For fans of Heated Rivalry, Ilya scoping out the dance floor for Shane, with “All The Things She Said” blasting in the background, became a cultural touchstone — a moment of pure tension and melodrama. But it might have also prompted you to want to go to a club and move your body, waiting to make eye contact with the possible next love of your life.
This Feb. 13 and 21 you’ll have your chance. The Starlite Room is hosting a Heated Rivalry Dance Party for everyone wishing to relive the excitement the show inspired. It promises to be a sweaty night of intense yearning and endless pop classics.
But if Shane and Ilya don’t do it for you (no judgement), Edmonton is not short on other clubs that will have you dancing the night away.
O’Byrnes Irish Pub | 10616 Whyte Ave NW | obyrnes.com
Don’t expect Celtic tunes on weekends at O’Byrnes. This pub features an endless stream of pop classics. Don’t be surprised if you rub shoulders with your CHEM 101 lab partner on your way to the dance floor.
The Buckingham | 10439 Whyte Ave NW | thebuckingham.ca
Aside from selling all-vegan pub food, The Buck on Whyte is known for its nostalgic setlist. It is hard not to find yourself immediately shouting along to “Mr. Brightside” on the dance floor. You’ll be blaming their repertoire the next morning for your sore throat.
Cook County Saloon | 8010 Gateway Blvd NW | cookcountysaloon.com
It might not be a bad idea to learn a few line dancing steps before sliding onto the dance floor. Or you could let a cowboy sweep you off your feet and give you a 101 on country dancing etiquette.
Daisy’s Saloon | 200, 10505 Whyte Ave NW | daisys.ca
This country-theme club brings authenticity back by featuring live music Fridays and Saturdays. If you ever wanted to play out your Footloose (2011) fantasy, this is the place to do it.
The Common | 9910 109 St NW | thecommon.ca
This vintage lounge thrives in its versatility — elegant restaurant by day and club by night. Hosting R&B nights that meet other genres, The Common will have you swaying tirelessly until closing time.
The Luxx | 10341 Whyte Ave NW |
Ditch the jeans (and no cowboys boots either) if you are planning to step into The Luxx. This vibrant venue lives for its hip-hop nights. And don’t miss their recent feature nights of Bollywood classics fused with rave-like beats.
Azucar | 13062 50 St NW | @azucartacohouse
As long as you don’t mind being pulled around the dance floor, you do not need to be an expert in bachata. All you have to do is walk up to the dance floor and let someone lead your every move.
The Illusion Lounge | 10846 Jasper Ave | theillusion.ca
If you are chasing the high of reggaeton, salsa, bachata and even some old-school Latin throwbacks, sign up for Fridays at Illusion. But don’t forget to check out their Saturday round up — a TBA night that could feature anything from Bollywood to Afrobeats tunes.
EVO | 11508 Jasper Ave | yourgaybar.com
From a small space on 103 Street to a Jasper Ave worthy establishment, EVO (previously known as Evolution) has not let go of its reputation as Edmonton’s premier 2SLGBTQ+ nightlife venue. Welcome to a place where you can be as loud and bright as you want.
