More details about our new partnership with Century Ballroom

It has been amazing to see our dance community grow and grow over the past few years – y’all might have noticed how sometimes the dance floor gets quite tight on Friday nights. The larger space and set up at the Century will allow us to continue centering our mission of educating and growing dance community, while also keeping us in an explicitly LGBTQ community-oriented space.

In addition to a change of space, this also includes some other changes: consistent hours and scheduling, a cover charge ($0-15), and a $5 discount for Rain Country members who attend Out Dancing. This is a new partnership between Rain Country and the Century, so we will be evaluating what works best over the next few months and making tweaks as needed.

Got questions?? We’ve got answers!

Q: Where is the Century??
A: The Century is just three blocks away from the Cuff – 915 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122. It is on the 2nd floor of the renovated Oddfellows building.

Q: I found the door to the building…now what??
A: From the door on Pine St, go up the stairs and take a right. You’ll now be facing the Tin Table. Then, take a left and you’ll find yourself entering West Hall–our new home! The main ballroom is directly to your left when you first reach the second floor–we might be in there on some Fridays if the West Hall is unavailable for some reason (or for Out Dancing on 3rd Fridays).

Q: What happens until February 24th?
A: For the remaining Friday nights until the 24th (the 10th, and 17th), we will continue to dance at the Cuff from 7-9pm. Lessons will be at 7:15pm, with the dance floor opening up for social dancing around 7:30. The 24th will be our first night at the Century.

Q: What hours will we be dancing on Friday nights at the Century?
A: We will be in the West Hall at the Century Ballroom on Fridays from 7-10pm. Our regular lessons will resume – starting at 7:15pm, and around 30-45 minutes in length. 

Q: But doesn’t the Century already have an LGBTQ+ partner dancing night on some Fridays? 
A: Every 3rd Friday of the month is Out Dancing – an LGBTQ social/partner dancing event that has been taking place for year. You may recognize one of the standing DJs for this event – our very own mr. kate playing Country Western! Hallie Kuperman DJs the other sets of the night, playing Salsa, Swing, Country, Waltz, Tango, Disco, and more. Out Dancing features a rotating lesson from 7-8pm, after which the dance floor is open until 11pm. Rain Country members receive a $5 discount to this event (after discount, $20 for the lesson and dance or $10 for just the dance).

Q: What else is unique about the Century? 
A:  The Century Ballroom is LGBTQ-owned and operated and has hosted many LGBTQ events before! Attendees come in a range of attire – formal dresses and suits, casual street wear, and yes, even leather gear. West Hall also will have cubbies for bags or street shoes, a water station, a larger dance floor and tables/chairs, a small stage, and is mere steps away from a restaurant (the Tin Table) and full bar. If you’d like to grab dinner before dancing, the Tin Table even has vegetarian and gluten-free options! Stay tuned to meet the owner of the Century Ballroom and Tin Table – Hallie Kuperman (or say ‘hi’ to her at our members-only dance on the 18th!). Hallie’s commitment to LGBTQ partner dancing is clear not only in how many years she’s been involved in producing events, but also in the fact that she is donating the space to us! Thanks, Hallie!

Q:How does this impact our Tuesday night line dancing?
A: It does not! Please continue to join us from 7-9pm on Tuesdays at All Pilgrims for line dancing.

Q: What if I can’t afford the $0-15 cover charge??
A: Rain Country is committed to remaining accessible to community members at all income levels. Please gauge for yourself whether you’re able to pay $5, $15, somewhere in between, or let the staff person at the door to the West Hall know that you’re with Rain Country and are exempt from a cover charge that night. Our board and leaders are discussing more “formal” scholarship options for the future but, for now, please don’t be shy about sliding up and down the “sliding scale” and let us know if you ever run into any issues making use of the full range of the scale (all the way down to $0!).

While our partnership with the Cuff over the years has included participating in everything from coat checks to BBQs, we are looking forward to all the unique opportunities the Century Ballroom has to offer!

Rain Country Board of Directors

Donna Horn, President

Richard Dominguez, Vice President

Barb Buys

Ziadee Cambier

Jim Drew

Phil Flores 

Vern Harner

Emily Iverson

Ruby Luke

Cecil Whitney