The modern day dance floor is quite the marvel. Traditionally, nearly every nightlife venue around the world would always have a dance floor, the ultimate communal area for dance. But now, it seems that bottle service is more important and in high demand, and furniture seems more fun to dance on than a 40ft.x40ft. area. However, there are still venues out there that stick to the old-school and believe that the dance floor is the key in creating the atmosphere that their establishment needs. Although for Los Angeles dance floors are a dime a dozen, we’ve narrowed it down to the top dance floors that you should definitely try your two-step at.
Kress
6608 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Kress may pull twice the typical club’s cover from your wallet, but if you’re into being VIP, it’s a necessary stop on the west coast. It boasts five fashionable floors, but those looking to hit the hardwood for some movement will find everything they need on the basement level. The Kress basement often hosts live entertainment. But when it’s not hosting, you can count on the latest hip-hop and dance tunes to be blaring loudly even into the dimly lit corners of its VIP tables. It also offers a champagne bar in the bathroom – so if your date keeps scurrying off, don’t think it’s her lame excuse to escape your tango for two. She may just be enhancing her buzz if she’s feeling self-conscious next to the likes of Paris, who’s been known to enjoy the spot.
Highlands
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Standing on one of the many Highlands plush balconies, you can scope a jaw-dropping view of the LA basin. The Highlands is typical LA-scene, but draws in enough hipsters to differentiate itself from other sweat-ridden top nightclub dance floors in LA. However, it’s also been known to attract tourists and members of the ‘wanna-be’ crowd. Regardless of what crew is there the night you go, the club’s talented go-go dancers –who actually appear to enjoy their jobs – will be there leading the dance floor, as well-renowned DJs mix old school dance and hip-hop with the latest Top 40 and rap hits. Nice jeans will get you past the velvet rope, but the upscale-casual dress code is strictly enforced.
Avalon
1735 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028
If your Grandma tells you that you should hit up the Avalon, this may be one time you should actually trust her opinion. Formerly known as the Palace, the location hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and The Rolling Stones last century. Now revamped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, you’ll find acrobatic angels and dancers swooning between laser beams on the dance floor. The club may lack in size, but its atmosphere makes up for it, mixing its old-school Hollywood vibe with the cutting edge contemporary. And while the club recently began to fall in an electro slump, new efforts of housing less-scene DJs shed an optimistic hope for this club’s future.
Vanguard
6021 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
The term ‘vanguard’ is defined as the first of a leading series in a movement, and this Hollywood Boulevard spot has shown to be loyal to its name so far. Vanguard took a warehouse space and transformed it into a 20,000 square feet club where dancing is practically mandatory. However, if your feet tire, it does have a few cozy corners – decorated with a giant, smiling Buddha – to allow them some rest. With so many hip-hop crews and music fanatics flocking to the joint, it’s no surprise Vanguard was recently voted no. 36 on the list of the top 100 venues for club music in the world by djmag.com.
Ecco
1641 N. Cahuenga Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
You’ll need high-fashion dance shoes and a low carbon footprint to make your way onto this top nightclub dance floor, as Ecco is the first eco-friendly club in LA. But don’t think that being environmentally-friendly makes Ecco a bamboo hut with a few fluorescent light bulbs. Rather, it’s decked out with a multi-colored, state-of-the art lighting system which provides an interesting contrast to its sleek black design. But to go green, you’ll need some serious green. Ecco’s drinks may be as strong as Sequoias but they’ll also leave your wallet feeling weak at the end of the night, partially in thanks to the 20 percent gratuity automatically tacked onto orders. Ecco’s velvet rope is one of the tightest, so try to get on the guest list, but also realize the club is small and not everyone always makes it in. Regardless of if you’re one of the lucky inside or waiting in the line in your 4-inch stilettos, experiencing Ecco will more than convince you that green is the new black.
IVAR
6356 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Go-go dancers keep the bodies moving all night long at this relatively new club that’s quickly reserved its spot as one of the top nightclub dance floors in LA. With five bars, two DJ booths and plenty of special events, anyone’s lucky to make it in this club which often has over an hour wait. Music selections range from old school Lauryn Hill to remixes of the latest radio hip-hop and even some house. And although its exposed brick walls may give sound to the “think rich, look poor” vibe, one look at its plush seating and ultra modern decor will convince you otherwise, and convince you why A-listers have been flocking past its beaded curtains and onto its heated patio and VIP rooms.
