Background

Carolina Ballroom Dance Club was formed in January 1993 by Jerry Cook and Karen Park. The purpose of forming a private dance club was to give ballroom dancers in the Charlotte area more opportunities to dance beyond what was being offered by local studios. Also, it gave ballroom dancers from various studios an opportunity to interact and share dance experiences.

From January through March 1993, CBDC held their dances at local hotels. In April 1993, the club moved to Idlewild Country Club where they stayed until December 1994. During this time, members of CBDC had to carry dance equipment and music to and from dance sites.

CBDC began as a club for couples only with approximately 26 members. In November 1994, the club opened up to single dancers and membership increased quickly.

In December 1994, CBDC moved to A&E Dance World in Pineville. The club no longer had to tote equipment around town as Sebastian offered his equipment and expertise as a professional DJ as well as workshop instructor.

CBDC hosted the first ever big bash involving all area studios on February 10, 1995. The event was held at Carmel Country Club with about 150 ballroom dancers attending. The Doug Burns Dance  Band provided the music and showcases were performed by members from A&E Dance World and Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

The first formal event was held at Carmel Country Club on November 22, 1996. The Doug Burns Dance Band provided music. Another formal event was held on February 7, 1998 at Providence Country Club. It was announced at this dance that Jerry Cook would be moving out of the Charlotte area and Becky Willard became the new president.

During the summer of 1998, Karen Park hosted a dance and pool party for CBDC members at her home. The Bob Innis Combo Band provided music.

A sock hop was held at the Willliam R. Davie Park on November 7, 1998. Sebastian  moved his equipment and provided the music for CBDC. The members came out in 50s attire and entertainment included a limbo contest, a performance of "Freddy My Love" from Grease, and guess the baby pictures. Ed Rees and Gene Willard cooked burgers and hotdogs outside on the grill after they arrived in grand style on their motorcycles.

A formal event was held at Providence Country Club on February 26, 1999. Sebastian  provided the music for the evening. The food was prepared by the Country Club staff and was wonderful.

One of CBDC objectives has been to promote ballroom dancing within the arts community in Charlotte. The club held two fundraisers for the Context Art Gallery. Becky Willard chaired two Dancing in the Dark events at the Charlotte Women's Club. Most of the attendees were members of CBDC. The money raised from the dinner and dance and silent auction went to the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra. This was the start of the art community seeing that ballroom dancers could make a difference.

Carolina Ballroom Dance Club also helped with a fundraiser for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Members at the Moonlight Madness event filled eight tables.

Karen Park, Jim Manly, and Becky Willard  chaired the Masquerade Ball for the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra in 2000 and 2001. Approximately 200 people attended each of these events.

Carolina Ballroom Dance Club continues today with the same goals as it had when it began. We are a private club whose members come from diversified backgrounds and meet simply to share the joy of ballroom dancing. We will continue to promote ballroom dancing within the art community and support the art community of Charlotte.

In September 2002, Carolina Ballroom was faced with the challenge of finding a new location to hold the dances. Haskell Thompson graciously agreed to help the club by allowing us to hold our dances at his Sharon Amity Fred Astaire studio. Sebastian and his staff continue to deejay for us.