The Original Palladium
The Grand Opening of the Pierre Dulaine Theater Nite Clubb launched its new and unique face of management with an unforgettable evening that highlighted the past eras of Mambo and Cha-Cha dancing. New managers and hosts of this special evening, Paul Harrison and Vanessa Villalobos, organized The Exciting Re-Enactment and Reunion of the Original Palladium Era Wednesday August 3, 2005 at 25 West 31st Street, 4th floor (btw. Broadway & 5th Ave) New York City. www.pierredulaine.com.
The first in a series of programmed events at Pierre Dulaine's studio follows the nationwide success of this year's box office hit "MadHot Ballroom." This special Palladium evening had a conglomerate of attendees whose artistic accomplishments and feats continue to defy time and trends. In attendance were dance celebrities from the Original Paladium Era (1940's through the 1970's) who shared the stage with Latin American Musical Greats Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. Andy Jerrick, Freddy Rios, Charlie Cha Cha Taps, Ernie Ensley, and Michael Terrace with Elita reunited after flying in from Florida, Georgia and New Jersey for this evening. Honorary guests in the audience also included NY Congressman candidate Felipe Luciano, composer Franc Peri, who wrote the music for the Rumba in Pierre Dulaine's "Madhot Ballroom" (see June 2005 issue Dancer Magazine) and Jo Jo Smith, legendary choreographer responsible for the dance styling of John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever" and Debbie Allen in "Fame." The generation that was lucky enough to experience this innovative moment in Latin music danced in their Palladium-style. Visually you could see and feel the pulse and soul of the music through the dancers' bodies on the floor. These older dancers have individual expression and a "feeling-driven" style that is like no other, even by today's Latin dancing standards.
The novelty act before the exhibitionists was a treat when the "Madhot Ballroom" youth captivated the audience with their Lindy Swing number (a parallel act following in the footsteps of the original Mama Lou Parks Lindy dancers at the Original Palladium). Later the exhibitionists for the evening Andy Jerrick and Freddy Rios turned the house out when they became rhythm, ecstasy, speed and feeling on stage, coming together for the first time in 24 years! The crowd gave a standing ovation as the performers were asked to return to the main floor by applause. If ever there is an account of music and dance transforming lives, the testament was true this evening at Pierre Dulaine's when we all learned that these great dancers defied and conquered physical limitations, as well as politically dense times, through their love for great music.