Dance Party Politics: Realistic Inaugural Balls

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THE NOTION OF a ball appeals to the romantic in each of us. So, when inauguration time rolls around every four years, flocks of starry-eyed newcomers scurry to get tickets to one of the stodgy fetes thrown by the Presidential Inaugural Committee or one of the state societies. But not so fast — these affairs aren't as glamorous as you might think. This town doesn't do "Cinderella"-style balls.

Even though tickets can cost thousands of dollars, they still sell out fast. And while you might catch a glimpse of the new president or a supportive celebrity, you're just as likely to get boxed into a corner with your drink and a geeky staffer who claims he doesn't dance. The food is often terrible and scarce, and even the swanky balls aren't guaranteed to have open bars.

But this is a new era (if you haven't heard), and the city is out to prove that it knows how to party. There are a bunch of inaugural bashes that you can get into — and you won't have to buy a ball gown or drop a small fortune. These four parties celebrate the D.C. people live in, not the Washington they work in.

Punk Politics
There will be two huge advantages to stopping by the Black Cat on Tuesday night. First, it's right near Ben's Chili Bowl, so you can get a half-smoke after the party (expect massive lines, though. Bars open until 4 a.m. + the glamour of Obama's visit there last weekend = probable several-hour waits for your chili fries). Second, it's holding "Demand in D.C.," a celebratory concert featuring aptly named bands United Nations and Anti-Flag. It might not seem very punk rock to be celebrating government, but this is a time of hope and change, people — and that means it's time to party.
» Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW; 7:30 p.m., $10; 202-667-4490. (U St.-Cardozo)

Community Circus
If you want to be with interesting, artsy people, try the Art of Change block party. This art extravaganza will take over three buildings on Seventh Street at
8 p.m. The tickets are only $50, but, sadly, there's a cash bar. Make sure to check out the flaming objects in the air as fire dancers do their thing, safely separated by a glass wall. Expect plenty of DJ-fueled dancing, along with varied performances ranging from stand-up comedy to classical Indian violin.
» Warehouse Theatre, 1021 Seventh St. NW; 8 p.m., $50; 877-725-8849. (Gallery Place)

Hope, Change, Rock
Seriously, when did politics get to be so rock 'n' roll? It's not clear, but the Rock & Roll Hotel joins the ranks of rock clubs throwing inauguration parties with its People's Inauguration Ball. DJs will abound, both on the club's main stage and in the upstairs hotel bar. The only catch is that the club's on H Street NE, and driving or taking cabs on Inauguration Day — even in a best-case scenario — could be inconvenient and expensive. Honestly, we're more excited for its event scheduled for Jan. 21: the Inaugural Brawl, a Jell-O wrestling melee.
» Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE; 9 p.m., $10; 202-388-7625.

Dance for Obama
Because it wouldn't be a celebration in Washington without a massive dance party at Town Danceboutique, here's the lowdown. Town, one of D.C.'s loudest, sweatiest gay dance clubs, will host the Dance for Equality — a clarion call to folks from all walks of life who want to shake their groove thangs. Forget Oprah and Susan Sarandon: Cyndi Lauper is going to be at Town. Barack who? Yeah, that's what we thought. Forget the tuxedo-ed discomfort of a traditional ball, too — you don't even need a shirt for this one.
» Town Danceboutique, 2009 Eighth St. NW; 8 p.m., $50; 202-388-7625. (U St.-Cardozo)

Photo by Lucian Perkins/The Washington Post