Compact digital camera that can shoot fast action low light photographs

[Mahjestics]

First time posting and newbie in photography, so please bear with me...

I often take photos at salsa night clubs of couples dancing. Obviously, it's fast action low light photography. I recently bought a Canon SD4000 IS, and it's great when there's plenty of light, but I'm getting awful results taking fast action low light shots. The thing is, salsa moves are fast with a lot of turns and when I press the shutter button, there's a split second lag and I've missed the shot. I usually get the dancers' back or their arms are in the way or another couple is now blocking my shot, etc. I've tried pressing the shutter button halfway to pre-focus, but my shots are still lagging. It's pretty much hit or miss with my shots (mostly misses). I also own a DSLR and I don't have this problem, but I don't want to carry a bulky DSLR to night clubs every weekend.

I've been researching the internet and apparently I need a camera with a large sensor size and high aperature, which explains why my Canon SD4000 (with a 1/2.3" sized sensor) does so poorly in low light.

Can somebody recommend a good compact digital camera that can do fast action low light photography?

Thank you in advance.

[Skoropada]

Have you checked those EVIL cameras?

Like Sony NEX or Olympus PEN

[Elmo]

Leica m9 is my choice

[Photologyst]

You have a "burst" or continuous shooting mode on your camera.

According to this review, your camera should do quite well in low light: Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Review: No More Noisy Nights

[kuvahmagh]

The thing is, salsa moves are fast with a lot of turns and when I press the shutter button, there's a split second lag and I've missed the shot.

I'm not an expert but I believe what is happening is your P&S uses the sensor to render the image on the LCD for you to shoot, before it can take the photo it has to clear the sensor of its charge before it can take the shot, thus the slight delay from button press to 'shutter' activation. Your DSLR on the other hand uses a mirror and thus the sensor is always clear resulting in only the delay it takes to activate the mechanical shutter.