Where to Go Dancing in New York City

Sometimes, regardless of how much you like your job and spending time with your family, you just need to cut loose in New York City. Fortunately there's no shortage of dance clubs in the Big Apple, so you'll have your pick of places to go dancing when you just can't seem to sit still. The following are three of the hottest New York dance clubs.

Winner of several Citysearch.com awards for the best nightclub in New York City, Pacha is one of the best places to go dancing. It's open Friday and Saturday nights from ten PM to six AM, with prices varying depending on the event, ranging from $20 to $30 on average. Pacha is an international night club, influenced by other incarnations in more than 25 cities worldwide, including London, Munich, Valencia, Barcelona and-of course-New York City.

Founded in 1967, Pacha boasts an eclectic mix of House music, ranging from electronica to techno and everything in between. The DJs that frequent this vibrant hotspot include Markus Shultz, Jonathan Peters and Funkagenda; every night is like a special event at Pacha. This is the place to go dancing in New York City if you like exclusivity, long nights that start late and plenty of lightshows.

Of course, some people prefer a more laid-back atmosphere for dancing in New York City, which is why Dirty Disco is always jumping on the weekends. Open Thursday through Monday until four AM, this retro nightclub is famous for innovative drinks and a chic, cozy atmosphere. Enormous paintings of naked women on the walls and sleek black couches are just a few of the unique touches that make Dirty Disco so popular.

Jay Sharp, Eric Prydz, Patricia Starr and Erdem Tunakan are just a few of the DJs who can be found at Dirty Disco in New York City. The music is usually authentic electronica, though you might find some techno flavor mixed in, depending on who happens to be spinning.

If you're in the Meatpacking district, don't miss Cielo, another great place to go dancing in New York City. At this club, houose music throbs through a colorful, modern, angular dance floor that is complete with a " state-of-the-art digital Funktion One sound system" (according to Frequency Magazine). It has won several awards from the Village Voice- including "Best Night Club"-and has recently begun to diversify with techno parties and other engaging events.

You'll find New York City's most popular DJs at Cielo, including Nicolas Matar, Willie Graff, Francois K. of Deep Space, Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge. Cover charges range from $12 to $25, depending on who's spinning, and you can always ensure quick entry by reserving a table.

There are, of course, dozens of other great places to go dancing in New York City; it's difficult to lack something to do in the Big Apple. Just remember to be careful when you're drinking and dancing at any club, and don't forget that it always pays to know the bouncer.