To all my Supporters, Staff, Friends and Family This past weekend I again discovered how many supporters, friends and terrific people are in my life! I am very appreciative that all of you came out to support the 8th Annual World Hustle Dance Championships. This event is one which I truly enjoy putting together . . . seeing and spending time with all of you as you danced, competed, took classes, made new friends and simply had fun - made all the effort worthwhile! There were many new faces and these dancers were eager to participate in workshops and competitions! This gives proof that the dance will continue to grow and this event will grow hand-in-hand. And again this year, those amateurs who pre-registered for their competitions by the July 15 deadline received a beautiful plaque engraved with their name and all of the dances they competed in! The response to this was positively overwhelming! The weekend event began with a Welcome Party on Thursday evening which many felt was the best one yet! This high-energy dance party was very well attended . . . and the excitement which began there, didn't stop all weekend! Friday's workshops were well attended with 3 workshop rooms full of dancers smiling and having an amazing time. The competitions on Friday night included the fantastic performances of the Advanced level for Open Pro-Am Hustle, the awesome Amateur Just Hustle Division, our brand new Team Match Challenge Competition which was thoroughly enjoyed by all . . . and the ever popular Professional Just Hustle and Swing heats ending the Friday competitions. Dancers in the main ballroom were treated for hours and hours to the best hustle music as our DJ's played their hearts out until the wee hours! On Saturday, more fabulous workshops were offered and competitions continued throughout the day. Thank you again for continuing to generate energy by dressing your best, cheering the competitors on and spreading positivity throughout. On Saturday evening the ambiance reflected our energetic & decorative Explosion theme with beautiful decorations in the Grand Ballroom and beautifully dressed guests who were in attendance for our dinner show. This year's spectacular marked the 8th Annual World Hustle event and event director, Diane K. Nardone opened the evening, once again showing her dedication and unselfish support to keeping this fabulous and well-attended event alive and growing!
The dinner show this year was superb with an outstanding opening piano solo by one of our very own talented dancers, followed by a variety of dance routines featuring a young, hip-hop dance troupe coached by Krisna Dodig, Mark James & Karen Lupo, Sophy Kdep & Jason Miklic, Roberto Pagan & Rosa Paredes, Robert & Nicola Royston, David Paris & Zoe Klein and special performances by American Dance Wheels, this years benefitee. A 50/50 raffle was held to benefit those dancers restricted to wheel chairs. A personal thanks to Lauren Bess for her wonderful opening hustle routine with her dad, Ron Bess. The Saturday evening Professional competitions opened with the popular and entertaining Jack-n-Jill Swing & Hustle competitions and concluded with the 8th Annual World Open Hustle Dance Championship! Competition winners are posted on the website - click on the link for Competitions and Awards ! The weekend closed on Sunday with the final competitions including the Just Dance Swing and the ever popular amateur Swing and Hustle Jack-n-Jill's. Concluding the Sunday competitions were the NEW Jill-n-Jack Swing and Hustle competitions where female leaders partnered with male followers and had everyone standing on their chairs!!! Awards followed during a fantastic Farewell Party for the dancers and spectators from 37 states. To my staff, instructors, judges, volunteers and family who treated this event as if it were their own, giving so much of themselves and lending a hand whenever needed, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm honored to have worked among such professionals as we became part of this wonderful experience together. My vision of what this event was to be was completely fulfilled thanks to all of you. I know that my son Christopher was very happy to see that we continue to join together as a melting pot becoming one dance family. I encourage your feedback and recommendations for next year. Our goal is to constantly improve and deliver a fun event for all. Thank you for your support and friendship
Diane K. Nardone | 
