Dance Hall Revival
Ballroom Boasts Grace and Decorum
By John Finlayson
The pace on the ballroom floor has slackened through the years, but a Detroit husband and wife, who have two children and operate the Grande Ballroom at 8952 Grand River near Joy, are doing their best to revive it.
The Grande, which has been operating for 29 years, boasts one of the largest polished hardwood dance floors in the Detroit area, according to Mr. And Mrs. John T. Hayes, of 18911 Greydale, who have been managing it for the last two years.
Once it was one of several large dance halls – like the Graystone on Woodward and the Vanity on Jefferson – which did a flourishing business before radio and television and other technological changes altered entertainment habits.
Romantic View
But the Grande boasts more, particularly in the enthusiasm Mrs. Hayes brings to her part-time job. The mother of two children, Jackie 14, and Shaleen 11, Mrs. Hayes reflects the concern of a good housekeeper and homemaker anxious to create a wholesome atmosphere for a pleasant activity enjoyed by many.
And because she is a woman and happens to assume the more active role in the managing partnership, her husband works full time at Sears; Mrs. Hayes has a romantic view of the Grande making public dancing available.
“ We are seeking to make the ballroom the type of place where young people may meet and enjoy dancing in wholesome surroundings.”
Sees a Need
Mrs. Hayes believes there is a great need for such an outlet, particularly because “live” music for dancing is hard to find outside the barroom.
“We do not server beer or liquor, nor do we allow persons who have been drinking on the premises, this is not a pickup place. Our dances which are held on Friday and Saturday evenings are carefully supervised “
“They are attended mostly by persons between the ages of 17 and 30, many of them young couples from church and social organizations, who have their own chaperons.”
Friday is “get-acquainted” night at the Grande for over-17 teen-agers and young adults. On Saturday evening it caters to the dating crowd and married couples of all ages. The men dancers are required to wear coats, ties and shirts.
Mrs. Hayes said they have had no disturbances at the Grande “ because we do not emphasize the type of dancing or create the type of atmosphere that appeals to troublemakers.”
Eye to Future
“ Our patrons are only minorly interested in Be-bop and Rock ‘n’ Roll music. The teen-agers now seem to be more interested in learning the more graceful steps that will possibly be an asset for them in the future.”
Authentic ballroom dancing is mostly in demand. The fox trot, tango, waltz and bolero and other Latin dances are popular, but occasionally swing numbers and even the Charleston is served.
“ The current favorite of our dancers is the Cha Cha Cha, and many of our patrons are trying to master its intricacies.”
Mrs. Hayes feels the mambo is on its way out.
No Bouncers
At the Grande dances Mrs. Hayes fills sort of an unofficial role as hostess. She handles introductions when requested, and generally keeps an eye on the deportment of the patrons. Occasionally whispering a warning to a sweet young thing that her slip is showing.
But of one thing she is particularly proud, “There are no bouncers at the Grande, we have no need of them.”
