Hustle - Friday Night in Manhattan

Stepping Out Dance Studio in New York City put on their monthly hustle-west coast swing party with an open bar and buffet for $15.00. Nelson "Paradise" Roman was the DJ in the hustle room and Tybaldt Ulrich ran the west coast swing room. It was very difficult for people to stay away, as was evidenced by the crowded dance floor!

Sometimes, Tybaldt can be odd in his choice of music, but not last night. He played everyone's favorite blues and contemporary songs and danced with all the followers at least twice. One thing that never changes is Tybaldt's challenging (but interesting) lead. The guy has his own style.

The hustle room was filled with old school hustle dancers. Unlike dancers who are taking lessons and learning technique, the street hustlers do things their own way. Guys dance with one hand in a pocket while they just twirl the girl. Or they stand there, just moving their arms back and forth and the follower does all kinds of stuff - like puppeteers. Their followers look like happy dradles!

There was also a show. Martina Kociachova, a fabulous latin international style teacher, performed with her student who is obviously a trained dancer. They did a rumba, cha-cha style choreography to that sultry single "Bust Your Windows" by Jazmine Sullivan. The audience was spellbound. I can't understand why Martina isn't on Broadway - she'd make a great cat.

Tybaldt and his student Marilyn, performed a new hustle routine. Marilyn had on a tourquoise spandex jumpsuit that showed off her very trim middle aged body. If only we could all look like her! Its always a pleasure to watch one of their splashy routines.

It was an excellent way to spend Friday evening. There is quite a bit of hustle dancing in New York City right now and every venue is fun but Stepping Out is the only place to dance both hustle and west coast swing in the same evening - and have dinner and enjoy an open bar.

Whether you live in the tri-state area or are visiting - do yourself a favor and check this venue out!