MICHIGAN HISTORY

Detroit dances through the years

The Detroit News
A couple dances the jitterbug in Detroit--always a town that knows how to have a good time--in this undated photo. Or as Kid Rock sang in his 1996 song 'Outro' -- "Ain't no party like a Detroit party."
A couple dances the jitterbug in Detroit--always a town that knows how to have a good time--in this undated photo. Or as Kid Rock sang in his 1996 song 'Outro' -- "Ain't no party like a Detroit party."
The Detroit News Archives
Young soldiers from Michigan's Polar Bears--the 339th Infantry that fought in Russia after the First World War--dance with women on Belle Isle during their homecoming ceremonies in July 1919.
Young soldiers from Michigan's Polar Bears--the 339th Infantry that fought in Russia after the First World War--dance with women on Belle Isle during their homecoming ceremonies in July 1919.
Detroit News Archives
Children dance around a May Pole in this undated photo.
Children dance around a May Pole in this undated photo.
Detroit News Archives
The dance floor of the Bob-Lo Pavilion could accommodate 5,000 dancers. Undated photo.
The dance floor of the Bob-Lo Pavilion could accommodate 5,000 dancers. Undated photo.
The Detroit News Archives
Those Detroiters who had survived the dark years of World War I wanted to rebuild their lives, put the pain behind them and begin to enjoy peace. Undated photo.
Those Detroiters who had survived the dark years of World War I wanted to rebuild their lives, put the pain behind them and begin to enjoy peace. Undated photo.
The Detroit News Archives
During the 20's, the old Pier Ballroom in Electric Park, at the foot of the Belle Isle Bridge, attracted young people.
During the 20's, the old Pier Ballroom in Electric Park, at the foot of the Belle Isle Bridge, attracted young people.
The Detroit News Archives
A crowd gathers in front of the Merry Gardens Ballroom in this undated photo.
A crowd gathers in front of the Merry Gardens Ballroom in this undated photo.
The Detroit News Archives
Jelly Roll Morton wrote, "Black Bottom Stomp," a direct reference to a Detroit neighborhood. Undated.
Jelly Roll Morton wrote, "Black Bottom Stomp," a direct reference to a Detroit neighborhood. Undated.
The Detroit News Photo
This tired couple dances in a marathon in March 1930. Marathon dance contests were popular in the Depression era.
This tired couple dances in a marathon in March 1930. Marathon dance contests were popular in the Depression era.
Detroit News Archives
Auto magnate Henry Ford, center, at a dance in April 1931.
Auto magnate Henry Ford, center, at a dance in April 1931.
Detroit News Archives
In 1937, this taxi dancer made sure her outfit was all trim and tight for an evening of work.
In 1937, this taxi dancer made sure her outfit was all trim and tight for an evening of work.
The Detroit News Archives
A taxi dancer, who was paid to dance with different people on a per-dance basis, had to be careful of careless partners.
A taxi dancer, who was paid to dance with different people on a per-dance basis, had to be careful of careless partners.
THe Detroit News Archives
The pedometer shows ten miles of dancing as an average night of work for a taxi dancer. Undated.
The pedometer shows ten miles of dancing as an average night of work for a taxi dancer. Undated.
THe Detroit News Archives
Three Detroiters find they have enough money for six dances each at the Trianon in March 1937.
Three Detroiters find they have enough money for six dances each at the Trianon in March 1937.
THe Detroit News Archives
Two couples dance in front of unidentified band at the Trianon Dance Hall in February 1937. The ballrooms succeeded despite the Depression.
Two couples dance in front of unidentified band at the Trianon Dance Hall in February 1937. The ballrooms succeeded despite the Depression.
Detroit News Archives
The old Vanity Ballroom on East Jefferson was built in 1932 by architect Charles Agree, who was known for his Aztec Deco designs.
The old Vanity Ballroom on East Jefferson was built in 1932 by architect Charles Agree, who was known for his Aztec Deco designs.
The Detroit News Archives
The marquee of the Vanity Ballroom on Jefferson Avenue is shown in an undated photo.
The marquee of the Vanity Ballroom on Jefferson Avenue is shown in an undated photo.
The Detroit News Archives
The spacious dance floor of the Vanity Ballroom, undated.
The spacious dance floor of the Vanity Ballroom, undated.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1935 the Arcadia Building was located on Woodward at Stimson, where it hosted many retail businesses, including the Arcadia Dance Hall.
In 1935 the Arcadia Building was located on Woodward at Stimson, where it hosted many retail businesses, including the Arcadia Dance Hall.
The Detroit News Archives
The Grande, at 8952 Grand River near Joy, boasted one of the largest polished hardwood dance floors in the country. Undated photo.
The Grande, at 8952 Grand River near Joy, boasted one of the largest polished hardwood dance floors in the country. Undated photo.
The Detroit News Archives
The Graystone Ballroom, one of Detroit's popular dance venues, is shown during the widening of Woodward Avenue in 1935.
The Graystone Ballroom, one of Detroit's popular dance venues, is shown during the widening of Woodward Avenue in 1935.
Detroit News Archives
An interior view of the dance floor at the Graystone Ballroom at Woodward Avenue and Canfield Street in Detroit.
An interior view of the dance floor at the Graystone Ballroom at Woodward Avenue and Canfield Street in Detroit.
Detroit News Archives
At the Graystone, on Woodward at Canfield, the men who would later lead the golden bands of swing -- Glenn Miller, Glen Gray, the Dorseys, Artie Shaw, Russ Morgan -- were side men in Jean Goldkette's orchestra. Undated photo.
At the Graystone, on Woodward at Canfield, the men who would later lead the golden bands of swing -- Glenn Miller, Glen Gray, the Dorseys, Artie Shaw, Russ Morgan -- were side men in Jean Goldkette's orchestra. Undated photo.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit dancers in 1938.
Detroit dancers in 1938.
Detroit News Archives
Women dance together outside General Motors plant 1, during the Flint sit-down strike,1936-37.
Women dance together outside General Motors plant 1, during the Flint sit-down strike,1936-37.
Detroit News Archives
A chaperone keeps an eye on the dancing couples at Cass Community M. E. Church in Detroit, June 1938.
A chaperone keeps an eye on the dancing couples at Cass Community M. E. Church in Detroit, June 1938.
Detroit News Archives
A crowd watches dancers at the Michigan State Fair in August 1938.
A crowd watches dancers at the Michigan State Fair in August 1938.
Detroit News Archives
A band of Gypsies plays on the street May 26, 1939.
A band of Gypsies plays on the street May 26, 1939.
The Detroit News Archives
Girls dance, perhaps to the polka, in August 1939.
Girls dance, perhaps to the polka, in August 1939.
The Detroit News Archives
Folk dancers in April 1950.
Folk dancers in April 1950.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit folk dancers in 1956.
Detroit folk dancers in 1956.
Detroit News Archives
Swing dancers Leon James and Albert Minns perform at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit, in the 1950s. Both men were best known for the Lindy Hop.
Swing dancers Leon James and Albert Minns perform at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit, in the 1950s. Both men were best known for the Lindy Hop.
Detroit News Archives
A couple rocks to the music, circa 1950s.
A couple rocks to the music, circa 1950s.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1953 all that remained of the Eastwood Park at Gratiot and 8 Mile was the shell of the dance hall.
In 1953 all that remained of the Eastwood Park at Gratiot and 8 Mile was the shell of the dance hall.
The Detroit News Archives
Change was inevitable. The music industry changed. Big bands and ballrooms began to fade. Some blamed the recording industry and jukeboxes. And television turned former dancers into a nation of couch potatoes.
Change was inevitable. The music industry changed. Big bands and ballrooms began to fade. Some blamed the recording industry and jukeboxes. And television turned former dancers into a nation of couch potatoes.
The Detroit News Archives
Children do-si-do at a folk dance in 1954.
Children do-si-do at a folk dance in 1954.
The Detroit News Archives
"Let's twist again, like we did last summer..." A couple does the newest dance craze of 1961.
"Let's twist again, like we did last summer..." A couple does the newest dance craze of 1961.
UPI
A young girl lets her hair down to some rock'n'roll in 1962.
A young girl lets her hair down to some rock'n'roll in 1962.
The Detroit News Archives
Teenage girls dance to a band in 1962.
Teenage girls dance to a band in 1962.
The Detroit News Archives
A nun and her partner take to the floor at the Carmel Apartments in Detroit, July 1962.
A nun and her partner take to the floor at the Carmel Apartments in Detroit, July 1962.
The Detroit News Archives
Dancers representing Detroit in the Professional dance division of the regional finals of the first nationwide Arthur Murray Dance Contest, circa 1960s.
Dancers representing Detroit in the Professional dance division of the regional finals of the first nationwide Arthur Murray Dance Contest, circa 1960s.
The Detroit News Archives
Couples twirl at a formal dance in 1971.
Couples twirl at a formal dance in 1971.
The Detroit News Archives
Who could imagine the '70s without disco? December 1979.
Who could imagine the '70s without disco? December 1979.
Detroit News Archives
The dance floor at the Vanity Ballroom was still hopping in December of 1975.
The dance floor at the Vanity Ballroom was still hopping in December of 1975.
The Detroit News Archives
The Campus Ballroom on Petoskey in Detroit , circa 1980.
The Campus Ballroom on Petoskey in Detroit , circa 1980.
The Detroit News Archives
Square dancing in November 1975.
Square dancing in November 1975.
The Detroit News Archives
Pay owner Sy Blum $5 -- the recent price increase isn't reflected on the sign -- and talk or dance the night away at the Artison, Detroit's last taxi dance salon. April 1985.
Pay owner Sy Blum $5 -- the recent price increase isn't reflected on the sign -- and talk or dance the night away at the Artison, Detroit's last taxi dance salon. April 1985.
Michelle Andonian / The Detroit
Taxi dancers Donna, Brenda and Taffy wait to be selected for a dance or conversation in April 1985.
Taxi dancers Donna, Brenda and Taffy wait to be selected for a dance or conversation in April 1985.
Michelle Andonian / The Detroit News
"We're like psychiatrist," taxi dancer Taffy explains. "To me, the men are all lonely. They're searching for something, someone to talk to." April 1985.
"We're like psychiatrist," taxi dancer Taffy explains. "To me, the men are all lonely. They're searching for something, someone to talk to." April 1985.
Michelle Andonian / The Detroit
This couple still know the moves in 1981.
This couple still know the moves in 1981.
The Detroit News Archives
Dancers in March 1992.
Dancers in March 1992.
The Detroit News Archives
A lady calls the moves at the Dudes and Dolls dance at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center NNHEC in Detroit on Tuesday, May 9, 2006.
A lady calls the moves at the Dudes and Dolls dance at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center NNHEC in Detroit on Tuesday, May 9, 2006.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
Mary Jane Pope of Farmington dances with Irving Szokola of Livonia during the Wednesday afternoon ballroom dance inside the Livonia Civic Park Senior Center. on July 27, 2011.
Mary Jane Pope of Farmington dances with Irving Szokola of Livonia during the Wednesday afternoon ballroom dance inside the Livonia Civic Park Senior Center. on July 27, 2011.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Aswad Ray-EL, left, 23 from Detroit and Betty Joritz of Berkley practice their dance moves during a weekly dance party Thursday April 12, 2012 at the Arthur Murray Studio in Royal Oak.
Aswad Ray-EL, left, 23 from Detroit and Betty Joritz of Berkley practice their dance moves during a weekly dance party Thursday April 12, 2012 at the Arthur Murray Studio in Royal Oak.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Dancers from Ballet Folklo'rico De Detroit Tracy Gallardo and Alondra Castellaos, 11, spin their way down W. Vernor Hwy. during the Cinco de Mayo parade in Detroit on May 7, 2017.
Dancers from Ballet Folklo'rico De Detroit Tracy Gallardo and Alondra Castellaos, 11, spin their way down W. Vernor Hwy. during the Cinco de Mayo parade in Detroit on May 7, 2017.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
A break dancer shows off his moves during Movement Detroit Electronic Music Festival Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.
A break dancer shows off his moves during Movement Detroit Electronic Music Festival Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Najah Tucker, 15, of West Bloomfield left, and Mya Hayes, 12, of Detroit dance a sequence at auditions for the Carr Center's Summer Dance Intensive in partnership with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy at Marygrove College in Detroit on April 22, 2018.
Najah Tucker, 15, of West Bloomfield left, and Mya Hayes, 12, of Detroit dance a sequence at auditions for the Carr Center's Summer Dance Intensive in partnership with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy at Marygrove College in Detroit on April 22, 2018.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
Ava Vincent, 20, and Davis Ransdell, 24, both of Ann Arbor dance to music playing near the Diag in Ann Arbor on June 22, 2018. The two are trying to get people to move more in general. Davis says, " It is greatly undervalued, the contribution to a person's well being and mental health, that moving brings." They teach social dance classes nearby at Open Floor Studios.
Ava Vincent, 20, and Davis Ransdell, 24, both of Ann Arbor dance to music playing near the Diag in Ann Arbor on June 22, 2018. The two are trying to get people to move more in general. Davis says, " It is greatly undervalued, the contribution to a person's well being and mental health, that moving brings." They teach social dance classes nearby at Open Floor Studios.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News