Walkin' in a boogie wonderland

As we enter prime holiday-party time in mid-December here, a friendly remember that if you start to feel the urge to do the stanky leg at your company party after four or five eggnogs, don't. The vast majority of us should only attempt this (and any other dance move appropriated by Miley Cyrus over the last few years) on two occasions: (1) In front of your bedroom mirror, by yourself, after a bottle-and-a-half of wine; and (2) in a dim, vaguely damp room filled with likewise hot-toddied individuals who aren't paying attention to you one way or another. Luckily, this week is chock full of opportunities for the latter, should you feel the need to blow off some holiday steam.

On Friday, December 18, two varied options: The ladies of Sister Crayon are manning the turntables for Homegirl Dance Party at Dive Bar (1016 K Street) starting at 9:30 p.m. and will be spinning '90s hip-hop and R&B; admission is free. If you're feeling more of an electronica vibe, Shaun Slaughter and San Francisco's MyKill present Das Haus, an evening of house music at LowBrau (1050 20th Street) starting at 10 p.m.; admission is also free.

The next night hit up Feel Good Saturdays at Capitol Garage (1500 K Street) for a mix of new hip-hop and R&B with DJ Epik and DJ E-Mix; the night starts at 10 p.m. and there is a $5 cover after 11 p.m. For some Christmas Eve action on Wednesday, December 23, Youth Cult is a new-wave dance party at the Press Club (2030 P Street). It starts at 9 p.m. and there's no cover.

If you're looking to cut a rug in a more structured fashion and/or are still looking to fulfill your dream of emulating that Gap commercial circa 1998, the Capital Swing Dancers are teaching a beginners lesson at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse (7997 California Avenue) on Saturday, December 19, at 5:30 p.m. No partner is necessary and the lesson is free, but if you want to stick around and test out your new moves, stay for the social dance session that follows, which is $15. Visit www.capitalswingdancers.org for more info.