SEATTLE — The hardwood inside the Century Ballroom at the Oddfellow's building has a rich history.
Engrained in every movement and in every step is a love for dance and for community.
Century Ballroom is an iconic Seattle staple. It is a place where people come to be part of the dancing community and to try something new.
Hallie Kuperman, the owner and founder of Century Ballroom, announced they are saving their last dance for 2025. They are planning to close their doors and not renew their lease at some point in 2025.
Kuperman, alongside long-time instructor Alison Cockrill, announced the decision during a Facebook live. The announcement came after they already told staff and their regular patrons, Kuperman said.
"One of the things that is true is that the business, as this particular dream of ours, isn't sustainable," Kuperman said. "It's nobody's fault. It is the way it is. We are very successful. We are one of the biggest organizations, if not the biggest organization, across the United States that we know of that does all we do. Only dance with a bar and restaurant and this beautiful venue and that's our dream and we've lived our dream for 28 years. It seems like it's time to let that go."
The ballroom does not yet know when the closing date will be.
Kuperman cites the rising cost of rent and the fact that they don't want to raise their prices because it does not fit their mission. They want a diverse cliental that can enjoy all aspects of dance.
The news has hit the dance community including places where students of Century Ballroom shop like Petticoat Junction in Lynnwood and their other business Centerstage Dance Shop.
"Anyone who is serious about social dancing they are going to end up at Century Ballroom," said owner Bonnie Harry.
Harry is devastated over the news. "We are just sick about it. The whole dance community is going to be sad," she added.
There will be plenty more dancing taking place at Century Ballroom until they decide to step into a new chapter and take a bow.
To view their calendar, click here.