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| Dear Top Hat,
Summer may be coming to an end but things are definitely getting exciting here at Top Hat Dance Studio. The month of August brings the studio Pool Parties, a favorite activity among the students of Top Hat. And the Fall season brings a new Group Class in Lancaster, new Salsa Performance Groups, a new session of Youth Classes in Philadelphia, and of course the new Hustle Team!
Please read on for all the exciting details...
In this month's edition you will find information on...
1) Student of the Month Spotlight
2) Salsa Performance Groups
3) Group Class Spotlight - Lancaster's Social Dance Classes
4) Philadelphia Youth Classes
5) August Studio Schedule
6) Summer Studio Pool Parties
7) Upcoming Competitions
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Student of the Month Spotlight
Meet Bob Fackler, August's Student of the Month Spotlight...
Bob Fackler has been a student at Top Hat in Lancaster for 4 years. He began dancing in preparation for his daughter's wedding in August of 2004 and he hasn't stopped. Bob was always intrigued with partner dancing as a way to dance rather than just "getting out on the floor and shaking it". He was captivated by the elegance of a man & woman moving in synchronicity across a dance floor.
Bob began his dance journey by learning the Rumba in those wedding lessons and quickly became a regular in the Latin Group Classes. As he has continued at Top Hat, Bob took classes in Hustle and West Coast Swing. The later has emerged as his favorite dance. "I love West Coast Swing because it is fun and there is so much you can do in that dance."
When Bob is not on the dance floor, he enjoys travelling with his wife, Claudia, and 2 daughters. Bob works as a software engineer and alleviates his stress by fixing up his house and working outdoors.
Bob is an anomaly at Top Hat Dance Studio; he is learning to dance without his wife. Unlike most men who have to be bribed to begin partner dancing, Bob couldn't wait to learn. He hopes that someday his wife will join him and they can take Group Classes together; but until that time he is greatly appreciative that his wife completely supports his dancing habit.
When asked what keeps him coming back to Top Hat, without hesitation Bob replied, "because I love Jameson's classes and he is hilarious!" "Jameson has a way of really explaining the steps so you truly understand what makes everything work. And both Jameson & Daniel have a wide knowledge of dance and a background and qualifications that are impressive."
Bob Fackler is what Top Hat Dance Studio is all about; someone who loves to dance, who is excited to have fun learning, and is a joy to be around.
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Salsa Performance Groups
Top Hat Dance Studio is excited to announce the new Salsa Performance Groups led by Joe Figueroa and "Living in Rhythm". These teams will give everyone a chance to bring out their inner performer! There are four groups from which to choose, so read the descriptions below to find the Salsa Team for you!
Beginner / Intermediate Salsa - Thursdays 8:30pm-10:30pm
This routine will combine Beginner & Intermediate dance technique. Students are required to be taking or have completed Salsa classes Level 1 & 2. This team guarantees to challenge both the beginner and intermediate levels and is a great way to advance through the beginner classes with ease.
Ladies Styling (All Levels) - Sundays Noon-2:00pm
Ladies, this is the chance to strut your stuff, taking your body movement to the next level. This team will be a combination of sexy, fluid shine patterns and a great way to master the female Salsa technique.
Kids Performance Group (All Levels - ages 8+) - Sundays 2:00pm-4:00pm
The Kids Performance Group will be a fun, fast moving way to introduce kids to Latin dancing. Children will learn to interact with one another as they work on teamwork and presence. This group will teach young dancers to be ladies and gentlemen as they perform their Salsa steps.
Intermediate / Advanced - Sundays 4:00pm-6:00pm
This is it! Every routine will be high energy and explosive dance techniques. Promising the most challenging choreography; this team will combine intricate turn patterns, sexy shines, lifts, and tricks. This performance group will be the ultimate in Salsa dancing and a true test of everyone's dancing ability.
All Salsa teams will begin the first week of September (Sept. 4th & Sept. 6th) with all rehearsals at the Philadelphia studio. 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, please email the studio at info@tophatdancestudio.com. |
Group Class Spotlight - Lancaster's Social Dance Classes
Due to the popularity of the Social Dance Class at the Lancaster studio, Top Hat is pleased to announce the addition of a Social Dance Level 1 class. This class will teach you the basics of the popular social dances, Hustle & West Coast Swing. Learn the steps that can be used at any party or wedding to a wide variety of music styles. Social Dance Level 1 will begin Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30pm. 
The Thursday Social Dance Class will become a Level 2 class beginning Thursday, September 4th at 6:00pm. Social Dance Class is the perfect combination of Hustle & West Coast Swing; the 2 dance styles that are the most versatile. Both Hustle & West Coast Swing can be done to a broad range of music; from Disco to Blues to today's Top 40. The Social Dance Class is perfect for the person who wants to get out on the dance floor and do moves beyond "Prom" dancing. So pick either Social Dance Class Level 1 or 2 and we'll see you on the dance floor!
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Philadelphia Youth Classes
Top Hat is getting ready for another exciting season of Youth Classes. Please see the descriptions below to find the perfect classes for your youthful dancer.

Come see the studio in action and register for classes on any of the following dates:
Sat. Aug. 23rd Noon-3:00pm Tues. Sept. 2nd 5:00-8:00pm
Mon. Aug. 25th 5:00-8:00pm Wed. Sept. 3rd 5:00-8:00pm
Tues. Aug. 26th 5:00-8:00pm Thurs. Sept. 4th 5:00-8:00pm
Wed. Aug. 27th 5:00-8:00pm Fri. Sept. 5th 5:00-8:00pm
Thurs. Aug. 28th 5:00-8:00pm
Youth Classes begin September 6th!
Please contact the studio with any questions.
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August Studio Schedule
Philadelphia:
The Fabrizio Studio Pool Party is Saturday, August 2nd at 1:00pm.
Salsa Classes start a new series the beginning of every month. Start dates for August:
Sunday Classes - August 3rd
Thursday Class - August 7th
Friday Classes - August 8th
West Coast Swing Classes begin a new 6 week sequence on Tuesday, August 26th. 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.
During the month of August, Ballroom classes will be doing the following dances:
Basic Ballroom 1 - Waltz (Wednesdays at 7:30pm)
Basic Ballroom 2 - American Rumba (Wednesdays at 8:30pm)
Rhythm 3 - International Rumba (Mondays at 6:30pm)
Smooth 3 - Tango (Mondays at 7:30pm)
There is 1 party in August. The Salsa Party will be held on Saturday, August 2nd.
The party includes an all levels group class at 8:00pm with the party beginning at 9:00pm. The cost is $10 per person and you are welcome to BYOB. If you have any questions, please contact the studio.
For all other class schedules and cancellations please pick up a calendar at the studio or visit our website at www.tophatdancestudio.com.
Lancaster:
The Croucher Studio Pool Party is Saturday, August 23rd at 1:00pm.
During the month of August, Ballroom classes will be doing the following dances:
Basic Ballroom 1 - East Coast Swing (Wednesdays at 7:30pm)
Basic Ballroom 2 - Rumba (Wednesdays at 8:30pm)
Latin 3 - Samba (Thursdays at 6:00pm)
Smooth 3 - Tango (Thursdays at 7:00pm)
The monthly studio party is on Friday, August 22th. There will be a group class at 8:00pm and the party will immediately follow at 9:00pm.
For all other class schedules and cancellations please pick up a calendar at the studio or visit our website at www.tophatdancestuio.com/schedule
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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
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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