Get into the groove. \nMadonna wasn't kidding. Dancing has always been a huge part of the social scene for young adults. Now more than ever, they are venturing further away from campus to enjoy the nightlife that big cities have to offer, particularly the regional hotspot of Indianapolis, which many IU students travel to each weekend. The city offers a variety of dance clubs to choose from, no matter what kind of music you're into.\nFiesta Dance offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages who love to dance. It is a private member club that holds two classes a week, with an array of dance styles to choose from, including Latin, swing and ballroom. \n"We have dancers come from all over, from Bedford to Kokomo, and beyond. Our diversity is one of our strongest attributes," says Jean Cordell, club director.\nCordell says the company also has many levels of dance instruction. \n"Everyone from beginners to show dancers come here. A person can come if they really want to learn the art of dancing, or just for fun," she says. "It's a really great opportunity to meet people on all different levels and from all backgrounds.\n"For people just starting out, we have an introductory package," she adds. "For $15, a person can receive two dance lessons and come to one of our weekly dances." \nCordell also mentions the club will be holding special events in the near future. \n"For Halloween, we're having a costume dance," she says. "We also have a Winter Wonderland showcase which will be held at the Hyatt Regency here in town. It's a very big deal for us." \nBut Cordell says it's dancing's universal appeal that keeps people coming back. \n"Think about it -- dancing has so much to offer. Not only is it a way to be social, but also a way to stay healthy and have a good time," she says. "It's ageless, pure fun."\nBesides Fiesta Dance, the fourth floor of the Circle Center Mall in downtown Indianapolis is the home of four dance clubs. Andrea Hill, promotions president for the clubs, says she thinks the center's mix of different dance styles is one of its biggest draws. \n"The diversity we offer is just amazing," Hill says. "You have to offer a lot of different types of dance to please everyone."\nFirst, there is Flashback, a retro-themed disco that offers music from the 1970s through the early 1990s. A short distance away is Brewski's, a sports bar filled with pool tables, dartboards and other traditional amusements. Hill can't say enough about this area, as not only do they serve as a venue for people to expel their dancing energy, but Brewski's also offers a bit more than just a dance floor.\n"Brewski's is really cool," she says. "It not only has games to play but an excellent menu with lots to choose from. We also have an amazing view of the city."\nNext is the Live Music Hall, which Hill describes as host to the "hottest local bands," a live alternative to the dancing vibe a DJ provides.\n"Once a month, we open up the stage. Usually this is when we have national acts," she says. "But the local bands are also very popular and receive a lot of attention."\nGator's offers a wide variety of music, ranging from hip-hop to techno to top 40. It is more of a "typical" dance club and has a tropical atmosphere. \n"It's like a tiki bar. A lot of people really enjoy the tropical feel that Gator's has," Hill says. "It's just so much fun for everyone."\nWith Halloween fast approaching, Gator's is also having a costume party, which Hill says is one of the club's biggest attractions.\n"Our costume party will start on the 27th, and it will end with the finals on the 31st," Hill says. "The winner gets $2000, and there will be $25,000 in other cash prizes as well.\n"In addition, we're having our Gravedigger's Ball on Halloween," she adds. "Afroman will be performing, as well as another national act which has yet to be announced." \nAnother venue to dance at The Slippery Noodle Inn, has been the home to Indy's blues scene for years, and is located on the south side of the city. Carol Yeagey, the owner of the club, says it attracts about 400 people on an average night. \n"We have two stages, and during the week is when we have national bands play," Yeagey says. "Regional and local bands are big draws on the weekends."
Slippery Noodle, Gator's, Flashback, Brewski's and Live Music Club are 21 and over. All ages are welcome at Fiesta Dance.
