Don't Cry for Me

Dear Madonna,

Do you know how I can get hold of Antonio Bandaras? I'd like to invite him to my party, too.

He knows a bit of Tango, doesn't he? From when you worked on Evita together? I'm soliciting some crossover West Coast Swing/Tango dancers to put on an informal demo on Madonna Day, for the Fabulous Floor Show. Getting Antonio to come would be a real coup! And there's a bit of birthday 'history' associated with him.....

When I went to Barcelona with Cava Girl Karen for my 40th birthday the plan was to hook up with an Antonio Bandaras look-alike for a bit of holiday fun. In the first two days that we were there, though, the only men we met seemed to be Moroccan gigolos, so I quickly dropped that idea and Karen and I carried on sight-seeing and going to the Cava Bars without paying much attention to the guys who were paying attention to us. You must know how that is.

Another question, and this one from Beverley who *may* help out with the Tango demo if I come up with a song she likes, and that is: What's your favourite Tango song? Do you go for the traditional stuff or are you drawn (like I am) to the "alt" or electronic Tango music?

Last weekend we were in Buffalo for dance workshops with an instructor from California, Michael Kielbasa. He danced with one of the local Buffalo instructors (and fabulous Follower), Marta, to "4 Minutes". So cool! I really hope the song finds its way onto the West Coast circuit. Actually, I'm hoping that there will be other cuts from Hard Candy that will be suitable for dancing West Coast. Can hardly wait....

Only 4 Minutes to Save the World...and only 4 Days until the album hits stores!

"All through my wild days, my mad existence..."

Julie

On The Cover Of....

Dear Madonna,

Picked up the new Vanity Fair and Elle magazines last week. You are hot, hot, HOT! I love what you're wearing in both: all lingerie/athletic wear in VF (with those boots!), and a definite nod to Catherine Deneuve in Elle...plus fedora and fishnets...yum! Oh - and I like the patent leather bra, too, but when you come to Toronto I'll take you to Northbound Leather; I think you'll really dig their stuff.

Well, we're just a month away from JulieFest and I still have tons to do but things really are falling in place. I had some rehearsals last week, setting the choreography for a couple of pieces we're doing Saturday night....as part of our tribute to you, Madonna, so I hope you can make it.

The Gladstone Hotel has added "The Dear Johns Day" to their on-line event listing: http://www.gladstonehotel.com/events/day.cfm?d=2008/05/18. I really hope we get a mention in their print newsletter, the Glad Bag, as well.

Cool coincidence: The Gladstone features art shows in its public spaces and concurrent with my event there's a photo exhibit Elvis impersonators from a big annual Elvis weekend that takes place north of Toronto each year. Are you an Elvis fan, Madonna?

Anyway, gotta go. I'll write again next week, and then the week after that I'll be attending a conference in New Orleans. That's where I'll be on the on the 29th, when Hard Candy comes out. I want the real CD, though I'll probably download it to my iPod anyway.

BTW - did I hear '4 minutes' on a shampoo commercial?

Ciao ciao,

Julie

4 Minutes

Dear Madonna,

I downloaded your new video with JT onto my iPod. Love it, love it, love it...and *especially* love what your wearing! Looking forward to hearing the entire album later this month.

I read this week that you've been defending poor Britney. Good for you. A few years ago my friend Shelley and I used your performance with Britney where you kissed as the inspiration for our costumes in a Jill & Jill contest at the Boston Tea Party. I remember Ann Fleming asking (a bit mockingly) if we were supposed to be 'angel and devil' as we were dressed in white and black. When we told her we were Britney and Madonna and that we were going to lock lips she nearly freaked!

You know, there's a ton of West Coast stuff going on in the U.K.; you may want to check it out. I get these great emails from a woman who calls herself West Coast Angie. Here's just a sample of what's happening, your side of the pond:

• Wednesday 9 April ROBERT AND NICOLA ROYSTON will be teaching 2 classes, 8 to 8.50 (basics) and 9 to 9.50 (intermediate patterns) for Catriona Wiles - WCS Wednesdays at St Mary's Church Hall, Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NJ. Doors open 7.45
  
  Friday 11 - Monday 14 April ROBERT AND NICOLA ROYSTON will be joined by KYLE REDD AND SARAH VANN DRAKE for the UK WCS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT WESTON SUPER MARE. This event is hosted by John and Wes of Jive Addiction who are responsible for bringing over so many US pros for our enjoyment. SO IF YOU HAVEN'T BOOKED YET, DO IT NOW!! http://www.jiveaddiction.com/
  
  Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April JORDAN AND TATIANA will be at the Royal Oak Pub in Blisworth, Northants for a full weekend of workshops, freestyles and cabaret. There are still spaces left so contact Angelique at onlytheroyaloak@aol.com or call her on 07887 910646. The daily rate for workshops + freestyle only is only £45 or £89 for the whole weekend. The Saturday evening freestyle is £25 and Friday/Sunday evenings are £15.
  
  Friday 9 to Monday 12 May MARIO ROBAU will be at CEROC Scotland's Blaze Weekender in Ayr. I have personally attended many of Mario's workshops over the years and he really is a great master of WCS. If you have never seen him before, then do make the effort to travel to Scotland. He really is worth it, friendly, funny and very focussed with gems of technique pointers!
  

Madonna, these are all really terrific instructors, and I agree with Angie about Mario being a "great master". You'd get some valuable insight into the dance before JulieFest.

Speaking of which, I've asked Dave & Linda Corke to bring a good selection of the popular low-heeled sandal for Followers to purchase that weekend. I'm also looking forward giving away 'Angel Bucks'. These will be discount coupons for the workshop weekend with Angel Figueroa taking place outside Ottawa a couple of weeks after JulieFest.

Last but not least I've started scheduling rehearsals for the "Fabulous Floor Show" taking place during the dance on May 17th. I think you're really going to get a kick out of it. And if you wanted to perform in it yourself.....

Tick tock tick tock tick tock

Julie