Frequently Asked Questions
Reimagining the Century Ballroom
For twenty-eight years, Century Ballroom has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s dance community, a place where movement, connection, and creativity have flourished under the leadership of Hallie Kuperman. Now, as we step into the future, we are honored to continue that legacy - protecting this historic space while reimagining it for a new era of dance, performance, and community.
With the lease officially signed, we receive the keys on April 1st and will begin renovations to restore the ballroom and West Hall to their original 1908 grandeur. These updates will not only preserve the beauty of this cherished space but also allow us to expand its offerings in exciting new ways.
We will continue to offer the classes and social dances that you love!
General FAQs
Parking
There is street parking throughout the neighborhood. Street pay stations need to be paid until 10:00PM. Please read the hours on your pay station carefully.
If you are unable to locate a spot on the street, we recommend using the Seattle Central College Garage, located at E Pine and Harvard Ave E (two blocks west of Reverie Ballroom). They normally charge $15.
Accessibility
There is an elevator in the building, and restrooms which are fully ADA compliant. In addition, the 10th Avenue East entrance to the building has a ramp. Please contact us if you need any assistance.
No Water Bottles
We are subject to Washington State Liquor Control Board and Health Department regulations, which prohibits us from permitting outside food and beverages on the premises.
Dance/Workshop FAQs
What is a Lead? What is a Follow?
In many partner dances, the lead initiates the moves, and the follow responds. In the olden days, the man would be the lead and the woman would be the follow. At Reverie Ballroom, we don’t feel constricted by these roles, and you will see women leading and men following (many dancers do both).
No. We work to keep an equal number of leads and follows in our classes so that you will have someone to dance with. We rotate partners throughout class so you will have a chance to dance with everyone.
Do I need a Partner?
If you are uncomfortable rotating or trading partners, of course you may stay with the partner of your choice. Please note that the instructors agree it does speed up the learning process if you dance with different people, and if you are lucky enough to have someone to practice with. But above all, we want you to be comfortable.
What if I don’t want to Rotate Partners in class?
Wear comfortable clothing and keep in mind that it does get warm in class. Wear shoes that are comfortable and stay securely on your feet. A leather or a suede sole is ideal so you can easily spin. As a courtesy to those around you, please refrain from wearing fragrances and perfumes.
What should I wear to class?
Tap shoes are not necessary for the first week of Tap 1, so you can try the dance out before committing to buying shoes. If you’re planning on attending the whole session, you will need Tap shoes, which can be purchased at Center Stage in the University District. Their SoDanca adult tap shoe is an affordable option for beginners.
Do I need tap shoes for Tap Class?
Yes. If you need to drop out of a session, you may get full credit or a refund for the amount of classes you did not take. (If you drop out after only one class you will get full credit.)
Can I get a Refund or Credit for classes?
You may drop in to any of our classes if you have already taken the class, and if there is room for you in the class that day. Couples may drop in if they have not taken the class before provided they don’t rotate partners. We do not recommend dropping in to a class after week two. Please check in with the instructors upon arrival. Drop-ins are $25 for 60-minute classes.
Can I pay per class?
Transition FAQs
Are you keeping the Century Ballroom name?
No. The Century Ballroom name will be kept with Hallie and sh will continue to teach under it, likely touring as Century Ballroom Road Show.
We requested name submissions from the community and were gifted the perfect inspiration by a longtime dancer at the ballroom. They have been thanked and given our blessing for perennial bragging rights.
We’re planning to lease and operate the Grand Ballroom and West Hall, and sub-lease the Tin Table to a business that wants to partner with us.
Which spaces are you taking?
IT’S SIGNED. WE DID IT. While it sinks in… we’re busy bees getting ready to get our keys on April 1st, 2025. Now the real work begins.
When are you signing a lease?
Hallie is still deciding how long she is going to keep it open but it’s likely things will transition to our new sub-tenant in the next few months. We’re still sorting out the shape and size of things but we do know you’ll still be able to get excellent crafts cocktails!
What’s happening to The Tin Table?
We start our lease in April and will renovate & restore one ballroom at a time so dances can continue. We’re hoping it will take 2-4 months to complete all of our work.
When is the transition?
Yes! We plan on refinishing the wood floors, replacing the carpets, painting everything and deep cleaning. We also plan on addressing some deferred maintenance, updating the lights and sound systems, refurnishing, and restoring the space with a bit of an art nouveau twist, which is historically accurate to the time period of when the building was built in 1908.
We’ll also be fully renovating the 2nd floor bathrooms and doing some cosmetic updates in the common areas.
We plan on hiring contractors for the big stuff but will likely need community support for a big garage sale, cleaning, and maybe other work parties!
Are you renovating?
How are you going to make the business financially sustainable?
First, we are not planning to operate the Tin Table, which has the highest operating costs besides rent and the smallest margins (as most restaurants do).
Second, we plan on making changes to the marketing strategy and programming to fully utilize the spaces during the week. Reaching more people, with more ways to engage will help us diversify.
Third, making space for dance weekenders, live performances, weddings and private events will go a long way to helping us financially stabilize.
What are you doing differently or the same?
While we renovate, dance socials and class schedules will be modified to operate in one ballroom at a time, before re-expanding to use both spaces. We plan to work closely with the instructors and other local organizers in the various dance styles present at Century, so that any changes we make to the schedule consider their needs and try not to compete with other events in the city if at all possible.
Are the dances going to continue?
YES. We will run a modified schedule while we renovate one ballroom at a time before reopening both spaces. The new schedule will likely change some but we want to take care of everyone and ensure continuity to the best of our abilities.
Are you retaining the same staff, including Hallie and Alison?
Hallie will be staying on to support ballroom operations in the transition, and we will be working closely with instructors and staff on the schedule, new contracts and shifting folks over to our payroll. Hallie and Alison will continue to teach and have an open invite to teach as long as they want to!
The schedule through March is posted on Century’s website and confirmed. The modified schedule during renovations will be posted soon on Century’s website. Our aim is to continue to support all the dance communities that currently call Century home and maybe make some space for new ones in time!
How do we register for classes?
Will the venue be all ages?
Yes, although we will likely continue to run certain dances that are specifically 21+.
Gosh, we wish we knew! We’ve got to sign the lease and start renovations before we will have a clearer picture. You’ll likely dance in both spaces for a bit before we’re ready to throw a big bash.
When is the grand opening?
We don’t know for sure, but we’re going to do our best to keep prices the same, or switch to a sliding scale model with accessible pricing.
Are the prices going to change?
This is definitely part of the plan and a lot of people seem excited about it! We’ve gotta get through the big stuff first and will look into this a few months down the line.
Will there be a membership?
Yes, though we’re still working out the details.
Will there be a bar?
Hopefully! After renovations are complete, we plan on booking weddings, private events, dance weekenders and performances. Reach out here if you’re interested in booking the space and we will get back to you as soon as we know we’ll be able to offer it.
*We will be offering a discount to anyone who signs an event contract with us while we’re under renovation!
Reach out here if you’re interested in booking the space and we will get back to you as soon as we know we’ll be able to offer it. Once we are running at full capacity, we would absolutely love to host your special day!
*We will be offering a discount to anyone who signs an event contract with us while we’re under renovation!
Will I be able to get married there?
Will you cater for weddings & events?
We’re not sure yet, but we will at least have a list of preferred partners.
We’ll post job descriptions and applications, when and if positions are available. Please reach out to if you are able to volunteer some time!
Are you hiring?
We’re going to need lots of help, big and small. Fill this form out and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
How can I help?
Have a Question We Haven’t Answered?
We’d love to hear from you!