The top dance parties this month in Toronto signify spring is here, because big commercial EDM events like the GoHard tour are starting to occupy the former Ontario Place grounds. Not only are we finally getting opportunities to dance under the sun again, but the club scene is also heating up with the opening of Nest (formerly Ryze), which should make the late night party scene much more competitive over the coming months.

And on a more sombre note, you can expect to see many retired ravers at the tribute party for Dr Trance, which promises to be one of the most fun funerals you've ever been too.

Here are my picks for the top dance parties in Toronto this May.

The Black Madonna (May 8, Black Eagle)
Breakandenter have joined forces with the Black Eagle to bring The Black Madonna back to town for an eclectic night of disco, house, and techno. The Chicago DJ is also a longtime resident of the legendary Smart Bar, and brings with her a deep understanding of underground dance music history. 10 pm, $10.

Danny Tenaglia (May 17, Nest)
The last time NYC house music legend Danny Tenaglia played Toronto, it was as part of the closing parties for the Guvernment. This time he's back to play an epic marathon set for the opening weekend celebrations for Nest. 10 pm, $30.

Electric Island (May 18, Toronto Island)
Electric Island is back for another season of all-day electronic music events on Toronto Island. This year kicks off with a back-to-back set by the Martinez Brothers and Seth Troxler, as well as performances by UK house hero Steve Lawler, Lee Burridge, and more. 1 pm, $39.50.

DJ Craze (May 23, Adelaide Hall)
Miami's DJ Craze is one of the most technically proficient party rocking DJs around, and brings a turntablist approach to his eclectic mixes of Miami bass, hip-hop, dancehall, drum'n'bass, trap, and whatever else he can scratch and cut into the mix. 10 pm, $15.

Brennan Green (May 30, Wrongbar)
Former Toronto resident Brennan Green returns from NYC for a visit. Expect a quirky mix of left-field house, oddball disco, and assorted weirdo dance floor sounds. It'll also be a good opportunity to see how much Wrongbar's renovations have changed the club. 10 pm, $10.

Follow Benjamin Boles on Twitter: @benjaminboles