Club 412/You Should Be Dancing parties are a wonderful discovery. I've lived in New York City for more than two years now and, after a few disappointing experiences in my first several months, had despaired finding someplace truly enjoyable to go out dancing. But this past Saturday the You Should Be Dancing Swing and Salsa night at Club 412 fulfilled all my hopes. The live bands were fantastic, the dance floors well-populated but not crowded, and, most importantly of all, the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed, happy, and fun.

In one room, salsa — people swirling and shimming to the irresistible rhythms of Rico Tumbao Latin Orchestra. In another, swing, where I was memorized by the cheerful, energetic dancing. And in the third room, illuminated in dancehall proper blue light, a dj played an eclectic mix while couples boogied down however they pleased.

I, delighted, wandered from room to room. I'm already looking forward to the next party…

Baby Soda Jazz Band warming up Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart

And now they are ready to go Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart

The Swing room floor was always well populated Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart

In the Salsa room Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart

Rico Tumbao Latin Orchestra Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart

Smiles in the Salsa room Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart

And, the swanky West Coast Swing room Photo © & courtesy of Sarah Hart