September 2008 Newsletter - Top Hat Dance Studio

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Dear Top Hat,

Another summer has come and gone and it's time for another great fall season of dancing at Top Hat Dance Studio. There's so much going on at the studio right now that you want to be sure to read through everything to stay up to date on the latest at Top Hat. This week we start our brand new performance teams in Salsa and Hustle. The Hustle Team is officially full but if you're interested in joining the next Hustle team let us know to add your name to the list of contacts. Also, our Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced Salsa teams are going to be an amazing dance opportunity. If you would like to sign up, there are only a few spots remaining.

A few weeks ago, a group of dancers from Top Hat went out to San Jose, California for the Grand Pacific Dance Championships. Everyone danced extremely well and the event went off with incredible success. Congratulations to Don and Cheryl Youtz for taking 2^nd place in the Amateur Silver Hustle Division, congrats to Cheryl also for her many 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd placements in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Rumba, and Cha, Cha. Laurie Cauller, in her 2^nd completion took an impressive 1^st place in her Rumba division and 2^nd place in her Salsa Division. Also, hitting the floor with an awesome power, Michele Moyer received 2^nd and 3^rd place in her Hustle and West Coast Swing divisions. Congrats to everyone who competed. Thank you to Billy Fajardo, Raul Ante, and Debra Hampton for organizing such a wonderful event. Check it out next year, it was a great trip to the West Coast!

Finally, we're very excited to announce our very first TOP HAT ALL STARS WEEKEND!! That's right mark your calendars for our very first dance weekend with all of your favorite Top Hat Pros. On October 11^th and 12^th all of your Top Hat teachers will be teaching a weekend of incredible workshops in their favorite dances, with their favorite twists and turns. The weekend is all about classes that you don't get to enjoy in the average studio schedule. Classes like "Double leading in Hustle", "Tricks, Dips and Drops for partner dancing", and "Hip Hop and Jazz to spice up your style" are just a few class choices that will be included. The weekend will also include and amazing party on Saturday night that you definitely don't want to miss. A complete schedule of the exciting workshops will soon be posted so stay tuned...

Read on for more information about all of the great things happening at Top Hat!!

In this month's edition you will find information on...

1) Student of the Month Spotlight

2) Salsa Performance Groups

3) Philadelphia Youth Classes

4) Hip-Hop Party

5) September Studio Schedule

6) Top Hat's All Stars Weekend

Student of the Month Spotlight

Meet Bill & Lois Gorodetzer, September's Student of the Month Spotlight...

For Bill & Lois Gorodetzer, what began as preparation for a party turned into an enjoyable and lasting pastime. In the fall of 1999, the Gorodetzer's decided to take dance lessons to get ready for a company Millennium Party. They were looking forward to participating at the party rather than just sitting at a table talking and/or drinking.

They quickly realized that dancing was an activity that would allow them to spend time together. Bill says, "We found ourselves getting wrapped up in our careers and personal interests and like most people, found ourselves not having enough time to do the things we wanted to do, including spending time together doing something we both enjoyed."

Like many Top Hat students, Hustle was the impetus for Bill & Lois joining the Top Hat family. Over 4 years ago, the Hustle Group classes were their 1^st introduction to Top Hat Dance Studio. But they didn't stop there, their repertoire expanded to WCS, Waltz, ECS; and weekly private lessons with both Jameson & Daniel.

When they are not doing open breaks across the dance floor, Bill & Lois are never at a loss for activities. Bill manages the finance department of a real estate development firm for which he has worked for the past 23 years. He has become an avid recreational road cyclist and has ridden in events throughout Pennsylvania. Bill has also been involved in amateur radio and participates in public service events. Lois is a retired elementary teacher. She enjoys reading and also shares Bill's fondness for photography and computers.

When asked to name their favorite aspects of Top Hat and what "keeps them coming back for more", Bill responded; "The great staff - everyone is interested in seeing the students dance at a level they are comfortable with without creating any more pressure than we already put ourselves! In fact, they make a conscious effort to do everything they can to get us to relax. And they treat everyone with respect as individuals and show a genuine interest in both our dancing and personal lives."

Bill also mentioned that "it's great to focus your energy & resources into something you want to do - not have to do!" Everyone at Top Hat is grateful that the activity the Gorodetzer's "want to do" includes dancing as part of the Top Hat family!

Salsa Performance Groups

It's not too late to sign up for the Salsa Performance Teams! 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!

**Please note the date & time changes**

- Sundays 11:00am-1:00pm

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 1:00pm-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-3:00pm

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 Sunday, September 7^th 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.

Beginner / Intermediate Salsa

Philadelphia Youth Classes

A new season of Youth Classes is about to begin. It is not too late to register your young dancer for one of these exciting classes. See the class schedule to select the perfect class. Registration continues throughout the month of September.

Class	Day	time
Pre-Bronze Ballroom & Latin	Thursday	5:30pm-6:30pm
Bronze Ballroom & Latin	Thursday	6:30pm-7:30pm
Creative Movement (ages 3-5)	Saturday	9:00am-10:00am
Dance Fundamentals (ages 6-9)	Saturday	10:00am-11:00am
Hip-Hop	Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm
Ballet I (upon placement)	Thursday	4:30pm-5:30pm