Valentine's Day dancing and romancing

For some couples, the ideal Valentine's Day is dinner followed by a glass of wine or cocktail in a dimly lit lounge. For those who favor going out dancing instead of sitting still, here are three great ways to get your groove on.

In the spirit of Bollywood films that end with everyone singing and dancing joyously because true love triumphed, the Feb. 13 Bollywood2Night dance party is dubbed "A Tribute to Love." With DJ Ace dropping familiar songs from Bollywood films, Indian pop music, bhangra beats and remixes, it should be easy to connect with someone special on Panache's dance floor. Singles, be warned: The event is slanted toward couples; individual tickets are $15, but a two-ticket date package is $20. Doors open at 10, and drinks are discounted until 11.

On the third Saturday of the month, the Fatback DJs play uptempo funk and soul for capacity crowds. On Valentine's Day, the fellas light some candles, turn down the lights and put on slow jams by Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Gaye. They call the party Tender Loin, and this year, it's being held at Napoleon. Buy your lady a champagne cocktail, cuddle on the couch or get up and dance real close. If you're worried about how to set the mood on Feb. 14, Fatback just punched your ticket. Doors open at 10, and the cover is $5.

The complete opposite of Tender Loin is Dynamite, a soul/R&B extravaganza at Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club. DJ Nitekrawler (Kevin Coombe) of the popular Moneytown monthly night has invited a couple of friends to D.C. to spin with him. Jason Perlmutter, who studiously researches the history of obscure North and South Carolina soul groups for his Web site, carolinasoul.org, has overseen the reissue of a number of classic soul singles and CDs. Also on the decks is Jay Malls, who runs Pittsburgh's popular TitleTown party, which is dedicated to rare and vintage dance music. Basically, don't plan on sitting still all night.

-- Fritz Hahn