If you're single and love to dance, there are ample opportunities to dance in Indianapolis.

Sharon, a single woman who reads this column, asked me to let readers know about singles events available on the Southside.

Southport United Methodist Church, partnering with St. Luke's United Methodist Church, sponsors a singles function at the Southport church at 7 p.m. each Thursday, plus a dance every other Friday. The church is at 1947 E. Southport Road, and the phone number is (317) 784-9508.

The Friday dances are held at the Atrium, 3143 E. Thompson Road, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and are preceded by a dance lesson from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to Sharon, these dances are well-attended, in part, because most people do not work on Saturday. The next dance is Feb. 27.

Deejays Mark, Scott and John Evans of Party Time Sound host a singles dance every Sunday evening at Primo South, a banquet facility, located near I-65 and South Keystone Avenue. The address is 2615 National Ave. The dance runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. -- except for holiday weekends, when the dance is extended to midnight.

The average attendance at this dance is 200 to 300 people of all ages, most of whom are in their 40s and 50s. A cash bar is available, and smoking is permitted. Admission is $8 ($7 with the coupon that appears most Sundays in The Star's Arts & Entertainment section).

Mark told me: "Ninety-nine percent of the music we play is in response to requests and is wide-ranging in style. We play big band, swing, danceable rock 'n' roll, as well as current popular music. Participants enjoy line dancing, freestyle, ballroom and slow dancing. We provide a comfortable, safe atmosphere for singles to meet new people and have a good time." For more information about this dance, which celebrates its 13th anniversary this weekend, visit www.indy singles.com or call Mark Evans at (317) 538-9531.

Ladies, here's a tip for getting asked to dance more often. Instead of remaining seated at a table with your girlfriends, get up and circulate -- by yourself. Smile and introduce yourself to people who return your smile. If you meet a man you would like to dance with, ask him to dance -- once. After the first dance, leave it up to him to ask you again.

Source: Indy Star