Dancing is every bit an art form — from the movement of the body to the colorful and ornate costumes. Glitter, rhinestones, fringe, high heels, loud music — it’s all fun to watch, but it’s more fun to learn and practice your moves on an actual dance floor. Whether you’re looking for a class, a hot dance club or want to watch a competition or show, Encore Atlanta has your guide to everything dance for the month of March.
Learn it
Check out these dance companies to learn moves like the ones you see on “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” or this month’s tour of Burn the Floor.
Academy Ballroom Atlanta, is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff of dancers. It offers all levels of ballroom dancing, whether you’re a newbie or a professional. Classes include everything from foxtrot to salsa, merengue to West Coast swing. Once you’ve mastered a few moves, show them off at one of the Academy Ballroom Atlanta dance parties that occur on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. 800 Miami Circle NE; 404-846-3201; academyballroomatl.com
Located in both Buckhead and Johns Creek, Daza Dance Ballroom Academy offers more than 50 weekly classes in all styles and levels of ballroom, Latin and swing dance — even offers bellydancing. March is full of fun — from their Friday night ballroom parties to a special flamenco workshop at its Buckhead location on the 25th. Two locations: 721 Miami Circle, Ste.103; 404-751-1634 (Buckhead). 3005 Old Alabama Road, Ste. 4000; 678-353-0182 (John’s Creek); dazadanceatlanta.com
Dance 101 is a boutique adult dance studio for beginners or professional dancers. Dance 101 features more than 100 weekly classes, including hip-hop, jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, lyrical, bellydance and salsa. If you’re just starting out, check out Dance 101’s Discover Level Classes, which are meant for those wanting to dance recreationally for fitness, weight loss and good health. 2480 Briarcliff Rd., Ste. 11; 404-542-3887; dance101.com
Practice it
Now that you have the moves and the confidence, head out on the town to show off your moves. These local hot spots will rev you up.
Get ready to dance the night away. Loca Luna Restaurant & Bar has it all: tasty Latin tapas, tropical drinks and live samba, salsa and merengue music every night. There’s a late-night DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. 550-C Amsterdam Ave. NE; 404-875-4494; loca-luna.com
Dress to impress and wear your dancing heels! CosmoLava, located in the heart of Midtown, has three dance floors with DJs spinning everything from Top-40 to ’80s, funk and hip-hop. Need a breather? Check out the tropical deck for great views of the Midtown skyline. 45 Thirteenth St.; 404-873-6189; cosmolava.com
Opa! Nothing is as infections as the Greek spirit. Taverna Plaka is like catching dinner and a show—it’s known for delicious Greek food and a staff that will stop everything to dance the “Zorba.” Late night at Taverna Plaka begins at 10 p.m., when a DJ spins Mediterranean music and exotic bellydancers take the floor. Join in the Greek traditions of doing shots of ouzo, throwing napkins, screaming “opa” and breaking plates. 2196 Cheshire Bridge Rd.; 404-636-2284; tavernaplakaatlanta.com
Watch it
If you’re more of an armchair enthusiast, check out these live entertainment options for a night full of fun.
Salsa Fest 2011 features live salsa bands, DJs, authentic Latin foods, dance lessons, exhibitions and more. Located at Turner Field on March 27, tickets for Salsa Fest are $10. 755 Hank Aaron Dr.; 404-350-0200; salsafestivalatlanta.com
It’s a bit of a drive, but the Garden City Dance Challenge 2011 is Augusta’s only professional dance competition. Watch both American and international-style professional dancers in their competitive element the weekend of March 25. Augusta, Ga.; 706-414-6381; ballroominmotion.com/gcdc
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Taylor Dahl freelances for several lifestyle and entertainment publications, and also works for a successful marketing company in Atlanta. She lives in the city with her dog, Lucy.
