All photos by Caitlyn Ridenour

Heatwave is a bi-weekly all-vinyl dance party started by local DJ, author and dancer Ann Glaviano.

DJ Ann spins music from 1957-1974 with genres ranging from Motown and soul, to R&B and garage rock. Homesick while attending graduate school in Columbus, Ohio, Ann started Heatwave in September of 2011.

She then brought her high-energy dance party back to her hometown of New Orleans in the summer of 2013.

DJ Ann poses for a quick picture while spinning vinyl at Twelve Mile Limit.

What sets Heatwave apart from other dance parties throughout the city is that Ann actively advocates for a safe dancing space and even displays posters that encourage dancers to report any type of sexual harassment to either herself or a bartender.

You can check out Heatwave every second Saturday of the month at Twelve Mile Limit, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and every fourth Saturday of the month at Sidney’s Saloon, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

TRUST FALL — One of the reasons people seek out Heatwave is DJ Ann’s continuous promotion of an harrassment-free dance floor, which makes it possible for everyone to worry less about how they’re being perceived and instead, let go.
Above, two dancers show off their moves at Sidney’s Saloon, which is one of two locations in town that regulary hosts Heatwave, the other one being bar Twelve Mile Limit in Mid- City.