Dinner and dancing is a fabulous and fun way to spend a night out on the town. It’s a way to make dining not only more memorable, but eventful as well. Whether you want a little samba and salsa with your sangria; a side of tango with your tuna tartar; or perhaps a way to work off that belly full of lamb kebabs, we found that there are several metro Atlanta locations that do a lot more than offer fries with a shake.
On the second and fourth Thursday, Pura Vida, a tapas restaurant in the Poncy-Highlands area, hosts a husband and wife team of tango dancers. Lake Claire residents Danny Waggoner and his wife, Leslie Hodges, started dancing the tango over 15 years ago and began the Pure Vida dance nights around 2006.
“We do it as a labor of love,” Waggoner said. “It’s a very informal gathering and anyone who is interested in learning to tango is invited to come out and watch. And if you can already tango, we want you to join in.”
Waggoner spent many years in Argentina perfecting the craft and added that he is always willing to introduce beginners to quality dance instructors throughout the Atlanta area.
“A knee injury sidelined me from teaching, but I encourage people to talk to me at Pura Vida and I’ll see that they get with the right person,” Waggoner said.
For those seeking something a little more adventurous and exotic, the unassuming Café Istanbul tucked back on Lawrenceville Highway hosts belly dancers every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The establishment has been serving up Middle Eastern fare for more than 20 years and recently added a second location in Kennesaw in 2011. Seating is traditional Middle Eastern-style, meaning low-rise tables and comfortable pillows on the floor.
When not entertaining diners at the Café or hosting belly dancing classes, Shaya Grassechi of East Atlanta visits Atlanta area elderly care facilities and hospice centers where she teaches dance, movement and music therapy. Grasseschi, whose stage name is Jivana, started dancing over 13 years ago and said that you’re never too old to learn.
“My oldest student is 100 and my youngest is four,” Grassechi said. “The dance not only helps you physically, but mentally as well.”
Fran Morrison of Decatur, who stopped in with a few friends for drinks and an elaborate sampler platter featuring hummus, baba ghonoush and spiced eggplant, said that she’s seen nights at Café Istanbul where it seems all the patrons are joining in the dance.
“There have been times when it is just wall-to-wall dancing,” she shouted over the modern Middle Eastern music. “It’s hard not to join in as everyone is having so much fun.”
Café Istanbul owner Kalo Galoway said that they are currently planning to open another restaurant in Athens.
Midtown’s Apre Diem boasts a diverse menu of just about everything imaginable, and the second Tuesday of every month for salsa night. Traditional seated dining, a full bar and a relaxed lounge area offer a little something for everyone.
Tantra, just on the edge of Midtown and Downtown creates a sultry atmosphere complimented by an Asian-inspired menu. Tango Rio is hosting a dance show at Tantra. On the first Tuesday of every month, Tantra hosts Tango Rio; the event starts at 8:00 p.m. and is open to all guests.
Poncey-Highlands’ Loca Luna spices things up every Wednesday with more than its flavorful Latin dishes and hosts free salsa lessons at 8 p.m.
Finally, at Taverna Plaka on Cheshire Bridge even the staff joins in the dance. Though they serve up Greek fare, belly dancers take over the floor on weekends and everyone – patrons, cook staff and even the maitre d’ – has been seen shaking their moneymakers. Now there’s something to make you shout, opa!
GO AND DANCE
Pura Vida
Tango. 9 p.m. Second and fourth Thursday of every month. Free. 656 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta. 404-870-9797, http://puravidatapas.com.
Cafe Istanbul
Belly dancing. 8 p.m. Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free. 1850 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur. 404-320-0054, http://cafeistanbulatlanta.com.
Tantra
Tango. 8 p.m. First Tuesday of every month. Free. 2285 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-228-7963. http://www.tantraatlanta.com.
Apres Diem
Salsa. Second Tuesday of every month. Free. 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta. 404-872-3333, http://www.apresdiem.com.
Loca Luna
Salsa. 8 p.m. Every Wednesday. Free. 550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta. 404-875-4494, http://www.loca-luna.com.
Taverna Plaka
Belly dancing. 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Free. 2196 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, 30324. 404-918-3957, www.tavernaplakaatlanta.com.
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