Ground Rules: Stepping Out in Miami--Nightlife on South Beach doesn't really get going until after 11pm. As a result, you may want to consider taking what is known as a disco nap so that you'll be fully charged until the wee hours.
If you're unsure of what to wear out on South Beach, your safest bet will be anything black.
Do not try to tip the doormen manning the velvet ropes. That will only make you look desperate and you'll find yourself standing outside for what will seem like an ungodly amount of time. Instead, try to land your name on the ever-present guest lists by calling the club early in the day yourself, or, better yet, having the concierge at your hotel do it for you. Concierges have connections. If you don't have connections and you find yourself without a concierge, then act assertive, not surly, at the velvet rope, and your patience will usually be rewarded with admittance. If all else fails--for men, especially--surround yourself with a few leggy model types and you'll be noticed quicker.
Finally, have fun. It may look like serious business when you're on the outside, but once you're in, it's another story. Attacking Clubland with a sense of humor is the best approach to a successful, memorable evening out.
The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You--Are you feeling shy about hitting a Latin club because you fear your two left feet will stand out? Then take a few lessons from one of the following dance companies or dance teachers. They offer individual and group lessons to dancers of any origin who are willing to learn. These folks have made it their mission to teach merengue and flamenco to non-Latinos and Latino left-foots and are among the most reliable, consistent, and popular ones in Miami. So what are you waiting for?
Thursday and Friday nights at Bongo's Cuban Café (American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Downtown; tel. 786/777-2100) are an amazing showcase of some of the city's best salsa dancers, but amateurs need not be intimidated thanks to the instructors at Latin Groove Dance Studios, who are on hand to help you with your two left feet.
At Ballet Flamenco La Rosa (in the Performing Arts Network building, 13126 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami; tel. 305/899-7730), you can learn to flamenco, salsa, or merengue. This is the only professional flamenco company in the area. If you're feeling shy, $50 will buy you a private lesson; otherwise, it's $10 for a group lesson.
Nobody salsas like Luz Pinto (tel. 305/868-9418), and she also knows how to teach the basics with patience and humor. She charges between $40 and $55 for a private lesson for up to four people and $10 per person for a group lesson. A good introduction is her multilevel group class at 7pm Sunday evenings at the PAN building. Although she teaches everything from ballroom to merengue, her specialty is Casino-style salsa, popularized in the 1950s in Cuba, Luz's homeland. A mix between disco and country square dancing, Casino-style salsa is all the rage in Latin clubs in town. Good students may be able to convince Luz, for an extra fee, to chaperone a trip to a nightclub to show off their moves. Ask her for more information.
Angel Arroya has been teaching salsa to the clueless out of his home (at 16467 NE 27th Ave., North Miami Beach; tel. 305/949-7799) for the past 10 years. Just $10 will buy you an hour's time in his "school." He traditionally teaches Monday and Wednesday nights, but call ahead to check for any schedule changes.
