I’m from Dallas. How this applies to this blog is simple. I have clubbed at some of DFW’s latest and greatest and even saddest nightclubs. Thus, I’m an objective viewer when it comes to clubs that can sustain in spite of fickle crowds hungry to be seen at the trendiest joint in town.

When I learned that Sway -- rumored to be on caliber with some from Big D -- was slated to open in downtown Little Rock, my happy feet began to tap. And on night two of its debut, a girlfriend and I slipped on our high heels for a test drive of central Arkansas’ newest dance floor.

We were lucky to find a parking spot on a bright street corner only a couple blocks away (safety first, ladies!). As we approached the door we were greeted by a smiling bouncer, and I couldn’t help but think that it was a nice change from the stern arms-crossed hulks who usually guard the doors. We felt welcome and that feeling continued as we entered and paid the $5 cover charge to the “concierge.”

Nice surprise: Owner Marcus Pinkney greeted us and stopped to shake it a bit on the dance floor later. With a secluded VIP area lofted above the room, I wouldn’t have blamed him for surveying the night’s success from that perch.

Why is this pertinent information about a nightclub? It might not be. But know that at Sway you’re not going to have to act VIP. Usually it’s the club-goers' job to persuade onlookers that they are royalty (you know who you are). It seems like the owners of Sway want to create an atmosphere similar to that of inviting 200-plus of their closest friends over for drinks -- and dancing, if those drinks do their job.

The look: The layout and lighting are definitely on par with the clubs many Little Rockians travel to Dallas or St. Louis to experience for bachelorette parties or guys' weekends. The elevated DJ booth gives the place a Las Vegas vibe, and the custom-made art for the three different seating areas (high, higher and highest) adds refinement.

The music: Dance. Especially remixes of Top 40 pop from Lady Gaga, Taio Cruz and the Black Eyed Peas as well as old-school goodies by Michael Jackson and early Destiny’s Child.

The crowd: Eclectic mix. You’re not going to find the stereotypical wall-leaners hugging a Budweiser here. By midnight everyone was on the dance floor bumpin’ and grindin’ (including a bachelorette dancing her last Single Ladies dance).

The night to go: Try ‘80s night on Thursdays (dressing up for the decade recommended).