Looking for a place to dance? These are just four of the popular venues in the metro area.
Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St., 303-294-9281: Beginners often get to hobnob with professionals from around the country who frequent this well-known hot spot. But know before you go: This is a serious dance environment. Practice somewhere else and bring your best moves.
Tuesday: Lindy-hop lessons for beginners at 6 p.m., intermediates at 7 p.m. Dancing at 8 p.m. A popular night, so be prepared for crowds.
Wednesdays: Tango offered at same times.
Thursdays: Jitterbug lessons at 7 p.m.; open dance at 8. Smaller crowds make this night more intimate and user-friendly.
Fridays: Beginning tango lessons at 6:30 p.m. and Argentine tango dancing at 9 p.m. Serious social dancing.
Sundays: swing and Lindy.
Stampede Mesquite Grill & Dance Emporium, 2430 South Havana St., Aurora. 303-696-7686: This has to be one of the only places in the city where folks can dance to swing, pop music, blues and country tunes all in the same night. DJs keep the vibe going strong. Thursday’s West Coast swing night tends to draw an older crowd. The more country-oriented Wednesday and Saturday “ladies nights” are younger and more rambunctious. The circular dance floor keeps two-stepping couples moving. The Grizzly Rose, 5450 N. Valley Highway, is also popular, thanks to its live music.
La Rumba, 99 W. 9th Ave. 303-572-8006: Live music makes this one of Denver’s hottest salsa clubs on Saturday nights. Lessons at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. give novices a chance to learn the basics before open dancing begins at 10 p.m. It’s fun to watch the sleek regulars who often carve out more intimate dance space in front of couches near the bar away from the main floor. Dress to impress: Evening gowns are not out of place here, and a dress code is enforced. Other popular salsa nights include Wednesday at the Denver Turnverein, 1570 Clarkson; Friday at Blue Ice, 22 Broadway; and Sunday at D-Note, 7519 Grandview Ave. in Arvada.
Rick’s Tavern, 6762 Lowell Blvd., 303-427-3427: The Rick Garcia Band regularly plays at this favorite spot for Tex-Mex music. But it also mixes it up with appearances from other acts. Live music on Saturday and Sunday makes it the place to be north of Pueblo. Check out the Lechugas Italian Restaurant & Lounge, 3609 Tejon St. for more Tex-Mex.
And don’t forget: The Denver Turverein or the Avalon Ballroom in Boulder aren’t dance clubs, but these are the practice floors to hit for learning in a laid-back social environment. Attending a monthly bash at the Turverein, 1570 Clarkson St., gives dancers a chance to experience numerous styles from the Charleston to Cha-Cha. Avalon, 6185 Arapahoe, Boulder, is a newcomer, but is gaining a reputation as another spot to learn various dance styles.
– Sheba Wheeler
