On the stage was Joe Battaglia’s “New York Big Band” (www.NYBigBand.com) consisting of 18 of the city’s finest musicians who played everything from standards to swing, with some of the original Harry James and Glenn Miller arrangements updated with a contemporary feel. A beautiful “girl band singer” named Timintha, in a slinky gold gown, occasionally sang with the band, which added to the stylish ambiance. On the band’s breaks, a four-piece Latin combo rocked the room ,getting people up on the floor for cha-chas, rumbas and sambas and lots of hip swinging.

The Edison Ballroom is used for private parties and events, but it is hoped that more evenings such as this will be set-aside for the public. The menu, designed by Chef Mina Newman, is first class, consisting of a delicious dinner with a choice of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts, including an open bar for the night, and the champagne certainly continued to flow. On the large dance floor, couples of all ages and abilities whirled around the room – all elegantly attired.

Where else in New York can you see people out for a Saturday evening, enjoying fine dining and drinks, and able to show off their new dance steps and routines? Maybe it is due to the popularity of “Dancing With The Stars,” but it looked to me as if people have the desire to dance together again and not just jump around the floor spastically as in the disco days. I felt as if I had walked into a beautiful movie set from the heyday of the MGM movie musicals; I loved seeing romance and elegance return to New York.

Visit www.EdisonBallroom.com to see what events are happening at this beautiful nightclub, and when Joe Battaglia’s New York Big Band Nights returns to The Edison Ballroom. There are several dates in November and December, including a New Year’s eve celebration!