting!
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WCS Classes with Special Guest John Lindo
John Lindo the West Coast Swing guru and all-around wonderful guy will be our special guest for 2 nights in July. On July 8th, John will be co-teaching with Jameson Kilburn in what promises to be a class filled with laughter and excitement. John will again be joining us on July 22nd to give us a bit of the wisdom that has made his dancing so enjoyable. Please join us both nights: WCS Level 1 starts at 7:00pm and WCS Level 2 begins at 8:00pm.
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Team Top Hat Hustle Team
We are currently taking names of Top Hat students who are interested in joining this new and exciting program at Top Hat. We are now forming a competitive Hustle Team to learn routines for the purposes of performing and competing at area exhibitions and events. This team will include students from both our Philadelphia location and our New Holland location. The team will have rehearsals in for the Philadelphia students on Monday Nights at 8:30pm and for the Lancaster students on Friday nights at 6:30pm. The team will then have combined rehearsals once a month in alternating locations. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity at Top Hat, or if you would like to have your name included on the list of dancers who are already signed up, please email the studio at info@tophatdancestudio.com.
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July Studio Schedule
Philadelphia:
The Studio will be closed July 4 - July 6. Happy 4th of July!
The new Intro Salsa class begins Thursday, July 10th at 7:30pm.
Salsa Classes start a new series the first Friday of every month. The start date for July is Friday,
July 11th.
New Sunday Classes begin July 13th. The Ladies Styling Class (1:00pm) will now always be taught by the vivacious Vikki Woods. The Latin Variety class will be cancelled as of Sunday, July 13th.
West Coast Swing Classes begin a new 6 week sequence on Tuesday, July 15th. Please note that with every 6 week series, the Level 1 class does start at the beginning of the dance; this provides everyone with a great chance to learn or review your basics.
Monday Night Classes change dances July 28th. Rhythm 3 (6:30pm) will be continuing with
East Coast Swing and Smooth 3 (7:30pm) will be starting Tango.
Basic Ballroom Classes begin a new 6 week series on Wednesday, July 30th. Basic Ballroom 1 (7:30pm) will be starting Waltz. Basic Ballroom 2 (8:30pm) will continue with Rumba.
For all other class schedules and cancellations please pick up a calendar at the studio or visit our website at www.tophatdancestudio.com.
Lancaster:
Basic Ballroom classes begin a new 6 week series on Wednesday, July 23rd. Basic Ballroom 1 (7:30pm) will begin East Coast Swing. Basic Ballroom 2 (8:30pm) will continue with Rumba.
Thursday night Group Classes begin a new 6 week sequence on July 24th. Latin 3 (6:00pm) will be continuing with Samba. Smooth 3 (7:00pm) will be working on Tango.
The monthly studio party is on Friday, July 25th. There will be a group class at 8:00pm and the party will immediately follow at 9:00pm.
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Summer Studio Pool Parties
Summer is upon us and that means one of Top Hat's favorite activities - the Studio Pool Parties! Please remember that no matter which studio you are "affiliated" with, everyone is welcome at both parties!
Ray & Denise Fabrizio are graciously opening their home to host the Philadelphia Pool Party. The celebration will be held on Saturday, August 2 beginning at 1:00pm and going long into the evening.
Bill & Sharon Croucher have once again been kind enough to open their home for the Lancaster Pool Party. Those festivities will be held on Saturday, August 23 beginning at 1:00 and also going long into the evening. 
There will be an assortment of foods at both parties and if you would like to contribute to the fun, the hosts have requested that people bring their favorite picnic foods and/or a beverage of their choice. Directions will soon be available at the studio, or you can email us at info@tophatdancestudio.com.
See you at the pools!!
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Upcoming Competitions
 Miami Dance Magic, Miami, FL: July 17th - 20th, 2008
This brand new Swing & Hustle Event is going to be heating up the beaches of Miami this month! Hosted by Debbie Lynn, this event has it all complete with competitions, Jack and Jills, workshops with some of the countries best teachers, a Saturday night dinner show, and even a Miami Beach Bar Crawl to heat up your summer.
Grand Pacific Dance Championships, San Jose, CA: Aug. 14th - 18th, 2008
Join us for this brand new event hosted by Billy Fajardo, Debra Hampton,
and Raul Ante in San Jose, California. Offering main competitions in Hustle,
West Coast Swing, and Salsa, this competition promises a great competition opportunity
in all of the American Rhythm dances. If you are interested in joining Top Hat for this
great new event, please contact the studio for registration information.
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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!!
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10771 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19116
(215) 676-3100
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110 S. Railroad Avenue
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 393-6653
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Expanding the Enjoyment of Dance. . . One Step at a Time!
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