La Rumba keeps the beat going strong in Denver
Published: May 27, 2009
La Rumba, located in the Golden Triangle south of downtown Denver, attracts two very different crowds during its three nights of operation each week — but it offers a great dance experience to both.
On Thursday and Saturday nights, salsa reigns. Bands such as Cojunto Colores and Quemando pump out hot rhythms in a sleek place with a large dance floor. Sometimes deejays take over, adding merengue, cha cha, cumbia, bachata and other Latin music to the mix.
Beginners can take free salsa classes on both those nights, from 9:30 to 10. It's a relaxed and fun introduction to a sometimes difficult dance. If you need to hone your skills, you can sign up for the Saturday night workshop, from 8 to 9, taught by Roberta Farley of Shut Up & Dance.
You'll want to know at least the basics when you join the accomplished salseros and salseras out on the dance floor showing off their dips. And you'll want to be at least a little careful to avoid the wilder dancers: As La Rumba's mostly well-dressed clientele (from their 20s to 60s) starts pouring in around 10 p.m., even that large dance floor can get packed. You don't want one of those flashing stiletto heels coming down at high speed on top of your foot.
Friday is Lipgloss party night, when the deejays play indie, brit pop, soul — and much else — and the 20s and 30s crowd takes over the club. They drink a little more than the salsa people do, taking advantage of the variety of martinis and microbrews.
It's a diverse and snob-free crowd shakin' it to a lively mix of tunes. Sometimes, some of rock's royalty such as Franz Ferdinand and Peter Hook have turned up — one of the reasons La Rumba has been called the Best Club Night In Denver.
The cover charge is $5 on Thursday, $6 on Friday and $7 on Saturday — a small price to pay for dancing to some great music in a great place.
- by David Zindell, Denver Reporter for HelloMetro
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