I've been thinking the same thing lately except I am more an 80s new wave dancing type person myself. Unfortunately I have no idea where to go for Latin beats! I've been itching to go out dancing, though I haven't been in ages so I'm sure anyplace I used to go to probably doesn't even exist anymore!
We went to a party at the Copacabana once. They have like 5 rooms with different Latin music playing in each one. http://www.copacabanany.com/
Dave says Webster Hall might also have Latin nights? That place is pretty decently-sized, too!
It looks like Webster Hall has some stuff actually, and apparently a “ladies night” where women get in free all night (I like the sound of free). Website says they have different rooms for different music, and one of them is salsa!
I'm down with the 80's beats! Lots of good dancing music from the 80's. :)
Free? I'm liking the sound of this.
Santos Party House. Right next to Broadway-Lafayette subway, cheap/frequently free, and all about the dancing. It's deliberately no-scene and attitude-free. Run by occasional musician Andrew WK. Their gay nights are awesome, too, and straight-friendly/inclusive. Very possible to go there yourself and have a good time.
Other than that, late lamented London night Blow-Up has a sister club in NY which I am going to try out at some point, but my idea of best dancing = soul/mod/garage with occasional anthems.
In a Brooklyn vein there's always Southpaw on 5th ave. They have a bunch of different monthly dance parties. Their award-winning one is a hip-hop night but they do have a fun 60's soul night. They also have a lot of good bands play there too.
http://spsounds.com/events/ for their dance parties