DANCE NIGHTS CAN SUCK. If they're bad, you end up cowering, metaphorically, naked and afraid in a dark, humid armpit of a room among too many fedora-sporting dudes trying to find their manic pixie dream girl. But if they're good, you get to wiggle your flesh to hot beats for a few hours with your squad.
Dancing can be awkward and scary; this much you probably know. Voluntary public gyration feels odd, and for good reason. However, given the right conditions, it can also be a revelatory, sweaty catharsis. Sometimes these nights serve as places where marginalized groups can come together and dance it out—so just remember that if you check out another community's dance night, you're a guest in what for many is a hallowed space.
To me, an easily spooked introvert, the best and least-intimidating dance nights are made great by either strong themes or enigmatic DJs. Luckily, Portland's got an abundance of both. Here's a survey of some of the Mercury's current favorite DJs and dance nights.