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Philadelphia, PA 19116
(215) 676-3100     Directions

110 South Railroad Ave
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 393-6653     Directions

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Site Menu  >  Online Services  >  Newsletter  >  October 2008 Newsletter

Dear Top Hat,
  
 
Can you believe it's October already?  We are so excited about the dancing that will be happening in the month of October that we can't wait to share it with you!  The Top Hat All Stars weekend is going to be incredible.  Each of the staff members have been putting together workshops that showcase how fun and amazing partner dancing can be.  Nowhere else will you find a day of workshops that incorporate all of the best that dancing has to offer.  Check out the details below, you definitely don't want to miss out on all the fun.
 
We're also very excited to announce the date for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Parties.  Every year the entire Top Hat family gets together in both NE Philadelphia and Lancaster County to celebrate and give thanks for another year of dance spent together.  The times and dates are listed below.
 
In this month's edition you will find information on...
 
1)       Top Hat's All Stars Weekend
2)       Student of the Month Spotlight
3)      Sunday Ballroom Bash Parties
4)      Group Class Spotlight - Philadelphia's West Coast Swing Classes
5)       October Studio Schedule
6)       Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Party
Student of the Month Spotlight
 
Meet Jack Ciecka, October's Student of the Month Spotlight...
 
If you have recently been to either Michael's Café or to a Hustle competition, chances are that you have seen Jack Ciecka on the dance floor. Jack has been an ardent member of Philadelphia's Hustle community since his return to the dance a little over 2 years ago.
 
In the 1970's Jack worked part time as a DJ and bartender at The Library. He soon realized that DJ-ing that great Disco music was not enough, he had to learn to Hustle. So he began private lessons with Lisa Sands and Donna Boyle and quickly became entrenched in the dance community.  Five years later, Jack stopped dancing due to "old age".
 
Then in 2005, he walked into Michael's Café and saw people doing a dance he thought was dead. Thus began the revival of Hustle dancing in Jack's life and he has rarely been off the dance floor since that time! Jack started taking private lessons and group classes and first came to Top Hat in 2006.
 
Although Jack's focus was Hustle and the Saturday Hustle Group Classes, Jack says he had never before been exposed to Ballroom dancing and he instantly loved the Wednesday night Group Classes. Jack commented that he respects the style of teaching at Top Hat, that all instruction is congenial and informational. He also remarked that while being taught at Top Hat, corrections are presented in a positive way which has enabled him to learn faster.
 
Jack's compliments for Top Hat continued; he said that he respects the instructors at the studio and their willingness to share all their knowledge with their students no matter the level of that student. He enjoys the variety of instruction, especially the Ballroom, West Coast, and Hustle Group Classes and commented that Top Hat provides a terrific single place to go for quality instruction in all partner dancing. 
 
Since returning to dancing, Jack has become an active competitor throughout the Hustle competition circuit. He attributes his success to all his partners, the ladies who work at Top Hat who are "great partners in learning", and most importantly his current competitive partner. His current partnership is one that he values tremendously which is evident as they are a joy to watch on the dance floor.
 
While not Hustling, Jack is either working or enjoying the peace of his rural home - a place to unwind from the stresses of the work place and the wild world of the dance floor.
 
In interviewing Jack, it became more apparent as to how much he values Daniel, Jameson, the staff, and everyone at Top Hat Dance Studio. We in turn are pleased and grateful that Jack's return to dancing included becoming a member of the Top Hat family!


Sunday Ballroom Bash Parties
 
Looking for a way to end your weekend on a high note? Beginning Sunday, October 5th, Top Hat will be hosting regular Sunday Ballroom Bash Dance Parties. These parties held in the Philadelphia location, promise to be the perfect end to any weekend and the perfect way to jumpstart any week. Come dance to a unique blend of all your favorite dance styles; from Cha Cha to Foxtrot, Salsa to Tango, and everything in between.
 
Sunday Ballroom Bash Parties will begin with an all levels Group Class at 7:00pm with the party starting at 8:00pm.   The cost is $10 per person and you are welcome to BYOB. Sunday Ballroom Bash Parties will be occurring on a regular weekly basis - please check the monthly studio calendar online or contact the studio for exact dates. October Ballroom Bash Parties will be held on October 5th, 19th, and 26th.
Group Class Spotlight - Philadelphia's West Coast Swing
 
West Coast Swing has become all the rage, and there is no better place to learn than Top Hat Dance Studio! The West Coast Swing program has flourished as Jameson challenges the class every week with fun & creative patterns.
 
Level 1 is held every Tuesday night at 7:00pm. This class provides students with a place to learn and work on the basic technique of West Coast Swing. Every 6 weeks, a new concept is explored revolving around the foundational steps of the dance. And if that isn't enough to pique your interest, sample titles of the 6 week sessions have included "Things you can do with your Left Hand" and "Things you can do from Closed Position".
 
Level 2 is held every Tuesday at 8:00pm. This class is a non-stop hour of the most exciting patterns on the floor. Every 6 week series has a different focus; highlighting on styling, musicality, and intricate step patterns. This class is guaranteed to be a challenge that will enhance your West Coast Swing from the very 1st class you attend!

October Studio Schedule
Philadelphia:
Salsa Classes start a new series the beginning of every month. Start dates for October:
Thursday Class - October 2nd  
Friday Classes - October 3rd   
 
West Coast Swing Classes begin a new 6 week series on Tuesday, October 7th.
 
Monday Night Classes change dances October 20th. Rhythm 3 (6:30pm) will be continuing with Rumba and Smooth 3 (7:30pm) will be working on Waltz.
 
Basic Ballroom Classes begin a new 6 week series on Wednesday, October 22nd. Basic Ballroom 1 (7:30pm) will be starting Foxtrot. Basic Ballroom 2 (8:30pm) will continue with Cha Cha.
 
There will be 5 (yes, 5) parties in October. 
Sunday Ballroom Bash Parties in October will be held on October 5th, 19th, and 26th. Please note that the times for Sunday Parties are 7:00pm All Levels Group Class and party starting at 8:00pm. The cost is $10 per person and you are welcome to BYOB. If you have any questions, please contact the studio.
 
There will be a fantastic dance party on October 11th starting at 9:00pm. This party will be the culmination of the festivities from the All Stars Weekend. Be sure not to miss this party as there will be great dancing all night long! The cost for this party is $15.
 
The Swing & Hustle Party will be held on Saturday, October 25th. 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 studio will be closed October 1st - 3rd due to the New Holland Fair. Enjoy the funnel cakes and goldfish games!
 
Wednesday Group Classes begin a new 6 week series on Wednesday, October 22nd.
Social Dance 1 (6:30pm) - West Coast Swing
Basic Ballroom 1 (7:30pm) - Salsa
Basic Ballroom 2 (8:30pm) - Waltz
 
Thursday Group Classes begin a new 6 week series on October 23rd.
Latin 3 (6:00pm) - East Coast Swing
Smooth 3 (7:00pm) - Quickstep
 
The monthly studio party is on Friday, October 24th. 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
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Party
November brings the annual Thanksgiving Dinner Party; a tradition that is a favorite with the students and staff at Top Hat Dance Studio. This event is celebrating its 14th year at the Philadelphia studio and the 9th year at the Lancaster studio. 
 
The evening begins with Thanksgiving dinner with everyone seated at 1 table, as we are all one big happy family. Top Hat will provide the turkey and we ask that you bring one of your favorite dishes to share with everyone. After the delicious meal and great conversation, the evening turns into a Top Hat dance party.
 
This year the Thanksgiving Dinner parties will be Friday, November 21st at the Lancaster studio and Saturday, November 22nd at the Philadelphia studio. Sign-up sheets will be available in November.
 
We look forward to sharing this tradition with all the members of the Top Hat family!
 
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!!
 
10771 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19116
(215) 676-3100
 
110 S. Railroad Avenue
New Holland, PA  17557
(717) 393-6653
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expanding the Enjoyment of Dance. . . One Step at a Time!

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