About Lori Brizzi​

Lori Brizzi has been actively keeping Hustle dancing Staying Alive  for over 24 years in New York City, the birthplace of the Hustle.

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Although one of the original Hustle dancers and teachers, Lori’s passion reignited at the turn of the millennium, a time when Hustle dancing appeared nearly lost, confined mostly to underground venues. Driven by a burning desire to pass this exciting dance down to younger generations, she refused to let it die as a “period dance” of the ’70s and ’80s.

Soon afterwards, she became the originator of the NY Hustle Congress — a hugely popular event returning for it's 14th edition as part of the NYC Dance Experience in 2027, promising to be the best one yet.

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Other Signature Events

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• Big Apple Hustle at the Hyatt Regency in Morristown, NJ — Friday, July 11, 2025

• The 4th NJ Hustle Congress at the Marriott Newark International Airport — January 15–19, 2026

• Atlantic City Hustle Dance Jam - July 4-7, 2019

 

Her Hustle parties include:

• The legendary weekly Monday Night Hustle

• The popular monthly Millennium Dance Jam (every 3rd Saturday)

Both held at 412 in Midtown Manhattan.

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Performing & Teaching

She has been a featured performer with prestigious companies such as American Ballroom Theater and Swing Dance America, and toured worldwide as a teacher and performer aboard cruise ships.

In New York City, Lori has taught Hustle lessons for Lincoln Center’s Hustle Nights and performed at renowned venues including the Rainbow Room, Copacabana, and Latin Quarter.

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She has made numerous TV and movie appearances and was featured for her work in the Hustle community in the documentary Crime Cutz, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. 

https://youtu.be/UZJ0b9owSAk?t=8

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Lori was featured in several galleries as part of the exciting Urban Stomp exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, in April 2025 through February 2026 —

a celebration of NYC’s vibrant dance legacy.​

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When not running her own events, Lori travels as a teacher and judge for many Hustle events across the United States.

Awards & Achievements​

Lori’s dedication to the dance world has earned her multiple honors and distinctions:

• Voted Person of the Year 10 times by readers of DanceTalk.

• Winner of numerous dance championships in International Latin, Theater Arts, and Cabaret.

• Three-time winner and two-time finalist of the iconic Zachary’s Dance Contest.

• Inductee, Hustle Hall of Fame.

• Inductee, Disco America Hall of Fame.

• Recipient of the Christopher M. Nardone Outstanding Spirit of Giving Award.

• Recipient of a special recognition award from the New York Hustle Dance Community, presented in appreciation of her dedication, hard work, and for keeping dancers connected through her leadership and love of Hustle.​

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Through every project and every performance, Lori continues to inspire others to dance, connect, and celebrate the enduring rhythm of Hustle.  Please join Lori at one of her legendary Hustle parties and stay tuned for updates on the future dates of the 14th NY Hustle Congress and 5th NJ Hustle Congress and be part of the dance family that keeps the Hustle alive!