Waltz Night was born in 2012, when a couple of whipper-snappers were tired of having to hijack concerts to get their partner dance on. The lure of live music was too strong, and the dance jones was undeniable.
So, we got to work organizing a night of partner dancing in a club with a band that could inspire our dancing feet, and just maybe, the promise of an adult beverage and a multi-generational crowd. We hoped that the contra waltzing, blues, fusion, tango, and ambi-dancing we loved could combine in a new-wave of fun, carefree partner dancing that broke and remade the rules.
The first Waltz Nights turned Nightlight Bar & Club into something bigger, better, and more sultry than our wildest hopes. We knew we were onto something when 90 people showed up to dance to the sweet sound of newly-formed Chocolate Suede. The smiles on the faces proved it.
We preach the good news of partner dance: if you’re having fun, your partner’s having fun, and you’re not hurting anyone, you’re doing it right!
Soon, as more people brought their feet to our workshops and the hype built, we outgrew Nightlight and started packing Cat’s Cradle with our first Not-So Bitter Heart’s Ball, then the Haw River Ballroom, and venues like Motorco in downtown Durham.
Fast forward, and Waltz Night has grown into a happening, the thing that gives dancers, movers, shakers, and fun-lovers an excuse to dress up (or down) and shake a leg to live tunes in beautiful settings.
Consider us your gateway drug to social dance.