Unleashing a new crop of divas.

The gay dance floor has suffered hard times these past few years. Increased club entrance fees, decreased attendance (thanks to Manhunt and, most recently, Grindr), and the death of the circuit DJ are all to blame. But when longtime dance fave Kristine W released her latest album, and it was jazz, it became clear something needed to be done. The gay dance floor is nothing without a reigning diva. Before hammering the final nail into the dance floor coffin, it's time to elect a new queen. Here are ladies to consider:

Kimberly Davis

Bay Windows: You're obviously a fan of the celebratory anthem.
Kimberly Davis: Twist of Love is the perfect follow-up to my last club hit because where Get Up was about partying and enjoying life, Twist of Love celebrates the body, mind, and soul around that crazy little thing called love.

BW: Have you ever experienced a Twist of Love?
KD: I have definitely experienced a twist of love one or twice...and that's all I'm gonna say about that!

BW: How does your twist compare with Chubby Checker's The Twist and Let's Twist Again?
KD: My twist track is for the twenty first century!

BW: One thing all of your dance songs have in common is they encourage people to move.
KD: It is important that people get out there on the dance for and express exactly how they feel. I love to see people dancing to my tracks and experience a sense of freedom and unity. That's what club music is all about.

BW: Why are independent dance music labels vital for today's dance community?
KD: In so many ways, they are more in touch with what is happening than the majors. My producers, Peter McLean and Keith Kemper, know the music, the DJs, the promoters, the clubs, and the people that go to the clubs to appreciate dance music. Fans should definitely get out there and support smaller labels so they can continue to grow and create the great dance music we love.

BW: What message do you have for your gay fans?
KD: Anyone have extra glitter I can borrow?

Sariah

BW: The DJ spins the beats. What's the diva's job on the dance floor?
Sariah: To be fabulous. Every outfit and every look I present is diva. That's why I'm the Queen of Hearts.

BW: Does the dance floor reflect the struggles of the world?
S: Many do, including my latest, "All About Sex." People expect it to be raunchy track, full of explicit language, but it is actually about a complicated relationship I was in where I yearned for it to be more than just all about sex.

BW: How do you feel about divas using the dance floor as a podium to make their voices heard on social issues?
S: I think it's great. "All About Sex" reflects on how teens are growing up faster than ever before. We are all struggling to define our relationships. I think songs should make you think.

BW: Why is your music resonating with today's club scene?
S: My records are based on truth, love, honesty, strength, and they come from my heart. Plus they're fun to dance to.

BW: What message do you have for your gay fans?
S: I love you guys! You so are amazing. I can't wait to party with you!

Josie Cotton

BW: You first began playing dance floors in the '80s. Why do you think dance floors remain popular?
Josie Cotton: People have always needed different forms of escape from the banality of the world and the turmoil around us. It serves a function.

BW: Does the dance floor reflect what's going on in the world?
JC: It seems to me that it doesn't and shouldn't. It's more about love and romance and keeping the party going. It's a bacchanalia -- not a Greek tragedy!

BW: How do you feel about divas using the dance floor as a podium to make their voices heard on social issues?
JC: I find it terribly corny and boring.

BW: Why is "Johnny R U Queer" resonating with today's club scene?
JC: It's a great song! It says something without saying it.

BW: What message do you have for your gay fans?
JC: Keep rockin' in the free world, boys!

Emii

BW: Do you encourage your fans to take their problems to the dance floor?
Emii: It's hard to hang on if you don't let go every now and then. Releasing your problems to the dance floor is good for the soul.

OAN: Is the dance floor impacted by the world issues?
E: The dance floor has helped make strides towards social acceptance and equality. From artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna, there are huge milestones in the dance world that mirror the social changes of each passing era.

OAN: Ke$ha's "We R Who We R" tackles gay teen bullying. How do you feel about artists using the dance floor as a podium to make their voices heard on social issues?
E: The most beautiful thing about music and creative expression is that songs can be carefree, sexual, and playful; or they can be thought-provoking and dark. Expression should never be tamed or censored.

OAN: Why is your music resonating with today's club scene?
E: My music is all about passion. I want to light a fire in my listener's soul every time my words pour through the speakers.

OAN: What message do you have for your gay fans?
E: I love you. So much. Stay beautiful, you gorgeous men!

For more information on the ladies, visit: www.emii.net, www.sariahmusic.com, www.josiecotton.com, and www.d1music.biz.