IN THE KNOW: Places to hit the dance floor

Get in the know! If you have dance fever, there’s only one cure — you just gotta cut loose and get footloose. Fortunately, Sarasota doesn’t have a dance ban akin to Elmore City, Oklahoma, so kick off those Sunday shoes and get in the know about a few dance spots you should already know about, but might not.

For the 20-something:
Well, these might not be the classiest of establishments, but who really cares when you’re covered in sweat dancing to the latest hip hop and top 20 hits. These are as close as you can get to dance clubs in Sarasota.

Beach Club, located in Siesta Key village, is for the young or young-at-heart, late-night crowd (typically college age to early 30s). There’s live entertainment and DJs every night of the week and a big dance floor complete with club lighting — it’s usually packed with people. Be prepared for a $5 cover charge. Visit beachclubsiestakey.com for more info.

Gator Club, 1490 Main St., is the downtown Sarasota dance spot with two floors for dancing. There’s a wide variety of live music downstairs and DJs upstairs. It’s a great nightclub to shake your booty. Visit thegatorclub.com for more information.

For those with disco fever:
It’s not Saturday Night Fever at Café L’Europe — it’s Friday night. St. Armands Circle isn’t the typical place you’d think to get down, get down, get down and boogie. But, the Sarasota staple, gourmet restaurant, 431 St. Armands Circle, rolls out a dance floor in the back of the restaurant on the fourth Friday of the month. It even has a late-night menu and stay open til midnight. Visit Caféleurope.net for more information.

Throw-back seekers:
When you want to hear your favorite popular music and chart toppers from the past with cover bands that play the kinds of songs you know every word to — these are the spots.

Marina Jacks offers a more upscale setting right on the water. The huge covered patio perfect for getting a cocktail and dancing the night away. The restaurant offers live entertainment daily with favorite area bands that play all the right classics. Marina Jacks is located at 2 Marina Plaza just walking distance from downtown; call 365-4232 or visit marinajacks.com.

Ocean Blues, 1936 Hillview St., is a smaller venue whose description is in the name. This place is perfect for dinner and dancing to the blues, classic swing and big band songs. The dance floor is small but mighty, and if you hit it on the right night — it’s packed with couples. Visit oceanblues.net for more information.

Blue Rooster, 1525 4th St., appeals to those of all ages. People come for the southern soul food and stay for the live entertainment. It’s a lively and loud atmosphere. Visit the website at blueroostersrq.com for more information.

Choreography followers:
Sara Dance Center, 5000 Fruitville Road, offers Thursday night group classes for $15 a person (no partner needed). They offer Latin and beginner ballroom from 7 to 8 p.m. Visit saradancecenter.com for more information.

The more seasoned dancers:
Senior Friendship Center Sarasota, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, offers dancing and live music every weekday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It’s usually packed full of Sarasotans with great moves. It’s a secret, fun hot spot at a time one wouldn’t normally expect. Visit friendshipcenters.org for more information.