My Dance News:

Approximately seventy five dancers attended the west coast social at Connelly's this past Tuesday. The event was held in a bar setting, was attended by mostly skilled dancers who clearly were there to dance and featured plenty of room to dance.

Dance Food For Thought:

Season 14 of Dancing with the Stars premiered this past Monday and the quality of the dancing was surprisingly good. (I wonder how ABC picks - screens??? - the "stars" for the show - which this season thankfully did not include anyone selected for their "controversial" public image?) The lowest score was a 20 and two couples scored a well deserved 26, in my opinion of the twelve couples perhaps eight have a shot at the title and there were two or three excellent performances. Here are my comments on the "stars" based on their first performance (either a fox trot or a cha cha):

• Jack Wagner, star of "Melrose Place": Handsome, well rounded, reasonably musical, might be a sleeper
• Melissa Gilbert, star of "Little House on the Prairie": Not very smooth or musical, might leave the show soon with her partner Max whose ego...
• Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers all-time leading receiver: Handsome, muscular, strong crowd support, very strong lead, very musical, seems to be a natural, will be interesting to see how he handles smooth style dances
• William Levy, telenovela star: Handsome, muscular, very strong crowd support, very strong lead, very musical, will also be interesting to see how he handles smooth style dances
• Sherri Shepherd, co-host of "The View": Surprisingly good follower, musical, light on her feet, will be interesting to see if she can move to faster paced dances
• Katherine Jenkins, opera star: Stunning blond, very musical, very stylish, very graceful, strong crowd support due clearly to her dancing
• Gavin DeGraw, singer: Well rounded, not very stylish, might be a sleeper
• Martina Navratilova, tennis star: surprisingly stiff, not obviously musical, overly cautious, no chance unless she lets go
• Roshon Fegan, Disney star: Handsome, very musical, good styling, strong lead, hip hop background may make it challenging for for him to perform smooth dances
• Maria Menounos, TV host: Beautiful, good follower, might be a sleeper
• Jaleel White, URKEL! Star of "Family Matters": Strong leader, smooth, great routine
• Gladys Knight, music legend: Musical, very strong crowd support, will be interesting to see if she can move to faster paced dances

So going way out on a dance limb, here are my projections:

• First to go - Gilbert or DeGraw
• Final three - Driver, Levy, Jenkins, Fegan and/or White
• Winner - Driver or Jenkins

To see the first show and reach your own conclusions - http://abc.go.com/watch/dancing-with-the-stars/SH559050/VD55184076/week-1

Upcoming Dance Events:

Current Discounts for Commentary Readers:

• 3/23 March Madness Open House at Stepping Out free with a copy of this commentary (details below)
• $2 discount with a copy of this Commentary at Millennium Hustle events at Club 412 (2nd & 3rd Saturdays)
• $3 discount with a copy of this Commentary at Millennium Hustle events at Club 412 (2nd & 3rd Saturdays)
• $5 discount with a copy of this Commentary for non-students at Just Dance's monthly socials

Upcoming Dance Events:

- 3/23, 4/27, 5/25; 6/29, 7/27 & 8/24, Dance Manhattan Guest Night, 39 W. 19th St., 8:00 PM lesson, performances, dancing to 12:30 AM, free, dancemanhattan.com
- 3/23, 4/27, 5/25; 6/29, 7/27 & 8/24, Dance Manhattan Guest Night, 39 W. 19th St., 8:00 PM lesson, performances, dancing to 12:30 AM, free, dancemanhattan.com
- 3/23, March Madness Open House, Stepping Out, 37 W. 26th St., 8:30 PM samba class, performances, mixed ballroom and latin rooms to 12:30 AM, $10/5, (free with a copy of this Commentary), steppingoutstudios.com
- 3/30, Swing Revue & George Gee Birthday Bash, Dance Manahattan, 39 W. 19th St., 8:15 PM Show, 9:30 to 12:30 AM dancing to George Gee and DJ music, $15, $15, $25, dancemanhattan.com
- 3/24, Millennium 92Y Spring Dance, 92nd St. Y, dedicated to Cedric Campbell, Soul Train Line Dance, snacks, cash bar, 8 PM - 2:00 AM, $15/20, www.92Y.org, loribrizzi@aol.com
- 3/29 Dance Parade Meeting/Social, Dance Manhattan, 39 W.19th St., 7:00 PM team meeting, 9 - 10:00 PM social, free, http://danceparade.org/
- 3/31 & 5/12, Mixed ballroom practice sessions, 92nd St. Y, 6:30 PM class, guided practice to 10:30 PM, cash bar, $10, www.92y.org
- 4/13, mixed ballroom, Dance Manhattan, 39 W. 19th St., 9:30 - 12:30 AM, light snacks, $7/10, dancemanhattan.com
- 4/14 & 6/9, Swing Dance Swing, 92nd St. Y (E. 92nd St and Lex. Ave.), live music by Double Down, 7:00 PM lesson, dancing to 1:00 AM, refreshments, cash bar, $15/18, swingdanceswing.com
- 4/21, Swing Remix, Basic Ballroom, 335 W. 35th St., 8:30 PM intermediate lesson, live music, dancing to 12:45 AM, $16/25, swingremix.com
- 4/21, Salsa, 92nd St. Y, 7:30 PM lesson, live band, performances, cash bar, DJ to 1:30 AM, cash bar, $15/20, www.92y.org
- 4/28 & 6/16, Mixed ballroom, 92nd Street Y, basic & intermediate classes @ 7:00 PM, performance, snacks, cash bar, $13/15, 92y.org
- 4/29, Dance Parade International Dance Day, thousands of dancers from every dance style, http://danceparade.org/ - 5/5, Swing Remix, JCC, 334 Amsterdam, 7:45 PM basic lesson, live music, dancing to 1:00 AM, $16/25, swingremix.com
- 6/2, Go Go Dance, boogie/motown/funk/disco/pop/soul/r&b/rock&roll (hands free and couple dancing), 92nd St. Y, 8:00 freestyle lesson, dancing to 12:00 AM, cash bar, $10/15, www.92y.org
- 6/30, Vintage Ball, 92nd St. Y, 7:15 workshop, vintage dress, dancing to 11:00 PM, cash bar, $20/25, 92y.org

Monday Events:

- Swing, DanceSport, 22 W. 34th St., 9:30 PM, live band, cash bar, $10/15, dancesport.com
- Hustle, DanceSport, 22 W. 34th St., 9:30 - 11:30, cash bar, $10, dancesport.com
- Tango Fix, Basic Ballroom, 335 W. 35th St., 8:30 - 1:00 AM, $10, thetangofix.com
- Swing, Cotton Club, 8:30 to 12:00 AM, live music, $15, 212-663-7980
- Meat Market Milonga, Triangulo, 9:30 - 1:00 AM, 212-633-6445
- Luna Tango, Dance Manhattan, 9:30 - 12:30 AM, guided practica, snacks, $8/10, dancemanhattan.com
- Latin, TAJ, 48 W. 21st St., 6:30 PM class, performance, bar/restaurant, $6 before 7:00 PM, $12, talia@taliacastro-pozo.com
- Salsa Con Mambo, Session 73, 1359 First Avenue, 8:00 - 1:00 AM, $7 - $12, session73.com

Tuesday Events:

- Strictly Westie, Connelly's, 121 W. 45th St., 6:45/7:30 WC lessons, dancing to 12:30 AM, $10/12, strictlywestie.com
- SwingEasy, 56 Walker St., 8:00 PM lesson, live music, dancing to 11:30 PM, every other Tuesday (next 3/13 & 3/27), $10, http://swingeasynyc.com/
- Zouk, Blue Owl, 196 Second Ave., 8:30 - 11:30, 2nd Tuesdays, free, ZoukNY.com
- Cochabamba La Milonga. Manhattan Ballroom Dance, 29 W. 36th St., 9;30 - 12:30, $12, tango-art.org
- Sabor Tuesdays, salsa, Iguana, 240 W. 54th /St., 8 - 1:00 AM, $5/10, 917-776-1172
- Salsa, DanceSport, 22 W. 34th St., 9:30 - 12:30, $20, dancesport.com - Latin Tinge Tuesdays, 3534 Broadway, buffet @ 6:00, $5/$10

Wednesday Events:

- West Coast, Dance Manhattan, 39 W. 19th St., 9:15 - 12:00 PM, (no 3/21 & 4/25), free/$7, dancemanhattan.com
- Hustle Jam, Stepping Out, 37 W. 26th St., 9:30 - 12:45 AM, $9, steppingoutstudios.com
- Swing Alley, west coast, Frames Bowling Alley, 550 Ninth Ave @ 40th St., 8:30 to 12:00, some Wednesdays (next 3/21 & 4/25), $8/10, swingislove.com
- Salsa, Tian at Riverbank, 679 Riverside Drive @ 145th St., live music, dining, 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM, $8/10, www.salsawednesdaysnyc.com/
- Baila Wednesdays, Solas, 232 East 9th St., 8:30 - 1:00 AM, $5, 917-533-8903
- Salsa, Amber Bistro, 432 6th Ave., 6:30 - 12:00 AM, $6 (free b47), www.NYSalsababy.com
- Piel Canela Club Night, salsa, Cafe Nunez, 240 West 35th St., 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM, free, pielcaneladancers.com
- After Work Wednesdays, Retreat, 37 West 17th St., 6 - 11 PM, lesson, buffet, $5 after 7:00 PM, salsaunitedny.com
- Salsa, Diva, 341 West Broadway, 8:00 - 12:00 AM, free, 212-941-9024

Thursday Events:

- Frim Fram Swing, Club 412, 9 - 1:00 AM, $8, yehoodi.com
- Zouk/Salsa, Sparks, salsa/zouk classes @ 8:00/9:00 PM, dancing to 12:00 AM, $10/18/25, every 2nd Thursday, www.ZoukNY.com
- Cuban Salsa, Iguana, 240 W. 54th St., 8:30 PM class, 3rd Thursdays, $10, thursdays@larumba.net
Milonga Para Dodo, 29 W. 36th St., 8:30 basic/int. lessons, DJs to 1:30 AM, $10/14, basicballroomdanceny.com
- Salsa After Work Thursdays, BB King, 237 W. 42nd St., live/DJ music, free, albertentertainment.com/oltbbkinginvite.htm
- Casa de Tango, Ukranian East Village Restaurant, 9 - 1:00 AM, 212-614-3283
- Havana Rumba, Drom, live Cuban music, 212-777-1157
- Salsa, Club Cache, 10:00 PM lesson, $11, 347-385-6745
- La Nacional Milonga, 239 West 14th St., 917-691-6399
- Dance Times Square mixed ballroom social, 156 W. 44th St., 8:00 PM lesson, dancing 9:00 - 11:00 PM, $10, last Thursdays, dancetimessquare.com
- Salsa, Club Iguana, $5/10, 212-765-6565

Friday Events:

- Latin Hustle Fridays, hustle & salsa music, DanceSport, 22 W. 34th St., 9:30 - 2:00 AM, cash bar/cafe, free/$7 before 10:30/$10, dancesport.com
- Friday Fiesta Ballroom, American Ballroom Theater, 25 W. 31st St., 7:00 PM lesson, DJ to 10:00 PM, wine, snacks, $15 (2/$25) ($3 discount with this E-mail), 2nd Fridays, ballroom@nonstopplaynyc.com
- Manhattan Ballroom Society, mixed ballroom, St. Jean Baptiste Church, 76th St./Lexington Ave., 6:30/7:30 PM lesson(s), $20/30, DJ music to 11:00 PM, manhattanballroom.net
- Full Swing & Salsa Fridays, lessons 8:00 PM, DJ music to 12:30 AM, $7/10, most first Fridays (next 2/3, 3/2 & 4/5), dancemanhattan.com
- Tango Practica, Dardo Galetto Studios, 151 W. 46th St., 7:30 - 12:00, free/$10, http://newgenerationdc.com/dardogallettostudios
- Tango Practica, Piel Canela, 7:30 - 10:30 PM, third Fridays, $5, pielcaneladancers.com
- Sabroso Salsa, Columbus 72, 246 Columbus, buffet, lesson, free with pass, albentertainment.com/C72freeadminpass.htm
- Salsa, Twenty 20, 20 Warren St., 5:00 - 1:30 AM, free, 2020latinclub.com
- Salsa for Beginners, Pearl Studios, 500 Eighth Ave., 7:00 - 10:30 PM, $5/10, pielcaneladancers.com
- Mixed ballroom, 320 W. 37th St., 7:30 PM lesson, DJ music to 11:00 PM, $15, 1st/3rd Fridays, theredbeanstudios.com
- Afterwork Salsa Fridays, El Morocco, 3534 Bway, 6:00 PM, buffet, performance, live music, $10, elmorocconyc.com
- Salsa, Providence, 311 W. 57th St., Happy Hour 5 to 7:00 PM, $7/$10 after 7:00 PM, 347-452-1767
- Milonga, Murano Restaurant, 8:00 PM class, dancing till 1:00 AM, $13, first Fridays, 212-695-5220
- Mambo Fateegz Salsa Fridays, Ballroom Off Fifth, 37 W. 37th St., 9 - 2:00 AM, $10/12, 1st/3rd/5th Fridays, mambofateegz.com
- Fuego Fridays, Salsa, Roomservice, 35 East 21st Street, 5 PM - 4:00 AM, 917-701-0811
- Dance Tango, Ukranian East Village Restaurant, 9 - 2:30 AM, 212-614-3283
- Tango Lounge, DanceSport, DJ music, wine bar/tapas, 9:30 - 2:30 AM, $12/10, newyorktangolounge.com
- Salsa Fridays, Dance Manhattan, 8:00 PM lesson, 9:30 - 12:30 AM, $7/10, most 1st/3rd Fridays, dancemanhattan.com
- Afternoon Milonga, Triangulo, 4:30 to 8:30 PM, $10, 212-633-6445
- Latin, Club 412, 9 - 1:00 AM, $10, 2nd & 4th Fridays, $10, youshouldbedancing.net
- West Coast swing/hustle, Club 412, lesson @ 9:00 PM, third Fridays, (3/16 moved to 3/30), $10/15, http://swingshoes.net/start-dancing/dance-events/platinum-party
- Kizomba/Zouk, Piel Canela, 500 8th Ave., 7 - 10 PM, $5/10, first Fridays, pielcaneladancers.com

Saturday Events

- Mixed ballroom, The Ball NY, 131 W. 35th St., 2nd Saturdays (starting April 14th), $15/12, cathysdances@aol.com
- Millennium Hustle, 2nd/3rd Saturdays @ Club 412, 412 Eighth Avenue, free classes, hustle/latin/ballroom dance floors, cash bar, 9 - 2:00 AM, $11/13/15 ($2 discount with this e-mail), loribrizzi.com
- Just Dance Monthly Socials (usually last Saturday), 500 8th Ave., 12th floor, 8:00 PM class, dancing to 11:00 PM, $10/15, ($5 discount with this E-mail for non-students), justdancellc.com
- DancXchange Lounge, hustle & salsa, 22 W. 34th St., 9:00/9:30 PM free basic/intermediate lessons, new dancers "Welcome Wagon," Rapid Fire Dance Mix, dancing to 1:30 AM, $15, last Saturdays, www.donnadesimone.us
- Mixed Ballroom, 29 W. 36th St., 7:30 lesson, snacks, many excellent dancers, $15, manhattanballroomdance.com
- Gotham West Coast Swing, Basic Ballroom, 335 W. 35th St., 8:00/8:30 PM basic/intermediate lessons, DJ 9:00 - 12:30, $15/12/10, first Saturdays, gothamswingclub.org
- All Night Milonga, Stepping Out, 9:00 PM lessons, performance, dancing to 4:00 AM, $10/15, 2nd/5th Saturdays, Steppingoutstudios.com
- Bachata Social, Pearl Studios, 500 Eighth Ave., $5/10, 1st/3rd Saturdays, pielcaneladancers.com
- Piel Canela After Party, latin, Cafe Nunez, 240 W. 35th St., 10:00 - 1:00 AM, $5/free, pielcaneladancers.com
- Tango Cafe, Club 412, 412 Eighth Avenue, 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM, two rooms, $12, youshouldbedancing.net
- JookJoint Blues, location varies, 9:30 PM lesson, usually 2nd/4th Saturdays, DJ to 2:30 AM, $10/12, jookjointshimmyblues.com
- Toda La Noche Salsa,Stepping Out, 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM, 1st Saturdays, $12, steppingoutstudios.com
- Salsa On 1 Practica, Ral'eau Salsa Dance Company, 300 W. 43rd St. Suite 600, 9pm til, $5, info@rsalsa.net
- Milonga De Barrio, 29 W. 36th St., 9:00 basic/int. lessons, DJs to 4:00 AM, $12/15, 2nd Saturdays, basicballroomdanceny.com
- La Vieja Guardia Salsa Social, Basic Ballroom, 335 W. 35th St., 10 - 2 AM, 3rd Saturdays, joelsalsa.com
- Milonga Elegante, Dance With Me Soho, last Saturdays, dancewithmesoho.com
- Salsa Practica, Mambo D Dance Center, 315 W. 36th St., 6:30 - 9:30, $10, www.mambod.com
- Latin Social, Pearl Studios, 500 Eighth Ave., 7 - 11:00 PM, $5/10, 2nd & 4th Saturdays, pielcaneladancers.com
- Jazz/swing, Wit's End/Dorothy Parker Society, last Saturdays, various venues, dress code, clubwitsend.com
- Swing, salsa & west coast, Club 412, 7:00 PM lessons, $15/18, last Saturdays, youshouldbedancing.net
- Salsa, Harlem YMCA, DJ music, performance, 9 - 2:00, third Saturdays, 914-837-2072
- Argentine Tango Party, 92nd Street Y, 8:00 - 2:00, 8:30 PM class, performance, jackets for men, $15, some first Saturdays (next 2/4 & 5/5), 646-342-9910
- Latin, Havana Central Times Square, live music, small dance floor, free, 212-398-7440

Sunday Events:

- Dance Craze, Frames Bowling Lounge, 550 Ninth Ave., 1st Sundays, FaShagt, 7:00/7:50 PM shag lessons, fast music to 10:00 PM; 2nd Sundays, Westside Westie, 7:00 PM west coast lesson, wc dancing to 11:00 PM; 3rd Sundays, PolySwing, 7:00 PM lesson, mixed swing dancing to 11:00 PM; 4th Sundays, Latin Rhythms, 7:00 PM salsa lesson, dancing to 11:00 PM, $10, dancecrazeanywayz.com
- Mixed ballroom, The Marc, 37 W. 19th St., 7 - 12:00 AM, good hot/cold buffet, 2nd/4th Sundays, $15, 212-396-2813
- The Spot, mixed ballroom, Ballroom Off Fifth, 37 W. 37th St., 7:30 to 11:30 PM, nice buffet, $13, 1st/3rd/5th Sundays, 212-396-2813
- Sunday Tea Dance, mixed ballroom, 29 West 36th St., 3:00 - 7:00 PM, snacks, $15, manhattanballroomdance.com
- Jimmy Anton's Salsa, Dance Manhattan, many excellent dancers, 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays, $11/14, dancemanhattan.com
- Tango Y Te, Stepping Out, 37 W. 26th St., 3:00 - 6:00 PM, $8/11, steppingoutstudios.com
- Tango, Bazar Bistro, 4 W. 19th st., 5 - 9:00 PM, $10, tango.secreto4jc@gmail.com
- Rock & Roll/Motown/Soul/Doo Wop, Iguana, 7- 11:30 PM, usually third Sundays, $15, 212-486-9517
- Cuban, Thom Bar @ 60 Thomson Street, 9 - 1:00 AM, live music, free, 212-431-0400
- Latin, Sheraton Hotel, 160 W. 25th St., 8:30 - 2:00 AM, free, thevipevents.com
- La Milonguita Ideal, American Ballroom Dance Studio, 8 - 12 PM, 212-244-8400
- Mojito Sundays, The Imperial, 19 West 19th St., salsa, 9 - 2:00, $5/$10, 212-352-2001
- Salsa, Room 55, 210 West 55th St., 6 - 12:00 AM, On 2 class, free, 212-246-2211
- Salsa, Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Ave., 5:30 - 9:30 PM, $10, 2nd and 4th Sundays, http://carloskonig.com/Social.asp

Other Events:

- Swing, St Jean Baptiste Church, 184 E 76th Street 7 PM lesson, live band/DJ to 12:00, some Saturdays or Sundays (next 3/17, 4/22, 5/13 & 6/3), $18/14, nysds.org
- Jazz/swing, Sofia's, Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks, 8:00 PM, $15 cover/$15 minimum, Mondays/Tuesdays, 212-719-5799
- Salsa, Copacabana, 268 W. 47th St., Tuesdays, Friday and Saturdays, supper club, 212-239-2672
- Tango, Lafayette Grill, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 212-732-5600
- Swing, most nights, 346 W. 46th St., supper club, $12/15, swing46.com

Hope to See You on the Dance Floor!

Wayne

*This commentary is authored by an avid social dancer focusing on the Manhattan dance scene. Due to time & space constraints, the event listing generally includes social dance events - but not classes, workshops and performances nor most regularly scheduled events at commercial venues. New event information is indicated in italics. Last minute changes occur frequently, so please confirm details with the organizers & advise me of changes. This commentary is e-mailed to over 500 dancers with links to several other newsletters and websites potentially reaching approximately 3,000 readers. Event promoters are encouraged to offer discounts to readers of this commentary. To receive/cancel, please forward your name & E-mail address. This commentary may not be redistributed without written authorization.