Kim Greenburg visits the Biltmore

It is now an annual tradition for my family to visit the Providence Biltmore for Thanksgiving weekend each year. We love to explore the hotel which was built in 1922. My grandparents had their senior prom in this hotel, and they also had their wedding reception there.

The Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This year, during our stay, were visited by a family friend, Kim Elizabeth Greenberg. Her Mother worked in the hotel in 1958, as a Golliwog Girl.

Kim dances in the RI State Ballet with my aunt Karen and my cousin Lindsay. She Recently auditioned for the show America's Got Talent, and wore the actual costume that her mother entertained with during the 1950's!

When Kim came to visit us at the Providence Biltmore, she wore the actual costume that her mother wore at the hotel. The costume is in amazing condition and fits her perfectly.

I have no idea what type of routine Kim did when she auditioned but I'm wishing her the best of luck and I have my fingers crossed that she will get on the show.

Joan Fontaine

Sad to hear about the passing of Joan Fontaine.

Las Vegas Holiday Dance Classic

Hosted by Mary Murphy Sam Sadano and Wendy Johnson, at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.

On our first night in Las Vegas, Sophia and I watched the movie Meet Me in Las Vegas, starting Cyd Charisse.

Dance competition went well, this was
her third year attending.

Sophia placed first in the  best of the best bronze nine dance .  Awards were presented by Michael Chatman, organizer  of Mellennium dancesport and co-organizer Hollywood Dancesport .

To celebrate Sophia's win in the best of the best we had dinner with the beautiful

Natasha Issacs and her partner, Gregory day. Natasha was the winner of the silver best of the best nine dance and her division. During this year's holiday classic we are also introduced to the newest member of Chicago dance team, Diana Lasicka

On Friday we went to see Absinthe, the ultimate Vegas Variety Show .

It was such an unusual experience that I was literally left speechless. Just when you think you have seen it all, you really haven't.... there were  some things in the show that will leave you head scratching, for sure .

We went to see the show by the forecourt of Caesar's Palace, inside what looks like a circus tent. The show is hosted by a master of ceremonies known as the Gazillionaire , he was assisted by a little lady who was dressed like a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz. Together they delivered a load of $1.99 dirty humor, mixed with an occasional racial slurr ( or two or three.... Or maybe more)

My favorite part of the show was watching a girl tap dance inside a bubble, to the Doris Day song  " I want to be happy" .

 The Doris Day music was the only wholesome part of the show. I had no idea that the girl inside the bubble was in fact Angel Porrino. Roxi used to watch her on the show Holly's World.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Hia6yZiCNe8

We were most highly bewildered by a rollerskating act by the skating Aratas.

The show also had an amazing high wire act with actor an stuntman Almas Meirmanov. It took some time to absorb this show, it was an amazing one to watch, but the acts were so death defying that I was rendered almost speechless.  The hazardous stunts were entertaining and answered some questions of " Can it be done? " ..... But it leaves one thinking " should it be done, despite the danger?" I'm not sure I have an opinion on that, but I will definitively see Absinthe again during my next trip back to Sin City.

12 Story building will replace Dance Factory

It has been the talk among the Arlington dance community for the last year , a 12 story apartment building will replace the old bank and Dance Factory building across the street from Virginia Square metro.

The building will be named Latitude Apartments. The old buildings are closing and will be razed for new construction.

This is a picture of how the complex will appear on Fairfax Drive.

Construction required a change in zoning from commercial to commercial hotel and residential, an article about this recently in the Washington Post

Just recently I received an invitation to the farewell party that will be held at the dance factory in mid December. The Factory has been one of the longest continually operating dance studios in the metro DC area. Many of us share many happy memories there . 

Construction of this apartment and office building will mean the end of an era for the Arlington dance community, but the Arlington dance scene will stay very much alive.

Social Dances will continue at the Veterans Dance Hall at 3445 Washington Blvd. For the last year, several dances have been held in this location with all the proceeds going to charitable causes. The next social dance will be held on Friday, December 27, in the Veterans Dance Hall from 8:30 PM until 11 PM. Proceeds from this dance  will go to benefit the Arlington American legion. Several local dance professionals have committed their support to this new chapter within the Arlington dance community. Details for continued classes and socials are TBA.