Shake That Cabin Fever: 10 Places To Go Dancing

We anticipate the winter for its holidays, hot chocolate and bonus snow days. Yet many of us also come down with a bad case of cabin fever.

To put a little pep in your step, and to help propel you through the remaining chilly months, we’re giving you an antidote to cure that cabin fever.

Here are our nearby picks for the Top 10 Places to Dance.

1. Pig Pen

 Don’t worry, its name has nothing to do with its cleanliness. Known for being the official bar of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, Pig Pen is a popular spot for the 20-something crowd. Their 500-foot stage hosts live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, so make sure you get there early to stake your claim on the dance floor. Not a dancer? Pig Pen also has karaoke and an arcade if you’re feeling a little more fun than footloose.

2. Lehigh County Senior Center

Put on your dancing shoes and head over to 1633 Elm St. in Allentown, where the Lehigh County Senior Center hosts weekly Saturday night dances. The event is open to the public, and for just $7, guests can enjoy refreshments and live music from entertainers like Gary Dee and the Blue Notes. Check out the center’s website for a full list of all their dance classes, including tap dancing and salsa. 

3. Allentown Area Swing Dance Society

If you’re like me, you’ve spent the last ten seasons of "Dancing with the Stars," critiquing celebrity missteps from the comfort of your living room and booing the judges’ scores. Now it’s time to put your dancing skills to the test; Allentown’s Swing Dance Society offers classes for all of your favorite dances, including the hustle and cha-cha, and ones you might not know, like the country two-step. If Cloris Leachman can own the dance floor, so can you.

4. LA Fitness

Dancing has a place outside of the nightclub, too. LA Fitness, with a location in South Whitehall, offers a variety of dance classes that let you burn, baby, burn. Belly dancing, Cardio Jam, and Latin Heat classes are just a handful of their offerings. You don’t have to be a pro to join in; all levels of experience are welcome.

5. Crocodile Rock Café

When it comes to live entertainment, Croc Rock in Allentown is one of the Valley’s most popular spots. The bar/nightclub/rock and roll venue gives local bands the stage but also hosts popular artists like Jimmy Eat World and Good Charlotte, but without the hefty ticket prices. Hard rockers, this is the place for you.

6.

It might be best known for its slots and tables, but Sands Bethlehem Casino is home to a hidden gem: Molten lounge. One of the unspoken perks of Molten? You won’t find any head-banging or heavy metal here. Many of the lounge’s live entertainment acts are covering sing-a-long favorites, ranging from Billy Joel to ‘90s bubblegum pop. Breaks in between each set give you time to test your luck at the tables or refill your glass. You must be age 21 to enter.

7. Lehigh Valley Tango Society

Ladies, it’s winter, and we know you’ve been looking for a reason to break out those heels.  Say no more, we’ve got you covered; the Lehigh Valley Tango Society offers classes, or ‘practicas’ for every experience level, so don’t let your hubby use his two left feet as an excuse. Visit their website to pick the right one for you.

8. Allentown Brew Works

If you and your sweetie miss the days of celebrities being famous for acting, and can’t for the life of you understand what’s playing on the radio, Allentown Brew Works’ Spotlight Cabaret is the perfect spot for your night out. On the first Thursday of every month, from 8-9:30 p.m., live entertainers perform cabaret-style songs. It’s a $5 cover, but all proceeds benefit the Allentown Theatre.

9. 

Sunday night isn’t always everyone’s favorite time of the week, but instead of dreading your Monday morning wake-up call, kick off your week by kicking up your heels during Sunday Night Salsa at the Bethlehem Brew Works location. This monthly event, held on Feb. 13 and March 27, is an event geared toward beginners eager to learn. There are no reservations required, so bring a group of co-workers out to beat the Sunday blues.

10. The Ukrainian American Citizens Club

At the end of a long week, you might love the idea of catching up with your DVR and a pair of sweatpants, but don’t let a Friday night go to waste. The Ukrainian American Citizens Club at 803 N. Front St. in Allentown, hosts community dances every Friday night. Make it a family affair; admission is only $5, which means it’s cheaper than a movie ticket or another take-out dinner.