Casa Loma Ballroom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Casa Loma Ballroom |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Former names | Cinderella Recreation Hall and Dance Academy Showboat Ballroom |
| General information | |
| Address | 3354 Iowa Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63118 |
| Opened | 1927 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 18,000 ft |
The Casa Loma Ballroom is a historic dance hall in St. Louis, Missouri. It is located at 3354 Iowa Avenue in the city's Gravois Park neighborhood. This special place has been a popular spot for dancing and music for many years.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Casa Loma
The building first opened in 1927. It was called the Cinderella Recreation Hall and Dance Academy. Later, it was renamed the Showboat Ballroom.
In 1935, two new owners, Art Kawell and H. J. "Nap" Burian, bought the ballroom. They gave it the name Casa Loma Ballroom, which it still has today.
Casa Loma was known as a "working-class" ballroom. This meant its prices were lower than other dance halls in St. Louis. It made dancing affordable for everyone.
Famous Performers and Broadcasts
During the 1940s, Casa Loma became very famous. Live music shows from the ballroom were broadcast across the country. These were called "big band remotes." They were heard on national radio stations like Mutual and CBS.
Many legendary musicians played at Casa Loma. These included Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. Even Frank Sinatra performed there in 1939 with Harry James's band. Other stars like Tony Bennett and Bing Crosby also stopped by.
The Big Fire and Rebuilding
On January 19, 1940, a fire broke out at Casa Loma. But the ballroom was quickly rebuilt and reopened later that same year.
The new Casa Loma had a big improvement. It got a special "floating" dance floor. This floor was made of maple wood on top of an inch of rubber. It measured 5,000 square feet. The whole ballroom is 18,000 square feet and has a balcony overlooking the dance floor.
For a long time, Casa Loma was the only dance hall left in St. Louis. Patrick and Roseann Brannon have owned it since the early 1990s.
What Happens at Casa Loma Today?
Today, Casa Loma Ballroom is still a lively place. It hosts many types of music. You can hear swing, big band, jazz, and rock and roll music.
Before the live music starts, dance lessons are often offered. People can learn ballroom, waltz, fox trot, tango, Latin, and swing dancing.
Besides public dance events, Casa Loma is also used for private parties and other special events. It continues to be a beloved spot for music and dancing in St. Louis.
