Nightclubs aren’t the only place to go and dance. There’s a whole world of rhythms to be explored (and most of them can be found in and around Vancouver).
From the latin beats of salsa to the retro fun of swing, there are plenty of options to try out and enjoy. There are, of course, lessons widely available in a variety of dance styles, but if you just want to let your hair down and have a dance, there are also dance parties going on. Here are just a few you might like to go to with friends or on a date.
Vancouver
Vancouver Swing Society
The Vancouver Swing Society promises “authentic jazz- and swing-era dancing” at various events, including the bi-monthly Hot Club Swing. Beginners can take in a quick lesson before the main event kicks off at 8:45pm.
Location: 181 Roundhouse Mews.
D2 Dance Studio
Dancey Ballroom offers a couple of options – there are the weekly Salsa Bachata Fridays and the bi-monthly salsa/bachata/kizomba nights on Saturdays. Both start with a 1-hour beginners lesson and then continue with a dance party – until 1am on Fridays and 2am on Saturdays.
Location: 505 Hamilton Street.
Vancouver Latin Fever
Vancouver Latin Fever put on regular events on nights throughout the week, taling place at various venues. In fact, they put on too many events for me to start listing here. Worth mentioning, though, are their Havana Fridays, which feature salsa, bachata, merengue and kizomba. Havana Fridays take place at Lux Lounge.
Location: 180 Howe Street.
Rhythm City Productions
Rhythm City Productions puts on the Rhythm City Strut, a casual evening of swing dancing, every Thursday. As with many of the other events on this list, the main event is preceded by a beginners dance class.
Location: 2474 Prince Edward Street.
Burnaby
British Columbia Swing Dance Club
The BC Swing Dance Club holds monthly dances at the Confederation Community Centre in Burnaby. Unlike some of the others on this lists, the BC Swing Club charges an extra fee for the lessons attached to the social dance.
Location: 4585 Albert Street.
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New Westminster
Royal City Swing
Get in a retro mood at Royal City Swing’s regular Friday Night Dances. Each dance begins with a 45-minute lesson before everyone hits the floor. Dancing goes on until 11:45pm.
Location: 318 Keary Street.
Coquitlam
Hot Salsa Dance Zone
Although this group puts on lessons in various Metro Vancouver locations, its weekly Salsa & Latin Dance Nights are held at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre. “Dress to impress” and go along to enjoy salsa, bachata, cha-cha-cha and more.
Location: 1205 Pinetree Way.
Richmond
Crystal Ballroom
The 5,000-square-foot Crystal Ballroom holds tea dances four times a week and evening dances every night, so there are plenty of chances to join in.
Location: 145-11780 River Road.
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