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Bonnie Rosenstock
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Hustle
Salsa
Stepping Out Studios
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New York City
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New York, NY

Friday Night Dance Fever

by Bonnie Rosenstock
November 7, 2008
Stepping Out Studios
37 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10010
646-742-9400
In today's economy, hustling is the name of the game if you want to stay ahead of financial rack and ruin. But for a more upbeat meaning, boogie on down to Stepping Out Studios at 37 West 26th Street, where the hustle is not only alive and well, it just might be making a comeback.

Every first Friday of the month, Simone Assboeck, full-time instructor and teacher training coordinator at the studio organizes Friday Night Fever Extravaganza, or as she has nicknamed it, her "Absolute Disco Party." And disco it is, as guest DJ Nelson "Paradise" Roman spins and elegantly dressed couples whirl to classic hustle sounds and rhythms.

The hustle party takes place in the spacious, lights down low Grand Ballroom, outfitted with a mood setting disco ball, which emanates sparkling streams of revolving light. Salsa has its own DJ in a smaller side room, and people can flow between the two. But clearly, with this crowd, hustle is king.

Ms. Assboeck, who hails from Cologne, Germany, and has been here for eight years, has just celebrated the one-year anniversary of this event. She acknowledges that after the 1970s, the hustle dance community got much smaller, but since the success of television's "Dancing with the Stars" and recent dance movies, hustle seems to be enjoying a big revival, and in her opinion none too soon. "I think the music is fun, joyful and positive," she enthuses. "People have a place to go here, feel comfortable and enjoy each other's company."

Larry, from the Inwood section of Manhattan, agrees that the dance parties are fun and also very useful. He has been hustling for about five years, but started taking classes at Stepping Out six months ago. "The lessons are wonderful," he says, "but unless you go to the parties, you're not going to be a good dancer. You have a chance to dance with all levels and learn from each other. You don't think about stress, you have to concentrate on your partner, that music, that floor, that moment and the next moment."

It's also a great social event, as people of all ages, backgrounds and locales come together for dance moves and congenial conversation. Doris from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, says, "The people are friendly and make you feel welcome." Larry from Bayside, Queens, concurs, "Everyone is approachable. If you don't know the dance, they are willing and eager to help you learn it."

For extra inspiration, guest artists Lemington and Jason, thrill onlookers with their fiery brand of tango, hustle and other Latin dances.

In addition, Ms. Assboeck fuels her happy dancers' bodies with a delicious free buffet that she makes herself, except for the store bought meatballs. On this night, she prepared a mixed garden salad, bow pasta salad, organic chicken sausage with rice and vegetables, and a vegetarian dish. Also provided were desserts, snack food, grapes and an open bar with soft drinks and wine.

Friday Night Fever Extravaganza, every first Friday of the month, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., Stepping Out Studios, 37 West 26th Street, 9th floor. Admission: Current students, $10. General Public, $15. Next dance: Friday, December 5. Also: Hustle and Latin Jam on Wednesday nights, 9:30 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. For additional information, call 646-742-9400. Website: www.steppingoutstudios.com for information on scheduled classes and events.
Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Hustle at Stepping Out Studios

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Simone Assboeck

Simone Assboeck

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Simone Assboeck (on left)

Simone Assboeck (on left)

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock


Socializing over food

Socializing over food

Photo © & courtesy of Bonnie Rosenstock

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