ONLY two weeks until Christmas and my party diary is already pleading exhaustion, not to mention my poor feet.

With the Evening Press do on Saturday, the wise solution would be to take Sunday night off and sup hot chocolate in front of the telly. But I've never claimed to be wise, so I'm off for some seasonal salsa at the Sunday Social Christmas Party.

If you're one of the few Yorkies who've not given this Latin craze a spin (quite literally), the monthly club nights at the Gallery are organised by dance school Encuentro Latino.

The events give dancers of all abilities the chance to put their moves into practice with other salsa fans in a relaxed environment, accompanied by a funky mix of Latin jazz, Manhattan mambo and Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Organisers Laucinda and Gareth Roberts set up the dance school early last year and began the socials about 18 months ago.

"We have quite an established following," says Laucinda. "We get dancers travelling from as far as Newcastle to attend."

Some of the country's best salsa DJs have played at this year's socials, including DJ Mauricio of Birmingham's Latin Motion and DJ Lubi of London's Jazz Caf and Casa Latina.

But providing the soundtrack on Sunday will be Gareth, who doubles up as dance teacher and resident DJ. "He is really good and knows his stuff," says Laucinda.

As well as the usual dancing, there will be a special demonstration by Laucinda and her sister, who is a semi-professional dancer, the details of which are being kept a surprise until the night.

There will also be a salsa train - the Latino equivalent of the conga or a similar party dance - plus mince pies and chocolates, which will be more than deserved after all that exercise.

Sunday Social Christmas Party, The Gallery, Clifford Street, York, on Sunday, 6pm-10pm. Tickets are £5 (£4 with NUS) on the door. Contact Encuentro Latino on 01347 868716 or 07811 793116 for more information.

TOFFS is hosting two Christmas balls for the city's students next week as part of its packed line-up of festive club nights.

Tuesday will be an event for University of York students, while Wednesday is the chance for York St John College guys and gals to grab a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe. The club is open from 10pm to 2.30am both nights and usual student prices apply.

Toffs, Toft Green, York, 01904 620203, www.toffsnightclub.co.uk.

Updated: 09:26 Friday, December 10, 2004