What's next? I recall Prime Time, a cool gay club out on 9W that I checked out a few years back. Yes, that one with the G-string stud dancing behind bars (emphasis on "behind"). But I'd like to see what's closer to home. So, I do what any thinking person would do - I Google it. A few unknown places pop up, along with a few I've heard of. A band usually plays at Forum in Kingston with DJing before and after; five bucks to get in, dollar drinks from 9 to 10PM. I try it. The place is like a NYC dive, a long, narrow space with pool table and small stage. Coolio Iglesias! It's cozy and I'm groovin'. DJ Wavy Davy is spinning acid jazz. The bar is packed. But there I am again, a-dancing with myself, oh oh. Should I request some Billy Idol? Whassup? I get some thoughts from Wavy.
"There's no one dance club or scene that serves as an epicenter," he says. "It hops from venue to venue, night to night." He mentions scenes in New Paltz (Snug's, Oasis, Wave, Cabaloosa) and Kingston (Rive Gauche, Rosita's, Ship to Shore, West Strand Grill, Sweetwater's), but some are mainly bars/restaurants, not places pigeonholed as dance venues.
"Ulster has a funny demographic," he continues, "a mix of college students who like everything, working folks who dig rock and rap, and the upscale crowd who appreciate Latin, mainstream house, or club music. There aren't many young people between 20 and 30 in Ulster County, which is the prime demo for a dance club."
DJ Michael Longto blames the lack of dancers on the season. "As it gets warmer, it gets better," he says. He also pinpoints the economy. "People really can't afford to go out like they use to."
I talk to another dance fiend, Dina, to get her opinion.
"A lot of the scene is geared toward younger people who don't have to get up in the morning. I can't go out at 11PM. I want to dance at 8. Older people want to dance, but they may have to teach a 9AM yoga class on Sunday. DJs should cater to all ages, start earlier. And more venues like Freestyle Frolic should be around to cater to parents."
Dave Leonard, who spins regularly at various locations, says his floor is usually packed by midnight with all ages. He explains why sometimes people stand around.
"You have to play their music," he says, "DJs also want to infuse their own tastes. I like artistic segues - some cool, loungey, groovy track or a new tune that fits my mix. Not everything has to be dance oriented. The music's a focal part of any gathering whether or not there's dancing at that moment."
Ah, this is beginning to make sense, but it's becoming a more difficult venture than I imagined. I have to be at the right place at the right moment. So, I continue to troll around for my favorite new spot, a place where the dancing is unbridled and eternal.
I hit Rive Gauche. Thinking things will only get hopping after 11PM - old lady alert! - I take a nap, pop a Geritol, and bounce on over. The place is sexy, dark, and claustrophobic, the dance floor is tiny, and score! - they've got a pole. DJ George is spinning with his i-Tunes, and he lets me peruse the hits and pick a few. I'm stunned - there's Revolting Cocks' "Beers, Steers and Queers" in his hard drive. Suddenly, I'm stupid and sublimely happy. I feel drunk. I'm in love. Perhaps I'm the only person on earth who still requests this song, but it doesn't matter. Six people join me on the dance floor, which seems like an army considering the size of the place. I'm sated. But have I located the hot spot, or did I merely stumble upon Hammer Time? I return another night and it's deader than Elvis. I continue to explore. I am 2 Legit 2 Quit now.
Come on, deadbeats. Let's bounce! Make Travolta proud. If I can move my creaky ass, so can you. I want to see some sweat this summer. Don't make me quote C+C Music Factory. Let's make the dance scene happen everywhere, every night.
