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THOSE LONG ISLAND Iced Teas have kicked in at Club Colours and nature is calling — big-time. So as DJ Que blares Janet's ultra-hype "All Nite (Don't Stop)," I decide to take a shortcut to the bathroom through the uproarious, jam-packed dance floor. OK, bad idea.

I found out when clubheads in this small, gay (dare I say DL?) joint in Ansley Square are getting their groove on, watch out. These fellas are pretty darned protective of their cramped dance space, like a pit bull on a pork chop. Chill, playas. I just need to go pee.

JENNI GIRTMAN/STAFF (ENLARGE)
Van Franklin and Lea Atkins groove to the sounds of house music and disco last Sunday at Colours.
JENNI GIRTMAN/STAFF (ENLARGE)
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Quite frankly, though, I understand the stern reactions. The music's that good.

THE SCENE: The one-level club, located on Piedmont in Midtown, caters mostly to men. Gorgeous men. Men rocking tattoos, Timbs and perky-pec wife-beaters. Ballers might pimp in with a Black & Mild tucked behind one ear, while fashionistas could sport dark shades and something from Hilfiger's H Collection. You'll even see broken-wrist fellas sashay in painted-on denims and slingbacks, but that's rare.

Colours is definitely for the mature, masculine crowd. And the grown-up vibe that's generated, particularly on Fridays, fills a much-needed void in the black gay community. Many come here to drink and dance; some sit, smoke and chat on the patio; others are wallflowers, just bobbing their heads, chilling to the music. But ultimately it's grown folks minding their own business and having fun, celebrating life — OK, and trying to get their mack on, too.

Videos on a new huge projector screen add a nice touch to the space. A few sofas and TV monitors are scattered about to create something of an atmosphere, and there's a restroom attendant who's always ready with paper towel, lotion and peppermint.

Although Colours needs to work on creating more standing space (ditch that cool but underused pool table), it did recently open a back lounge with a mini-kitchen. Chicken tenders, hot dogs and wings sound good to ease a killer buzz, but the $4 cheeseburger I ordered wasn't cooked through, and dishing out another $2 for fries left a bad taste.

TUNES: Hordes want to cram the dance floor when DJ Que starts dropping his beats. From Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath" to LL's "Headsprung" to Frankie Beverly's "Before I Let Go," Que's hip-hop, deep house and old-school R&B on Friday nights get people in a frenzy. His style is reminiscent of such DJ greats as the late Ken Collier, Frankie Knuckles and Derrick May, who are able to feel — and then rock — their crowd. It's that style (and a booming sound system) that's putting Colours on the map as a party destination.

THE THONGY THINGY: There are male dancers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; house music on Sundays; and something called "White Tee Thursdays." Those nights, DJ Gee and others spin. They're a little monotonous in their style, but they get the job done. The male dancers? Well, they're too oily, but still oh so sexy.

I think I'll stick to Friday nights, when I'm in good company, the vibe is hot and I can throw back a few of Mike's, the bartender, slamming Long Islands. And when they start to kick in, I'll be sure to haul butt around the dance floor.

• THE 411: $5 (free admission Sundays); food $2-$5. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Monday-Friday. 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays. Closed Tuesdays. 1492 Piedmont Ave., Midtown. 404-323-4192. Free parking in strip mall and nearby Ansley Mall lot.